Page 123 of Savage Fate

Thirty-Six

I grabbedthe sides of my head as the Infernal Sol’s voice grew louder, inundating my mind and senses.

Come reclaim this dark power as your own. Bathe in it and soak in the wickedness that suits you so well. You were made for this. You were made for me.

The temptation burned within my veins, and I scrambled up, swaying. “I need it.Now.” I stumbled into Fane and gripped his shirt. “The amulet calls to me. It wants me back. It should bemine.”

Fane clutched my arms. “It’s a trick, Tate. Fight it.”

“I’m tired of fighting it.” I shoved him off. “I want what’s mine.” I pivoted and sprinted for the door only to have strong arms wrap around my waist just as my hand reached for the knob.

“It’s a trap, Tate.” The demon shifter dragged me back to the center of the shed. “The amulet is luring you right to Barric. Again.”

“Fuck Barric,” I snarled, thrashing in Fane’s hold. “I’ll kill him and then take what’s mine. Simple as that.”

He dropped me to my feet but remained close so he could easily snatch me again. “Nothing is simple about going afterhim, especially while he has that amulet and devout Collective members surround him.”

Saint moved toward me, his palms lifted in surrender. “Fane’s right, Tate.” He jerked his chin toward the unconscious Reese. “This is exactly what Barric wants. That’s why he had Reese stab you.”

“That knife obviously did something to reignite this obsession with the Infernal Sol.” Fane’s nostrils flared. “And I’m not letting you fall into his trap.”

A manic laugh burst out of my mouth, and I rested my hand over the sun tattoo, which had stopped burning beneath the torn fabric of my shirt.

“Reignite? This obsession has always been there, chipping away at my resolve, eating me from the inside out.” I was so tired of fighting it. In fact, I was done. “I’m going to get it, and if you get in my way, Maverick, Iwillremove you.”

His smirk made it obvious he didn’t take me seriously. “Oh, are you going to fight me, fiera mika?”

Cold, sharp fury coiled around me, and my vision became hyper-focused on the thing standing in my way.

Fane Maverick.

Talons pushed through my fingers as my teeth sharpened. My pupils elongated to match his. My demon side I inherited from him fully emerged.

“Try to stop me, then.” I spun and bolted for the door.

Fane moved too fast and appeared in front of the exit to block me. I cursed and crashed into him, rattling the door’s hinges.

“Get out of my way.” I darted to the left and kicked over a bag of potting soil as he tried to catch me.

Fane cursed as he skidded on the mess. “You’re not getting away that easily.”

My fingers curled around the brass doorknob, and I could almost smell freedom, but the demon shifter grabbed me aroundthe middle, hoisted me over his shoulder, and carried me back into the center of the shed.

“I’ll chain you up if you don’t calm down,” he growled. “Saint, do you have more restraints?”

“If you so much as think of getting chains, I will rip your limbs off.” A scowl pulled at my lips, directed at Saint. “Fated mate or not, Iwillkill you.”

Saint’s brows slammed down. “I’ll have to take that chance to protect you.” He gave a noncommittal shrug. “But I can put up one hell of a fight.”

Fane dropped me, and I swung my fist, connecting with his jaw. His head snapped to the side, and blood trickled down his chin.

“Is that all you got, little rebel?” He wiped the blood off his face.

Fury erupted through me, and I charged him, thinking of nothing but the amulet. The intense craving had smothered any sensible part of me.

I didn’t want to hurt Fane.

But I wanted that damn stone.