Page 20 of Ashes

He stands up and looks at the TV. His lips break into a smile, and he straightens his shoulders; they look small inside my clothes. “I’m Nico Varlac,” he says, the way he might if he was introducing himself on one of those reality TV shows he likes to frequent. “No one will think it’s strange that I’m here—in fact, they’dexpectme to be here.”

“That’s true,” Kole says, looking at the silenced TV screen. “Under any other circumstances, Nico would be out there with the reporters trying to calm the situation down.” Pointedly, he says, “That’s what he does. Right? Keeps the peace between supers and humans. Smooths the choppy waters when things get rough.”

Nico’s smile wavers, but he nods. “Exactly.”

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head, wondering if Mack and Kole have lost theirs for evenconsideringletting this guy get involved.

Before Mack can answer me, Nova steps in and says, “Tanner, what do we have to lose?” She softens her voice and inches closer to me.

I narrow my eyes, trying to figure out if she genuinely trusts him enough to let him do this. “If Nico passes the information in those tests to the press or the Bureau—”

Nova closes her eyes, frustration creasing her features. She breathes out slowly. “First of all, why would he do that? He’s my brother. Second of all, even if you’re right and he can’t be trusted…” She looks to Mack for his agreement. “I still think it’s worth the risk.” When she turns back, she runs her hand up my chest then strokes my neck. “At leastyouwon’t be in danger this way.”

As Nova and I stare at each other, Nico edges forward. He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Let me do this, Tanner,” he says. “Let me prove to you all that you can trust me.”

9

NICO

As soon as it’s agreed, Tanner reluctantly disappears to fetch his hospital entry card so I can get access to the building. I wait for Mack and Kole to leave too, to give Nova and me a moment alone, but they don’t.

“You’re sure about this?” she asks, wrapping her arms around her waist in a movement that makes her breasts swell beneath the rim of her tank top.

I pull my eyes up to her face and nod. “One hundred percent.”

“If anyone sees you—”

“I’ll do a speech to camera and tell them I’m here in case I can be useful as a negotiator or intermediary between the witch,” I tweak my thumb under her chin, “and the SDB.”

Nova nods slowly. “All right,” she says. “But you’ll be careful.”

“I’ll be careful.”

When Tanner returns, he hands me the entry card and tells me his login details for the hospital’s computer system. “There are tablets in the E.R. Those will be easiest to get hold of. Swipe one from the desk as you walk past—you’ll need my entry card to unlock one. On the left, just before you get to the corridor, are the male washrooms. Lock yourself in a stall.” He taps the piece of paper he’s given me. “Log in with these. The screen will automatically open to our central database. Everything is integrated, so each patient has their own file with access to scans, tests, and notes. You’re looking forJulia Roberts.”

“Julia Roberts?” I look from Tanner to Nova. “Are you serious?”

“Inside joke,” Nova says, exchanging a half-smile with Tanner.

“Date of birth 1st January 1990.”

“It’s not my real birthday,” Nova says.

“I know.” I smile at her, even though I have no clue when her birthday is.

“All set?” Mack asks. In the corner of the room, Kole says nothing. Just stares at me.

“All set.” I clutch the entry card tight between my fingers. “I just need a little help to get out of here. I’m guessing we can’t take the shield down?”

Taking my arm, Mack walks me to the window and points at the wall beyond the section of river that weaves closest to the house. “How good are werewolves at jumping?” he asks, raising his eyebrow at me.

I tilt my head from side to side. I’ve never been particularly athletic, never had cause to be, but in wolf form I’m pretty sure I can make it.

“Cross the river. Climb the wall. When you’re over, we’ll create an opening on that side of the property just long enough for you to get through. Same on the way back. You reach the barrier, you call, we let you back in.”

Mack steps in front of me. He thrusts a spare cellphone into my hand. His eyes flash amber. “If you see anyone—anyone—who might try to break through while that part of the shield is down, you wait. Got it?”

I nod, moistening my lips. Espionage isn’t really my thing. But something deep in my gut tells me this is my chance—a chance to prove to my mother and father that I am worthy.

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