Page 44 of Wolf Queen Ruin
“Your ability to shift was blocked, not erased,” Theo corrected, his voice gentler than usual.“The beast is still within you.It’s merely dormant.The Wolf Queen’s territory might…awaken things.”
I doubted it.I hadn’t felt any signs of my wolf.None.The silence where that primal connection should have been remained absolute.
“Where did you get these?”I asked, touching my amulet.
The stone felt warm against my skin now.
Kind of a stupid question since Theo was a retired tomb raider who now hired others to do the actual raiding.His collection of “souvenirs” was legendary.
“Around.”Theo’s mouth twitched, his eyes crinkling at the corners.“Anyway, those tokens will mask your presence somewhat, but the vampire will have a harder time.The Queen’s magic was specifically designed to repel his kind.”
“What about infiltration?What’s the safest way in?”
Theo traced a route on the map, his finger leaving a faint phosphorescent trail that slowly faded.“This river offers your cleanest entrance, assuming you can find a guide willing to take you.Most locals won’t go near the old boundaries.”
I committed the route to memory.“Any suggestions for finding a guide?”
“There’s one man named Eduardo Vega.He operates a smuggling route near the border.”Theo scribbled an address in Panama City on a scrap of paper.“Tell him I sent you.And offer double his asking price.”
“That good, huh?”
“That dangerous,” he corrected, his voice heavy with implication.“If you run into trouble… Well, don’t run into trouble.”
“I won’t.I mean, I will, but it’s nothing for you to worry about.”
He snorted.“Right.Can I drive you back to the Repository?”
“Nah, I’ll just walk.”
I realized that I’d been followed and shot at just last night, so walking alone might not be the smartest thing to do, but this was New Orleans.If I stuck to the crowded streets, I’d never be alone.
“Don’t forget your anti-venom kit.The Gap has fifty-three species of venomous snakes, including several with supernatural properties.”
“Wonderful,” I muttered.
“Bring two kits in case you want to save your new partner.”He shrugged, his weathered face neutral.“Or don’t.”
I grinned as I folded up the map and stuffed it into my pocket.“I’ll see you on the other side, Theo.”
“Be safe.”His hand caught mine, a rare display of affection from the usually gruff old man.“There are all sorts of things hidden where you’re going.I’ve lost enough good people to that damned jungle.”
With a nod, I stepped out into the early morning air of New Orleans.Wrought-iron balconies caught the first golden rays of sunlight, casting intricate shadows on the faded pastel buildings.Street vendors began setting up their carts, the scent of fresh beignets and chicory coffee mingling with the lingering fishy scent of the Mississippi.In the distance, a lone saxophone played, its mournful notes floating through the humid air as the city stirred to life.
On my trek home, I touched my earpiece.“Jade, party of one?”
My earpiece crackled with static before her voice came through.“That’s all the party I need.What’s up, troublemaker?”
“Just checking to see if you’re still alive.”
“I just had coffee, so things are looking better in that department.”
“Where are you?”
“In the sky.On my way to the next party.Theo told me you’re headed to The Darién Gap.Gotta say, I’m not really a fan of that idea.”
“Desperate times.”I sidestepped a tourist who’d stopped abruptly to photograph the sunrise.
“Well, just know that I’m rolling my eyes at you for partnering with a vampire.”
