Page 24 of Rage of the Fallen

Justice tensed, his grip on my arm tightening. I felt the conflicting desires radiating from him, the need to protect me warring with the knowledge that Damon was better equipped to handle this kind of confrontation.

Damon’s eyes never left Rage, but his stance was loose, almost casual. A predator ready to strike at a moment’s notice. “How about we skip the fashion commentary and get to the partwhere you tell us what you want? Unless you’re here to show off your new threads, in which case, sorry pal, but the whole ‘blood-spattered psycho’ look is so last apocalypse.”

I couldn’t help but feel pride and fear watching my brother. His ability to face down danger with a smirk and a quip was both impressive and terrifying.

Rage’s grin widened, his black eyes gleaming with malice. “Oh, Damon,” he purred. “Always so quick with the jokes. I do hope you’re still laughing when I’m done here.”

Brody moved to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Damon, presenting a united front. “That’s enough. Whatever game you’re playing ends now, Rage. We’re not here for your amusement or your threats.”

I couldn’t see around the wall of muscle in front of me, but I turned, scanning the area behind us for Maci or any other demons.

Lisa held onto the phoenix, and Zara stayed close to her. They were whispering to each other, and I suspected they planned to conjure some kind of protective spell.

Or maybe that’s what I hoped they were doing.

Rage walked around them, but Brody and Damon weren’t letting him through.

“I don’t know what your endgame is,” Brody snapped. “But I can guarantee it’s not worth the lives you’re putting at risk. If you’re here to talk, then talk. If not, leave. Either way, we’re not intimidated by your theatrics.” He tilted his head. “Everyone, stay alert. We don’t know what he’s capable of, but we’re stronger together. Lisa and Zara, protect the phoenix. Sawyer, Justice, be ready to move if things go south.”

“Ah, but it’s going to go south before you know it,” Rage taunted. In a blur of motion, he skidded around Damon and came at Justice and me.

Justice immediately planted himself in front of me, his body tense. “Stay away from her,” he growled.

Rage’s laughter sent icy tendrils of fear crawling down my spine, rooting me to the spot. His cruel words sliced the air like a knife.

“She’s not the one I wanted.”

Justice’s piercing glare faltered for a heartbeat, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his usually stoic face. “What?” he uttered.

Before I could process what was happening, Rage lunged with terrifying, inhuman speed. My breath caught in my throat as his hands shot out, gripping Justice’s face. “Now, you’re my slave,” Rage hissed, his words dripping with a dark satisfaction that made my stomach churn.

I watched in abject horror as Justice’s eyes widened in panic, then slowly glazed over, losing their spark. My heart thundered, threatening to burst through my ribcage as the sickening realization dawned on me. Rage’s true target had been in front of me all along, and I had been powerless to stop it.

“Release him!” I screamed, my voice raw with fury. I raised my fist, ready to smash it into Rage’s smug face, consequences be damned.

Blinded by rage and fear, I charged at Rage but suddenly felt strong arms wrap around me as Damon yanked me away from danger.

His fingers dug into my arms, his grip betraying his own fear and determination. “No. You can’t help him, sis,” he rasped.

A primal scream of frustration tore from my throat as I twisted my arm, fighting against my brother’s restraint. I stomped on his foot, driven by a desperate need to save Justice. “Yes, I can!” I snarled, tears of anger and helplessness stinging my eyes. “Let go of me!”

Damon grunted, his grip on me tightening like a vise. “Will you listen to me for once in your friggin’ life?” he growled, hisvoice a perfect mix of frustration and concern, just like Dean Winchester’s. “I swear, you’ve got a death wish, sis.”

Rage released Justice and tilted his head back and forth slightly, inspecting his new “masterpiece” with pride. The sight made my stomach lurch.

“Justice, Justice, fight it!” I pleaded, my voice cracking. Tears slid down my cheeks, leaving hot trails on my skin.

Rage offered a thin, cruel smile that sent shivers down my spine. “Now, kill them,” he commanded.

Justice clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white with the effort. “No,” he managed to grind out, defiance flashing in his eyes.

Rage flicked his hand dismissively, confidence oozing from every pore. “You can’t fight me, boy. You’re mine.”

Justice dragged his feet, slowly turning to face me. His movements were jerky, like a puppet on strings fighting an invisible force.

My body trembled as I faced him, my brother still hanging onto my arm with an iron grip.

“I don’t like this one bit,” Damon muttered. “This is some serious mojo we’re dealing with here.”

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