Page 122 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

"Yes, Shadow City has come far, but there are still some circles trying to get ahead." Griffin shook his head. "It’s hard at times to figure out who is friend or foe."

"This could be a soap opera," I tried teasing, but the joke fell flat. Sometimes the truth wasn’t all that funny.

Silence descended between us as the trees thickened. Griffin took the lead, heading to the spot Rosemary had directed us. He reached back and held my hand like he needed to make sure I remained there.

Killian walked behind me, and when I looked back, I saw him glancing around—no doubt looking for any signs that we were being followed or at risk of imminent attack.

I kept my eyes skyward. No way was another damn bird going to spy on us.

Luckily, I didn’t see or hear anything suspicious. My heart couldn’t help but balloon with hope. Could we actually get ahead of whoever was hunting me after all?

We’re almost there,Griffin linked, his pace increasing.

He was as eager to arrive as I was. In fact, I was beyond ready for it all to be over. I’d love to see what a relationship with Griffin would be like without this constant threat hovering over us. I understood his position within the council would always make things tense, and he’d always have enemies, but hopefully not people who’d put our lives at risk every single day.

"Are they there yet?" Griffin asked.

"Yeah," Killian responded. "Carter linked me when we pulled into the lot. They’re waiting on us." He chuckled. "He’s scared that Rosemary will kill him."

Almost as if on cue, I heard Rosemary’s voice. "I swear to God, if you scream like that on the way back, I won’t drop you gently."

"You need me," Carter said, cockily. "At least until this is over. I ain’t scared."

"You can still do what needs to be done with a broken leg." Rosemary’s voice grew deep and threatening. "So don’t get cocky."

"You wouldn’t." He squeaked. "Dove wouldn’t like that."

"Dove isn’t my boss." Rosemary retorted. "I don’t need her blessing or permission."

Oh, dear God. She was going to make the poor guy piss his pants before we even had a conversation.

The three of us hurried toward them, and I purposely stepped on a branch, hoping that would prevent them from going at it.

"Well, they’re on their way," Carter gloated. "So—"

A loudsmackechoed through the trees.

"Ow!" Carter whined. "You slapped me!"

"Why do you always feel the need to state the obvious?" Rosemary grumbled.

Okay, there went that strategy. Obviously, Rosemary didn’t care if we were close. Which wasn’t surprising.

The two of them came into view, and Carter was holding a hand over his left cheek.

"I swear the two of you bring out the worst in each other." I shook my head. "And to think you took Rosemary’s shit at the coffee shop when I started working there."

"Because I’m a professional." Carter placed his free hand on his chest. "And all bets were off the first time she flew my ass up in the sky. All I could see were clouds, not even the earth below."

"Let’s focus," Griffin barked. He stood in front of Carter and crossed his arms, glaring at the guy. "Now spill."

"Fine." Carter lowered his hand. A bright red handprint marked his face.

She’d slapped the shit out of him. I kind of felt bad. Kind of.

"They want it to go down tomorrow." Carter inhaled and winced. "Dude, this still hurts."

Killian rubbed his forehead. "Carter, man, if you know what’s best for you, focus."

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