Page 53 of King of Inferno

“I’ve got it. You focus on finding those motherfuckers. I’m not done with them. They owe me a pound of flesh and I mean to take it. You feel me?”

“Brother, we all want that, but you’re carrying a lot. I can help since I’m unmated.”

“You say that as if you will be for long,” Ardan says. “She’s coming. I can feel it in my bones. Your mate will be here soon enough.”

Reilly frowns. “I’m not holding my breath. I still haven’t found a thirty-year-old Charlie and I’m fresh out of leads at this point.”

“Remember, Mabruk said she would call you to her when the time is right,” Kendrick says.

“Do you know how frustrating that is to hear?” Reilly snaps.

“I’m sorry, brother. I wish I had more to offer,” Kendrick says.

Reilly sighs. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your fault. Bradan, has Taylor’s memories of the fourth sister become clear at all?”

“I wish I could say they have, but they haven’t. I would have told you if they had. What you see through our link is what I see when I try.”

“That gives me nothing,” Reilly growls in frustration.

“Have a bit of patience, brother,” Ardan says.

Reilly glares at him, but I know Ardan doesn’t take offense. We all feel for our youngest brother. I couldn’t imagine being in his shoes. Especially not now, after getting to know and falling in love with Taylor.

Pushed Too Far

“Again,” Bradan barks at me.

I’m bent over with my palms on my knees, trying to catch my breath. He’s been pushing me so hard. I’m tired and ready to get something to eat. I don’t want to train anymore.

“Don’t you think that’s enough? We’ve been at it for hours today. I’m exhausted, Bray,” I say with a pout.

“Do you think your enemies will care that you’re exhausted? Do you think they will hesitate because you’ve been at it for hours? I said again.”

“I said no. I’m tired. I’m done,” I bite back.

I turn to walk away and grab my towel. For the last three weeks all I’ve done is study and train. For a month, I’ve been learning to use my powers, but Bradan has been adamant about training me to use them in combat. My mind and body are spent.

“Taylor,” he growls behind me.

I keep walking. I’m going to find me a sandwich and a nap. He can suck it.

Before I can get to the exit of the gym, he appears in front of me. I stop in my tracks and glare up at him. Anger begins to stir inside me. It rushes through me so fast I can’t stop the power that surges through me.

I hold my hands out, palms up. Flames appear in both palms. My ears and cheeks feel heated as I stand ready to attack.

“There you go. I knew you had it in you.”

“Get out of my way, Bradan,” I snap.

He tilts his head to the side and studies me. “Or what, little one? Do you think you have it in you?”

He holds his arms out to his side and beckons me with his hands in a come-on motion. Something begins to pulse within me. It’s like my powers begin to thump in my veins.

“Bradan, I can’t,” I say and stumble back, palming my forehead.

He moves for me swiftly and catches me as I go tumbling toward the floor. I’m in his arms as he carries me bridal style from the training room.

“I’m right here, baby. You’re going to be okay. Shit, I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard. I just feel how close you are to crossing to the next level.”

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