Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Ibounded down the steps, slipping my earpiece back into my ear. “Everyone okay? Donovan?”
“We are well, Chosen.” He was breathing heavily. “The swarm has taken flight. Nate and Eryk have returned to take Audrina back to Violet as soon as she finishes her set. My kin and I are giving chase to the banwyn to try and reduce their numbers as much as possible. Have you made the exchange?”
“No,” I said abruptly, weaving through the guests in the courtyard, not caring that I looked insane talking to myself.
“Change of plan. Connor has just been arrested by the human police—he’s been put in a cop car, and they’ve headed east. He’ll break out and come after me as soon as he’s out of the public eye, so I need you guys to track him and try to reduce any human casualties. ”
My plan could still work. Please, God, let this work.
But I had to save Martina first. “Martina is at my old house, Bayview,” I spoke rapidly, darting towards the gate. “It’s only two blocks from here?—”
“I’m on it,” Bronwyn cut in. “My team will be there in twenty minutes.”
Fucking traffic. That wasn’t soon enough. She could be dead by then. I’d seen it in Connor’s eyes. Even though I’d taunted him with the high fae spark stone, he considered her life forfeit for what he thought I’d done tonight.
“Susan!”
I turned and spotted Bart ambling through the crowd behind me. Cecil followed, looking a little disheveled. Thank God, they were safe.
But Martina wasn’t safe, yet.
I took a deep breath and pressed on my earpiece. “I’m headed there now; I’ll get there faster. I’ll take Bart and Cecil with me. I’ll make sure Connor knows where we’re going afterwards and meet you all at the portal. I’ll be headed out of range, so if you don’t hear from me?—”
“Chosen.” His voice was urgent. “Please…”
“I know, Donovan. I’ll be careful.”
Cecil reached me first.
“Did you hear all that?” I asked
He nodded. “I got it.” He smacked his ear, removing his own earpiece. “I suppose I’m not coming with you for the rescue mission, am I?”
“Nope. You go do your thing.” I bent down swiftly and kissed him on his fuzzy snout. “I’ll see you soon. Good luck.”
He licked my cheek. Ew. “Go to glory, babe.” A tiny puff of gold spark glinted in the air.
He’d changed my stilettos to Nikes.