Hoarded by the Dragon (Monstrous Matches, #4)(89)

“Speak plainly, you know we can’t record this call,” I bite out, wanting there to be no mistaking their meaning.

“We have your mate.” His words are sharp like he’s annoyed that I’m not allowing him to toy with me. “If you want her back, meet us at the northern fae gate with the appropriate magics to transfer ownership of it by seven p.m.”

“I don’t believe you,” I say, trying to get more information even as I want to roar and tear him to pieces.

Lorenzo hums. “Just ask her employer.”

His voice fades as another starts babbling in its place. “They have Katarina! She came to me, and I gave her up.” The phone is pulled away as the speaker, who must be Nemo with how Stella rears in shock, howls in pain.

“Let’s make this business as clean as possible, Kalos. Be there at seven or your mate will be the one who pays for your obstinance.” Lorenzo hangs up.

“I hate him so much,” Stella says, shaking in anger.

Smoke rises from my nostrils, and my scales rustle in rage. I’m on my feet, slamming my fists against the desk.

“They have her,” I whisper the words into silence. The air of tension is deadly. My body aches to transform and retrieve her. I crave to destroy everything in my wake.

They dare threaten my mate?

The room is still, neither Stella nor Ben willing to pierce the primal instincts of my mind. The only creature that has no compunction with interrupting my spiral of fear and overwhelming rage is the damn cat.

Griffin jumps on the table and rubs against where my arms shake with the need to shift. I blow out an aggravated, smoky breath at the animal, but he only meows at me. It’s a morose sound, and something about that, combined with the fact that Katarina loves this cat immensely shakes me free from my instinctual response.

Now isn’t the time to burn down our home in rage. I will not hurt those we care about, not even the cat.

A distant part of me acknowledges that curtailing my emotional reaction is much easier than it would have been before I reunited with my beast. This is a sign that I am healing. That the dragon fire incident will not be repeated.

The moment gives me the time I need to collect myself and clarity.

Katarina is incredibly clever and skilled. If the Leonids have her, she’s slipped in and out of more dangerous situations than she’s in now.

If they have her.

“Why didn’t they put her on the phone as proof?” I ask.

Ben shakes his head. “Perhaps she refused to speak?”

Stella glares. “They would have just tortured her like they were doing to Nemo. Kalos is right, it’s weird that we didn’t hear from her. Is this enough to involve the Council?”

“We have no proof of their claims,” I say. The Council won’t care. Moon confirmed that. The Leonids are allowed to bite at my territory and resources, even claim to have my mate, but if I were to crush them in response… then they’d care. That reminder cools my reactions further.

I pet Griffin as I think, the calm he gives helping. We must proceed as if the Leonids have her until we know better.

“I will give up the fae gate for her, but what are the other options?” I ask my second-in-command and Stella.

A noise has us turning.

“Does no one answer the door anymore?” Mace asks, strolling into my office.

“You didn’t ring the doorbell,” Ben mutters.

Mace shrugs. “Thought I smelled smoke. I figured that you may need to hear the message I have for you. Though I don’t know if I should tell you. It’s not like we’re friends or anything.”

The demon arches a brow to cover a pout.

“You’re friend enough to be allowed past our wards. This isn’t a good time to play poke-the-dragon,” Ben grits.

Mace cuts the teasing. “Ah, it’s like that is it? The mate you’ve been keeping secret—from even me!—has claimed sanctuary at the bathhouse. I’m your incorruptible line of communication.”

He can’t help the fancy bow he executes.

I blink in surprise. “What?”

The news is so incongruous to the Leonid threat that everyone in the room reels. Everyone, save for the enigmatic demon.

“They’re straight up bluffing?” Stella’s eyes are wide. “That’s so stupid though.”

“Or desperate,” Ben murmurs. “Why are they so desperate?”

Mace turns as if to answer his question, but I cut in.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

His nod is sharp. “Of course. I just spoke with her.”

“How is she?” I ask. Not knowing if I’m questioning him to satisfy the fury I’ve banked to deal with the Leonids or because I doubt his claim.

Mace hesitates before answering, his brows creasing. “Not very relaxed, honestly.”

Relief makes it way past my doubt. She’s really there and not captured. The bathhouse is a smart choice. The strength of the wards and allies will keep her safe.

I want to go there and see her for myself, but this issue with the Leonids must be dealt with, and we have less than an hour to do so.

Mace must see my internal struggle. “Gideon will allow no danger to befall the place. If not for your mate’s sake, for his own.”

“Thank you.” My shoulders drop. With the kraken there, Katarina is truly safe.