Gabriel wanted all the answers. Including to learn more about what lurked beyond the CRF gates.

He had considered, more than once, misting inside for a look around but didn’t want to trigger any alarms. The runes surrounding the building rivaled those at Osiris’s home, confirming Sethios’s theory that the two men were working together.

But on what?

“You look like her,” a voice said as a man materialized to the left. The man Gabriel had been waiting for. The newcomer’s long black hair matched Sethios’s description, as did the trademark leather jacket and pierced lip.

“Ezekiel,” Gabriel replied, not missing a beat.

“Seraphim.” The astute gleam in the Ichorian’s gold-flecked gaze suggested intelligence and cunning, something Gabriel would need to keep in mind during their negotiations. “Or I assume that’s what you are since I can’t sense your origin.”

He ignored the assessment. Explaining his gift for tracking evasion wasn’t the purpose for this meeting. “I wish to speak with your seer.”

Ezekiel quirked a brow. “My seer?”

“Yes. The one Osiris uses to keep you on a leash.” Gabriel still didn’t understand how that worked. The being standing before him radiated power. He’d even been able to somewhat surprise Gabriel with his unexpected appearing act. Why would someone with such ability bother working for a Seraphim like Osiris? Further proof that emotions were a waste of energy and common sense.

“You’ve been talking to Sethios,” Ezekiel surmised. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me how to find him?”

“No.” Gabriel vowed to protect Caro, which included safeguarding Sethios. For the moment, anyway.

“Good.” The Ichorian grinned. “I would hate to have to relay any details to Osiris.”

“Compulsion?”

“Always.”

Gabriel nodded, understanding.

Osiris had likely weaved some sort of persuasion into Ezekiel to ask about Sethios’s whereabouts, as well as a need to relay any information pertaining to his location back to the master Seraphim. They would need to tread carefully in this conversation. Any little detail could trigger a compulsion to report back to Osiris.

“I’m here of my own accord. I require information, and it’s my understanding your seer has that information.”

“And you wish me to help you reach her.”

“Yes.”

Ezekiel’s gaze moved over Gabriel in a way that spoke of strategy and planning.

He’s deciding if I can be useful to him.

Gabriel returned the favor in kind before focusing on the CRF headquarters again. “What are Osiris and Jonathan working on together?”

“Atrocities,” Ezekiel replied as he followed his stare. “Osiris wants a mate for breeding purposes, and a potential candidate was birthed just last week. Apparently, I am to be her guard dog.”

“In exchange for continued access to your seer.”

“Indeed.” Ezekiel refocused on Gabriel. “Why can’t I sense you?”

“Genetics.” He pushed off the wall to straighten to his full height, only an inch or so above the Ichorian. “It’s a family trait.”

“Intriguing. I’m guessing that is related to why I can’t find Sethios. Don’t confirm; just tell him to keep doing what he’s doing. Osiris is positively furious.” Ezekiel sounded delighted and even grinned. “I think you might be useful to me, Seraphim.”