Page 69 of Bonds of Obsession

“Yes?” I keep my voice steady even though my pulse is racing and I’m starting to sweat a little. I’ve had the phone on me or near me ever since the induction ceremony in the cemetery, but this is the first time anyone has used it to call me.

“I trust I didn’t wake you.” Malcolm’s smooth voice slides through the speaker. Even at this hour, he sounds perfectly composed and dangerous in his civility.

“What do you want?” My fingers tighten around the phone as Killian sits up beside me. I keep my back straight but I want more than anything to lean into him and give thanks for the way his body is radiating protective heat against my side.

There’ll be time for more of that later though.

“Straight to business. I like that about you, Quinn.” There’s an unsettling amusement in his tone. “We’re having a meeting. Tonight.”

My instincts scream that it must be a trap. Why else would they summon me in the middle of the fucking night? “And if I’m busy?”

“You misunderstand.” His voice hardens slightly. “Another member has called in their votum. As you so effectively demonstrated during your induction, when a votum is invoked, all members must respond. Immediately.”

I catch Killian’s eye in the darkness. His jaw is clenched, and I’m not sure if he can hear Malcolm’s side of the conversation, but he’s clearly picking up on my tension.

“Must be something important,” I say, choosing my words carefully, “to warrant a midnight summons.”

Malcolm’s low chuckle raises the hair on my arms. “You would know all about urgent votums, wouldn’t you? As I recall, you barely made it through your ceremony before calling in yours.” There’s a subtle bite beneath his cultured tone. “Some would say you tested the limits of what our little organization allows, but this isn’t the time to have that conversation.”

My stomach twists as his words sink in. I took a huge risk using my votum right after joining, and it’s clearly put me on thin ice with the Syndicate. These people expected me to prove my worth, to contribute something to their organization before drawing on their power. Instead, I stormed in and immediately demanded their help.

But I’d do it again. Atlas is worth whatever price they make me pay.

“I understand the rules,” I say, keeping my voice firm. Malcolm’s subtle jabs might have me on edge, but I’ll never let him hear it.

“Good. Then I’ll see you at Noctura in thirty minutes.”

At least it isn’t the cemetery again.

Not that Noctura is much better. That place where I first met him, where I stood naked while he circled me like a shark testing its prey. The memory makes my stomach clench all over again.

And thirty minutes? Fuck. No more cuddling with Killian tonight.

The line goes dead, and I lower the phone slowly. Killian’s hand finds my lower back, his touch reminding me that we don’t have much time to spare.

“The Syndicate?” he asks, his voice rough with sleep and concern.

I nod, already calculating how quickly I can get dressed and get there. “Someone called in their votum. I have to go.” The words taste bitter. I hate that I’m at their beck and call, but what choice do I have?

“I’m coming with you,” Killian says, already moving from the bed. “I’ll be ready in five minutes.”

I know there’s no point in arguing, so I pull my own clothes on and walk down the hallway to Atlas’s room. I hate having to wake him, but I know better than to leave without giving a heads-up. Each of these men would tear the city apart with their bare hands if they thought I was in trouble, and I’d rather not worry them unnecessarily.

When I push open Atlas’s door, my chest tightens at the sight of him sprawled across the bed, finally getting the rest his body desperately needs to heal.

“Atlas.” I keep my voice soft, but his eyes snap open immediately. Always alert, always ready. “The Syndicate called. I have to go to a meeting.”

He’s pushing himself up before I finish speaking, and I wince at the way he grits his teeth against obvious pain. “Then we’re going with you.”

“You should stay here.” I hold up my hands to make him slow down, but I might as well be talking to the wall behind him. “You’re still healing?—”

“Not a chance in hell. I’m not letting you walk into that snake pit alone.”

I know that tone. There’s no point arguing with him when he sounds like that. Still, my heart aches as I watch him slowly get to his feet, trying to hide how much it hurts.

Nico is already up and moving when I get to his room, either woken by our voices or by Killian. One look at my face and he knows. “When and where?”

“Twenty-five minutes. Noctura.”

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