Page 87 of Savage Fate

Ithadto work.

After last night, Fane was even more reluctant to be near me. He’d probably mandate supervised visits soon.

“You should have told me, Maverick. In case you forgot, we’re mates now, and we’re supposed to be in this together.” Instead of coming out angry, pain infiltrated my words. “I should be there for you.”

He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “It’s safer if you stay in Blackwater Falls.”

“Witches are going to attempt to break a powerful spell around you. Don’t you think I’ll feel it through the bond? And being separated will make it worse.”

“If I’m far away in another realm, you shouldn’t feel the effects as much.”

“Shouldn’t?” A manic laugh burst from my mouth. “We’re talking about you and me. When has our link ever played by the rules, Maverick?”

Lines developed across Fane’s forehead and his shoulders drooped as he seemed to suddenly doubt his theory. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll try to block you so?—”

I slapped the back of his seat. “You don’t get it! Instead of thinking you need to do everything alone, use your brain and remember that I exist.”

His jaw dropped, and he spoke—more like shouted—into my mind.“You’re all I think about, Tate! I’m doing this for you.”

“You should have done itwithme.”

Before he could say anything else, I willed my consciousness back to my body and returned to my room at Blackwater Falls. Rage and adrenaline pumped through my bloodstream, and I yanked the covers off, scrambling out of the bed.

Clearly, Fane forgot how stubborn I could be. I didn’t need his permission to travel to the witch realm. I just needed a car.

After getting dressed, I crept downstairs in search of the garage. The sun was barely up, so most of the house was asleep. Thankfully. I didn’t want to run into anyone, especially since I was about to steal a car.

Borrowa car. I’d return it.

At least thirty minutes passed before I finally stumbled on the colossal garage and found twelve cars, all mine for thetaking. And as luck would have it, a cabinet on the left held the keys, so I didn’t need to waste time hot-wiring a ride.

I ran my finger along the rows of keys. I didn’t have my license, but I’d driven plenty of times before.

“I’m sure Saint would let you borrow a car if you asked.”

I jumped and spun around as Enid lingered in front of the door. “I, uh, was just looking…”

Her lips curved into a smile. “Oh, honey, I’m a mom. You can’t lie to me.” She descended the steps and meandered toward the cabinet. “Are you experienced in driving on mountain roads with wintery conditions?”

I shoved my hands into my jean pockets and shrugged. “Define experienced?” Was there any point in lying to her if she could apparently spot it a mile away?

“I’ll take that as a no.” She tapped her chin as she studied me. “Saint wouldn’t be happy if I let you drive out of here only to end up going off the mountainside. Again.”

My shoulders slumped as my chances to follow Fane to Illyria dwindled. “What about a ride to Mohan Wilds?” If I got a car there, I could still make it to Fane before the witches started the spell.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

Enid closed the cabinet and leaned against it, attempting to hide a smirk. “Saint would probably take you anywhere you wanted to go. All you’d have to do is ask.”

I propped my hands on my hips. “I know what you’re doing.”

She gave an innocent shrug. “You seem like you want to go somewhere, so I’m helping.”

“As lovely as your son is, spending time with him won’t make me change my mind and break my bond with Fane.”

“Then what’s the harm in spending time with Saint if it won’t change how you feel?” She ticked her head toward the door,blond curls bouncing across her cheek. “You can find him in the music room. I can take you there if you’d like.”

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