“I have no idea how to explain you.”
“I’m not sure an explanation is necessary.”
I groan in frustration, wishing I could’ve handled this alone. I hate being in Axel’s debt, and I can’t wait for our involvement to end.
“The only entry I know of is via the Rabbit Hole, and it’s usually packed. Or at least it was when I left. Which is not only incredibly risky and dangerous for Dace—I can’t afford for the Richters to see him in his current state—but also, to the outside world, you’re a bit odd. They’ll see you as a deathly pale guy with unusual eyes who’s wearing a dress. You won’t exactly blend in.”
“I’ll handle it,” he says. Responding to my doubtful expression, he adds, “Really. Consider it already handled. Just lead the way.”
“This is the way.” I motion toward the filmy veil before us. The last in a very long succession of them. He nods, motions for me to go first, but I refuse to so much as consider it. “Oh no,” I say. “No way am I turning my back on you.”
“Seems like something I should say to you, no?” He cocks a brow, challenges me with a sharp purple gaze. Still, he falls into place, stepping through the vortex with Dace braced against him as I move to join them.
“It’s late,” Axel says, the first to reach the hallway. “Or early, depending on your perspective. Either way, the place is vacant.”
“Maybe so, but it’s packed with surveillance cameras,” I tell him, remembering my first visit here, how I found my way into Leandro’s office in search of my cell phone, only to find Cade vigilantly watching the wall of TVs projecting the goings-on inside the club.
“They can’t see me. Not to worry.”
“And you know this because…”
“Because I cannot be seen by most.”
I study him, not one bit convinced.
“It’s the way the light bends around me. I can only be seen by those who are meant to see me.”
I frown. “But your magick isn’t working, remember?”
“It’s not magick—it’s just, me. It’s the way that I’m made.”
“Cade saw you,” I press, unwilling to give in so easily.
“And while I have no explanation for that other than it was a special circumstance, if I come across him again, I’m sure he’ll look right through me.” Responding to my look of distrust, he adds, “Ninety-nine percent sure.”
With no other option but to gamble the odds, we make our way through the club. Suddenly faced with a new set of worries when I realize there’s no way to exit without setting off an alarm.
I’ve got to find a new vortex! It’s not the first time I’ve thought it.
“The Richters control the town and the people within it,” Axel says. “I’m sure they see no need for that kind of security.”
He makes a good point. Still, I refuse to exhale until he swings the door open and proves good on his word.
Making our way across the lot, we’re halfway to Dace’s truck (Axel swears he doesn’t need the key to start it), when I spot Auden’s old, beat-up wagon parked a few spaces away. And I’m flooded with relief to find my friends have ignored my advice and decided to wait for me.
I rap my knuckles against the driver’s side window and peer inside. Auden and Xotichl are up front talking to Lita and a boy who looks vaguely familiar who are sitting in back.
Lita sees us first. Swinging the door open, she leaps from the car. Her dark eyes flashing, cheeks widening into a grin when she sees Dace. Until she notices his wounded, weakened state, and she turns to me in distress. “What happened? Is he okay?”
“He will be. But I need to get home to Paloma’s, and quickly.” I cast a wary gaze toward her friend in the back. Unwilling to say anything more until I know who he is, and maybe not even then.
“Oh, that’s Greyson.” Lita jabs a thumb in his direction as she focuses hard to my right. “And you are?’”
I glare at Axel accusingly. So much for light bending.
Before either of us can reply, Auden and Xotichl are out of the car and rushing toward Dace. Seemingly unaware that Axel is supporting him, they barrel into his space. Causing Axel to jump away in surprise, as Dace lists precariously to the side.
“Is this the friend you were waiting for? Looks like he’s had one too many,” Greyson says, coming to stand beside Lita.