Page 76 of Bitten Shifter

A mischievous smile curves my lips as I test my magic. I’ve woven a delicate web around their gadgets—smartwatches, phones—beacons ripe for tracking. I can trace them all, follow their every movement, unravel their plans.

Especially Chatty.

He thinks he is safe, that I’m just another victim, but I know exactly where he is. Where they all are.

The thought sends a surge of energy through me. My shifter and technomancer powers hum under my skin—eager, coiled, ready.

They tried to erase me. Instead, they have handed me the map to their downfall.

I lean back against the pillows, a predator feigning rest. They set this game in motion; they just don’t realise I’m the one holding the pieces now.

I smirk. “We’ll see, big mate. We will see.”

Chapter Thirty-One

After several days of observation,I’m finally discharged from the medical centre and—for vampire security reasons—end up at Merrick’s Zone Two residence, in his office building. But it’s more than an office. He has a whole apartment here, and Riker lives here too.

Human First denies any involvement, claiming the attackers were part of a rogue chapter, not an official affiliate. It’s absurd, of course, but what can you do? It won’t stop Merrick from pursuing those responsible.

Although I wasn’t exactly invited, I don’t let that keep me from crashing today’s meeting.

I’m in a high-tech war room, waiting. Along the walls, antique bookcases have been modified with hidden panels, revealing rows of high-resolution screens showing live feeds, maps, and encrypted data. In the centre sits a polished oak table, its surface dotted with sleek touchscreens and holographic projectors. Shifters, apparently, appreciate style.

My magic thrums with anticipation. The things I could do in this room…

The door opens, and Merrick and Riker stride in. Merrick wears black combat trousers, bunched slightly at the tops ofhis tactical boots, and a black long-sleeved T-shirt. He isn’t just dressed for war—heiswar.

Wow.

My mate is ridiculously beautiful.

They both spot me at once. Merrick’s reaction is immediate. He shakes his head, voice resolute. “No. You are not going. This isn’t your concern.”

“Not my concern. Huh. Right.”

Tension radiates off him. “Must you be such a nightmare? Lark, they poisoned you with wolfsbane. If you hadn’t shifted—if you were not this strong—you would be dead. It should have killed you. I’m not letting you near them. It’s my job to deal with it. I will deal with them.”

I squirm in the chair, irritation prickling beneath my skin. “You’re really not used to being defied, are you?”

He shoots me a look, and I fold my arms, huffing. No one’s ever protected me like this before—Paul never cared enough—but Merrick cares a little too much. I know he’s worried, but I’m forty-seven, not a child.

Besides, I have the information they need and the skills to help.

“You can’t protect me from everything, Merrick.”

“I can try. Since I met you, I’ve aged a hundred years.” He tries to sound light, but there’s sincerity in his words.

“I will have nightmares about that day,” I say softly, the admission slipping out. “Leaving you bleeding, unconscious. I need some control back. I’m not saying I want to kill them, but I need to see them caught. Punished. And I can help.”

He regards me for a moment, and I catch that flicker of sadness again—fear lurking under the surface of his gaze.

“If you come, you will see a side of me I don’t want you to. A side?—”

“A side that what?” I cut him off. “Merrick, I know you are the Alpha Prime. I’ve heard the rumours. Nothing you do will make me afraid or drive me away. But if you insist on controlling me, then we have got a problem.” His jaw clenches, so I press on. “We’re mates. I feel it, deep down. That does not mean I will roll over and accept your decisions. You have to help me do this. I have to see this through. I need closure.”

He groans, running a hand over his face. “You can barely shift. You have been sick?—”

“I know.”

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