I leaned forward and drew in a deep breath. “Did you make the same offer to Skye before shoving her into a van?”

“Do you think I would make such an offer to a cougar? They’re the opening act for the big show. I could have taken you forcibly if I wanted.”

“No, instead you took my cat.” Anger fueled my veins, but I kept my voice calm.

“Yes. Precious little thing. Come willingly and fight for me, and I will treat you like a queen. I’ve seen you dance, Naya. You’re quite the specimen.”

The way he talked reminded me of the stories I’d heard about the way immortals spoke of their Shifter slaves. And here he was, just a human.

“Will you exchange Skye for me?”

“No.”

“And why not?”

He sighed. “Don’t waste my time with questions.”

“Then let me speak with her,” I said coolly. “If I can talk to her and know she’s all right, then I’ll agree and come willingly. I’ll fight for you under the terms of your offer. Treat me well, Delgado, for I am a queen. A happy panther is a loyal panther.”

It sounded as if he were sucking on his teeth. “If you need evidence that your friend is still alive, then I can agree to that. And once you speak with her, you’ll come willingly?”

“Yes,” I breathed. “She’s a good friend who has a little girl to take care of. Perhaps we can work out another arrangement once I’m your guest.”

“Then it’s a deal. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a few hours. I need to take care of a few things before I’m able to get to her location. Keep this phone on, and I’ll call you back this evening.”

“Very well.”

I hung up in a panic. I had absolutely no intention of going with this man, but if anyone could trace a call, it would be Reno. He had knowledge of modern technology, not to mention connections with some of the savviest men in the Breed world. I called his cell and asked him to hurry down to my room. I didn’t want to raise suspicion by looking for him myself.

“What’s going on?” he said, cracking the door and poking his head in.

“Come inside and shut the door,” I said in a low voice.

His eyes were alert and brimming with concern. Reno locked it behind him and took a few steps in my direction. “Why did you ask me to bring this?” He held up his laptop.

“I need you to trace a call.”

***

“If the human police can do it, we can do it better,” Reno said before taking Delgado’s number and doing his thing.

His primary concern was if Delgado switched phones. He knew how to trace his call history, but we needed him to be with Skye in order to rescue her. Worst-case scenario—I’d go willingly with Delgado. Reno said we’d cross that bridge and set it on fire once we got the call, but it was too early for him to come up with a strategy. Delgado didn’t know who the hell he was dealing with. I could be just as manipulative, only in a more subtle way.