Page 19 of Ravaged Saints

We all do. There’s no Monday or Friday anymore, just an endless blur of surviving between night and day.

“Must’ve been tough,” I say honestly.

Her expression falters just for a second, and I catch a glimpse of something raw in her eyes before the mask slides back into place.

“Could’ve been worse,” she says, her posture stiffening, her jaw clenched as she forces the words out.

I nod, not wanting to push more for now, so we head back inside, and I’m about to sit when shouting erupts from the basement.

“You fucker!” Max roars, and I turn to see Ethan stumbling out of the basement doorway, hands raised in mock surrender. But Max doesn’t hesitate; he charges after him, his fists clenched, pure fury burning in his eyes.

Knox thunders up the stairs, his steps echoing.

“What the fuck happened?” I bark, rushing to grab Max before he tears Ethan apart.

Aspen

Ijump as Dante lunges to hold Max back. Knox is right behind him.

“Where’s Bryn?” My hands clench, and I can feel my heart pumping in my ears.

“Reaper!” Dante barks, and Knox grabs Max’s arms, pulling them behind his back, but Max thrashes against him, muscles straining; Knox holds him firm. Dante steps between them, his focus on Ethan, whose face is red, his breath labored, and a cut visible on his lip.

Bryn walks in, her cheeks flushed, her eyes locked on the floor.

“Bryn!” I run to her, grabbing her shoulders. “Are you okay? Say something!”

She nods, but her gaze doesn’t meet mine.

“That fucker was all over her!” Max snaps, his words like thunder, the veins in his neck bulging as his shirt strains against the tension in his muscles.

“Oh my God!” The words slip out as I storm toward Ethan without thinking. He’s glaring at Max, oblivious to my approach, until my fist slams into his cheek and his head snaps to the side with a grunt.

“Fuck!” Knox’s voice cuts through the chaos. I freeze, expecting Ethan to retaliate, but Ryker steps in, shoving Ethan against the wall and positioning himself between us.

“Don’t even think about touching her.” Ryker growls, his posture rigid, his chest rising and falling like a wolf ready to attack.

“She fucking wanted it!” Ethan barks, his hand rubbing his jaw.

All eyes shift to Bryn. Her face is so red it looks sunburned, and her blue eyes meet mine; embarrassment pools in her gaze.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I just…” She lets out a small cry, and my chest tightens.

I step toward her, forcing myself to keep my tone soft. “Did you want to…” I pause, trying to find the right words without sounding judgmental or intrusive.

“I did,” Bryn says quietly, her breath catching as her hands tremble. “After those Hunters, I needed it to be on my terms, and it was just a kiss!” Her chest rises and falls with each word, the weight of her emotions heavy in the air.

Her words hang in the air, and I nod, understanding settling in my chest.

“It’s fine, Bryn. I was just scared that he…” My eyes flick to Ethan. “Forced you.”

She shakes her head quickly. “He didn’t.”

I exhale, the tension in my shoulders easing. Turning to Ethan, I mumble, “I’m sorry for—”

“No problem, sweet girl,” Ethan interrupts with a grin, rubbing his cheek.

Knox’s eyes are on Bryn. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asks, and she nods.

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