26. Sasha

Chapter 26

Sasha

H urtling down the road in the early morning light, the car engine roars as I grip the steering wheel. Kaden sits beside me, his expression stoic. Chowder's back home, curled up safely. My mind races with thoughts of what lies ahead. Kaden woke me with an urgency this morning, and now, here we are, on the hunt for Zane.

"Are you sure you found him?" I ask, glancing over my shoulder at Kaden, who's staring out the window. "I mean, how?"

He turns to me with a wink. "You doubt my ways?"

"No, it's just that after a long night of sex…" I'm tingling between my thighs at the memory of how many times he brought me to orgasm. "And did you even sleep? So how did you find where Zane was?"

He smirks. "My head wouldn't rest, so once you fell asleep, I contacted Khaos."

"Oh, you did?" I try to keep the surprise out of my voice, though Kaden always seems to amaze me.

"We're buddies," he jokes, flashing me a grin. "He's a great guy. Sure, now I told him I owe him big-time, but he delivered the goods."

I blink at him, then refocus on the road. "And?"

"He has contacts on the king's team and was able to track down who entered Norway in the past few weeks, specifically Zane. They found him fast. I have the address he put down of where he's staying."

"That's genius." My knees bounce with nervous energy, memories of the last encounter with Zane flooding back—the warehouse, the caged animals, the fury I felt. The fact that he can move into another country without being hunted down says my old bounty company has closed the case on him. Of course, they would… but I want revenge against that asshole.

Kaden's hand lands on my knee, steadying me. "He'll pay," Kaden assures me. "But first, he's going to tell us where we can find Lilia."

I nod, ready for this. I feel the blade tucked in my boot and another at my hip. We're heading to the industrial district of the city, not far from the wharf.

"Maybe he's moved his business to Norway," Kaden states.

"Or he's just finally found me and is coming back for what I stole from him—Chowder. Whom he's not getting. Under any circumstance." My gut twists at the thought.

"I promise you he won't."

We soon pull up to a smaller industrial building made of weathered wood, just one among several lined up along the road. The docks stretch out in the distance in front of the buildings.

I park at one end of the street, and we get out, the chill of the morning air biting at my skin. Kaden takes the lead and a sense of déjà vu washes over me, reminding me of the first time I went after Zane with that idiot Scout. But this time, I have real support by my side.

We move quietly as we approach the property. The door is locked, but Kaden doesn't hesitate. He shoves his shoulder into it, breaking the lock with a splintering crack. We slip inside quickly, finding a small warehouse and office space, but it's empty. Devoid of life, as if no one's been staying here.

Dust clings to the surfaces, and the air is thick with the scent of the place being closed up for a long time. I scan the open area, taking in the metal shelves lined with nondescript boxes and a small, cluttered desk shoved against the far wall.

Kaden moves deeper through the place, only lit up by sunlight pouring in from the high windows, scanning every corner, every shadowed recess.

My attention fixes on the office door. Kaden's footsteps echoing softly behind me. The office is empty, with no sign of life. I move cautiously, rifling through the drawers, but they're all empty except for a few scraps of paper and pens rolling around as I yank them open. I kneel down, running my hand underneath the desk, hoping for a hidden compartment or something out of place, but there's nothing.

Kaden's outside the room, keeping an eye out.

My stomach churns with disappointment. We were so sure we'd find something here, some clue to point us in the right direction. I straighten up, wiping my hands on my jeans, and head back into the main area.

"Nothing in here, just an empty storage area." I sigh, feeling the heaviness of failure settle over me. "This place hasn't been used in a while."

We cross the floor, checking behind the shelves and peering into the dusty corners. The air is still, silent except for the soft creak of the floorboards under my feet.

Kaden's expression mirrors how I feel on the inside—disappointed.

"Sorry to get your hopes up, but I think this is a fake address," he murmurs.

I sigh heavily.

"If Zane was here, he's long gone now," he adds.

"Let's go to the docks, then," I suggest, not ready to give in. "We can ask around for him."

With his nod, we move back outdoors, the sunlight bright. Just as we emerge, I spot someone familiar crossing the road toward us.

It's Zane. A massive man with a handlebar mustache, wearing blue overalls, filthy with what look like black grease stains, his gaze narrowing as he takes us in.

Our gazes clash, and he pauses mid-step. Recognition flickers in his eyes, and a split second later, after sizing up Kaden, he turns and bolts in the opposite direction, heading back toward the wharf.

