Generation 18 (Spook Squad 2)

“Because the shifter in question is Rose Pierce, also known as Michael Sanders, State Police officer. I did send that information to you.” She hesitated and watched the realization dawn in their eyes. “Yeah, your sister’s killer. And you just let her walk away in your rush to get me to the torture room.”

“We are not torturing you,” Stephan growled.

“Then what do you call not offering someone with severe laser burns medical help? A picnic in the park?”

“Security, get medical help in here right away.”

Sam smiled grimly. One point for the innocent victim.

“How can this woman be a cross-gender multi-shifter?” Jessie glanced at her brother. “That’s not possible, is it?”

Stephan frowned. “I certainly didn’t think it was.”

“Well, at least one person has it,” Sam muttered. The fire in her leg and shoulder was beginning to fade against the deeper burning in her lef

t side. If medical help didn’t get here soon, she would be screaming.

Stephan met her gaze again. “You’re certain it wasn’t Gabriel?”

“Yes. And if your security people had done their job properly, you would have had Rose confined, not walking free. You might even know where Gabriel is right now, rather than continuing this aimless conversation with me.”

His brief smile was grim. “Ah, but see, you’re going to help us find Gabriel.”

She blinked. “I think you just lost me.”

Stephan resumed his pacing. “Jessie is not only both an empath and clairvoyant, but she also teaches the use of psychic abilities. You and Gabriel have formed a connection—a bond, if you like. He has used the link at least once to find you. You are about to return the favor.”

She shook her head. “I don’t—”

Stephan took four strides and leaned down, his face inches from hers. Anger radiated from every pore, and she met his stormy gaze and swallowed. There was no compassion in this man’s eyes, no humanity. The only thing he cared about was his family, and she had no doubt he would kill anyone who threatened his family’s safety in any way.

“You will do this.” His voice was soft, without inflection. He didn’t need it. His eyes held enough violence to spark a war. “You will find my brother, whatever the personal cost. You owe him your life, and you will return the favor.”

“Stephan,” Jessie warned softly, touching his arm.

He swung away and resumed his pacing. There was a savageness in every action, a raw brutality that had not been evident before now. Was this the real Stephan, or was it merely a by-product of his worry for Gabriel?

She suspected the answer might lie somewhere in between the two.

Jessie touched her hand again. Sam met her cat-green gaze.

“I showed Gabriel how to use the link. That’s how he found you at that demolition site.”

“Then thank you for saving my life, but that doesn’t mean I can return the favor.”

“Yes, it does. The link would not have formed if one or the other did not have the capacity.”

“But I don’t have the capacity. Ask him.” She pointed her chin toward the pacing Stephan. Even that small movement sent ripples of pain down her body. Her stomach turned, threatening to rise. She swallowed heavily. “He’s seen the test results. I came in negative.”

“You came in neutral,” Stephan corrected. “Not the same thing.”

“I’ve never attempted anything like that. I wouldn’t even know where to start!”

“As Stephan said, that’s why I’m here.” Jessie’s gaze was shrewd, calculating. “Are you willing to try?”

As if she had a choice? “What do you want me to do?”

“Close your eyes.” Jessie’s soft voice took on an almost hypnotic quality. “Concentrate on the darkness and the sound of my voice. Take deep, slow breaths.”