Gage drew them down a quieter side street. As they walked, the neon lights began to fade behind them. The crowds became progressively thinner the farther they went. Soon, only vagrants and shadowy figures remained, eyeing them suspiciously before scurrying away. The air held a rancid tinge of decay that made Katy wrinkle her nose.

  They walked nearly fifteen blocks before Gage paused, his head cocked as if listening. Then he abruptly turned down a dingy alley crammed between two dilapidated buildings. Katy hurried to keep pace as he wound through the refuse with sure steps.

  “We’re close,” he murmured. “I smell serpent.”

  Katy swallowed thickly. Her nerves jangled now that the moment of truth loomed. If Zeena refused to help, their quest ended here. She sent up a silent prayer as they emerged from the alley onto a street lined with crumbling motels and unsavory hole-in-the-wall bars. Their dilapidated signs flickered erratically.

  Several rough figures lingered in doorways or slouched against dirty walls, making the shadows seem to writhe with ill intent. Katy stayed close to Gage’s side as they crept down the street, taking in their surroundings. She wished Otto was with her so he could threaten to bite anyone who got too close. She jumped when a raspy voice spoke from the shadows.

  “You look lost, friends. Can Ol’ Joel be of service?”

  A hunched figure detached itself from a sagging doorway and shuffled toward them. Though stooped with age, the man had a sinewy build. His deeply lined face was obscured by a scraggly gray beard and mane of tangled hair. Intelligent, black eyes gleamed from sunken sockets as his gaze fixed unblinkingly upon them.

  The old man was dressed in faded layers of clothing, smelling strongly of body odor, cigarette smoke, and other less pleasant scents. His gnarled hands were stained and dirty, with grime caked under cracked fingernails. But the cunning in his expression warned against dismissing him as just another vagrant. Katy sensed sharp wits beneath the disheveled exterior.

  The old man came to a stop a few paces away, swaying slightly on bare, calloused feet. His piercing stare moved between them. Katy didn’t miss the slitted eyes when they fell upon her, or the shadow of scales that covered one side of his neck. His mouth curved up in a gap-toothed grin. When he spoke, his gravelly voice was at odds with his frail appearance, hinting at a deeper cunning.

  “We’ve come seeking information.” Gage’s tone was stern. It was the voice he used with everyone except Katy.

  Perhaps the man recognized Gage’s voice, or maybe he simply got a better look at them when he stepped a smidge closer, but his eyes widened. “Well now, what brings the great wolf and his mate to these parts?” The yellow grin widened, displaying more missing teeth. “It’s not every day that one gets to lay eyes on the one and only Dire.” He slapped his thigh as he continued. “And I get to meet the female who’s caused such a stir in our world.”

  The statement confused Katy. “Why on earth would I be any sort of stir-causing news? And how do you know I’m his mate?”

  The man stuck his hands in his worn-out pants pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Because the Dire hasn’t been seen with a woman.” He paused then leaned forward and whispered, “Ever.” He pulled back, and his shoulders sagged forward a bit. “And no male acts like this”—he nodded toward Gage, who was still trying to shield her—“unless he’s mated to the female. So you see, you’re big news. Things are changing. I can feel it in the air, and gliding across my scales.” He nodded and said more slowly, “Things are changing. Well, you’ve officially piqued my curiosity now, though information does, of course, come at a price.” He waggled a finger at them. “Dire or not, I don’t do handouts.”

  Gage’s body language remained relaxed, but Katy sensed his wariness. Her own nerves hummed being pinned under the vagrant’s scrutiny. But they needed information, so she said nothing as Gage carefully replied. The sooner they parted ways with this Joel character, the better she would feel.

  “We seek rumors of a snake without its den,” he answered cryptically.

  The old man cackled. “Ah, the fallen queen. Yes, whispers abound of her presence in chaos lands.” He held out a gnarled hand. “But whispers aren’t free.”

  Gage’s lips thinned, but he dropped a few bills into the outstretched palm. The vagrant grinned, showing off his missing teeth yet again.

  “She passes like a shadow, never twice in the same place. But her coils leave traces if you know how to see.” The old man leaned closer, dropping his voice. “Seek in the underground where sin dwells. The snake finds solace among her own.”

