Page 197

"You called in a favor ten years ago,” Damion said.

"I remember,” Soren grumbled. Having to pay back his old friend wasn’t something that he needed right now.

"I'm collecting,” Damion growled.

Soren's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "What do you have?"

"All I have is a name,” Damion said.

His pulse slowed. "The Curator?"

"No, I’m looking for the man who recruits women,” Damion said.

Soren's expression darkened. "There are different people?"

"Yep—there has always been more than one person at the top, Soren.” Damien sighed. "The Curator doesn't dirty his own hands."

Soren had expected as much. "Who recruits them?"

"A man named Victor Hale."

Soren searched his memory but didn’t remember that name. "I've never heard of him."

"Most people haven't,” Damion said.

"Is he alive?” Soren asked.

"As far as I know,” Damon answered.

"You have a location?"

“No, it’s unknown."

Soren hated unknowns.

"I'll send everything I've got over to you now."

"All right,” Soren said.

"And Soren⁠—”

"What?" he growled.

"If Hale realizes Rachel survived, he’ll disappear."

Soren looked through the windshield. "I know.” Men like Hale always disappeared when things went south.

The estate came into view just after sunset. Normally, coming home settled him, but tonight, the gates felt too small and the walls too low. Nothing seemed sufficient anymore to protect Lily. He parked near the front entrance instead of the garage. If he needed to leave quickly, every second would matter. The front door opened before he reached it and Maria stood there, smiling warmly.

"She's been pacing."

Soren raised an eyebrow. "She’s still awake? How long has she been pacing?"

"About two hours now,” Maria said.

He couldn't help smiling. "Where is she?"

"The library."