Page 176 of Shadow

It didn’t take me long to run to the therapy building, but when I got there, people were coming out. No Cady, though.

“Hey.” I grabbed a guy named Kevin and pulled him to a stop. He stared back at me like a scared deer in the headlights.

“You seen Cadence Lawrence? She’s in group therapy today.”

He shook his head. “N-No. She left like an hour ago. Got called out and told she had to meet someone. I don’t know anything more than that. Please don’t murder me.”

I scoffed and shoved him away.

Like I’d waste my time on a little piss ant like him.

I did three rounds of the campus, and couldn’t find her. My heart pounded hard, wondering where the fuck she was. I was just about to storm Sully’s office when my phone rang.

“Father,” I answered, my adrenaline soaring to new heights.

“I found something that belongs to you,” he replied in a wicked tone. “Are you missing a little kitty cat, my son?”

I balled my hand into a fist. “What did you do? Where is she?”

“I was surprised to learn she’s carrying my grandson. Honestly, Dante, why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t any of your fucking business,” I snapped.

“Oh, but it is. You were told not to touch Adam, but he was a smart boy and left me a gift. Isn’t that wonderful? And because he’s gone now, I fully intend to open what was left to me.”

“Don’t you fucking touch her,” I snapped into the phone.

“I won’t,” he said, cutting me off. “If you do what you’re told. She’s already on a plane here to join me. I’ll put her with her father. She’ll be safe. If you don’t do what I ask, I will cut her open and feed on the little delicacy she has growing. So consider your answer carefully.”

I steadied my breathing. Asylum said we’d be going to Chicago. The fucker was right. Again.

“I want the sugar daddy. Lorenzo De Luca has an engagement party coming up. I want you to storm the party, kill whoever you have to kill, and bring me Ethan Masters.”

“When?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

“Two weeks. The party was moved forward. Isn’t that lucky? I almost thought I’d have to wait until the end of the summer, but luck would have it, Lorenzo talked his beauty into moving the date. It’s almost as if fate is smiling down on us.”

“Seren-fucking-dipity,” I muttered.

“You’ll be receiving the information shortly. Be discreet about it.”

“I’ll do what I have to do in order to get the job done. You swear you won’t harm Cady or the baby? That no harm will come to her from anyone?”

“I swear it. You have two weeks, then I want what’s mine. Bring me Ethan Masters. Alive. Once we have the sugar recipe, you’re free to go until it’s your time to rule. Sound good?”

“Yes,” I answered, my jaw aching from clenching so hard.

“Perfect. I’ll be seeing you. Keep a close eye on that little ghost you have. She truly is a beauty. She’d make a good mother, don’t you think?”

“Don’t even fucking think about it,” I snarled.

He let out a laugh. “Goodbye, Son.”

The call ended, leaving me to stand on the edge of campus, my guts twisted.

Telling Sirena Cady was gone was going to hurt.

If I had to guess, this would fuel her hatred more and would end with a lot of these fucks dead.

---