  Katy inwardly groaned. “Are you seriously pulling a Smeagol on us? We aren’t hobbits, and we don’t have time for riddles.” Okay, so maybe Katy was less scared of him than she realized, or perhaps it was the Dire Wolf beside her that made her so bold.

  Joel shrugged. “I can only tell you what I know. What you do with the information is up to you, she-wolf.” He stared at her for several seconds and then shook his head. “Times are a’changing.”

  With that, he scuttled back into the doorway. Katy worried her bottom lip. “If I haven’t ever mentioned it, I’m doing so now. I do not like riddles. Make a note of that in your ‘getting to know my mate’ binder.” She ran a hand through her hair and huffed. “Underground sin spots? Well, that could be anywhere in Vegas.”

  Gage nodded grimly as they continued down the street. “Indeed, this city has many vices to indulge. But it’s more information than we had before we came across Ol’ Joel.”

  When Katy stumbled over a cracked section of sidewalk, Gage caught her arm firmly. “Enough for tonight, I think. We both need rest.” He looked at her face and ran a thumb just under her eye. “And you need more blood. You look exhausted.”

  “It’s not polite to tell your mate she looks exhausted,” she chided. But Katy didn’t argue. Now that the excitement of a potential lead was fading, weariness was creeping in. She let Gage guide her away from the declining neighborhood, back toward the bright lights of downtown. Soon, they were checked into a simple, but clean, hotel room near the heart of the Strip.

  Katy sank gratefully onto the edge of the bed and curled her toes into the plush carpet. Gage crouched before her, his eyes roaming her face.

  “Are you well, Mate? I know this has been trying.”

  She offered a tired smile and reached up to cradle his stubbled jaw. “I’m okay. This is all still very new and strange. But I’m adapting.”

  Gage turned his head to press a kiss to her palm, as they both seemed apt to do. Katy liked that they had a thing. “You continue to surprise and impress me.” His gaze grew serious, tinged with a hint of guilt. “I wish I did not have to draw you in to such darkness.”

  Katy shook her head firmly, leaning closer to him. “This became my fight the second Azure’s magic invaded my life. I won’t rest until he’s stopped.”

  Pride glowed in Gage’s emerald eyes. He rose fluidly to capture her mouth in a passionate kiss. When they parted, he kept his forehead pressed to hers.

  “With your brave spirit beside me, I fear no darkness,” he rasped. Drawing back, Gage traced a tender hand down her cheek. “Let me feed you, and then you rest. We will be back on the hunt in the morning.”

  Katy nodded, exhaustion creeping over her. She knew she needed Gage’s blood soon to restore her waning strength.

  Gage moved to sit on the bed beside her and rested his back against the headboard. He slid a knife from his belt and drew the sharp blade across his wrist. Crimson welled up immediately.

  Katy shifted closer, a bit hesitant. She understood the necessity but still felt bashful each time. She was essentially consuming a part of him.

  Sensing her reluctance, Gage cradled the back of her neck and guided Katy gently forward. “It’s all right, Little Wolf,” he murmured. “Take what you need.”

  The rich, earthy scent of his blood flowed over Katy, awakening her hunger. She grasped his forearm lightly and brought her lips to the cut. The first taste was euphoric. Heat and life flooded her senses.

  Katy sucked greedily, the strength rapidly returning to her drained limbs. She could feel Gage’s pulse hammering beneath her questing mouth. Gripping his arm tighter, she took deeper draws, consumed with desperation to get her fill.

  A soft moan escaped her lips when Gage slid his fingers into her hair, clutching firmly. The slight edge of pain only intensified Katy’s need. She pressed closer, consumed solely with draining this powerful being who sustained her life force.

  Just as she thought she could take no more, Gage gently pulled her back. Katy whimpered in protest, chasing his wrist with blood-smeared lips. Chuckling indulgently, he cupped her face in both hands.

  “Enough for now, Beloved,” Gage whispered. “The last thing we need is a ravenous she-wolf roaming the Vegas nightlife.” Mirth danced in his emerald eyes.

  Katy drew a shuddering breath as rational thought returned. She wiped the back of her hand over her sticky lips, abashed by her animalistic ardor.

