Page 10 of Cursed

“Well, Drake Lewellyn decided to ruin me for taking an interest in his daughter.” I shrug, trying to play off the anger that seethes under my skin.

However, Maxum can feel it inside me with his ability anyway.

But that comment breaks Kat’s complete attention with Maxum’s presence. She sucks in a breath. She wheels and looks at me in shock. “What?That’swhat happened?”

I frown and ignore her question, asking Maxum instead, “You still training pups at the Youth Center?”

He had been my combat instructor growing up. He helped guide motivated young, disadvantaged supes. Since my father couldn’t afford high-priced trainers, he found Maxum’s program. He had been a mentor and was a big reason why I was able to keep my sanity during my father’s abuse.

“Nah. Not many are worth my time as of late—or willing to put in the time. So I just privately instruct a chosen few.”

I grunt my understanding. I’ve had a hard time teaching spoiled offspring of elite families. Even the scholarship students aren’t much better. I find most of them unmotivated and easily distracted by human culture.

Crossing my arms and already regretting what I’m about to do, I look at all three members of my ragtag team. “If any of you want out, you better check out now.”

My gaze lingers on Douglas. I already know Kat will be the stubborn fox shifter she is. And Maxum was never one to back away from authority or a battle—for better or for worse. He’s almost died more times than he probably remembers in his long, long life to fight for whatever cause he might take up.

Douglas studies Kat for a weighted moment and says, “I’m in.”

He’s doing it because he’s in love with Kat, but I have no problem with that. He’ll help me keep her safe. Shayla would hate me if I got her friend hurt.

Kat nods her answer.

Maxum cocks a brow. “How are the odds?”

“Shit odds,” I say.

“Perfect.” He grins widely, showing off his sharp teeth and looking downright wicked. “Count me in.”

Then I tell them what I have planned.

“Well, shit on a Slim Jim,” Maxum curses. “I didn’t know it was that screwed up. You know I will have to do some drastic mind-diving so we don’t get sent to the asylum for this, right?”

“I know the risks. Just confessing my plan to you all is a damned risk.” I close my eyes and visualize my beautiful mate, reminding myself why I’m about to go against all my principles, morals, and supernatural laws. “But I need to root out this evil, so my fated can be safe.”

Maxum shakes his head, understanding the pull on my heart. “Your fated, huh?”

“Wait!” Kat gasps, excitedly bouncing around the room like a fox. “Shayla is your fated too?”

Douglas scoffs, “That’s impossible. She can’t have two!”

Maxum charges at his nephew, towering over the young male. “Nothingis impossible. Especially when it comes to mates, so shut your trap. If Quade says she is his fated, then she is.”

“Yes, sir.”

With his acquiescence, the massive demon pulls Douglas into a friendly hug, squishing him to his side. “Now, let’s go fuck up some brains.”

5

HOT SHOWER

SHAYLA

“What are you doing?” a deep, raspy voice asks as I sneak off to the lair’s bathroom.

“I gotta pee,” I huff and keep walking. My steps are a bit wobbly. Apparently, dying can really knock the wind out of your sails.

Who knew?

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