Laurent's expression shifted, his eyes dropping wide in clear surprise. It, too, could have been an act, but instinct sat heavy in Damen's gut and he let relief wash through him.

'Reinforcements?' he asked, his voice softer as he cast a glance to the space beyond Laurent's shoulder and found it empty. 'Of what kind?'

His questions were largely overshadowed by the woman struggling against his hold. Her face was still disconcerting even knowing as he did that she was not the real Dutch, not the one he knew and considered a friend. His lips twisted into a snarl then and he moved sharply, grabbing the arm she tried to dislodge and yanking it behind her, not caring for any broken bones or ripped muscles. 'You'll be lucky if he doesn't rip your head from your shoulders,' Damen said.