  Gage tipped her chin up, and his smile faded. “Do not be ashamed, Katy. We are bound together now. My life is yours to take freely.”

  She nodded slowly, comforted by his words. The urgent need was already fading as strength coursed through her veins once more. With a soft sigh, Katy relaxed into the shelter of Gage’s arms. She was grateful not to face this bizarre new reality alone.

  He pressed a tender kiss to her temple. “Rest now. You’re safe.”

  Reassured, Katy let her heavy eyelids drift shut. The last thing she felt was Gage wiping a warm cloth gently over her mouth, erasing all traces of their intimate act. Then exhaustion claimed her, and the odd night’s events faded away into welcome darkness.

  Zeena wandered the crowded casino floor. Her reptilian senses were on high alert, though her true nature was hidden under a sophisticated facade. The cloying smells and ceaseless noise pressed in on her from all sides, grating on already raw nerves. She despised having to take this weakened Chaos form. Her beautiful, true animal features were muted to pass among the tourists and gamblers. But desperate times. She inwardly sighed.

  At least the reptilian aspects she had maintained helped track her target. Forked tongue flicking, Zeena sorted through the cacophony of scents. The Dire Wolf stood out, bold and earthy amid the cacophony of perfumes and pheromones. She need only be patient and he would come to her.

  Zeena gravitated toward the high-stakes tables, keeping her eyes lowered demurely. Wealth hung heavy in the air here, the press of bodies laden with jewels and entitlement. She resisted the urge to bare her fangs at their careless excess. As if she had the right to judge their actions.

  The click of chips and mindless chatter washed over Zeena. She lifted her glass in the pretense of drinking, eyes scanning the crowds reflected in the mirrored pillars. There was no sign of the Wolf or his mate. He’d been here, though. Zeena smelled him loud and clear, as well as faint traces of his mate. If she didn’t see them soon, she’d retire for the evening and come back again tomorrow.

  The queen froze as the unmistakable scent of wolf reached her. Turning slowly, she beheld the King of Chaos, Wolfgang, looming tall through the crowd. He appeared mostly human at first glance, but a sharp fang protruded over his lip and one amber eye held the elongated pupil of a beast. Streaks of steel gray marked the dark mane of hair falling across his shoulders. He moved with a predatory grace, belying his imposing frame, clearly more than mortal to anyone with an eye to see it.

  At the king’s side strode his mate, Queen Tallula. Zeena was momentarily taken aback at how small and delicate she appeared next to her giant consort. But then Talulla’s piercing gaze landed on Zeena, and she glimpsed the iron will which had earned this diminutive female her crown.

  Though tiny in build, with angular fae-like features, lethal chaos power emanated from Talulla’s taut frame. Downy feathers dotted the pale skin of her face and neck, making her seem part avian. Her large sea-green eyes missed nothing as she scanned the crowds imperiously. Those who dared meet her stare quickly glanced away, unnerved by the swirling chaos within.

  A crest of chestnut hair cascaded down Talulla’s back, accentuating the ethereal paleness of her flawless complexion. Plumage sprouted between her shoulder blades, hinting at stunted wings beneath the elegant gown. Despite her fragile appearance, Zeena sensed the female was more beast than mortal. This queen matched her mate in primal ferocity when roused.

  Her eyes landed on Zeena, and the Venom Queen immediately knew Talulla had seen right through her glamour. “Zeena! What a surprise.”

  Cursing internally, Zeena turned slowly. “Queen Talulla, King Wolfgang.” She lifted her chin slightly, reminding herself that she needed to be the queen they remembered knowing, not the one who had now chosen a different path.

  Talulla inclined her head. “Please, join us for refreshment.” Her smile held no warmth. Despite the “please,” Talulla’s request was not an invitation. Yet, because they were equals, rules of formality required Talulla to at least pretend that Zeena had a choice to refuse and that she could walk out of their territory unmolested. But there were two of them and only one of her, and the Chaos royals had the home field advantage. Zeena was surrounded by their subjects. A million things could happen in the next moment, and none of them were good. Zeena had no choice but to play their game.

