Page 27 of Shadow Bound

“Touch me again, and I’ll rip your throat out,” she snarls.

“Your fangs don’t scare me, Beau.”

“They should.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re a big scary vampire with a handiness with knives. I’m trembling with fear as we speak…” My hands yank on the handle, opening the passenger door for her. With my other hand, I make a wide gesturing motion. “Get in the truck.”

“No.”

I drop my hands to my side and tilt my head back, letting out an exasperated breath.Women… so fucking stubborn.When my ears pick up on the sound of her moving back another step, I drop my chin and pin her with a knowing look. “That’s fine. Try and run from me, but we both know you won’t get very far. I’ll catch you. Then I will haul you back to this truck and strap your ass in.”

“What are you yapping on about,wolf?”

“You’re weak right now. If I had to guess, based on your little episode on the mountain, you’re hungry—starvingeven. Your strength and powers are reliant on blood, right?”

She’s eerily still as she listens, her head turned away from me. She doesn’t answer my question, but I wasn’t expecting her to. She keeps her chin held high and her shoulders back confidently, even though I see the flash of defeat in her eyes.

She doesn’t want to seem weak.I get it.But there is no way I’m leaving her out here with her diminished strength.

“Just get in the truck, Beau.”

She glares at me, fire taking over her usually cold eyes. “I don’t need saving, Ransom.”

“I’m not saving you, sweetheart. You’re more than capable of doing that yourself. I’m just giving you a ride.”Thatand well, I’m not ready to part ways with her yet.

The internal battle waging in her head is visible on her face. I lean casually against the car, waiting for her to decide.

The triumphant smile on my face earns me a growl and an elbow to the ribs as she finally passes me and climbs gracefully into the truck. “Just… a ride.” She growls.

I give her a noncommittal shrug. “Sure.”

Leaning by the open door, I watch her closely as she buckles herself into the seat. She tries her best to ignore me but finally she turns her head. “What?” When she turns her head, she puts us nearly face-to-face, just mere inches between us. Unable to stop myself, my eyes drop to her lips briefly before dragging lazily back up her pale face. This close I can see just how fucking tired she looks.

“Stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re in the mood tobitesomething.” She throws my words back at me, causing a smirk to grow on my face.

“Maybe I am.”

“Yeah well, I bite back, and my teeth are sharper.” She flashes the tips of her fangs for effect. “Don’t test me, Ransom.”

“But it’s just so tempting.” Testing my luck, I run my finger down her face. Her hand instantly slaps it away, making me bark out a laugh. Her face is full of fury as I shut the door in her face.

* * *

The line ringsthree times before they finally pick up. “Oh, look at that, you’re aliveandyou remember how to use your phone. I was starting to think you got yourself killed.” My sister’s voice floats through the car speakers since my phone is connected through Bluetooth. “I’ve been to enough funerals this year—fake and real—I’m over it. So, just know, if you do get killed, there will be no big party or celebration of life. Your ashes are getting flushed down the toilet with a halfhearted salute. I might even light a candle if I’m feeling generous—but don’t hold your breath.”

Isabeau frowns at my sister’s words, not understanding thatthisis just how Remington is. That filter we are born with? Yeah, hers never developed in the womb. She’s been spewing crazy shit since the day she discovered her voice.

“But I want a Viking funeral.”

Remi scoffs. “Absolutely not. That would require a flaming arrowanda boat. Too much work—hard pass. You’re getting a goldfish burial.” I hear the smile in her voice as she talks. “What’s up? Why are you calling me? Do you need bail money? I told you last time to call Ranger for that shit from now on.”

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