Page 71 of Savage Hunt

“They filled me in,” she said. “Fane is strong. He’ll come out of it.”

I tossed the towel over the wall and quickly shoved on the underwear and bra. “Kaspin is a powerful witch, though. I’m worried about Fane.”

“You’ll be able to bring him back to normal.”

After pulling on the leggings, I peeked over the wall. “Why are you so sure I can do that?”

His mother gave a knowing smile. “My son has had a very lonely life, and he never thought he was worth much to anyone beyond what he could do for them. But when I saw how he was with you at Ruin’s—even for those short moments—I knew he wouldn’t be doomed to wander the realms alone. He found someone.”

Invisible claws ripped my chest open, and I bit my tongue to keep from crying. Fuck. I wasn’t emotional, but having Fane yanked away and turned into my enemy again had thrown me into chaos.

“I don’t deserve him,” I whispered, pulling the shirt on and stepping out from behind the wall.

Kesandra stood and closed the distance between us, cupping my cheek. “You thinking you don’t deserve him just makes me more certain that you do, no matter how you two met.”

A knock rapped on the door, and Ruin peeked in. “Everything okay?”

“Certainly.” Kesandra gave me a kind smile and stepped away. “I’m going to make sure Logan isn’t causing trouble out there.”

Ruin snorted. “He’s annoying Nik.”

She shook her head. “You guys are like children. I’ll have to put him in time out.”

The demon lord chuckled under his breath as Kesandra left. “Nik and Logan will keep watch first so we can get some sleep.”

“Thanks.” I looked at the bed, exhausted but afraid to close my eyes. The nightmares would come.

He strolled in and slipped a small vial out of his pocket. “Any chance I could get a sample?” He winced. “I know this isn’t the best time.”

“It’s fine.” I’d revealed his master plan to Venna, and his brother—who may or may not be evil—probably knew too. It was the least I could do.

Ruin stepped closer. “I’ll be gentle.” His fingers dove into my hair as he tilted my head back, his opened mouth descending on mine.

My soul vibrated and dislodged from my core, but it wasn’t a painful tearing like when Sorin or any other demon tried to suck me dry. I willingly let Ruin take some, and the demon lord clearly knew how to sip on a soul.

Heat slinked through my veins, and a soft moan slipped out. He was very good at it, indeed. Ruin knew how to make it pleasurable, and if I wasn’t so wrapped up in Fane, I might have enjoyed it more. But the moment his lips brushed over mine, I drew away, cutting off the flow of my soul.

Ruin didn’t seem disappointed as he blew the white, misty cloud into the glass vial, corking it. “Thank you, Tate. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”

“Of course. You came to Heldrok to break us out.” I put more space between us. “I owe you.”

His attention flickered toward the bed. “Want some company?”

Fane, the one who didn’t long to slaughter me, would knock the demon lord out for even suggesting that.

“I’m okay,” I said, grabbing the towel off the wall divider and heading back into the bathroom to hang it on the hook. “Thanks, though.”

His smile lost the sultry edge, and a softer one prevailed. “I guess I lost any chance with you.”

He never really had one. “Fane and I are just…” I chewed on my bottom lip, still unable to explain all that entailed Fane and I. “Complicated.”

Ruin shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “When it’s more than sex, it’s always complicated.”

“I think it’s a little more so with us.”

“Maybe.” Ruin sauntered toward the door but peered over his shoulder. “I’ll be in the next room, so if you change your mind, just call my name. I’ll gladly be your distraction for the night.” He winked and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him.

I groaned and collapsed on the bed over the covers, the stale scent of the fabric swirling up my nose. Not that long ago, I was initiated as a raven and prepared to risk my life protecting humans from nightworlders.

---