Page 100 of For Dear Life

Kai and his friend stand opposite Viggo and another shifter with long-curled hair pulled from his face.

One of the shifters from the renovations. Trent?

“Your uncle?” I whisper. “Didn’t he say he’d arrange for Kai to be somewhere the witches could kill him? One of the shifter workers is here.”

Grayson’s mouth sets hard. “I didn’t know, Violet.”

“Well, I bet he’s their construct too, which means the witches must be nearby.”

We exchange a look, but I don’t say the other words: and your uncle.

Grayson swears repeatedly under his breath as Viggo steps forward, Kai doing the same. Kai’s muscular, but the shifter’s hulking figure outmatches him—as his friend eclipses Dale too.

“Didn’t think you’d show,” says Viggo, the scar above his lip pulling tighter as he sneers at Kai. “Thought you were still hiding.”

“I wasn’t hiding,” he retorts. “And I thought this was one on one. Me and you.”

Viggo gestures at Dale. “Yeah? Looks like you had the same idea as me.” Then he points at his friend. “Meet Trent. You think you can take us, you dumb bastard?”

But I’m not paying attention to their male posturing, only to the vacant expression on Trent’s face.

And his blank mind.

“We need to stop this,” I mutter to Grayson. “Get Rowan. We stay together.”

Then I step into the other guys’ view before Grayson responds.

I’m looking at Kai’s back, but Viggo’s facing my way. He gawks as he lays eyes on me before his face becomes one massive look of contempt. “You got the witch bitch to fight your battles?”

“Much as I enjoy your insults, I would remind you I am not a witch.” I link my fingers in front of myself, and subtly look between him and Trent.

Kai’s head snaps around. “I didn’t bring her!”

“You’re fortunate I’m here,” I reply evenly. “I suggest you leave, Kai, before things descend further into unpleasantness.”

“Aww. A little girl to fight your battles. Hiding behind supes like Daddy?” Viggo steps closer to Kai and shoves him with a massive hand.

Kai shoves him back with both of his, but the shifter doesn’t budge. “I’m here to tell you that if any animals come into our town again, I’ll ensure you’re locked away like your murdering bastard of a friend. Shifters aren’t welcome.”

“And you believe I’d listen to you?” Viggo clenches and unclenches a fist.

“No, but hurt me and your life’s over.” Kai points at himself. “I’m untouchable now that your kind overstepped boundaries and killed.”

Trent’s throaty chuckle reverberates. “You think your life matters, Sawyer?”

34

VIOLET

Now above me again, Grayson sneaks across the shelves, back towards Rowan, as I rapidly size up the situation, focusing on Trent. If Trent shifts and launches himself at Kai, what then? No way will Kai survive without me interfering. Again.

I step into the space between the two factions. Nobody moves.

“Gonna set fire to the ground again, witch?” asks Viggo.

“With the amount of flammable material in here? What a stupid question,” I say. “No. I’m requesting you leave.”

“This is my family’s place. You’re all trespassing,” says Kai from behind me.

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