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Looking around, it was clear that Mathias didn’t believe in anything so huh he and the Dooo” signal from Shock, he was more interested in Mathias and Sydney’s conversation

The evil wizard was testing her, toying with her It took every ounce of restraint not to burst into the building and slay hi the butt of his se a wand Eht an evil wizard with a 9 mm? He knew from their battle in the tunnel that bullets had little effect on Mathias To add a human element Mathias would never think to combat, Caden had placed C4 at every corner andof the building Once inside, his mission was to placewould come down at the touch of a button, preferably with Mathias in it

“That’s why I caive you the Dooure in ickind, could I persuade you to answer a few questions first?”

She ed to look both starstruck and sheepish The fact she had the te nervous staggered Caden She was baiting a very dangerous bear Even the look on Shock’s face ell, shocked

Mathias crossed his legs and leaned back in his black leather chair “A woman with backboneI haven’t known many human females Perhaps I should reht a and lovely I smell a man on you A wizard”

Her eyes widened, and Caden’s heart stuttered Could Mathias identify her lover? Would he know that she’d been intilanced at Shock, who said, “She fancies my brother They’ve been nearly inseparable for days”

Mathias regarded her carefully “That’s where he’s been And he convinced you to bring the book to me?”

She shook her head “It was ive it to you I just have a few questions first”

Leaning forward, Mathias leveled a bland stare at Sydney, but Caden saw the lethal way his gaze dissected her If she couldn’t readin her lap, perching it on the edge of her knees What the

Suddenly, Caden understood The ca, now close to Mathias Brave little fool She was going to get herself killed Everything inside hiet her out of there without coesture “I understand the book has awesoical ability has not been seen in centuries It will give me the power to provide the Deprived a chance at equality”

“A cooal, but how exactly can the book help you achieve it? What will you do with the Dooickind if you chose?”

“Before acting, I must study the book carefully An object like this deserves respect To answer you noould be preiveable to do with this diary”

“Forgive me if I decline to answer your question Shock looks quite protective, and you’re Zain’s current amour To keep my plans secret, I would hate to beiht sed Nor had his expression But Caden could tell the wizard was done indulging Sydney He hoped she realized it She needed to get the hell out Heart racing, fear burned his veins as Caden mouthed to Braht, his fingers turned white When it came to her job, Sydney didn’t understand the word “stop” If she pushed Mathias further, what happened to Anka and Aquarius would look like fun

“In a roundto lead the Deprived out of their poverty? It sounds like an admirable cause, and a favorable story about the inspiration behind your dedication ht help your cause”

With a brow raised, Mathias leaned forward and spoke softly “The ti has ended My presence is still so of a surprise, and I prefer to keep it that way No h the plan entailedMathias steal it, screw Braet out!

Instead, she frowned “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 pursed her lips “Indeed But I have heard troubling rumors about your treatment of witches Can you comment?”

Horror washed over Caden, and he bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood Mathias would have no co the question

“Give him the book, damn it,” Shock snarled and ripped it out of her hands, then shoved it into Mathias’s outstretched aro”

Sydneyquestions What about—”

“Yes, you were” Shock warned

Caden hoped to God Sydney heeded hiate a ? If she walked out of this warehouse alive, she had no idea the tirade he planned to unleash on her

“What about Auropha MacKinnett, Anka MacTavish, El and the video camera in the dark wizard’s direction

Mathias’s expression looked eh the wizard’s black nature He held his breath, terrified the evil bastard would draw his wand and end Sydney in one flick of his wrist

“Corabbed Sydney’s elbow and hauled her to her feet

Normally, Caden would be furious that Shock had touched her and dragged her to the door, even as she held her bag in Mathias’s direction But now, he was grateful to Shock for every centimeter of distance he put between Sydney and Mathias

As they neared the door, Mathias stood, his weighty gaze on Sydney “Stop”

Instead of walking—or better yet, running—out of the warehouse, Sydney turned to him

“The wizard I scent on you doesn’t smell like Zain”