Page 77 of Savage Fate

“Could you two stop glaring?” I moved in front of Fane and nudged him to break his eye contact with Saint.

A few more seconds, and they would have started using their alpha power to fight for dominance.

“I wasn’t glaring,”Fane said into my mind.

“You were just trying to kill him with your mind.”

Ryland moved from his spot and closed the distance between us first. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Fane.” He held his hand out for the demon shifter to shake.

“You as well.” Fane took his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you from my uncle Ephraim. He says you’re one of the good ones.”

His smile broadened. “Well, I’m honored to have such praise from Ephraim. He usually tells me I’m annoying.”

Fane finally cracked a smile that wasn’t full of danger. “He asked me not to let on how much he likes you, so maybe we could keep this between us.”

“Of course.” Ryland dropped his hand. “But now that I know, I can freely irritate your uncle next time he visits without worrying that I’m offending him.”

Avery popped his knuckles and then stretched his fingers. “Ephraim’s cool. I’d rather a visit from him than Camus.” The beta shrugged when Saint gave him a look. “What? Camus can be kind of dull.”

“Dull is better than how he used to be.” Ryland glanced at Fane, and I had a feeling he knew some of the things Camus and Fane’s father had done to him when he was a kid. “Trust me. You didn’t want to know him back then.”

I still hadn’t confronted Camus about that. Fane would be pissed if I did, but he deserved an apology from the alpha.

“I’m glad you finally made it,” Saint said, taking another step toward us, his pack members stiffening even more. “Tate was getting restless without you.”

The last two times Fane and Saint were in the same vicinity, they nearly fought.

“I know the feeling.” Fane’s fists clenched and unclenched. “Thank you for taking care of her.” The words hissed between his teeth as if he had to force them out.

Saint nodded and reached his hand out. “You’re welcome.”

Several long, heavy seconds passed until Fane finally grabbed it. The veins and tendons in their hands protruded as they squeezed the shit out of each other.

“The Collective Hunt needs to be demolished,” Fane said. “They can’t come this close to Mohan Wilds and Blackwater Falls and get away with it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Saint finally broke out of Fane’s death grip. “I’m not sure what’s a bigger threat, The Collective or the Nosterium.”

Fane nodded. “At least we know who and what The Collective is. This other group may or may not even be demons.”

My lips thinned as I thought of the many visions I’d had. I was the only person with a link to these creatures, even as small as it was. Why was I getting these damn visions if I couldn’t save anyone or get any valuable information?

“We should be going,” Fane said, interrupting my thoughts. “Thanks for helping Tate and Hailey.”

“Why don’t you stay the night?” Ryland offered. “I’m sure you’re tired from the long drive. And Tate would do well with more rest in a comfortable bed instead of a car.”

Fane shook his head. “I think it’s best if we just?—”

“Stay, please,” he insisted, his gaze flickering toward his son. “Just one night. For Tate’s sake.”

Fane studied Ryland for a few moments, and I swear the two shared some kind of silent message. “Sure. I guess one night would be okay.”

Cloakedfigures chased me through the snow-covered forest, sinister laughter ringing out as I raced between trees. Sweat coated my flesh, and blond strands of hair whipped in front of my face. With each frantic step, my boots sank into the snow, slowing me down.

The fear coiled around my throat, choking me until black speckled my vision.

I was suddenly falling through the darkness.

When my vision cleared, the woods had vanished, and a dimly lit bedroom formed around me. Shouts erupted down the hall. I sat up in my bed and clutched the covers to my tiny body.

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