Chapter 42 · Two Marks, One Lock

"Choose, Ayla. Your brother's legal identity, or Kade Rook's life. You don't get both." Director Voss held the authorization chip between two fingers and pressed a blade against Kade's throat.

Kade stood on his knees in the middle of the safehouse, wrists locked behind him by a black metal restraint. Blood ran from the corner of his mouth. His gray eyes stayed on Ayla, sharp and furious, even with the company guards aiming pulse rifles at his back.

Ayla stared at the chip.

Her brother's name glowed across it.

Milo Vane. Legal citizen reinstatement. Debt cleared. Family status restored.

One touch, and Milo could walk through a city gate without being hunted.

One wrong move, and Kade's throat opened.

"Take the knife off him," Ayla said.

Voss smiled. "You still think you're negotiating?"

"No. I'm giving you a chance to keep your hand."

The guard behind Kade shoved his shoulder down. Kade caught himself on one palm, then twisted hard enough to slam the guard's knee into the floor.

The pulse rifles clicked louder.

"Kade," Ayla snapped.

"What?" He looked over his shoulder. "You wanted him to keep his hand?"

"I wanted you alive long enough to be annoying.