Page 36 of Savage Blood
Alpha power.
It poured through my system, throbbed around me, and fueled my roar. The female shifter couldn’t help but submit. The hatred pulsating from her made the feeling that much sweeter.
If only I had more time to revel in her pain, but Barric still had Erica’s mouth parted, sucking her soul.
I darted toward them and reached for my father. “You’re done, you sick son of a bitch.”
Strong arms wrapped around my torso and lifted my feet off the floor.
“It’s too late to help her, Tate.” Jax kept a tight hold on me as I bucked and kicked the air. “She’s gone.”
“No!” I gathered my strength, ready to pull on my alpha power again when Barric released Erica.
She dropped to the ground with a thud and stared up at the ceiling, unseeing. Her midnight curls spread out around her head like a halo.
Just like Jayla’s had.
My gut roiled, and I gagged.
Jax released me with a curse, and I lurched forward, heaving onto the glossy hardwoods. Barric just sucked a human’s soul out like it was nothing, like that innocent girl was nothing. When I had the Infernal Sol, I at least tried to fight that impulse, but he reveled inallthe darkness that came with the amulet.
Maybe because he was already an evil prick to begin with.
Once I finished emptying my stomach, Jax handed me a napkin and drew me back. The scents of food, death, and blood had bile threatening to shoot up my throat again.
“You see, Tate”—Barric strolled toward me, avoiding thepuddle of puke—“there isn’t a secret about you I haven’t learned. I know everything.”
He stroked the amulet.
I doubt that.
He had no idea I’d overheard his little conversation with Jax and Roman about the Admordum Nexia Covenant.
“And I know what makes you tick and how to control you.” Barric tsked as he saw my ravaged wrist. “Jax, put a bandage on that. I don’t need her dripping blood all over the place.”
Amelia kicked a cup as she marched toward me. “I’ll do it. And then I’ll take her back to her cell.”
“Absolutely not, Amelia.” Barric ran his hand over his thick, wiry beard that covered some of the scars on his jaw. “Do you really think I’d allow you to be alone with Tate right now? You have very little control over your anger.”
As he and Amelia argued, my attention fell on Jayla.
No. Erica.
She lost her life because of me, because she looked like Jayla.
Why did I have to be the reason for so much fucking pain and bloodshed? If Warin had killed me that night instead of the other way around, everyone in my life would probably be better off.
Barric’s snarl interrupted my spiraling thoughts. “Keep defying me, Amelia, and you’ll end up like her.” That unnatural shade of black still eclipsed his irises as he jerked his chin toward Erica.
The color drained from Amelia’s cheeks, and she bowed her head. “My apologies, Alpha.”
He waved her away and turned to Jax. “Take Tate to another room and lock her in. I don’t want her in the dungeon with the others right now.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because you’re too much like your mother. Pure trouble.” Barric smirked. “I want to personally keep an eye on you.”
I paced the large,luxurious bedroom in shades of black and gray, my boots wearing a path in the hardwoods. At least a day had passed since Barric locked me in a windowless room down the hall and stuck a guard outside the door.
