Chapter 6 · She Isn't a Witness

"You can't go in there."

Kael's voice came from behind me, low and tight. I didn't turn around. My hand was already on the vault door handle, cold steel against my palm.

"Watch me," I said.

"Lena." Closer now. His breath hit the back of my neck. "Those files aren't public record."

"Good thing I'm not public." I twisted the handle. Locked. Of course it was locked. "You have the code or do I need to find a crowbar?"

He didn't answer right away. I could feel him there, too close, his chest almost against my shoulder blades. The air between us felt thick, like static before a storm.

"What exactly do you think you're going to find?" he asked.

"My mother's case file. The real one. Not whatever sanitized version your pack's lawyers handed the human court."

"And if it's not in there?"

"Then I'll tear apart the next room."