Gideon was still grappling with the news that this lycan had freed Claire. Where was she? Why hadn’t she come to him?

“You let her go?” Gideon demanded, rotating where he stood, his gun following the lycan strolling through his living room.

“You sound suspicious. Bad experience with others of my kind, I presume.” Darius stopped, hands clasped behind his back, and rocked on his heels, saying, “Is that why you became an agent?”

Gideon stiffened. He wasn’t about to share his personal history with this bastard. It made no difference that he was steadily breaking every preconceived notion he had about lycans—Gideon still didn’t trust him.

“Ah, sore subject, I see. Would it do any good to tell you that I too share your dislike for my kind? My intentions toward Claire are honorable.”

Gideon snorted. “Right. That’s why you flung her screaming over your shoulder and abducted her.”

Darius’s silver eyes narrowed. “I offer her life. What do you offer her? A one-night stand and a silver bullet?” The criticism in his voice cut like a whip.

“Shut the hell up.” The bitter taste of rage flooded his mouth. His finger curled around the trigger, so tempted. “I’m trying to help her.”

“I’m sure you are.” Darius nodded his dark head, but his voice sounded less than convinced. “All you agents have the same solution for the world’s lycan problem. Destroy. Kill. It never crossed your mind that there may be a better way to help Claire?”

Gideon pounded his fist on his chest. “I’m trying to help her find—”

“Yes, but you’re going to kill her if you don’t. Correct?”

Gideon opened his mouth several times, finding himself at a complete loss. In all honesty, he couldn’t answer that question any longer. He had vowed no one would end her life save him, but when it came down to it, could he even do it?

Then it hit him that he didn’t owe an explanation to this lycan. “This is between me and Claire.”

“I don’t think you want her to die,” Darius announced, his look thoughtful. “What if I told you there’s a way to protect her soul and let her live as a lycan?”

Gideon stepped closer, Darius’s words fanning the flame of hope sheltered deep in his heart. Then common sense prevailed and he muttered, “That’s impossible.”

“Such a pessimist.” Darius clicked his tongue, looking disappointed as he headed for the door. “It seems Claire misplaced her faith in you, otherwise you’d at least hear me out. No matter. I’ll find her without you. I promised her my protection, told her I’d come for her today.”