Page 110 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“I’ll order food for us. Just promise me you won’t put yourself in danger. Please, Rudy.”

There was no way he could ignore the entreaty in Valmer’s voice. “Okay, I promise.” For the time being at least. When he got Valmer to a place of safety, however?

All bets were off.

They lay in bed, cuddling, talking about anything but the elephant in the room. When the knock at the door came, Valmer pulled on a robe and went to let in the server. Rudy caught the aroma of rich sauce and roast chicken, and his belly grumbled in anticipation.

“Hey, don’t I know you?” Valmer’s voice rose. “Wait—you—”

The popping sound that followed reminded Rudy of a champagne cork. From around the corner came the server, a white napkin draped over his arm—

Where a gun pointed at him.

“Don’t.”

It was the only word he got out before pain speared into him and he knew no more.

RUDY OPENEDhis eyes.

I’m not dead.He felt weak, however, robbed of all energy. Darkness surrounded him, and there were no clues as to his whereabouts. His ears told him he was not alone. In fact, he was certain someone was behind him.

“Where am I?” Rudy yelled, his heartbeat racing.

“That doesn’t matter.” The voice came from in front of him, deep and smooth—and filled with menace. “Whatdoesis who you are, and how valuable you are.”

Rudy went with a bluff. “I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m a history teacher. Nothing valuable about me.”

A rich chuckle made him go cold. “I’m sure Mr. Cooper would disagree with that statement. Don’t bother lying, Mr. Myers. You think we don’t have files on every Fridan leader? And don’t think about trying to shift, either. You can’t. We’ve made sure of that.”

Then everything he’d heard was true.

Ice filled his veins. “Where is Valmer? What have you done to him?”

“He’s safe. And he’ll stay that way—as long as you do exactly what we tell you.”

“Not good enough,” Rudy ground out. “I can’t operate unless I have proof he’s still alive.”

There was a pause. “Will live video be sufficient? Once a day?”

It would have to do.

“What do you want from me?” As if he couldn’t hazard a guess.

“You’re going to keep us informed of any Fridan missions, discoveries…. Because if we find out youdidn’tshare, he dies. If you tell anyone what’s happened, he dies. And so far we don’t know what effect losing a mate can have on someone. It’s tempting to kill him just to find out.” The gleeful note in his voice sent shivers down Rudy’s spine. “But like I said, you’re too valuable. As long as you give us the information we require, he’ll stay alive.”

“I’d ask for your word on that.” Rudy’s voice quavered. “Except I wouldn’t believe you.”

Harsh laughter filled his ears. “Ha. Neither would I. So now it’s time for you to leave us.”

“I don’t suppose I get to walk out of wherever this is under my own steam?”

Another chilling chuckle. “You suppose correctly.”

Something sharp scratched his neck, and he was out like a light.

“I WOKEto find myself in my hotel room. The manager said I’d been brought there by ambulance, and that I was suffering from shock.” Rudy’s face grew glum. “You know the rest.”

“And did they give that to you? The live video?”

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