Page 17 of Savage Fate

Was I hallucinating fearful scenes as a side effect of losing the Infernal Sol?

If only I’d been able to grab the amulet before my douche of a father, I wouldn’t be feeling like shit right now.

Of course, I’d still have a dangerous amulet attempting to suck my humanity dry and drive me nuts. Having the thing removed was for the best, but I couldn’t shake the longing to get my hands on it.

What if demons came after Dylan again and I wasn’t strong enough to save him—just like Jayla? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to him.

I stabbed a carrot with my fork and nibbled on the end so I could at least appear to be eating.

Why did I miss that damn power so much? It was evil. It made me do horrible things. I’d wanted to suck the soul out of anyone, nightworlder and human. The Infernal Sol was bad.

But you loved it.

I almost dropped my fork as the ominous voice swirled into my mind. My pulse rose, and I had to work hard to regulate my breathing. Did I imagine that? The Infernal Sol was no longer inside of me, so how could I hear its voice?

Was I hallucinating?

I shoved the carrot into my mouth, chewing vigorously.

Don’t ignore me. I know you want me back. You miss that power, don’t you?

As I sucked air sharply, a piece of carrot lodged in my throat, and I started coughing, catching the whole table’s attention.

If you still had me, you wouldn’t be choking on your food or feeling sick. You’d be strong. Unstoppable.

Fane slammed his fist into my back to help clear my airways, and I was finally able to breathe again.

“Thanks,” I muttered, my face hot as everyone stared. “I’m fine. Just forgot I can’t breathe and swallow at the same time.” I gave a dry laugh.

My bullshit lies didn’t fool Fane. He studied me with those mismatched eyes, trying to see the truth hidden behind my exterior.

“What’s wrong?”he asked through our mental link.“Don’t say nothing because I can tell you’re not fine.”

As I chugged my lemonade, I tried to ignore the whispers twisting through my mind, taunting me.

Come find me, Tate. Don’t you want to reunite us? Don’t you miss me?

“I’m just tired,”I lied.“Am I not allowed to accidentally choke? People do it all the time. Sorry I’m not as perfect as you.”

A low growl built in his chest.“Stop deflecting, Teague.”

I set my lemonade down and abruptly stood with my plate. “I’ll finish eating this later.”

A dribble of sweat ran down my nape, and more began to form along my hairline. If I didn’t get out of the kitchen soon, I wouldn’t be able to hold my shit together. I marched to the center island and grabbed the aluminum foil to wrap my plate, my hands trembling.

“No problem, honey,” Nora said. “Just leave it right there, and I’ll take care of it.”

“I got it.” I gave a forced smile and finished tucking the sheet around my plate, avoiding Fane’s gaze.

Once finished, I trekked toward the front door on unsteady legs, and cold air hit my heated skin as I stepped out on the porch.

Tremors ran the length of my body. Faint whispers coiled through my mind, tempting me to hunt Barric down, but I had no idea where to look.

And finding my father could possibly result in my death. He’d almost torn my throat out in Ruin’s lab and would have if Fane hadn’t interrupted.

Feeling antsy, I bolted off the porch and marched down the road, needing to rid myself of these urges and the remnants of that vision.

What the hell was happening to me?

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