Page 91 of Dragon Unleashed

I cough into my bourbon. “I don’t need your protection,idiota.”

“You do!”

“By collaborating with the enemy, the Virrey, to take down my mate?”

“It’s not like it’s the first time we collaborated.”

I crouch until my face is level with Lottie’s. “What are you talking about, kid?”

She glares at me. “Lorelei sent me a list of ‘sites of interest’ the Virrey’s been involved with. Asked me for help. ’Course I ignored her, didn’t reply. We worked one of those rackets. The Maveriks worked it. I saw the ledger.”

Mi mamigasps behind me. Lottie looks between us in confusion. I shove a space on the sofa among all the damn cushions.

“You do know what she’s looking into?” I ask.

Lottie shrugs and rolls her eyes. “Not my business.”

My hands clench. Not her freaking business? I’m going to strangle this half-grown, self-important brat. “She’s looking for links to what causedmami’sparalysis, you littleidiota. That’s what it was about.”

Lottie’s eyes widen. Suddenly she looks far more like a little girl than a teenager.

“Then thetios…our own gang—” She shudders to a halt, her hands teasing the tassel on her blanket. “Deago’s dad, Uncle Felix, hetoldme to stay out of it. Said you needed to talk to him. I—I thought I had it handled if I just got Lorelei out of the picture.”

I hearmi mami’swheelchair roll out of the room. She’s always wondered if her brothers had anything to do with her disability. Now it’s my job to find the answer. To find out how deep the rot goes.

“You better be back for Solstice.”Mi mami’swords ring in my ears as I step through the portal again. I wouldn’t miss family time for the world. First, let’s find out who still considers themselves family.

They better all be there. It’s not like I demand much of my allegiance. Responding to my text request is a bare minimum. They’re always happy enough to leave me on the fringes. Today, I leave them. Naeve had some stupid plans for the day butmi familiais more important.

The scene through the window of the common room door is peaceful, at least if you ignore Lorelei’s fidgeting and Zephyr’s bouncing knee. The table is littered with colored paper, glitter, and tinsel. Seriously? Homemade Solstice decorations, that’s Naeve’s big plan for the day? At least she’s distracting Lorelei from the shitshow. Myfamilia’sshitshow.

Even Farrell turned up at my request. But the uptight ass can’t even join in the festivities, sitting perched in a chair with a book, ignoring them all, like he’s the lord of the manor. Can’t support my girl when she needs him.

Except she’s not my girl, is she?

As I stomp in, they all look up. “Thought I should let you know in person. I’ll be gone a while, back for term.”

Zephyr closes the gap between us. He’s fast for a skinny runt. His ridiculously floaty shirt billows out and a waft of perfume assaults my nostrils. The boy needs to man up.

His eyes are red-rimmed and his face puffy. Allegra. I scrub a hand over my face.Be kind to him. I have to be kind.Whatever bullshit he’s about to spout, his girlfriend just died. My jaw clenches before he’s even spoken.

“That’s not good enough, Chano.” His voice is quiet but surprisingly strong. “Lorelei needs you.”

“She might not be back next term,” Naeve pipes up at my elbow.

“Jeez, thanks for the vote of confidence.” Lorelei perches on the edge of the pool table, one hand on her hip. “Run along, Chano. I’ll be just fine. Thanks for the concern.”

Her lip curls up in a sneer and I can’t look away from the perfect pout. I both hate and love this woman.

Zephyr touches my sleeve. I owe them more than this. I owe her more.

“I’m going to find whoever ran the news story on Lorelei, find the traitor.” The admission feels good, and out of the corner of my eye I see Lore’s shoulders drop.

Grudgingly I explain what I know. Nothing will stop me getting to the truth inside my own gang.

“Take me with you.” Lorelei stalks forward.

I back toward the door, shaking my head. Her and me, close proximity. Bad idea.

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