I wanted to slaughter my father with my bare hands. I wanted to tear out my heart because no matter what I did, I would fail Nila.
She would pay the Third Debt.
And she would hate me forever.
My knees wobbled as I gasped in agony. I’d condemned her. I was the one she would blame. How would she recover from that? Why would she ever want me again after I left her alone?
She would never be mine again, but I wouldneverlet my father execute her.
Six days.
My father wanted to kill the love of my life in six fucking days.
My plan had just escalated.
I will stop this.
Even if it meant dying alone and unwanted because of it.
“How! How will you take care of it?” Jasmine screeched. “They’re in fucking Botswana, Kite!”
My jaw locked, and I stormed toward Wings. He stood obediently, hidden in the tree line. Neither tethered nor saddled, he looked up when I got closer. His black eyes gleamed with ancient knowledge, so smart, so empathetic. He sensed my turmoil. He knew what I was about to ask him and he didn’t hesitate.
Moving toward me, the giant animal placed himself sideways for me to mount. No rope or bridle, just a bond between man and beast.
“I don’t care if they’re at the ends of the earth. I’m going after them.”
Grabbing a fistful of Wing’s mane, I tucked the phone under my chin. Ina practiced move I’d done countless times, I leapt upright and swung my leg over Wing’s back.
My side bellowed, but I ignored my discomfort, focusing on the pain I’d caused Nila by making her return to the Hall without me.
Stupid. So fucking stupid.
Wing’s silky coat offered no friction against my jeans. I’d been raised riding bareback. I’d spent many nights building a relationship with my horse. He would obey and fly wherever I needed.
The minute I was seated, he burst into a gallop. I bent low, gripping with my thighs.
Run.
Faster.
My rucksack slapped against my back as Wings flew toward the Hall. Wind stole Jasmine’s voice, but I caught enough. “Jethro, what are you going to do?”
The noonday sun drenched Hawksridge, mocking my choices and who I’d become. I vowed this would be over soon. That Nila would be in my arms. That my brother would wake from his coma. That my sister might finally find peace.
So much to fix.
So much unhappiness to erase.
Wings gathered more power, shooting faster than any bullet across the paddock. My legs tightened, my heart pounded, and my fury crescendoed into a breathable entity.
Cut had made his last mistake.
I’m coming for you.
“I’m going after her, Jaz. And this time, I’m going to fucking end it.”
Chapter Three
