Page 89 of Savage Claim

“I’m fine,” I muttered. “Don’t even think about trying to carry me, Maverick.”

“If you fall on your ass, it’s your own fault then.”

I flipped him off. “Nice to see that you care.”

As we neared the porch with potted flowers and wrought iron furniture, their conversation halted, and Kesa gave us a beaming smile.

“I’m so glad to see you two.” She pulled her son into a hug, looking so tiny and fragile next to him. “I was worried.”

“We’re fine, Mom.” Fane glowered at Wrath. “But I don’t understand how you can be fine with this asshole.”

She sighed and pulled back, her long raven locks flowing down her back. “Wrath and I have already worked out our differences. What’s done is done. We can’t change the past. We can only move forward and make a better future.”

Fane shook his head and stepped away from his mother, his body more rigid than the Greek columns running along the porch. “So much as hurt her feelings, and I’ll skin you alive.”

Wrath smirked as he leaned against the exterior wall. “I’d expect nothing else from you.”

Kesa slipped past Fane and pulled me into a hug. I fought my instinct to push her off and wrapped my arms around her waist, hoping I didn’t get blood all over her pink shirt. “I know things have been tough, but they’ll get better, sweetie.”

I blinked away the sudden onslaught of unshed tears. She reminded me of Nora, Fane’s aunt. They both possessed that motherly touch I’d never had in my life—because Barric killed my mother.

“Thanks,” I whispered and drew away.

Kesa gently ran her fingers over my cheek, hissing when she discovered all the dried blood. “Oh, goodness. What happened?”

“Barric.” The name burst out of Fane’s gritted teeth like a gunshot. “I need some bandages.”

“Of course.” Kesa ushered us inside the grand foyer and pointed to the winding staircase leading to the second level. “I’ll show you to your room so you can get a change of clothes too.”

Fane turned to Wrath. “And what will you be doing?”

The high demon didn’t let Fane’s clear distrust bother him. “I’ll be making something to eat. I heard Tate’s stomach growling from the back seat.”

Heat rushed into my cheeks, and I flipped him off. “You should have had snacks. Everyone brings snacks on a road trip.” At least, that was what I’d heard.

Wrath pressed his hand to his chest. “Please forgive me. Next time, I’ll make sure the car is stocked.”

“There won’t be a next time.” Fane’s upper lip curled back. “And stop flirting with her.”

“So possessive, Maverick.” He tsked. “How has my brother survived your fury because I know he’s ten times worse than me?”

“Ruin’s my friend,” I said and grabbed Fane’s arm before he could lunge at the high demon.

Wrath chuckled. “Fane, you and I both know if you weren’t in the picture, he’d try charming her into his bed.”

Fire blazed up my throat and into my cheeks because Wrath was partially correct. On many occasions, Ruin had made it clear that he’d love to have me in his bed. Hell, we almost slept together when I was a pseudo prisoner in his house.

“Ignore him.” I tugged Fane toward the stairs as his mother waited on the landing. “He’s trying to piss you off.”

“It’s working.”

Kesa led us into a large room with a four-poster bed, a connecting bathroom, and a sitting area in front of a fireplace. As my feet sank into the plush carpet, I hoped like hell I wasn’t getting blood on it. The burnished wood gleamed under the crystal chandelier dangling from the ceiling, and the luxurious gold and cream decor screamed expensive.

I did not belong in a place this nice.

“Thanks, Mom,” Fane said as she handed him a first aid kit.

“Of course.” She motioned to the dresser on the right side of the room and then to a set of French doors. “There are clothes that should fit you both.”

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