"Fuck, that's him," I shout to Kaden, taking off after Zane with a burst of adrenaline. Kaden's there in seconds, thundering like a train behind me.

We chase Zane through the bustling dock area, weaving between crates and containers. My heart pounds in my chest, a savage determination driving me forward, Kaden's footfalls a steady beat beside me. The salty sea air fills my lungs as we sprint past workers loading and unloading cargo, their confused gazes following our frantic pursuit.

Zane is fast, his bulky frame surprisingly agile as he darts around the shipping containers like a rat fleeing the light. The docks are alive with activity, workers shouting instructions to each other, forklifts beeping as they move pallets, and the low hum of ships idling in the harbor. The sound is almost overwhelming, but my focus remains fixed on Zane's retreating figure.

We dodge past a group of men unloading a crate of fish, their shouts of surprise barely registering as we race by. One of them tries to grab my arm, probably thinking I'm a thief or worse, but I jerk free, the urgency of our mission driving me onward. I can hear Kaden behind me, cursing under his breath as he pushes past obstacles with brute force.

"Out of the way!" I yell, ducking under a crane arm that swings overhead. The operator shouts something in Norwegian, but I'm already past him, my eyes locked on Zane, who's slipping into the shadows between two stacked shipping containers.

For a moment, I lose sight of him in the maze of metal and rust. My heart skips a beat, panic rising in my chest. But then I spot a flicker of movement—a flash of his overalls disappearing around a corner.

"There!" I shout, pointing as Kaden skids to a halt beside me, his gaze following my gesture.

We take off again and burst into an open area, a loading bay where a ship is being prepared for departure. Workers pause to watch us, more curious than surprised. The smell of oil and salt hangs heavy in the air. Zane is just ahead, slipping through the crowd, his gaze darting around as he searches for an escape route.

Kaden and I split up, flanking him on both sides. I duck behind a stack of wooden pallets, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I watch Zane attempt to blend in with a group of sailors, but his broad shoulders and distinctive gait give him away. I lock eyes with Kaden, who nods in understanding.

We converge on him, moving swiftly through the throng of people. A sailor steps in my path, asking if I'm lost, but I brush past him with a hurried apology. There's no time for explanations, no time to lose our target. Zane's red, round face flickers with recognition as he spots us closing in, his lips curling into a sneer.

Just as he's about to slip away again, Kaden lunges, his hand grazing Zane's shoulder. The impact spins Zane around. He stumbles back, crashing into a stack of crates, sending them tumbling to the ground. Zane regains his balance and bolts to the edge of the dock.

Fuck!

I'm breathing heavily, my legs pushing after him, Kaden close by. We're gaining on him, the distance between us shrinking with every stride.

He rounds a corner, disappearing behind a towering pile of rusted shipping containers. For a heartbeat, I fear we've lost him again, but as we sprint forward, I catch a glimpse of him slipping into an alleyway that leads toward another section of the wharf.

"This way!" I shout, and we pivot, our feet pounding the pavement as we close the gap. Zane glances over his shoulder, his face twisted with frustration, and pushes himself to run faster.

Fucker, you're not going anywhere!

The alley opens onto a quieter part of the docks, a place where abandoned ships bob listlessly in the water. Zane's footsteps echo hollowly as he races toward a derelict vessel.

Kaden veers left around a container left near the road, motioning for me to take the opposite direction. I nod, turning right, and as I round the corner, I find myself face-to-face with Zane.

"Fucking bitch, you found me," he gasps the words breathlessly. "But big fucking deal… because I've got you now, and you have no idea what shit you're in." His voice is a low growl. He lunges at me, swinging a massive fist at my face.

Breathing fast, I duck to the side, driving my elbow sharply into his ribs. He grunts, spinning around, and I take the opportunity to kick the back of his knee, sending him sprawling onto his hands and knees.

Fury surges through me, hot and fierce. As he struggles to get up, I can see the trembling in his limbs, the telltale signs of a shifter on the verge of transformation.

I catch a glimpse of Kaden approaching, his eyes blazing with fury, and the wolf inside me stirs, a growl rumbling just beneath my consciousness. I can feel her power, a fierce command urging me to let her out. The sensation is overwhelming, a primal instinct that resonates through every fiber of my being. It's as if she's speaking to me in my mind, and I find myself whispering, You can come out.

