Double Crossed by Karin Tabke

Author:Karin Tabke [Tabke, Karin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Karin Tabke LLC

Fourteen

Do we have to go through this again, Joran?” Selena said sternly. “I’m my own boss. I have my own agenda at the moment. I don’t have time to be your weapon of mass destruction.”

“Perhaps we can help each other on a more personal basis?”

“No way.”

“You do not trust me?”

“I trust myself and only myself. You of all people know that’s the only way to survive in our world.”

“Survival in our world becomes more complicated every day. To thrive, strategic alliances must be formed.” He bowed as if she were the queen of the Order. “I am at your disposal, Selena. Use me.”

Selena pretended to contemplate his offer. “Until you get what you want from me.” It was not a question.

“We have always been frank with each other. I offer you my services, in whatever capacity you require. In return, I ask for yours.”

“I work alone.”

His eyes flared red.

“You don’t need me to get to Luis.”

“I need you to get into his head. I want to know why he thinks he has the power to grant immortality. I want to know every person on his payroll, every politician he’s blackmailing. I cannot get that detailed information without you.”

“I’m not the only one capable of what you ask.”

“You are the only one I trust.”

“You trust me because you know you hold a sword over my head with the Rev.”

“You underestimate my respect for you. As far as I can trust, I trust you. And not because of any leverage.”

“Damn you, Joran! I can’t. Not now.” She strode past him. “Maybe never.”

Picking up on the desperation in her voice, he dropped down in front of her. “Other than Paymon, who threatens you?” He touched the mark on her neck. “Your vampire lover?”

Selena smacked his hand away, shaking her head. Could she tell him about Apollyon’s plot to take over the Order? She could, but should she? No, he would interfere and want to take over. The groundwork had been laid; if all went according to plan, no one, mortal or immortal, would be the wiser about what could have happened. “I—look, there are things happening I cannot discuss. Things that if leaked could threaten our existence.”

“Do I look like the National Enquirer?”

Selena smiled. “No, never. Everything at the moment is under control. If it goes to crap, I’ll call you.” And she would. She had a newfound respect and a grudging trust for the ancient vampire. If she needed him, he would come.

He stood silent for several moments, contemplating, she was sure, whether to force his issues and extract her cooperation or find another way to get what he wanted. “If, as you say, our very existence could be compromised, how do you expect me to take that information? Stand idly by and hope the world does not come to an end?”

She nodded. That was exactly what she expected. “You said it yourself—you trust me.”

“Yes, but you are not infallible. You are one, I am many.”

“I’m more than one, Joran.”

“Ah, yes, Los Cuatro.

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