Page 157 of Devoted

“He’s as safe on the grounds as he is indoors,” Rami said.

“You can’t keep him holed up forever, Zeke,” Noah said, startling me. I looked around to realise the whole table had beenfollowing our quiet conversation. “As tempting as it is, he’ll end up resenting you if you do that.”

“I’m not talking about forever,” I ground out. “Just until we’ve dealt with Gloria.”

Help came from an unexpected quarter as Nox spoke up. “Give him a break. It’s hard when you’ve met your mate. You’ll all be just as jumpy as Zeke is now.”

“Nox is right,” Breann added. “At least with Grace, I knew she was as immortal and badass as I am. If she’d been human, I don’t know how I would’ve coped.”

“So you’re saying we’re all going to be as whipped as Zeke?” Nate asked in disbelief. He’d been very vocal in this meeting, his guilt over what had happened showing in how adamant he was about protecting Sam. “Nah, can’t see it happening.”

“It’ll happen,” Micah said, exchanging a wry smile with Nox. “Trust me, there’s no point fighting it.”

“And there’s no point fighting this,” I said shortly, getting to my feet. “Give me all the shit you want, but I’m going to check on Sam.”

I didn’t make it as far as the door when another ward pinged. This time, I wasn’t the only one who felt it.

“Why is Sam crossing the external wards?”

I didn’t stop to consider Noah’s question. The tug in my chest was yanking at me now, hauling me in Sam’s direction.

Whatever was happening, Sam was in danger.

Pivoting for the window, I leapt straight through the glass. My wings ripped from my back, leaving my shirt in shreds on the ground beneath me.

I let my instincts guide me, heading straight for the external wards at the edge of the property. Behind me, several more sets of wings filled the air.

Whatever Sam and I were about to face, we wouldn’t be doing it alone.

Rounding the tree line, I spotted Sam just past the end of the drive. He was walking slowly along the road, seemingly alone.

The sight should’ve calmed me, but my instincts were screaming.Not right. Faster. Faster.

I dropped from the air right in front of him, grabbing his shoulders. “Sam, baby, are you okay?”

“What?” Sam looked at my hands and frowned. “Why are you touching me?”

I blinked in confusion before removing them. “Sorry, I was panicking. Are you okay?”

Two more sets of feet landed behind me. Behind Sam, Rami and Nox landed, immediately releasing shields. Above us, the twins hovered in the air along with Grace and Breann. They unleashed their own powers, scanning our surroundings for any danger.

We were protected from every direction.

Sam was still frowning at me. He didn’t question the presence of my unit, or even seem to notice them. “Of course I am. Why are you here?”

My mind was reeling, trying to catch up with whatever was happening. “I was…I’m checking on you. Where are you going?”

“Home.” He shifted on his feet, lifting his hand to his face. “I’m going home.”

My blood ran cold. Why did Sam want to leave?

Behind him, I saw Rami and Nox exchange befuddled looks. I tried to ignore them as I edged closer to Sam. “Did something happen? Why do you want to leave?”

“It’s time for me to go home.” His fingers were moving along the side of his face. “I want to go home, Zeke.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “Let’s go get your car, and I can take you home.”

Sam reared back as though I’d slapped him. “No. I don’t want you to come.”

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