Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 115860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“Of course,” Sydney counters. “But give me an idea of the things you anticipate being able to do with this diary.”
“Forgive me if I decline to answer your question. Because Shock looks quite protective and you’re Zain’s current amour. I’d prefer not to be…impolite.” The wizard sends her a tight smile. “The book, please.”
Mathias’s tone makes it clear the wizard is done indulging Sydney. She needs to get the hell out.
Fear burns my veins as I mouth to Bram. Now?
He shakes his head.
Fuck all. This is killing me. I clutch my gun so tight that my knuckles turn white. When it comes to work, Sydney doesn’t understand the word “stop.” If she pushes Mathias further, what happened to Anka and Aquarius will look like a picnic.
“In a moment,” Sydney promises. “I’m dying to know… What about your background makes you willing to lead the Deprived out of their oppression and poverty? It’s such an admirable cause, and a favorable story about the inspiration behind your dedication might help rally others to assist.”
With a brow raised, Mathias leans forward and speaks softly. “The time for reporting magickind’s news in your human rag has ended. My presence is still something of a surprise. I prefer to keep it that way. No more questions. The book. Now.”
Give it to him before he kills you and get out! I scream mentally, willing Sydney to heed me.
She frowns. “You understand why I’m reluctant to turn over what is, by your own admission, an awesome weapon without more information.”
“I’m a busy man. By your own admission, my cause is an admirable one, and my attention is better spent on the war and the matter of equality.”
Sydney purses her lips. “Indeed. But I have heard troubling rumors about your treatment of witches. Can you comment?”
“Give him the book, damn it,” Shock snarls, snatching it and shoving it at Mathias. “You came to do that, and now you have. Let’s go.”
Sydney manages to look flustered and irritated. “I wasn’t done asking questions. What about—”
“Yes, you were,” Shock warns. “Stand up and get out.”
I hope like hell that Sydney heeds him. If she walks out of this warehouse alive, she has no idea the tirade I plan to unleash on her.
“What about Auropha MacKinnett, Anka MacTavish, and others?”
Fury creeps into Mathias’s murky black magical signature. I hold my breath, terrified he’ll end her with a flick of his wrist.
“Enough! You don’t get to question him, you insolent little human.” Shock grabs Sydney and drags her to the door.
But I’m grateful to Shock for every centimeter he puts between her and Mathias.
“Stop.” Mathias commands. “The wizard I scent on you doesn’t smell like Zain.”
My heart threatens to explode. Sydney’s flush betrays her, but her retort is pure fire. “If you’re not inclined to tell me your intentions concerning the book or your past actions, I hardly feel obligated to explain my sex life.”
“It’s in your best interest to reconsider. Are you fraternizing with my enemies? Maybe one of the Doomsday Brethren?”
Terror floods my veins.
Sydney’s glare could melt steel. “Would I be bringing you the book if I was?”
She turns and strides out, the picture of defiance.
Then all hell breaks loose.
As she crosses the threshold, the Doomsday Diary vanishes from Mathias’s hands. The wizard’s horrific roar echoes as he whirls for her, eyes blazing with fury.
I don’t wait for a signal. I kick in the window, leaping through and rolling into a crouch, gun drawn. I’ve got one chance to surprise this fucker, and I’m taking it.
Mathias spins toward the noise, wand raised, blue eyes ringed in red. The gun’s plastic grip burns in my hand, its weight nothing compared to the gravity of his magic. Again, I wonder if I would have been better off with a wand.
Cursing, Bram jumps through the window beside me, distracting Mathias. I fire. The bullet tears through Mathias’s stomach, malice transforming his expression as blood darkens his shirt.
“You’re going to die,” he growls. “Along with Rion.”
His wand jerks our way. Bram deflects but stumbles back, gasping. My next shot misses as Mathias dodges.
Mathias flicks his wand. Bram waves his own and deflects the incoming spell. But the effort costs him. As he stumbles back, I pop off another shot. But the element of surprise is gone. Mathias dodges my bullet.
Bram brings down the wall behind Mathias in a tumble of plaster, revealing Sydney, clutching the book and her bag. Bloody hell, why hasn’t she left with Shock?
As Mathias raises his wand toward her, I leap forward with a roar. Marrok and Tynan crash through another window, Ice charges the front door, and Duke teleports behind Mathias.
We’ve completely surrounded the evil wizard. Time to play…once Sydney leaves.
“Go!” I shout at her.
She ignores me. Fury and fear surge, my adrenaline on overdrive. I itch to snap Mathias’s wand—and neck—in two.