Page 16 of Savage Fate

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Fane grabbed my boots, hoodie, and the tattered scraps of my clothes. “As long as you’re not pining after Tate, I don’t care who you chase.”

A warm feeling swelled through my chest. It was good to see Hawk coming back to himself. He could never resist a pretty girl, but I was surprised he’d pursue a shifter. Coltrane would disown him if she knew.

Hateful bitch.

Hopefully, the ravens kept her locked up and far away from her nephew so she couldn’t hurt him with her toxic bullshit.

I moveda piece of roasted meat around my plate, my stomach queasy even though it smelled divine. Everything Nora cooked was amazing. Too bad my appetite didn’t care.

The Anders, Fane, and I sat around the huge table in front of the windows overlooking the backyard, poking fun at Preston over his latest dating disaster. Maybe he’d learn his lesson and stop romancing multiple girls at a time.

“How was I supposed to know they were sisters?” He tossed his hands in the air. “They didn’t even look alike. One had brown hair, while the other had red.”

Nora shook her head and covered her face as if she couldn’t bear to look at her eldest. “It’s called hair dye, son.”

Dylan grimaced. “Even I’m not that dumb.”

Their laughter and chatter became distant as the gleaming white kitchen slowly vanished and gray brick walls rose up around me…

I sprinted down an alley,darkness coating the exit.

But facing the unknown was better than letting the things creeping behind ensnare me.

My breath rapidly fogged in the air while my pulse thundered in my ears. Sweat made my jeans and sweatshirt stick to my flesh.

As I glanced over my shoulder, shadows coiled across the walls as they closed in.

Shit!

I forced my legs to work harder and finally emerged from the alley, turning onto another desolate street. You’d think someone would still be outside in a big city at this hour, but not a soul remained.

Maybe they sensed the danger on the horizon and scurried inside like I should have. Or maybe the monsters chasing me had forced everyone to take cover in their homes.

Why the hell had I fallen for their tricks? I should have known better than to believe she was out here, calling to me.

Low growls echoed behind me, shooting another dose of fear through my bloodstream. I spun around a corner, my sneakers skidding on a slick flyer, and grabbed the light pole to keep from slamming into the sidewalk. My thick gold watch shone under the yellow glow from the buzzing bulb…

The heart-pounding scene melted away,and as the Anderses’ kitchen returned, I focused on my hand clutching the fork so tightly I wouldn’t be surprised if I bent the metal. My nostrils flared, and a bead of cold sweat leaked down my nape.

What the ever-loving hell?

Oblivious to my little trip, the Anders were still laughing at Preston’s idiocy, his cheeks flushing but a broad smile curving his mouth.

Fane’s hand reached under the table and landed on my thigh.“What’s wrong?”

Of coursehenoticed.

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

What would he think if I told him I was hallucinating or having visions, each one soaked in terror?

Once again, I experienced the vision as if it was happening to me, but that person wasn’t me. The hand that had grabbed the light pole was way too big and masculine to be mine, and the large watch was definitely a guy’s.

The demon shifter arched an eyebrow.“Your heart is racing, and fear poured off you a second ago. Plus, you’re not eating.”

“Yes, I am.”I grabbed the bottle of hot sauce, doused my potatoes, and shoved a bite in my mouth.“See.”Chewing and swallowing it took forever, and I reached for my lemonade.

The demon shifter looked less than convinced, but he returned his attention to his own plate. While everyone continued to chatter, I resisted the urge to rub my temples as a headache formed behind my eyes.