Page 54 of Consumed By Fire
“You’re staying far away from him. He’s dangerous. He manipulated the situation. He manipulated you, Trinity.”
I make a noise of frustration. “Why didn’t I see it? I should have.”
“How did you wind up on Draig?” Octane asks.
“I was stupid…that’s how. I knew that something was going on. That they were up to something. They still had all the secretive meetings, heading out at all hours of the night. Nothing had changed. One day, I decided I had to know.”
“You didn’t,” Octane says.
“I’m afraid I did. I followed a group of them and watched them use the tunnel. It was a big group of males. I couldn’t believe it. I went as far as the tunnel opening, then chickened out. Two nights later, they went again, and this time, I followed them into the tunnel. It was wide, with lights along the passageway. I kept going and going. I could hear them talking up ahead. I couldn’t catch much of what they were saying, because I kept my distance. It was a long walk. I contemplated turning around more than once, but I didn’t. I wanted to see. The passageway was well-built and reinforced with steel and concrete. After a time, it narrowed out and was just dirt. It became so narrow that only one person would fit. I could walk upright, but a big male would be hunched over. Thankfully, it didn’t take long, and I was out in the fresh air. I couldn’t believe it. The tunnel was complete. I was on Draig Island. Someone had finished the tunnel.”
“You should have gone back.” Octane’s eyes are wide. “You were in danger.”
“I know, but at the same time, I’m glad I didn’t. Kim would have been hurt if I hadn’t been there that day. I saw a couple of Red Dragons in the air. I saw them land a little farther away and decided to investigate further. I knew they wouldn’t harm me if they found me. I’m a female and carrying Igor’s child. I knew that Titan would never allow it.”
“They had Kim and Blaze?”
I nod. “Yes, they had Kim and Blaze, and I didn’t like it. They looked like a nice couple. They were afraid of what the males would do to them. I kept telling myself that I should go back to Mistveil while I had the chance, but that’s when all hell broke loose. Some of the males attacked Blaze, and that asshole Duke dragged Kim away. I’d never liked him. I didn’t like the way he leered at me or some of the things he said. There were always sexual undertones. I knew what he was planning to do when he took Kim, so I followed. I broke his neck while he was trying to rape her. I’m not sorry about it either. I should have just left, but I couldn’t. I was afraid for the human. I had to get her to safety.”
“Then she talked you into taking her back, and the rest is history.”
“Yes.” I nod. “You know the rest. You caught me on my way back to the tunnel entrance. I was nearly there.”
“Where is it exactly?”
“I would need to show you. It’s well hidden under a fake boulder in a dense part of the jungle. You wouldn’t know what you were looking at. I have to say that I am worried I might not find it again. Although there are markers…I should be able to.”
Octane puts his arms around me and pulls me close. “Thank you for telling me…for trusting me. I need you to show me. We’ll head out there tomorrow. We’ll take a vehicle and then hike the rest of the way. I know the general area where I caught you.”
“What are—?” I start to say when the door to the bungalow bursts open.
“You turned your phone off,” Shadow says as she walks inside. “Oh, this is fucking cozy,” she says when she sees us sitting on the bed together. The sheets are a wild tangle. Our hair is mussed. I can still smell the musky scent of sex thick in the air, and we weren’t exactly quiet. “I know I told you to get friendly with the enemy in order to find out all of her secrets, but this isn’t exactly what I had in mind, Octane.”
Get friendly.
“I know I told you to do whatever it takes to get the information we needed, but not this. I didn’t mean this.” Her voice is hard, as are her eyes.
Do whatever it takes.
My heart sinks.
“Can’t this wait until morning?” Octane says, letting me go.
“No! It can’t! You have some serious explaining to do. You’d better have some information for me or, so help me, I’ll—” She makes a groaning noise of frustration. “I can’t believe you, Octane. Out of everyone here, on this whole damned island, you’re the last person I expected to find in bed with the goddamned enemy. Get up! Get your ass up.”
Octane just looks at her. “Can I have a few minutes?” he finally says. “I’ll be there shortly.”
“No! Get up and come with me right fucking now or I will throw you in a cell and send your friend over here to HQ.” Her eyes narrow on me as she says “friend.”
Octane holds both hands up as he stands. “Fine. But no one touches the Red. She’s mine!” he growls in a way that has gooseflesh lifting on my arms.
“She isn’t yours,” Shadow throws back.
“No one touches the Red,” he repeats. “She stays right here until I get back.”
“No one will touch her. I want to speak to you in private…that’s all.” Shadow glares at me. Like she hates me. Like I somehow brainwashed Octane or something.
“Okay, then.” Octane leans down and brushes a kiss on my temple. “I’ll be back, Little Red. We’re finishing our conversation when I do.”