I surrender to the call, allowing my wolf to emerge. The transformation is swift, a rush as my body begins to change. It's not painful, but I feel every shift, every stretch of muscle and bone as they rearrange themselves. My skin tingles, the sensation spreading through my limbs as white fur erupts.

There's a moment of disorientation as I drop to all fours, the world tilting to accommodate my new perspective. I'm grounded now, paws digging into the gritty surface, my senses sharp… sounds louder, sight crisper. I inhale the salt of the sea, the sweat of exertion, the metallic tang of Zane's fear.

It's only the second time I've transformed in as many days, but the wolf feels natural, as though she's always been a part of me, waiting for her moment. My ears flicker, catching the sound of Zane's ragged breath and the scuffle of his boots as he tries to scramble away. But he's too slow, and I'm on him in a heartbeat.

I lunge at Zane before he can completely rise to his feet, a growl rumbling deep in my chest. He throws an arm up in defense, but I bat it aside with ease, my claws raking across his sleeve. He cries out, the sound music to my ears as I snap my jaws, catching the fabric of his shirt and tearing it away.

I bowl him over, and he's rolling to his back, arms up to defend himself. A growl rumbles in my chest, and I snap at his arms again, my teeth tearing at his skin. He cries out, and I latch onto his throat, pressing down just enough to draw blood but not kill him. He's not transforming because in his vulnerable position, I could rip out his throat if he tries… and he knows it.

I let out a low warning growl, my eyes on Zane's, daring him to make a move. It's an ultimatum, a demand for submission, and he seems to understand.

"Fuck," he gurgles. "Fine, just let me go."

A shadow falls over us, and I inhale Kaden's scent—a mix of pine woods, seawater, and something uniquely him. He steps on Zane's forearm, and when I glance down, I see the glint of a blade in his grip.

"Don't think about it," Kaden snarls down at him, his voice a low, dangerous snarl. "Now, I've got some questions for you. How you answer is up to you, but if you don't give us what we want, she'll rip you to bits. Understand?"

White spreads over Zane's face, the panic flaring in his gaze.

"I know you've been working with Lilia," Kaden presses.

Zane grunts, refusing to speak, and the next moment, I sink my teeth deeper into his flesh. The coppery taste of his blood floods my mouth, and it's odd not to be repulsed by it. Instead, it only feeds my anger, the wolf inside me relishing the taste of revenge.

"Told you what's going to happen," Kaden snaps. "You willing to die for her?"

I spot a few people watching us from a distance. Kaden snarls at them to fuck off, and they quickly scatter, leaving us alone once more.

My gaze is fixed on Zane, my heart pounding, anger burning through my veins. All I can think about are the atrocities he's committed, the suffering he's caused. I want to make him hurt, to see him beg.

"Hell, call her the fuck off," he gurgles, desperation coloring his words.

"Then talk," Kaden growls.

"I-I can't…" Zane gasps, bleeding profusely.

I loosen my hold on his throat, pulling back just inches, my breath hot against his skin.

"There, now talk," Kaden barks. "You're wearing my patience down, asshole."

Zane coughs, struggling to get the words out. "I don't really know her… fuck, but she found me."

"What does that mean?" Kaden demands.

My ears perk up, straining to catch every word.

"Look, man, I just want that damn otter. I paid big for him and invested so much in the magic technology used on him. He's my property. Whatever beef you have with Lilia is none of my damn business. Tell me where my otter is, and I'll tell you where you can find her."

Anger surges through me, and I bite down on his shoulder, feeling the crunch of bone beneath my teeth. Blood bursts into my mouth, its metallic taste stirring a hunger I never imagined. Zane's howl pierces the air, his body trembling beneath me.

As I pull back, I see the extent of the damage I've done. His shoulder is a mangled mess, blood seeping through the torn fabric.

Oops . A dark satisfaction of hurting a monster like him after he hurt all those animals curls through me.

Kaden pats my head. "Good. Next time, rip it the fuck off."

"No!" Zane screams. "She's crazy…"

"You're in no place to negotiate," Kaden warns, his tone icy. "Now, are you ready to talk and tell me where I can find Lilia, or is Sasha going to rip your fucking balls off next?"

I rather enjoy being the bad guy in this situation.

Zane's face drains of color, fear etched into every line of his features. The stench of his fear fills my nostrils, bitter and acrid.

