Page 57 of Savage Fate

I ran with renewed vigor as joy filled my bloodstream. Soon, the amulet and I would be reunited, and the side effects weakening me would vanish. I’d be strong enough to stop this demon threat from slaughtering shifters. I’d be worthy enough to be Fane’s mate.

As I came to a small clearing, my whole body buzzing, prickles crawled over my flesh as eyes drilled into me.

“Come out!” I called, my ragged breaths filling the forest. “Give it to me.”

A sinister laugh shot chills down my spine and trepidation through my system. Moments later, a broad figure emerged from the shadows, the gleaming sun stone around his neck.

“Is this what you want?” Barric’s smile dropped me into a waking nightmare. “Come and get it, daughter.”

My heart crashed against my ribs as I studied the surrounding forest, realizing I’d run way past the border of Mohan territory.

“Why are you here?” I spat, my hands trembling as the craving for the amulet still seared within. Seeing it hanging from his neck felt like a slap in the face.

You betrayed me.

I wanted to smash the glittering red stone. Why had the thing called out to me? Did it simply want to lure me to Barric?

The stone didn’t respond to my seething anger.

“Can’t a father simply visit his daughter?”

“Stop with the games, Barric. You know Fane will be here in minutes.” Except I hadn’t called to him yet.

Why hadn’t I?

My gaze fastened to the amulet. This could be my chance to steal it back. But if Fane were here, he’d never let me keep it.

As if Barric felt my hesitation, his smile widened. “I’m sure we have some time before your mate arrives, don’t we?”

“What do you want?” I hissed, trying to clear the thoughts of the amulet from my mind, an impossible task. “I know you didn’t come all this way to say hello.”

Barric dragged his hand through his russet locks, the midafternoon sun glinting on the red flecks throughout. “What I want, dear daughter, is to cleanse the world of impurities like you.” He caressed the stone like it was his favorite pet. “And this will finally allow me to do that.”

Frost spread across my back. “How exactly will the demon amulet help you?”

His chuckle was colder than the frigid winter air. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Barric had to be stopped, and the Infernal Sol needed to be torn from his grasp.

Did I want the amulet back?

Yes.

Would taking it stop whatever demented plan Barric had?

Possibly.

Even as I justified stealing the Infernal Sol from him, I knew my real reasons weren’t so altruistic.

I justwantedthe damn thing.

A growl burst out of my mouth as I lunged for him, attempting to release the alpha power within.

But Barric was ready.

Before I could sink my talons into his throat, he placed his hand on my cheek, and the forest swam in dizzying circles.

As fear infiltrated every cell in my body, Fane materialized a few feet away, casually leaning against a tree.

---