Page 31 of 3 Shifters to Break a Curse

The sense of danger increased even more as I climbed into the water and laid back against the head of the tub, resting my head against the surround, trying to relax. I wanted to know more about the intuitive hit, but I also didn’t want to look too closely at what the meaning was either. Because I already knew Jared was behind it all. I just didn’t know what he had planned.

Whatever it was, nothing about it was good in any sense of the word.

And that meant I needed to leave the cabin before it was too late. And not for me, but for the men who went out of their way to help me.

But I wasn’t going to make it very far if I didn’t heal a little more.

So, I sucked in a deep, calming breath. On the exhale, the warmth from the water rushed over my skin. The tension in my back started to ease. Taking another breath in, I focused on the bath and its healing qualities. On the exhale, more warmth and more tension eased. With each breath in, came more healing.

Not much time later, my muscles released, and I was able to focus on my next steps.

Once I was finished with my bath, I climbed out and started drying off. No sooner than I was done an unsettling new sensation hit me.

Jared was close. I gasped and stared at the door, straining to hear the faintest of sounds. The men talked among themselves in the living room. But outside, I wasn’t able to detect a thing. Still, my nerves were on fire.

I could almost feel him reaching his hardened fingers toward me. I sucked in a breath as my heart picked up in pace. There was no way I could stay here. Not anymore. Jared was my problem to deal with, and I would, in time.

These men didn’t ask for my issues, and I certainly didn’t want to bring them harm.

My only choice was to leave. And sooner than later.

I quickly got dressed in something that would be easy to move in. A pair of tights, thick socks, and boots with a cami and sweater. Then I collected all of my things. Once I had everything, I headed out of the bathroom and straight to the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Rin asked. He leaned against a counter in the kitchen with his arms crossed over his chest.

I pressed my lips together and kept walking.

“Hold on,” Ezra said. “Give us a minute.”

I stopped and stared at him.

“What is going on?” he asked.

I shook my head and pulled my eyes away from his. “I have to leave.”

“What?” he asked. “Why?”

“I have to go,” I said and stepped around Ezra only to have Rin put his arm in front of me to stop me. I glared at him. He had some nerve. First, he treats me like I’m the bane of his existence and couldn’t wait to be rid of me. Now he was acting like he was going to stop me from leaving?

What gives?

“Don’t you think you’ve put us through enough trouble to let you stay just to turn around and leave without explanation?” he asked.

“I have to go,” I said again. This time, my voice was full of pleading.

Rin sighed and dropped his arm. I started to walk toward the door, but Luke stepped in front of it, beating me to the handle and stopping me from leaving. “You’re not going anywhere until you give us an answer why.”

I stared at him and then at the other two. I didn’t have time for this. Jared was coming for me, and I would never forgive myself if any of these men were hurt because they helped me out.

“I have to go,” I whispered and dropped my gaze. Tears stung my eyes.

I needed to let them go. They needed to let me go. And there was no time for explanations. Because Jared was coming, and he was going to bring the wrath of hell with him.

14

LUKE

While Cadence and Toni were in the bathroom, I faced Ezra with a serious expression. I could smell Toni on him. And vice versa. It was a punch to the gut to learn he swooped in and had sex with her the second my and Rin’s backs were turn. He glanced at me and then sighed.

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