  “Of course.” Squaring her shoulders, Zeena followed the royals from the chaotic floor to a secluded lounge area. Wolfgang sprawled on a leather sofa, regarding Zeena with unveiled curiosity. She stood stiffly until Talulla pointed toward a chair. Hands clasped tightly in her lap, Zeena waited for them to speak first. She had no clue why they’d want to talk to her. There was no friendship between Venom and Chaos.

  Finally, Wolfgang broke the tense silence. “I must admit, I would never have expected to see the queen of Venom among the dregs and tourists.” His stare bored into her. “To what do we owe the … pleasure?”

  Zeena’s nails bit into her palms, but she kept her tone light and shrugged. “You know how taxing the stresses of running a kingdom can be. I simply needed a change of scenery for a bit, a little distraction from all responsibilities. My mate indulged me, though he was too busy to come himself. I merely hoped to enjoy some of the legendary Chaos entertainment tonight.”

  Talulla gave a brittle laugh. “Too busy to come with his mate? It’s quite rare for a male of our species to let their mate wander so far from home. Let us not be coy. He either sent you to spy on us, which I highly doubt given our new relationship, or he sent you here to speak with us. So, let us speak plainly.” Her eyes hardened. “We want to know Azure’s plans regarding our arrangement.”

  Alarm raced through Zeena. Arrangement? She schooled her features quickly, hoping they hadn’t noticed her widened eyes. How much did they know of her mate’s activities? And what did they know that she did not? Cautiously, she said, “The King has many affairs of state currently occupying him. To which one are you referring?”

  Wolfgang snorted. “Come now, Zeena. Don’t be obtuse.” He leaned forward intently.

  Panic threatened to choke Zeena. She could not reveal that she and her mate were no longer together. It was unheard of for a mated pair to break apart. Neither could she risk losing Chaos’s allegiance by admitting ignorance. If she did, they might capture her or banish her from their kingdom. And she had to stay close by because she knew in her gut that this was where she would find Gage.

  She chose her words delicately. “My mate leads Venom ably despite unrest from factions who resist necessary change.” She met their stares. “We know progress requires sacrifice. Trust that Azure acts for the good of all who work with him.”

  Talulla’s finely scaled brow drew low. “Quit with the politics. ‘Progress’ better include binding animi magic and forcing the bestial change upon human females.” She pointed a slender finger at Zeena. “We were promised a number of those females for our males. I can only assume you’re here to tell us that everything has gone according to plan, and we will have our product soon, very soon. Otherwise, why are you here?”

  Zeena paled, her blood running cold. By the Creator, how had she not known of her mate’s depraved scheme? He wasn’t just kidnapping animi and selling them to the highest bidder. He was forcing the change on human females—females that had not been chosen by Visata? How had he kept it a secret from her?

  The deposed Queen of Venom nodded and tried her best to project an air of haughtiness, despite the panic rolling inside. “The King works ever to expand our powers. And those of our allies, of course. But the … procedure is taking more time than he expected.” She dropped the haughty air and looked them both in the eyes, switching to a diplomatic tone, one she was well versed in from years serving at Azure’s side. “Please be patient. Azure will provide all he has promised. We understand that anything less would be an affront to your kingdom. The last thing we want is a strained relationship with Chaos.” She looked directly at Talulla. “You are correct, Queen. Azure did send me to speak with you because he was disappointed the product has been delayed, and he didn’t want the delay to jeopardize the relationship he has built with the noble Kingdom of Chaos.” Zeena took a long breath and exhaled before continuing. She levelled them both with a piercing gaze. “Venom understands the increased pressures under which you all as—and forgive my use of the word—outcasts operate. The distrust, the disdain. We in Venom must contend with similar contempt. None of the other kingdoms respect Venom as they should. That will soon change.”

  Wolfgang studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment before sighing. “You always were dutifully loyal. Perhaps to a fault.” He waved a dismissive hand. “We shall await further word from Azure. For now. Although…” He paused and tilted his head, a movement that seemed more animal than man. “We’ve heard whispers…” He studied her intently. “Disturbing whispers that KOV was attacked by the Dire Wolf. Is this true?” He didn’t give her time to answer. “And there’s been talk of a new king taking the throne. This is concerning. A change in leadership in your territory could be detrimental to what Azure was trying to accomplish.”