Page 113 of Savage Claim

The teasing hint vanished from Logan’s smile, and it softened. “I know it’s serious. I’m just glad to see you show how much you care about her.”

Fane did care about me. That was obvious. I didn’t expect him to say I love you, but he didn’t even acknowledge it.

“He’s got a new tat too,” I said, trying to ignore the emotional pain sinking in so Fane wouldn’t feel it. “Show them.”

He lifted the t-shirt and pointed out the graceful black swirls that matched mine. “They just appeared.”

Ruin unbuttoned his black blazer and perched on the arm of the leather couch, the morning sun brightening his navy hair. “You two really are something.”

“What else did Wrath say?” Fane glanced out the window, his brows furrowing. “Who cleaned up the backyard?”

Acid pooled in the back of my throat at the memories from last night and all the body parts strewn across the yard.

Logan drew a leather pouch out of his pocket. “Whither dust.” He grinned at my surprised expression. “You think ravens are the only ones who use that stuff?”

“Your family is safe.” Ruin pulled his phone from his pocket and tossed it to Fane. “Here’s a text from Ephraim. Dylan is healing nicely.”

I grabbed the back of the couch to steady myself as agony and disgust swirled in my gut at what they must think of me. Did they regret calling me family?

Fane’s presence materialized behind me, and he showed me the screen on Ruin’s phone. “They asked if you’re okay.” Sensing the turmoil in me, he gently stroked my spine. “You saved Dylan.”

And I did a lot of damage and nearly lost myself in the process.

“That’s kind of why we’re here.” A crooked smile curved the demon lord’s mouth. “We found a spell that should be able to remove the Infernal Sol.”

My head jerked up, too afraid to believe his words. “You’ve tried so many things already. What’s different this time?”

“You are different.” He waved his long, tattooed finger between Fane and me. “After researching in Illyria the last few days, we realized that if you and Fane were to complete the mate bond, the amulet’s hold on you would temporarily weaken.”

Fane tossed Ruin’s phone back to him. “Did you and Wrath plan this? Was claiming her your idea?”

“We just discovered it last night, and I didn’t say anything to Wrath about it.” Ruin shrugged. “We are twins. Maybe we still have that connection.”

“It’s true,” Logan said, pulling a bag of M&Ms from his pocket. “We’ve been pouring over spell books with the help of a few trusted witches in Maleor Suprema.”

“What about Kaspin’s spell?” As Fane flanked my side, his arm brushing mine, sparks of worry crackled over him. “Is there a chance to break it without the witch?”

Logan flicked golden-brown locks from his face and tossed back a few colorful candies. “Who do you think we are? Of course we’ve had some mages working on that for us, too, just in case. It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. According to these witches, Kaspin’s death actually created a tiny loophole in the enchantment.”

“I need to do that as soon as possible.” Fane’s hands trembled as he clenched them into fists. “I can’t risk going into a trance and killing her.”

Ruin nodded. “Then it’s settled. I’ll take Tate to my lab to get the Infernal Sol out while Logan takes you to Illyria to sever that asshole’s spell.”

Fane’s shoulders tightened the same time my stomach sank. “You want us separated so soon after I claimed her? What if she needs me to take her pain?”

“And what if you suddenly snap and kill her while we’re in the middle of the spell?” Ruin asked. “Like you said, you can’t risk it. You need that enchantment removed. You’re no good to her with it.”

I scoffed. “He’s been fine for the most part.”

“No, I haven’t.” Fane dragged his hand down his face and released a shaky breath. “I’ve been fighting the spell more and more.”

Ruin left the couch and approached, laying his hand on Fane’s shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen to Tate. If the spell puts her in too much danger, I’ll call it off.”

Fane’s jaw clenched, and the tattoos twitched on his arms as he mulled over our choices. Anticipating the separation, the bond already had me inching closer. He angled toward me, a flash of uncertainty and pain in his eyes.

He didn’t want to be apart any more than I did. But he was still trying to keep a small, flimsy barrier between us.

“I did hear you, Tate.”

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