Wren and Anne joined him outside of the hotel that night. Dylan handed Wren the small transmission device. "You can hide it anywhere. It's virtually impossible to spot," he told her.

"Are you sure about this?" Anne asked. "What if you get hurt?"

"I've already been hurt," Wren answered.

Her determination scared Dylan. He knew she was completely serious about this. There would be no talking her out of it, and if she had to, she would get Akram to kill her to take him down. I won't let him, Dylan promised. I'll keep her safe.

"Psychic is here. Thomas too."

"Have you told Shadow?" Wren asked. "He should know his brother is working against us."

Dylan shook his head. "I couldn't. He thinks Thomas is his only family. How could I tell him that his brother is helping a madman?"

"How can I help you guys?" Anne interrupted. "How do we stop this?"

"You have to make sure no one realizes I'm gone," Wren told her. "I don't want Mom and Dad to worry."

Anne frowned. "Maybe they should."

"Please, Anne. I'll be back by morning."

"Promise?"

Wren smiled. "You think Akram would do me in?"

Dylan stood to the side, watching the two of them talk. For a moment, he felt like a third wheel. Like he didn't belong. Then Anne turned to him. "You love her, right?"

His gaze flicked to Wren, who stared at him, her head slightly tilted. "Yes."

"Then bring her back alive. Got it?"

"I will." But what if I can't keep this promise? What if I'm not able to save her this time?

Wren didn't give him a chance to think about it anymore, however. She propelled Anne back toward the hotel room and disappeared into the night. Dylan stared at the place where she'd been, fists clenched.

If Akram kills you, then he'd better hope we never meet in person.