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Nikolas didn’t say he wished Julian was there with him, too. He didn’t want his brother to feel any more conflicted than he already did. It wasn’t often the two of them were separated. Julian was younger by twelve years, but being over five hundred years old, that small gap stopped mattering a long time ago.
    “And you can, anytime, night or day. Please, Nik, don’t worry about the time difference. If you need me, I’m here for you. Promise me, Brother.”
    “I promise.” Nik just hoped he could find Sophia quickly and help her find her parents.
    “Okay. The encryption is running. Even if you turn your computer off, it will automatically run when you boot back up. I’m going to try to locate some Goyles in Cairo and vet them for you. You never know who’s loyal to whom. We don’t need you running into a Clan that is in Alistair’s back pocket.”
    “Thank you. That will allow me more time to hunt for my mate. Please give Gregor my love and keep me posted on Tessa. You, dear brother, go get some rest. I will talk to you soon.”
    “Be well, Nikolas. I love you.”
    “And I love you.” Nikolas disconnected before his emotions got the better of him. He and Julian joked with each other all the time, but their bond was as strong as any in the Clan. Before he started his search for his mate, he sent up a prayer to the gods for Tessa and Gregor.
    “Okay, my little bunny, where are you?”
     
     
     

Chapter Four
     
    Sophia spent half the night researching Egyptian hieroglyphics. Singularly, the glyphs on the disk made sense. Grouped together, they were nothing more than a mishmash of symbols. When jet lag finally won out, she had put away her computer and lain down to sleep. As the early morning sun shone through her second-floor window, Sophia stretched and planned her day. Since she already had the disk, she argued with herself about going back to the zoo. If there was to be another clue, would they not give it to her since they didn’t see her actually grab the disk? Or was that the only clue she was supposed to get? Too many decisions and not enough coffee. She didn’t want to bother becoming Beatrice, yet she really needed breakfast.
    The bedside clock told her it was already eleven a.m. Her internal clock was still adjusting to the time difference. Taking a risk that no one else would be roaming the halls, she dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt before making her way downstairs. She heard voices as she reached the kitchen door. Sophia paused and listened. When she only heard the cooks speaking about the lunch menu, she continued. Sophia knocked on the doorframe. “Good morning. Could I get some coffee, please?”
    The two women smiled back, and one asked, “Would you like a cup or a carafe?”
    “A carafe would be wonderful. Thank you. I know it’s late, but is there anything left over from breakfast? A muffin would do if you have one.”
    The kitchen was large, decked out with new appliances that would rival most restaurants. A tray loaded with coffee, creamer, sweeteners and an assortment of pastries was presented to Sophia. She took it, thanking the woman. When she turned to go back to her room, footsteps sounded in the hallway. Sophia waited until the person either passed by or came into the doorway in order to avoid dumping the items off her tray. She was greeted with the sight of a grumpy Fred. Sophia smiled and said, “Good morning, Fred.”
    He furrowed his brows and responded, “Good morning, Miss.” He took in the carafe on her tray and asked the women in the room, “May I have a pot of coffee, too?”
    Sophia remembered she wasn’t Beatrice. She didn’t make any further small talk. Hopefully, Fred wouldn’t think any more about her. This spy shit was harder than she thought it would be. She had to remember not to be quite so friendly in the future . Back in her room, she poured a cup of coffee and sat down in the oversized chair that faced the window. She wanted to go out on the