Page 37 of Hell Storm

Don’t stop for anything.

So, I didn’t.

My feet thudded against the ground, and although I still didn’t have a visual on the assailant, I knew they were still out there, likely watching me scramble to get away. I peered back over my shoulder and the scene that met my gaze was that of Levi’s lifeless body slumped to the ground. The headlight of my toppled bike illuminated his frame. It took a moment to turn away, took a moment to face forward as to avoid a face-to-face with a tree. But it was then, as my gaze lingered on him longer than it should have, that I realized the powerful effects of the Claiming. My heart, my soul, urged me to turn back for him, but knowing this was a chance I might not get again, I kept moving.

Panting, I searched our surroundings and terror nearly had me frozen in place. There was no sign of whoever had done this, nor any indication as to what their next move would be.

A sharp prick to the side of my neck cleared things up a bit. And as the feeling in my limbs failed me all at once, I submitted to the darkness just like Levi, and was suddenly only certain of one thing.

We were in deep trouble.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Julian

My father hadn’t spoken to me in days. Not since the press conference fiasco. However, as soon as news reached the main estate tonight, concerning Corina’s escape, he stormed right over with William in tow.

His purpose?

To rip me a new one.

He called me every name in the book but his son. I was an idiot for trusting a menacing human. I was incompetent for no longer having security posted outside her door. I was a moron for somehow not knowing this was coming.

When he couldn’t come up with any other insults to hurl atme, he turned his wrath on my mother in her absence. He seemed to think that if her interests hadn’t suddenly been on her philanthropic endeavors, she could have been available to keep me in line. I’d never heard him speak of her in this way, implying she was selfish for focusing on something other than our family, his reign. Evidently, this haze of fury prompted him to blameherin part for the latest disasters.

If only he knew the truth—that these were my true feelings, actions that lined up with what my heart seemed to want most right now. Yes, it was Silas’ gift that brought this truth front and center, but it was no illusion. I cared for Corina. Even now, with her gone, I was moreconcernedfor her than I wasangrywith how she left.

My father came and went like a treacherous storm, passing over in the night. It was only Silas and I left now. With the decision to leave the sentinels out of the search for Corina for obvious reasons, we had our hands full. We pooled the cash we had on hand and assigned Elle the task of paying off the guards on duty, swearing them to secrecy if anyone should ask what occurred here this evening. She was unusually quiet considering all that had gone on, but seemed to pipe up when we dismissed her to distribute the money.

A large check had been cut for Mr. Winthrop, the guard who’d been set on fire during the escape. Unfortunately for him, burns were the only wounds from which our people were unable to heal. It was no small miracle he agreed to be discreet about what he’d seen, what he’d been through. He’d been a loyal member of our staff for many years and that loyalty was apparent when he cooperated so easily.

So now, Silas and I were left with the not-so-simple task of locating Corina.

“First Roman, now Corina,” Silas breathed. He’d been pacing since my father departed.

“Still no word from Levi either?”

“I’ve been so focused on ourotherproblems, I hadn’t even thought to check my phone. However, there’s a race tonight, so that’s the likeliest place he’d be,” Silas answered as he exited the study.

While I waited, I went over the few facts Ididhave. The car I loaned Levi so he didn’t feel cooped up during his stay was no longer parked out front. So, it seemed that he, too, had mysteriously taken off tonight. To make matters worse, each call I placed to him went unanswered.

Silas returned and it was difficult to read his expression. His eyes were trained on the phone screen, but he hadn’t said a word yet.

“What is it?” The suspense was killing me.

He propped his shoulder against the doorframe. “There’s a message. He … left to follow her.”

Unfortunately, Silas’ explanation only confused me more.

“As in, he knew she was going to escape?”

Silas shrugged. “Based on what his message says, he suspected she was up to something and planted a tracker in a necklace he gave her. And then, once she made it off the property, he went after her.”

“Then there’s a chance they’re together now.” I tried to hide the relief in my tone, but Silas hadn’t likely missed it.

“There is,” he replied, “But there’s also the small issue of him not answering his phone.”

Silas hadn’t said as much, but I knew he meant to imply that not being able to get in touch with our brother couldalsomean he found trouble. The truth remained we didn’t know where Corina had led him. Which meant we couldn’t assume he was safe until we heard the words straight from his mouth.

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