“We need confirmation that Louisa is safe,” I said into my phone as Garrett drove Araneae and me toward the apartment away from the yacht club.

Looking to my left, seeing the fear in Araneae’s eyes since I told her what was happening had me ready to jump out of my own fucking skin. I reached over and covered her hand with mine, reining in my anger and trying to offer her what she needed. Her chocolate eyes turned my way, glassy from crying.

It will be ...