Page 72 of Greer's Change

I’m overreacting.

Novak steps back and Reign takes his place.

My mimic smirks, wrapping his hand in my hair at the base of my skull. “You know, next time you and Seiran go to drop flowers off at your grandmother’s grave…” He chuckles and nips at my lower lip. “If you find yourself being chased by someone you don’t recognize, chances are that’s me. Don’t worry. I’ll transform back once I catch you.” He shoves his tongue into my mouth, and I lose all worries or concerns as he wrecks me in the best way possible. He gives my hair a playful little tug and pecks a final kiss on my lips.

Him chasing me is an intriguing prospect.

If only it was enough to permanently take my mind off the feelings of unease.

“Not every hobby is for every person.” Seiran wrestles the absolutelyhorribleattempt I made at crocheting from my hands. “Knitting is harder than crocheting, at least in my opinion. If you lose one stitch, you’re kind of screwed. So, I’m going to recommend we practice with the crochet hooks again…some other time.”

I snort. “I’m unteachable.”

His long hair brushes my arm as his head shakes. “You’re beautiful. And a little antsy. We can try again another time.” He pecks a kiss on my cheek. “I’ve always wanted to try pottery making. Or painting. I bet you could rock some watercolors.”

“I used to love yoga and going to the gym,” I say, trying to remember what else I did in Haven to pass the time. “I loved hiking in the mountains around Haven. Honestly, I barely used my car. Everything within town was like it is here, within walking distance.”

“Are you feeling claustrophobic?” Seiran asks. “It won’t be like this forever.”

I nod, but it’ll last until Cole is no longer a threat.

“I’m going to run and make myself a drink. Can I bring you anything?” Seiran asks, shoving himself off the couch.

Alcohol might be nice, but it would require consuming a lot for it to even touch my system.

“No, I’m good.”

He winks and heads off toward the kitchen. I watch his powerful wings flex as he strides off. My back falls against the cushion as I huff.

This is boring. Maybe Seiran and I should have gone with Reign to the club. At least it would have given me that false sense of safety that being in the busy club always seems to provide.

My fingers dance over the roll that Seiran keeps his knitting needles and crochet hooks in. It’s nice, but some of these things are massive. I pull out one of the larger knitting needles and examine it. If I’m not mistaken, it’s wood.

He probably keeps them at the ready to take Novak out. I snort, recalling the way he tossed that one at Hazel. I really lucked out with sexy mates. They’re protective and capable.

My body tenses as a bloodcurdling scream comes from somewhere outside. I jump up, keeping hold of the knitting needle.

“What the hell was that?” I call to Seiran.

“No idea, but it came from the backyard. Stay in here. I’ll check,” he says.

The front door is only a few feet away, and it explodes inward. Shards of wood go flying as the door falls against the floor with a thump.

“Greer,” Cole says, smirking when he spots me. He has Isabella held against his chest with his claws digging into her skin right above her heart. Okay, I kind of hate her for hooking up with my boyfriend when I didn’t even know we were broken up, but I also realize that was on Cole. He probably compelled her or something. “Come here.” His words are laced with so much compulsion, it almost forces me forward, and I rock on my bare feet. “You don’t want to be responsible for the loss of another life. Do you, honey?”

My body revolts at the thought of being anywhere near him. I flatten my hand to my dress, concealing the knitting needle. Someone really should have taught me basic self-defense.

It doesn’t matter. I have capable mates. All I need to do is keep him talking until Seiran gets back. “Why did you turn me?”

“It wasn’t by choice.” He scoffs. “But I learned my lesson. No more fae for me for a while. Your blood was too much of a temptation. I couldn’t force myself to stop. Only, you have family and friends who would have immediately known you were missing. Another mistake I made with you that I won’t make again.” He digs his claws into Isabella’s skin, pushing her dress down until her nipple almost pops out. “See, I had no choice but to give you my blood to save you. Only, I can still feel you…buzzingunder my skin. It’s driving me insane. Severing our connection was supposed to work.” His pupils dilate. He’s trying to use a combination of his voice and the eye connection to double the effect of his compulsion. “Come to me or she dies.”

I stagger forward, shaking my head.

Isabella sobs and tears run down her cheeks, but she doesn’t say a word. Based on how tight her muscles are, it looks like she’s terrified.

And I’ve been there.

Cole is vile. He’s a true monster, and thinking about those newly turned vampires Seiran and Novak killed, it makes me even more furious. He uses women to do his dirty work… He’s even using Isabella as a human shield.

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