Chapter 34

I was pacingin my office when Sig's number flashed on the screen of my cell.

"I don't have good news," he said.

I moved toward the sofa, sitting back as I braced. "Tell me."

"The couple was willing to talk. You were right to send Talia with me."

I thought it would take Sig and Talia several days to break them or earn their trust.

"There are Lycans doing surveillance. The humans know they are around, and they are afraid."

"What?" I pushed to my feet and resumed pacing.

"They are watching the couple's gallery and Sage's apartment building. The man believes they follow him when he is out."

This was not good. Different ideas ran through my head. "Did you recognize the wolves?"

"Yes."

"Sig?" I knew he was trying to figure out a way to tell me so that I didn't lose my shit. I guessed, "They are Anton's."

"Not Pack. I recognize two of them from when Anton contracted those mercenaries ten years ago."

Not good. "Can we offer the couple protection?" I didn't want Sage's friends to be hurt.

"Black doesn't hold Chicago," Sig began, "but he might be on better terms with McGinley than we are."

"I do not think I can ask a favor." We'd earned a bit of goodwill when we'd delivered Charles Burke, but I did not want to push the Novus Packleader.

"Then, become their client. Get access to their tech. Pay their tech-savvy people to find your mate. Share your concerns as part of the deal," Sig urged.

"Anton will never allow it." He hated Raider Black, and that Sage was my mate.

"Make the deal, and if Anton inquires, tell him they are working for you." Sig was on a roll. "If he gets nasty, ask why he hired muscle to watch her place."

"Did the couple say anything about where Sage might be?"

"No, and I believe them. Your mate was scared enough that she pulled her money from the bank and packed a single bag. She's running."

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Talia says she traveled extensively with her mother as a child. She may have contacts all over the world."

My wolf wanted to howl in frustration.

"The man, Roman, mentioned that she had seen a doctor here. She left with medication. The troubling news is that your bite was infected."

I hated the idea that our joining was making her sick. "We have to find her."

"Talia and I are catching a flight out tonight. Call Black. Do not wait until my return," he advised.

"I am grateful for what you two learned."

"She cannot disappear and stay under the radar. She was not raised to consider such choices. We will find her."

I hoped so.