Page 144 of Centaur Bolt

I sensed both Eli and Cas go on full alert. They hadn’t hung their spiral swords from their waists, but held them in their hands, and now they raised them, ever so slightly.

It wasn’t until that moment that I recognized the swords for what they were—their horns. They grew them, just like the tailspikes I had seen the Dragons use as swords.

Either way, Havoc recognized their stance and transferred his snarl to them.

Cara stepped between them. “You have nowhere else to go, for now,” she said to Havoc. “There is a spare room down the hall if you want to rest. Or you can do the balcony, but it won’t be as comfortable.” She pointed to the balcony door. “I’ll put some food in the oven. You must be starving.”

Havoc’s glare could have stripped paint off the walls, but the offer of food seemed to sway him. He transferred his piercing stare from her to me, just before he stalked past and out the balcony door.

I watched him with an aching heart. Why had he bitten me if he so clearly despised me?

Bess headed for the door. “I’ll take the recon team through the gate.”

When it closed behind her, Cara paused to touch my arm. I shook all over.

“Have a shower, Riley. I’ll get you some clothes, and food. Then you need to rest. You’ve had a rough day.”

It seemed like an eternity since I’d Jumped to Marcus and landed in that pond. “Is there nothing I can do to help?” I asked.

Her hand squeezed. “You’ve done enough. You’ve made this possible.”

“Isobel might already be gone,” I reminded her.

“Yes. But she’ll have pulled out in a hurry. That means we should be able to find clues as to where she’s fled to.”

I nodded, hugging myself. Fang vibrated on my shoulder as though purring. My thoughts turned to the other man who’d walked away.

“Marcus—I don’t know where he is,” I said.

She hesitated. “If he comes back, I’ll head him off. I don’t think having the two of them in one room would be wise.”

“I—I don’t think he’s coming back.” My throat closed. I was very close to tears.

“Riley.” She offered a tired smile. “Nothing you do, or have done, will turn the hand of Fate.”

I blinked at her. Then I slid the filthy cloak off one shoulder.

Her eyes widened slightly. But all she said was, “Let me heal that.”

I pulled away. “Marcus feels betrayed.”

“It is in Marcus’s nature to be stubborn,” the Watcher said. “But hold firm to what you believe, Riley. Because you are not wrong.”

I met her vivid-blue gaze and found the strength to lift my chin.

“That’s it,” the Watcher said approvingly. “Now, go have that shower.”

* * *

For what must have been the hundredth time, I pushed up the sleeves of my borrowed sweatshirt. It might not have fit Havoc, but it was at least Marcus-sized. ——

I sat at the table and ate whatever Cara placed in front of me. Havoc completely ignored me while shoveling in vast quantities of food.

Then Eli popped into the suite, and said, “There’s still activity at the hideout. We’re going in.” His gaze moved to Havoc. “You coming?”

Havoc rose to follow the Bellati.

No.I’d pushed him to do it, but now was terrified about him going. I’d brought him here to be safe… and now, I wanted to get closer so I could touch him. But when I rose to say—something, I had no idea what—the look in his eyes stopped me cold.

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