Page 53 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

The slight shock makes me try to scramble to think of what they were talking about.

“Why do you think I would be able to help?”

“The man that has taken her is one of King’s contacts. Kaladar.”

Fuck. I knew of Kaladar. He’s one of the worst and one of King’s higher ups. Which means, not only more powerful, but he also has more control over the underlings in this city. Stirring up trouble with him would cause me more harm than good.

But knowing someone is being held captive by any of King’s men didn’t sit right with me.

The guys were right, in a way. I did have access to him but not because I was King’s so-called stepdaughter. No, it was because they were also my captors.

But even as my captors, there was still information I could find. Everyone too used to seeing me around, I went ignored, sometimes appearing invisible.

Luka lets every emotion running through his head show on his face. It shocks me silent.

“Please, Kiarra. If you’ve ever cared about us, you’ll help us find her. We’ve tried everything so far and came up empty and going around making accusations will only stir up more problems rather than solutions.”

Of course, I fucking cared about them. More than I’d like to admit.

I’ve never seen him look so distraught. Luka always wore his heart on his sleeve. I can see how much he loves this girl.

With my mind resolved I start forming a plan.

“Stepping on people’s toes is not how we want to start our new alliance here, but if you don’t help us, it’s what we’ll have to do.” Kai is determined to get this girl. The guys nod in agreement.

If they go around asking questions, King will break the fragile alliance they have, and they’ll never find their girl.

“You’re King’s stepdaughter. You have to at least have some contacts that could find out where she might have been taken?” Luka asks.

They assume my silence means my refusal. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Axel gets up, most likely to leave but before he gets the chance I speak up. A small plan starts to form and come together, one that would hopefully get us all what we wanted.

“Kaladar is not someone you want to mess with.” The guys pause their exit to look at me.

“We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty.” Meaning they have no problem going to great lengths to get to her.

Good, it’s what I’ll need them to do in order for this to work.

“Kaladar sits just under King on the power wheel of control in the city. He’s secretive, so much so that no one knows where he stays. He has the backing of the warlocks, the fear from most of the covens and most shifters and demons will listen and obey at a moment’s notice. No one will dare betray him or give out any information that may make him any way vulnerable, as they know their fate would be worse than death.”

“Fuck.”

The guys explode trying to formulate another plan. Jax decides on just blowing up the whole city. Impulsive and rash as always. If he only knew how impenetrable the city was, how much power the city has, thanks to King, he wouldn’t even suggest it.

“We can’t risk hurting her. Also, there’s plenty of innocent people living here, you idiot.”

“Besides, we don’t even know where he is! How the fuck are we supposed to blow him up then?”

Jax scowls but gives up on his crazy ass idea.

Luka slumps back onto the couch, looking more distraught than ever. They start arguing between themselves.

But it’s all a waste of time. No matter what they come up with, they won’t get anywhere near their target.

But maybe I can.

“I guess it’s your lucky day.”

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