Page 13 of Savage Hunt

Unlike Carina, danger pulsated off Sorin, pouring ice through my veins. Because of him, I’d already gotten into a fight and had to practically steal my dinner. I could only imagine how much worse it could get. He clearly had more privileges than the usual inmate since he and his friends had their own rec room.

Of course, I was stubborn and not about to show weakness. If I bent to this, he’d make me bend further until he broke me. Might as well go out fighting.

“I’m good. I’m more of a loner anyway.” I casually sipped my water, hoping he couldn’t detect the tremors in my hand.

His lips tilted into a crooked smile, pulling my attention to the scar slicing them. “I’ll have a guard bring you to my cell tonight to get acquainted. You’ll change your mind.”

The way he said acquainted had my gag reflexes engaging.

“No thanks.” I didn’t break eye contact, but I felt every inmate’s gaze as the atmosphere in the cafeteria thickened.

“I don’t think you understand, Tatum. This isn’t an option. If I want you in my cell, you’ll be there.” When he spared Maddie a glance, her cheeks turned a sickly shade of green. “Isn’t that right, Mads?”

Her fingers curled around the edges of her tray as if she wanted to hurl it at him. “I hope you choke on a soul one of these days, maybe mine.”

His chuckle made my skin crawl. “Aw, Mads, your soul isn’t that great.” His stare traveled down her body, partially hidden by the table. “You’re all right in the sack—for a raven.”

Anger built in my chest as I read between the lines. This prick demon didn’t take no for an answer, and he used his size and power to abuse others, including Maddie. I didn’t know her, and I shouldn’t care, but experiencing that powerlessness myself made me too tuned in to her feelings.

“I’d rather spend the night being tortured.” I chewed on the piece of meat masquerading as food. Hell, I hoped this wasn’t human flesh. “Run along and find some other inmate to fuck with.”

Maddie let out an audible gasp, and Sorin’s eyes darkened, flashing with rage. His muscles twitched as he held onto his control.

He’d attempt to suck out my soul if he didn't have a dampening sigil. Then again, he did have special privileges. Maybe he found a way around the pesky magic.

“You just made a mistake, shifter.” Harsh lines cut into his already cruel face. “Your time in Heldrok just got a lot worse.”

“I’m shaking in my boots.” I dropped the mystery meat and sighed. “I’ve fought bigger and stronger. I lived while they’re all six feet under. Do yourself a favor and walk away.”

What in the ever-loving hell was wrong with me? I didn’t want to become this monster’s plaything, but I shouldn’t egg him on either. Was the Infernal Sol affecting me more than I thought, or had the days of constant torture addled my brain?

His low, chilling laugh spread frost over my spine. “We’ll see how far that mouth gets you, wolf.” His finger stroked the back of my hand, and then he marched away, flashing a smirk over his shoulder.

I’d definitely just made a dangerous enemy.

“This is bad, Tate.” Maddie swallowed hard and took a sip of water, her hand trembling. “Sorin is not the type to give up. He’ll hound you and fuck with your existence so badly that you beg him to stop. He’ll make the regular torture rooms look like heaven.”

“I’m being tortured by a demon princess and her favorite henchman. I doubt Sorin is worse than them.” Still, knots fisted in my chest as trepidation swirled through my bloodstream. This moment would come back to bite me in the ass, but I wouldn’t be thrown into his cell without a fight.

Maddie’s head jerked back. “Why is a royal demon torturing you?”

I shrugged. “It’s a long story involving killing her sister and their friend.”

“Was that before or after you became a shifter?”

“Both.”

She studied me for a long time until her jaw dropped. “Holy shit. Were you a raven?”

“Keep your voice down!” The prisoners already hated me because I went against Sorin. They'd eat me alive if they knew I was a former raven.

Maddie leaned forward, her gaze darting around the room to ensure no one was paying attention. “Where did you work as a raven?”

A pang thrashed through my heart whenever I thought of my time as a supernatural hunter. “Savannah, Georgia.”

Her fork clattered to her tray. “You’ve got to be shitting me. Me too!”

“Really?” What were the odds of us meeting in Heldrok, of all places? “When?” She must have left before I came, or I simply didn’t remember her.

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