Page 221 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“Through Kane. Jazmyn and Kane’s demon brother, Draven, used their blood bond to find him and, in turn, you.”

Luka’s soft touch is so distracting that I almost miss what he is saying.

Kane’s face hovering over me flashes before me in distorted pieces of memories.

“Jazmyn? Kane? Are they okay?” The last time I saw Jazmyn was before the docks, and I still didn’t know if I had dreamed of Kane or not.

“Both are fine, baby.”

My tense shoulders relax until they stiffen back up remembering the rest of the escape. The creatures… the guards… my powers…

“I… I think I…” Memories of darkness as it explodes out of me, slamming the creatures and guards back, flashes before me, making my chest turn tight.

I think I killed them. At the time, I didn’t care, and some part of me is still glad that there are a few less monsters in the world, but the other part of me fears becoming just like them.

“I…”

“Don’t.” Kai’s sharp voice breaks through the dread slowly building in the pit of my stomach.

“You don’t owe anyone anything, and you definitely don’t owe those guards a second thought. Whatever you had to do to survive and escape doesn’t change who you are, and it sure as hell doesn’t make us see you any differently. I would’ve ripped each and every one of them apart and enjoyed every minute of it.”

Kai’s words settle inside me, taking root. Not one of those guards cared what happened to me or anyone else there. They wouldn’t have thought for a second before slicing my throat or Malik’s.

My eyes widen, completely forgetting about the misunderstood demon.

“What is it, baby?” Jax frowns at me, leaning forward to check over my face.

“Malik. Where is he?” I glance around the room, each of the guys’ expressions going from worried to angry within a second.

“The demon?” Jax sneers, narrowing his eyes on me. I roll my eyes at the possessive ass. “Yes, is he okay?” Jax shrugs, grinding his jaw. “Who cares?” “I do.” The temperature drops in the room.

“Guys, the possessive act is hot and all, but I need you to tell me if he’s okay?”

Jax smirks. “You think we’re hot?”

“You know damn well what I think about you, so let’s not make that head any bigger than it has to be.”

“Too late.” Jax gives me a wicked smirk, making a show of adjusting himself.

“Dick.”

“Later, baby. Kai and the others will have my ass if I don’t let you rest, but I promisethatass belongs to me later.”

Luka groans beside him. “Shut up and let her finish what she was asking.”

I smile, thanking Luka. “Is Malik okay?”

“Why does it matter?” Jax asks, giving me the side-eye and looking put out.

“Why the hell do you think?” I ask incredulously.

Jax stays silent, but his whole body language has gone into defensive mode. I throw him a bone this time, knowing he’s exhausted and not thinking straight.

“He helped me, that’s all.”

Jax frowns, grinding his jaw. “He’s fine. Having a little reunion with his long-lost family as we speak.”

“Long-lost what?”

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