Page 84 of Savage Fate

My jaw clenched as I stomped toward the table to grab my hoodie, yanking it over my head. “You don’t understand, Saint.”

“I understand that you’re in danger around him.” His attention jerked toward Fane. “Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me she’s not in danger.”

Fane pushed off the tree and dragged a hand down his face. “I can’t.”

Saint’s bitter laugh echoed through the cold night. “Tate’s safety comes before any of my wants and needs, or I would have tried pursuing this bond. But maybe I should since you don’t seem to care about her safety at all.”

Anger burst through my bloodstream, and I stormed toward Saint, shoving my finger into his chest. “Keep talking to him like that, and I’ll show you a side of me you won’t like. Then we’ll see how much you really want this fated mate bond.”

His lips thinned, but he made no attempt to push me away. “You’re so protective of him, and you’re blinded by the threat he poses.”

“I’m not blinded by anything.” I stepped closer until my boots touched his. “I just have faith that our bond is stronger than the spell.”

“Maybe your faith is misplaced, Tate.” His hand lifted to touch my cheek, but he let it fall back to his side.

Fane marched by, his long strides carrying him away. “I need a few minutes alone.”

There was no way in hell he was leaving in such a vulnerable state. Saint’s words would flood his mind until he convinced himself staying away was for the best.

Didn’t he realize I’d fall apart without him?

As I turned to go after Fane, Saint gripped my arm and hauled me back around. “To say that you are none of my business is complete and utter bullshit, Tate.” He leaned toward me, that aroma of pine enveloping my senses. “Until we formally reject this bond, weareconnected. How do you think I knew you were in trouble?”

I yanked out of his hold. “I don’t need your help, Saint. I’m sorry the universe gave you the shittiest, most unavailable fatedmate to ever exist, but you have no right to tell me what to do with my actual mate.”

His expression softened. “You’re not the shittiest fated mate to ever exist. You just love someone else.”

Pangs slammed into me, and I had to fight the urge to comfort him. Why did Saint have to pull on my heartstrings like this? I was pissed at him, yet I still wanted to make sure he was okay.

Did he feel the same? Furious I was putting myself in jeopardy but wanting to make me happy?

“I’m only trying to look out for you.” Saint gave a slight shrug. “I honestly can’t help it.”

“I know.” I wiped the blood from my throat and smeared it on the hoodie. As the move caught Saint’s notice, anger flared in those silver eyes, and I expected him to demand I return to the house.

“I’m not leaving until I know you’re safe.” He tapped his temple. “I’ll remain attuned to your emotions, and I don’t care if that pisses you off.”

My mouth dried as I realized just how much this bond had already developed. He came out here because hefeltmy fear.

Just perfect.

Would I eventually feel his emotions?

A pit of dread tore open in my gut.

Hadn’t I already?

Iknewhow much this pained Saint.

Unable to speak through the lump in my throat, I nodded and turned, sprinting after Fane.

My boots dug into the snow and frost as the invisible string connecting us pulled me toward him. He couldn’t escape me even if he wanted to. I finally found him leaning against a tree, hunched over, his hands pressed into his knees.

“I told you not to follow me, Teague.”

“I’ve never been good at following your orders, Maverick. What makes you think now would be any different?” He flinched when I rested my hand on his shoulder, making my heart squeeze.

Fane pushed my hand off. “You shouldn’t touch me right now.”

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