Page 66 of Betrayed Mate

Kendric snarled, his eyes rolling like crazy, searching for his attacker.

Realization pressed in.

No one else could see it!

The attacker lowered its head, and I knew what would happen next if I didn’t act.

I kicked the shadow in its knee.

It crumpled and landed on top of Kendric. Kendric thrashed, trying to get free, but the shadow had already begun climbing on top of him. I reached down and grabbed the back of its neck, causing the shadow to swipe at my hands, its claws digging into my skin.

“Ember!” Briar exclaimed as I shoved the shadow into the wall, away from the wolves.

“Get out of here,” I commanded. No one else seemed to be able to see this thing, and I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. The Blackwoods had done enough.

My blood dripped to the floor, but I didn’t give a shit.

I heard a click, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Briar bound off the bed toward me. Her arms wrapped around me in a big hug, her back to the shadow. Clearly, she also couldn’t see it.

A silver glint appeared at the shadow’s side.

It had a knife.

“Get out of here now.” I tried to shove Briar off, but she was latched on to me.

The shadow swung at her back, right where her heart would be.

“No,” I shouted as I tried to move Briar aside.

I couldn’t do it fast enough.

Then Ryker appeared in front of us…and the knife stabbed him in my sister’s place.

My heart broke worse than ever before, and a scream rang out around us as Ryker dropped to the floor. Kendric, Gage, and Xander ran to their alpha’s side. They growled and searched for the enemy…the very one who was now stepping around them, its attention on me.

The shadow laughed malevolently like it knew we were all going to die.

Fear strangled me, but I lifted my chin. If Ryker had sacrificed himself for me, then I wouldn’t let his death be for nothing.

The strange, jolting power rushed through me, and I jumped to my feet.

I would protect my sister and take this shadow down for hurting my people and Ryker, even if I died trying.

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