Page 103 of Bitten Shifter

Still shaking, I edge closer to the group. I need to see what they do with the vampire—and I need to tell Merrick the truth, that Leonidas has been in my head, pillaging my thoughts.

I’m the mole.

And Paul—Paul’s dead.

My stomach twists, but I shove down the sob that threatens to erupt.

One thing at a time, Lark. One thing at a time.

“We got him, then,” Lander says, voice aggravatingly casual. He claps Merrick on the back, grin widening. “Great plan, pal.”

Plan? What plan?

I clear my throat, my voice small as I ask, “Can you tell me what is going on?”

But my question is lost under Merrick’s vicious growl. The frozen ancient vampire and the Alpha Prime lock eyes, both radiating raw fury as they size each other up. Leonidas’s red gaze burns, but behind that mad arrogance, I see a flicker of unease.

“I know about the blood-borne link,” Merrick snarls.

I flinch, dread curling in my stomach.

“I knew for certain you were in Lark’s head after the Human First stunt,” he continues. “There was no way you could have found those men without inside help. I spoke to Lander, and together, we arranged the Council meeting here in the Magic Sector.” His voice hardens. “We knew you wouldn’t be able toresist hunting Lark here. Every single step to trap you was meticulously planned.”

Oh no.

“In your arrogance,” Merrick growls, “you walked right into it.”

“Here’s the daylight spell,” Lander says, tossing a bright yellow vial.

Merrick catches it without breaking eye contact with the vampire. A cruel smile reveals the sharp edges of his teeth. “Once you knew she was mine,” he says, his voice low and dangerous, “you should’ve stayed far away. Hunting my fated mate? This was never going to end well for you.”

With no hesitation, Merrick plunges his hand into the frozen barrier around Leonidas. The second their skin meets, the vial’s magic activates in a blinding flash of light.

I shield my eyes, heart pounding, every nerve on fire.

When the light fades, and I look again, the vampire is gone. Nothing remains but a dark pile of ash scattered across the floor.

It’s over. Leonidas is dead.

I sway on my feet, lightheaded, and my head spins as Merrick’s words echo in my mind, louder and sharper with every beat of my heart:

“I know about the blood-borne link.”

“I knew for certain you were in Lark’s head after the Human First stunt.”

They knew.

They knew the vampire was in my mind, violating my thoughts, stealing every private moment.

They didn’t stop him.

They used me.

I. Was. Bait.

The realisation hits like a hammer to my chest, knocking the breath from my lungs. An ache swells in my throat. My legs threaten to give way beneath the weight of it.

They planned this.

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