Page 88 of Savage Claim

“Barric is my father,” I blurted, earning an exasperated groan from Fane. More words spewed out in a rush, explaining everything I’d learned tonight.

This was the first time I’d seen the high demon lord actually shocked, speechless even. He blinked and shook his head as if trying to clear the chaos from his mind. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that.”

Wrath had no reaction, so he obviously knew the truth. Had he known I was Barric’s daughter in Heldrok?

“No wonder he’s in such a tizzy.” Ruin rubbed the faint shadow of stubble beginning to coat his sharp chin. “If everyone finds out he killed his beloved fated mate and he’s in this archaic hate group, he won’t remain head alpha for long.”

“And here we are, having a nice little chat about the whole thing.” Wrath flicked his hand in the direction we were speeding away from. “We need to get a move on before they catch up to us.”

Ruin jerked his thumb to his car. “Get in, guys. I’ll keep you safe.”

His twin scoffed. “Your house is the first place Barric will suspect.”

“Then I’ll take them somewhere else.” Ruin’s jaw tightened, sharpening the hard angles in his face. “They’re not going with you.”

“Barric probably already suspects you’re involved in helping them. You haven’t been shy about your friendship with Tate or Fane,” Wrath pointed out. “If you disappear off the radar for even a few hours, the head alpha will be on your ass.”

Ruin stepped toward his brother. “And you think you’re the right person to help them? I’ll call Logan.” Tension thickened the air as the twins squared off, looking so similar yet so different.

“We don’t have time. I already have a safe house set up.” A roguish smile twisted Wrath’s lips, taunting his twin. “What’s the matter, brother? Don’t you trust me?”

“No.” Ruin cracked his neck. “But I guess I don’t have a choice.”

A low growl slithered between Fane’s teeth. “As if either of you are actually deciding what we’re doing.” He ticked his head toward the back seat of the SUV. “I’ve already decided we’re going with Wrath. He’s right, Ruin. Barric will suspect you, and our best chance of getting out of here is with your brother. I don’t like it any more than you do.”

“It’s settled then.” Wrath slapped the hood. “I’ll take you to the safe house.”

“I want the location. Now.” Ruin’s electric-blue eyes burned into the other high demon, a slew of threats bubbling underneath.

Wrath opened the driver’s side door. “Fane can call you when we arrive and let you know I didn’t toss them into a pit of agrigon demons or something equally horrendous.”

Ruin’s hands clenched into fists like he wanted to break his brother’s bones. Instead, he marched toward me, giving Fane a knowing glance. “Be careful.”

“We will,” I said.

“Don’t trust him,” he whispered.

There was something strange about Wrath, and even though he knew Valeria, his motives were still unclear. He didn’t allow Sorin to torture me in Heldrok, but he didn’t stop Maddie’s murder. He kept Fane and me there for nearly a year before he helped us escape, claiming he had no choice.

“I don’t,” I said. “Not by a long shot.”

After traveling down a winding maze of country roads, Wrath turned into a long drive lined with massive oaks, bare branches ominously stretching out like skeletal arms. A historic white mansion with massive columns holding up the pitched roof, impressive stone steps, and black shutters came into view at the end, gas lanterns lighting up the front porch. As the enormous red door opened, Kesandra stepped out.

Fane’s brows slammed down. “Why is my mother here?”

Wrath gave a lazy shrug. “I thought you’d be happy to see a familiar face.”

“Cut the bullshit, Wrath.”

The high demon sighed and parked the car. “Kesa helped me set this up. When I came to her, she couldn’t say no to helping her baby boy and his girl.”

I released the seat belt, wincing from the stiffness in my muscles. “How long have you been putting together a safe house?”

“A while.” Wrath exited the car and shut the door, cutting off our conversation.

“This feels too easy,” Fane mumbled, his burning gaze on mine as he opened the door. “Too convenient.”

I hopped out of the car, choking back a groan when pain shot through my injured leg. Having felt it across the bond, Fane stepped closer, his nostrils flaring. Blood had soaked through his shirt at my shoulder, too, and dried bits of it flaked off my cheek.

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