Page 18 of Wicked Fate

But he’d been trying to help.

“I saw you two run toward the river,” Reid said, voice hoarse. “I tried to get to you. But it was like… they were using us against each other.”

Sun placed a gentle hand on his arm. Her jaw was tight. “I think enough has been said tonight. We can meet again in the morning after Reid gets more rest. He needs to heal. His wound is already oozing again.”

“Here.” Cassi moved past Ryker when Sun lifted her hand.

“Donotcome any closer.” Sun scowled. “You’ve done enough.”

Cassi flinched and stopped.

I couldn’t blame Sun. I wasn’t thrilled to be near Cassi either. Not after what she’d tried to pull.

“I’m sorry—” Cassi started.

“Cassi, go,” Reid said groggily. “You said you wanted to help? Then go spell the perimeter. If the vampires try to come back, I want to know the moment they get within fifty yards of anyone.”

She hung her head. “Okay. I’ll go reinforce the wards now.” She turned and slipped out the door without another word, her shoulders hunched like she might fold into herself entirely.

The moment she was gone, the air seemed to lift just a little. Still heavy, but breathable again.

Sun looked at me, her expression unreadable but no longer hostile. “I’m not trying to be rude, but he needs rest. I’ve asked Jaren to meet you outside and take you to a house where you can stay. It’s just a couple doors down from us.”

“Of course. Thank you for that.” I forced a smile, but I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. This whole night had been a disaster.

“Come on.” Ryker’s voice was soft but firm as he tugged me toward the door.

We filed out quietly, the others falling in behind us. No one spoke as we walked down the hallway again, past the navy blankets and blood-soaked air.

Outside, the night hit me like a wave along with the stronger stench of blood.

Cold. Heavy. Death.

Jaren was waiting by the stairs. He gave us a single nod before leading us to a two-story house in the middle of the neighborhood. No one spoke. No words were needed. Not on a night like this.

We reached the white house with a porch light on and a woodsy scent that hinted of cedar and pine. “There are three bedrooms and a couple couches.”

Gage patted Jaren’s arm. “Thanks, man.”

The six of us climbed the wooden steps to the front porch and went inside. The front room was empty but clean with two mismatched couches and a chair.

Another door opened into a hallway with multiple bedrooms.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been in a place that feels like a home.” Xander sauntered over to the mustard yellow couch and flopped onto it.

“True, but don’t get too comfortable,” Kendric added.

“Well, I will tonight,” Gage slumped onto the burnt orange couch like he might fall asleep right there.

Ryker’s hand tightened around mine again.

“We’re taking the master.” His voice left no room for debate as he led me in the direction where the large bedroom had been in Reid’s house.

Are you okay?I linked with Briar, knowing Ryker probably had a lot of stuff he wanted to talk through about what we’d just discovered.

Yeah, I’m going to take a shower and go to bed. I’ll stay in the other room down the hall.

Ryker and I entered the primary bedroom, and the door clicked shut. He didn’t hesitate to lock it.

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