He left the room.
Jonas stared after him thoughtfully, knowing the reasons Amburg cooperated so well with the Breeds. Besides the fact that he lived for Breed research in whatever form he could do it, Jonas also held his granddaughter, Isabella Ross. She was free. She lived, worked, laughed and enjoyed friends, but at all times there was a Breed close by. A Breed who, Jonas had assured Amburg, was more than willing to kill the only human he loved.
Amburg was willing to risk Isabella's life to keep the secret of Project Omega.
And the hell of it was, at any other time, Jonas wouldn't have blamed him.
Turning back to Navarro, Jonas hardened his compassion for Amburg, the Montague girl and anyone else who dared get in the way of protecting the child he called his own.
"What do you need?"
Navarro sighed with a grimace. "Her mate would be nice. Because honestly Jonas, short of undying love on her part, I doubt anything but her father's resurrection would convince her to tell us where that data chip is located."
Jonas tilted his head thoughtfully before turning to Dr. Armani. "Did the Breeds confiscate the blood samples being held in the Omega lab?"
Nikki nodded slowly.
"Were there samples of the girl's blood?"
Realization lit the doctor's eyes. "There were. Several vials actually. The scientists there were very thorough."
Rising to his feet, Jonas gave a sharp nod. "Start testing your Enforcers first. Let me know the possibilities and get it done quickly."
"I can help." Ely came to her feet, the compassion, the generosity that he feared absent now; something else sparking in her gaze. "If we're going to do this, let's get it done quickly, before the Council can get a jump on us."
The two scientists met at the head of the table, turned in unison and headed for the exit.
It would begin here.
Jonas turned back to Navarro. "Is she your mate?"
Navarro shook his head. "If she were, she wouldn't be running."
Jonas gave a sharp nod. "Let's find out who the lucky mate is then. And let's bring her in."
"If she has a mate." Navarro didn't rise. "What happens, Jonas, if she has no mate?"
It was a question he hadn't considered. It was one he wouldn't entertain unless he had no choice.
Because no mate meant no hope of resolving this without death. And that was a resolution Jonas refused to entertain.
CHAPTER 1
The bar was hopping, music pounding, drinks flowing smoothly and customers packing the bar area and dance floor. It was one of those country hole-in-the-walls that attracted both criminal elements as well as the upper class and everything in between. It was one of those places Storme could slide into, and her scent became masked by the dozens of sweating, lusty, alcohol-infused bodies that filled it.
It was one of the few ways to hide from paranormal senses and extrasensory capabilities. It was one of the few places Storme had a hope of resting before she had to run again.
And God knew, she was tired. Exhaustion was beginning to swamp her, desperation was clawing at her back, and fear was a companion she hadn't separated from in far too long.
She wanted to rest.
Was there a saying about no rest for the wicked? There was. She must have been wicked in a former life though, because this life had just been spent running.
"Whiskey shot and a beer," she said wearily as the waitress came to the table.
Pulling a few of the precious bills from her pocket, she slid the money to the waitress when she returned.
She tossed back the whiskey, then chased the burn with the icy bitterness of the beer and blew out a slow, deep breath before looking around.