Page 25 of Court of Evil

CHAPTER 11

“Are you sure this is going to work? I’ve been at Stalkers’ Rest for five years and I never knew about this,” Tate mutters from my side as we crouch in the trees, peering at my command post. Technically, I could just walk in the front door, but it would raise questions, and besides, I’m not leaving Tate. She must be hidden for now. When Black discovers she escaped, he won’t be happy. She needs to lie low, and what better place than right under her enemies’ noses—and within reach of me.

Turning to Ronan, who keeps flickering in and out, a result of being in iron for too long, I nod at the door I just pointed out to Tate. “Go check if the tunnel is clear.”

“Oh yeah, send the ghost,” he snaps, but he floats off to do as he’s told, appearing before the section of wall that surrounds the building that looks the same as any other. The only people who know about this are now dead—by my hand. This was always an escape plan for me and now her. The secret door allows access to tunnels that lead to an undisclosed entrance to my private elevator, which takes you to my floor. No one goes up there or is permitted to, so for now, staying there will keep her safe, aswell as stop the fae at her side from causing mayhem amongst hunters.

Speaking of, I turn to see the white-haired fae, who is playing with the ends of Tate’s short hair as he peers at her, not the least bit worried about the hundred or so hunters currently practicing outside. His entire focus is on her.

When he feels my gaze, he turns to me for just a moment, and then his voice is in my head, something he should not be able to do. Just how powerful and old is this fae?

Don’t worry, I need her alive for now, walker.

I narrow my eyes on him, making sure to project my voice.

If you harm her, I will end your life. Do not forget I am a hunter. I might have signed the peace treaty, but if you hurt my Tate, I will be more than happy to break it.

Your Tate?His laughter is sardonic and makes my eyes feel like they are bleeding.Does your Tate know what you are?

A muscle jumps in my jaw, betraying me, and his laughter sounds again.

Thought not. Shall I tell her? Do you think she would follow you so willingly if she knew? The great Shamus Vilaran, grand hunter, commander of change, and hunter of monsters . . . Little do they know, you are one.

I know my eyes are burning as I glare at him.You do not know what you speak of.

No?

“Ahem.” We both turn to see Tate. She looks between us, her brow furrowing, oblivious to what is happening in our heads. “Are you just going to stare at each other like you are debating fucking or fighting, or shall we go before we are discovered?”

Ronan pops between us, and it’s only years of him doing that that makes me capable of not reacting. Tate, however, slams her dagger into where he would be if he were alive.

“Rude.” He wags his finger at her. “And not very nice, considering I’m here to save your ass.” He glances at me. “Tunnel is clear, and I might have caused a few . . . electrical malfunctions with the outside cameras for you, but I’d suggest moving fast.”

“I agree.” I glance at Tate and then the fae. “Stay close and stay low. We need to sneak in undetected, which means leaving the humans alone.” I aim that at the fae.

“As long as I’m kept entertained and fed, I will leave your little band of warriors be.” He smirks, eyeing Tate.

Grumbling about ghosts and fae, she climbs to her feet and pushes into a sprint, heading for the door. We have no choice but to follow.

We cover the ground quickly, the fae elegantly speeding past me and dogging her steps until I have no choice but to force myself to move faster. I do not stand a chance against an immortal magical being, but I refuse to be left behind. I have to swallow my exhaustion when we reach the door, but he shoots me a look like he knows anyway.

Immortal asshole.

Turning to the wall, I slide my hand along the surface until I hear the hum of the scanner, and then a second later, there’s a click before a section of the wall swings inwards. Stepping inside, I turn on the lights and wait. Tate moves past me, followed closely by her fae, and Ronan simply pops into existence in the tunnels as the door swings shut.

“Stop fucking doing that. I’m going to get you a ghost bell or some shit,” she snaps.

“Then how would I be able to spy on anyone?” he grumbles.

“Exactly my point. You wouldn’t. Just how long were you spying on me anyway?” she asks, heading towards him.

He backs up, a grin on his face. “Long enough to know you’re overdue for your period.”

Everyone goes silent for a moment, and then Tate slowly pulls out a piece of iron she must have stolen from the fae realm. “Say one more word. I dare you, ghost boy.”

“Shy, she’s being mean,” Ronan whines, but he’s grinning.

“You two stop bickering,” I tell them as I stride past them. “Angel, we will discuss Ronan when you are safe on my restricted level. For now, stop threatening to solidify him.”

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