"I-I put out a call for someone to track down Sasha and the otter, and Lilia replied to my request. She sought me out, sent someone to come collect and bring me here to Norway."

Hell!

"Why?"

"Fuck if I know, but she hates Sasha, wants her out of town, is all she told me. She's been watching you both."

A shiver runs down my spine, wondering what this means for me.

"Is that meant to scare me?" Kaden growls. "Where the hell is she?"

"How the fuck should I know?" Zane pleads, desperation in his eyes. "I've only seen her two times. Both times, we met on a boat here in the harbor."

"What's she got against Sasha?"

I glance up at Kaden for a split second, seeing the same confusion on his face as I felt in my mind.

"Who the fuck knows? Because she's a bitch and sticks her nose where it don't belong," Zane mutters.

I snarl in his face, lips peeling back, and he recoils against the ground.

"Fine, fuck," he snaps. "It's something to do with some damn sirens. I don't know. I just overheard them saying something about sirens and getting Sasha out of town or taking her out before she finds out."

"Finds out what?" Kaden voices my exact thoughts, his gaze burning into Zane's.

"Didn't you just hear me?" Zane protests with a crackling tone. "I only heard snippets… who knows? Lilia is fucking psycho, and I wouldn't deal with her if I were you."

Kaden huffs, his hand resting on my back. "Okay, he's got nothing more for us. You can finish him off now."

"What? Hell no!" Zane screams, attempting to wriggle away, but Kaden's got his foot planted firmly on his chest. "Man, I just told you everything. I don't know anything else. I can't even tell you how to contact her since her minions find me when she wants to see me. She knows every fucking thing!"

I stare down at the man who deserves the worst, contemplating the justice I could deliver. However, the more he talks about Lilia, the more my skin shivers at what we don't know. But the thought of executing Zane to get rid of him twists something inside me, a darkness I can't embrace. I have a different plan for him.

I shift back to human form. Fur recedes, leaving me cold and exposed and naked, but Kaden's already ripping off his shirt, handing it to me.

"Put this on fast," he instructs. I pull it over my head, the fabric falling to my knees. My clothes lay nearby, shredded and useless.

"Thank fuck someone is sane," Zane bellows.

"I'm going to take him to my work… I want my old boss to see that I can complete a job and that he's a fucker for getting rid of me. And my ex-partner, Scout, can go suck it!" I declare, fire burning in my veins.

Kaden smirks, a proud glint in his eyes. "I love how vengeful you are. That's my girl."

"What? No, just…" Zane protests weakly.

"Shut the fuck up," Kaden interrupts, bending down to wrench him up by his hair. "Now, be a good horse. You're coming with us."

Zane pushes against Kaden's grip, but it's impossible. He stumbles, bleeding heavily, sweat on his brow.

We move quickly, and at the car, I retrieve ties from the trunk, binding his feet and wrists behind his back, then shove him into the rear seat. Kaden holds me close, his warmth seeping into my skin.

"You did amazing out there, such control of your wolf. You have no idea how much I admire how…" Kaden's words trail off as he kisses me quickly on the lips, and it's hard not to melt against him. "Your instincts, your power, you're incredible."

"That means a lot to me, but right now, I just want to be done with this asshole."

"You got it!"

In the trunk, I find a bag I always keep with backup clothes—pants, a shirt, a jacket, and boots. In my business, getting dirty and hurt is part of the job, so I'm always prepared. I quickly change, giving Kaden back his shirt so he's not walking around bare-chested. As much as I love it, there's a time and a place.

Dressed, I dive into the driver's seat while Kaden climbs into the back with the bastard.

"I don't trust him," Kaden sneers. "So, I'm going to keep an extra close eye on him. And maybe if you're smart," he adds, addressing Zane, "you'll tell me anything else you know. It might sway us differently on what we're going to do with you next."

Not that it was going to sway me, but I figure he's negotiating, hoping there's more he can reveal.

"Look, the last I saw Lilia was a few days ago, and she looked ready to head out on the boat again with her crew. The boat's called the Siren's Vengeance. So, I doubt she's even in the city right now."

We drive toward my workplace, the information swirling in my mind. I try to piece together how I'm involved, why the sirens attacking boats feel connected to this. Including my mother… and why Lilia wants me out of the picture. Of course, I'm guessing, but right now, my mind is on alert because someone wants me to either disappear or die. The why part is what baffles me.