Page 40 of Beyond the Darkness

“Taking chances there, my friend,” Hudson said quietly as they walked.

“I was careful,” Kage said.

“I—” Hudson caught a glimpse of a very familiar face. “Son of a bitch. It’s him. It’s Don.”

Hudson took off at a sprint, with Kage close on his heels. They zoomed down an alley, both of them determined to catch up to Don. The smell of the werewolf was overwhelming, a mixture of wolf andwrongness. There was a sharp tang of sweat and adrenaline, along with the scent of fear, adding a layer of sharpness to the overwhelming musk.

People stopped and stared as they ran past, two well-dressed men in expensive suits running through the grimy alleyway, but Hudson didn’t have time to worry about what these humans thought. He was certain Don was just ahead, and he couldn’t let him get away this time. Not again, dammit.

Their shoes slapped against the hard pavement, echoing off the walls of buildings. Bright sunlight bounced off skyscrapers. Hudson glanced over his shoulder, eyes scanningfor any sign of pursuit, but nothing and no one followed them. Hudson remained watchful. This was entirely too easy.

As they rounded a sharp corner, Hudson nearly collided with a stack of overflowing trash bins. He sidestepped at the last moment, his focus unbroken.

Kage wasn’t so lucky. He stumbled slightly, causing a clattering that echoed off the worn brick walls. “By the dead gods!”

Just as they emerged from the alley onto a busy street lined with cute little shops and high-priced cafes, Hudson caught a glimpse of Don disappearing into an old bookshop.

Without hesitation, Hudson veered toward the entrance, pushing the door open with such force that it slammed against the inner wall with a loud bang. The shop was musty and cramped, rows of shelves packed tight with books, giving it a cave-like feeling. It looked nothing like Kit’s.

A bell above the door jingled frantically from Hudson’s forceful entry. The shopkeeper, an elderly man, looked up in alarm.

“Can I help you gentlemen?” he asked uncertainly.

Hudson inhaled discreetly.Human.Kage stumbled to a stop next to Hudson and also scented the person.

“Did you see the man who just came in here? Brown hair? About six foot tall and wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt?” Hudson asked.

The shopkeeper nodded slowly, pointing to the back of the shop. “Yes, just now. He went toward the history section.”

Hudson nodded curtly and rushed in that direction, Kage following. As they navigated through the narrow aisles, the scent of old paper and leather bindings filled the air.

Hudson noticed Kage kept his eyes peeled on every shadow and corner, wary of any sudden movements. Funny how the shadow daemon was watching the shadows.

They reached the history section, a cramped space with towering bookshelves filled to the brim with dusty volumes. Hudson paused for a moment, taking deep breaths to steady himself, his nostrils flaring as he searched for the distinct scent of wrongness among the musty odors of the books.

“There!” Kage whispered urgently, gesturing at a small gap between two bookcases.

Hudson caught the flash of sweaty brown hair. He charged forward, pushing aside books and scattering papers in his haste. Kit would probably have a hissy fit if he ever found out how Hudson was treating the books, and he made a mental note to never mention that.

Don turned abruptly, a look of surprise flashing across his face before it settled into a grim mask of determination. He honestly did not look well. His skin tone was a sickly pale.

Don darted toward the back of the bookstore, then slammed his hand against the wall. Hudson swore loudly as a damn hidden side door swung open.

“The hell?” Kage yelled, chasing after Hudson.

“That proves he didn’t just randomly pick this place.”

The door slammed shut just before Hudson got there, but Hudson punched his fist through the wall where he saw Don’s hand land earlier. Feeling a lever, he jerked violently, and the hidden door swung back open, revealing a narrow staircase winding downward into darkness.

Hudson and Kage exchanged a quick glance before plunging in after Don. The stairwell was dimly lit by flickering bulbs, casting long shadows that danced on the walls as they descended. The sound of their footsteps echoed loudly in the confined space, mixing with the distant rumble of city traffic above.

“That shopkeeper smelled human,” Kage said quietly.

“I know. A sympathizer perhaps?”

“I don’t know. Maybe?”

At the bottom of the stairs, they found themselves in a large underground chamber that looked like it had once been part of an old subway tunnel.

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