Page 8 of Claimed By the Band

Adam's gaze slides to me, assessing. "I'm sure you can. But this isn't about muscle. These guys, whoever they are, they're organized. Connected. You start poking around, you're liable to bring a whole world of hurt down on yourselves."

Asher leans forward, eyes blazing. "So what, we just do nothing? Let them keep attacking omegas? Fuck that."

A ghost of a smile flits across Adam's face. "Didn't say that. Just want to make sure you know what you're getting into."

The waitress returns, arms laden with plates. She sets them down in front of Adam, who digs in with gusto. I watch, mildly concerned, as he shovels eggs into his mouth like he's starving.

"So," Dante says, breaking the awkward silence. "Can you help us?"

Adam takes a long swig of coffee, considering. "Me? No. But I might know someone who can."

Asher and I exchange a confused look before he asks, "Who?"

"Goes by Echo," Adam says, mopping up egg yolk with a piece of toast. "Doesn't use his real name. Doesn't meet clients face to face. But if anyone can track down your omega-haters, it's him."

I frown. This is sounding sketchier by the minute. "How do we know we can trust this Echo?"

Adam shrugs. "You don't. But he's the best in the business. If he agrees to take your case, consider it done."

"If?" Asher echoes, brow furrowing.

"Echo's... selective," Adam explains. "Doesn't take every job that comes his way. But given the nature of your problem, I'd say there's a good chance he'll be interested."

I don't like the sound of that. Some faceless hacker deciding whether or not our cause is worthy? But Asher's practically vibrating with excitement next to me.

"How do we get in touch with him?" he asks eagerly.

Adam shakes his head. "You don't. I'll reach out, see if he's interested. If he is, he'll contact you."

Asher frowns, clearly not used to being told no. But then that spark of mischief I know so well lights up his eyes. He leans forward, turning on the full force of his charm.

"Look," he purrs, "money's no object here. We'll pay whatever Echo wants. Double it, even, once the job's done."

I have to admire his persistence, even as I inwardly cringe at the thought of him getting his hopes up over some shadowy hacker.

To my surprise, Adam chuckles. "That's not how it works with Echo. He sets his own terms. And like I said, he doesn't just take every job."

Asher opens his mouth to argue, but I lay a hand on his arm. "I think we've made our case, Ash."

He subsides, but I can feel his frustration. It's rare for him to not just be able to convince someone with the puppy dog eyes. Or seduction. Whichever happens to be more effective in the moment.

Both work pretty damn well on me.

Adam pushes his empty plate away, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. "I'll be in touch if Echo's interested," he says, sliding out of the booth. "Thanks for the meal. Later, Dante."

And just like that, he's gone, leaving us with the check and a whole lot of questions.

Dante sighs, fishing out his wallet. "Well, that could have gone worse."

Asher snorts. "Could have gone better, too. What kind of bullshit is this? We're supposed to just sit around and wait for some mysterious hacker to decide if he wants to help us?"

I squeeze his hand. "We knew it was a long shot, babe. At least we tried."

He deflates a little, leaning into my side. "I know. I just... I hate feeling helpless."

"I know," I murmur, pressing a kiss to his temple. I hate myself for being relieved. This whole thing feels sketchy as hell and I'm more protective now than ever. "We'll figure something out."

As we make our way back to the car, I can't help but hope that this Echo character never calls. We need to lie low, focus on healing and getting back on our feet. Not poking the bear.

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