Page 17 of Fallen
Rowan’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t push, setting the cloth aside. “You’re not fine. You were kidnapped by a psycho who wants to make you his trophy. And this is thesecondtime you’ve been taken in so many weeks. Talk to us.”
A laugh tumbles from my lips as I stand up and start pacing. My legs are shaky, but moving feels better than sitting still. “Talk? What’s there to say? Elias is still out there, probably plotting to skewer someone again, and it’s my fault. I trusted Silas, and now you’re both in danger because of me.”
Amand’s hand drops the pizza plate onto the coffee table with a clatter, and he stands, his eyes narrowing. “Your fault? Lev, that’s bullshit. Elias is a nutcase, and Silas is a manipulative prick. You didn’t make them do this.”
I shake my head, my magic tingling like it wants to fade me into the wall. “You don’t get it. I should’ve seen it coming. Silas was always trouble, and I let him charm me, let him tell Elias about me. If I’d been smarter, those shifters wouldn’t be dead, and you wouldn’t be bleeding.”
Rowan’s on his feet now, his growl vibrating through the bond. “Enough, Lev. You’re not responsible for their choices. Hell, you didn’t even know Elias existed a few days ago. And we’re not bleeding because of you—we’re bleeding because we’d do anything to keep you safe.”
I stop pacing and face them both. “That’s the problem!” I snap. “I thought all this mate stuff was bullshit, that it was just biology, that maybe it’d go away at some point. And then when that didn’t happen, I started to like you. Likereallylike you. Maybeit’s way too soon but I can’t lose you. Either of you. Elias is after me, I’ll never forgive myself.”
Amand’s expression hardens as he steps closer, his hand gripping my shoulder. “Lev, we’re your mates. We’re here to love you, protect you, and to work together.”
I pull back, my magic flaring, and I fade, my body blending into the concrete wall behind me. I curse under my breath, focusing to reappear. “I’m a Chameleon, not adamsel. I don’t need to be protected.” I say, trying to lighten the mood, but it falls flat, especially after the fact that they did just rescue me.
Amand rolls his eyes. “Sure, princess,” he muses. “But you’re not going after Elias without us. That’s non-negotiable.”
“You don’t get to decide that. This is my mess, Amand. I need to fix it.”
Rowan’s growl is louder now, and he grabs my arms, pinning me against the wall. “Your mess is our mess, Lev. You think we’d let you face that bastard alone? You think we could live with ourselves if something happened to you?”
I struggle against his grip, but he’s too strong. It takes me a few minutes but I finally give in, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “Fine, but after that we’re investigating Gerald. If you really want to protect me, that’s what’s next. Something is off about all of this.”
Rowan hums as he leans down to steal a kiss, Amand not waiting long before pulling up to my side, his lips on my neck. I relax further against them, taking in their warmth and their magic, grunting when Rowan starts stroking me through my pants.
“What are you doing?” I push out between kisses.
“You’re not you when you’re horny,” he murmurs against my lips, picking up his pace.
Jesus Christ, I’m mated to a bunch of corny snakes.
Chapter 14
LEVIATHAN
Another whole day and no answers from Essence PI regarding Elias’ whereabouts. When I asked Gerald last night what happened and how Elias could have possibly known about the ginger, his answer was cryptic at best. Something about how ginger grows in that part of the forest.
I really hoped meeting someone like me would give me meaning but it’s really just starting to piss me off. Which is why I’m at the condo rather than in the office I’ve been given, poring over papers and trying to make sense of what Elias said to me.
My phone buzzes, Rowan grabbing it from the kitchen table and chucking it at me.
Silas: I’ve been tracking Elias. Found something. Meet me at the diner, midnight.
As much as I don’t want to do this, it might be the only thing we have. I tell my mates, Rowan shaking his head. “Lev, this screams trap,” Rowan growls, stopping to glare at my phone.“Silas already led you into one ambush. Why the hell would you trust him now?”
I sigh, running a hand through my unruly curls. “I don’t trust him. But he’s not the killer, Rowan. Elias is. And if Silas knows where he’s hiding, we need to hear him out. I’m not saying to give him another chance but maybe he’s feeling enough guilt to help us end this.”
Amand’s jaw tightens, his hand gripping the counter. “Hear him out? He’s been playing you since the nightclub. That notebook, the sob story about Elias—how do you know he’s not setting you up again?”
“I don’t,” I admit. “But we’re out of leads and I can’t trust Gerald to truly help us without one of us getting hurt. Elias is wounded, but he’s still out there, and he’s coming for me. If Silas has something, I have to take the risk.”
Rowan’s growl vibrates through the bond, and he stalks over, looming over me. “You’re not going alone. That’s non-negotiable.”
I roll my eyes, but my heart does a stupid flip at his protectiveness. “I wasn’t planning to, snake boy. You and Amand are coming, whether Silas likes it or not.”
Amand’s lips twitch. “Good. Because if he tries anything, I’m sinking my fangs into him again. And this time, it’ll be fatal.”
***
