Page 114 of Savage Fate

“Maybe because I’m part demon.”

When a few protests traveled through the crowd, another blast of power shot out of the high demon, and those around me, even Verik, wobbled on their legs.

“Disobey me, and you’ll discover why I was named Wrath.”

A shiver slinked down my spine, and I wiped a dribble of sweat off my forehead. Wrath was a hell of a lot more powerful than he let on. Was he even stronger than his twin?

Maybe that was why Ruin wanted him dead, not simply because he knew too many of his secrets.

Had Ruin feared that his twin would steal his throne?

“My brother is gone, but I’m still here. And unlike Ruin, I don’t give second chances.” His irises darkened to impenetrable holes, and his cheeks hollowed out while his flesh paled. “I won’t hesitate to rip heads off for defying me.”

The trepidation swarming the club didn’t come from humans anymore. The demons shifted uneasily, and most returned their glamours.

Hawk nudged me. “What’s he saying? I’ve never seen Wrath look so scary.”

“He’s letting the demons know he’s in charge and to get in line or he’ll kill them.”

Verik shook his head, murmuring curses in a demon language before pulling his glamour back into place, making him appear human. “You got lucky, wolf,” he snarled, his bravado a little lackluster now. “I would have torn you to pieces.”

“Doubtful.” Wrath suddenly appeared beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “My lovely friend would have destroyed you.”

The color drained from Verik’s face, and his gaze lowered to the ground. “I, uh, didn’t know you were personal friends.”

“Now you do.” His chuckle sounded lighthearted, but there was no mistaking the threat it held. “You’re the lucky one, Verik. Had I not intervened, you would no longer be standing.”

I peered up at Wrath, wondering if he really believed that. Did he think I was still that dangerous without the Infernal Sol?

“Come on, ladies.” Logan showered the terrified girls with his boy-next-door smile. “I’ve got a special treat to compensate for those pricks scaring you.”

Even though they were wary, they fell for Logan’s charm and followed him off the dance floor. Obviously, he’d glamour their memories before letting them leave.

“That was kind of cool.” Hawk held his fist out for Wrath to tap.

The club suddenly spun in a dizzying whirlwind, and I reached for Wrath’s arm as I swayed. I fell backward, and it took forever before I hit something solid…

I was stretchedout on a table, bound and unable to move.

The thumping music, colorful flashing lights, and clubgoers were gone. Instead, gothic candelabras cast light and shadows across slick crimson walls. Even the ceiling was the color of fresh blood. Thick chains twisted around my body.

Panic crashed over me, and I thrashed against the binds until they painfully dug into my flesh. Sweat soaked my clothes as I inhaled frantic breaths. The chains weren’t made of silver, so I should have been able to break them.

My heart slammed into my rib cage. Why couldn’t I break them?

“There’s no need to fight anymore.” A familiar deep tenor echoed moments before a cloaked figure with a stark-white mask appeared above me. “It’ll all be over soon.”

“What do you want from me?”

That sweet, lyrical feminine voice wasn’t mine.

“Why are you doing this?”

The man, Barric, tugged the mask down, revealing the manic smile twisting his mouth. “I want to cleanse the world of impurities.” He brushed the hair from my face, making my skin crawl. “You are just another stepping stone to a better world.”

“Why can’t I shift?” I couldn’t even feel my animal.

The former head alpha pressed his lips together. “That part of you shouldn’t exist.” He rested his hand over his chest, feeling for something.

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