Page 23 of Hidden Fate

“You four have been reported missing.” Theron dropped his phone into his lap. “Every dragon shifter will now link Everly’s family to us. We aren’t just hiding from dragon shifters anymore—humans will be able to recognize us as well.”

My breathing seized. This had Drake’s name all over it.

Peter snickered. “I told you that you should’ve left Elliott and me out of this. I figured this would happen.”

“Yes, because if we had, you’d have been far better off in Drake’sprison.” In a way, I wished we had left Peter there, but we’d be in a worse situation if we had. Eva and Elliott would have been beside themselves, and Drake would have made sure to hurt him to get the reaction he wanted from them. This way, the four of us were safe.

Thorn wrapped an arm around my waist and glowered at Peter. “You should be thankful you’re here with us, especially since Drake already hates you.”

A phone rang, and Theron cursed. “It’s Edna.”

Something heavy weighed my limbs. If the news was out nationwide, that had to be the reason she was calling.

“Answer it.” Hydra pressed her lips into a line. “There’s no point in holding off. She might tell you that the warriors are on their way.”

“Tell her I found a place and I’m about to book it.” Vlad removed his wallet from his back pocket and pulled out a credit card.

Theron answered the phone. “I know why you’re calling. Vlad’s booking—”

“We need Thorn.” Edna sounded desperate.

I leaned into Thorn’s side as my heart hammered. Something was wrong.

No one responded. I looked up at my mate.

“If he doesn’t come here, someone will die.” She sighed. “I’m not sure if he can save her, but he’s here. I hope he’s willing to try.”

Everyone stared at Thorn, waiting for his answer.

This could be a trap,he connected, pivoting toward me.

It could. We couldn’t be foolish. Edna might turn us over to the warriors to protect her daughter, especially since you couldn’t tell Mindy was injured by glancing at her. But there was one issue.What if it’s not?Could we let someone die because we let fear dictate our response?

“If this is a trick, I will take every one of your dragons,” Thorn rasped, his pupils slanting.

“Understood,” she replied. “Theron, I’ll send you the address so you can come straight to the house. Please hurry.” She hung up, and a second later, his phone dinged.

Vlad and Theron jumped to their feet as Thorn and I headed for the door. When I reached the edge of the couch, Thorn spun around to face me and said, “Stay here. This could be a trap. I can’t risk you going.”

I laughed. The idea of staying behind was absurd. I glared at him and prepared for war.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Hurt swirled through me,stealing my breath. I knew he didn’t want me to go out of fear and not because he thought I couldn’t handle myself, but that didn’t lessen the sting. “I’m going.”

He huffed and touched my arms as he rasped, “Please. Stay. If something were to happen to you—”

“Oh,hell,no.” I stabbed my finger into his chest, hitting rock-hard muscle. “IfIwereleaving, there would be no way you’d stay behind. That goes the same way forbothof us.”

“If it were the other way around, there’s no way I’d allow you to leave.” Thorn’s jaw clenched.

Elliott snorted, and Saphira muttered, “And here I was beginning to believe he wasn’t stupid.”

“Stay out of it,” Thorn barked as his nostrils flared, but his gaze didn’t leave mine.

“Thorn…” Cassidy’s voice held warning. “You’re in the wrong, and we don’t have time for this. Hydra and I are staying for our own reasons, but you’re the true heir, and Everly is your mate.”

“That’s my point.” Thorn lifted his chin, his irises darkening. “That’s why Everly needs to stay here with you and Hydra.”

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