I hate that my pulse stutters at the way he says it, like he knows something I don’t. Because there is no freaking way he knows anything about me or what the future holds for me. He clearly has no clue that he’s quite possibly ruined my entire life.
“You’re wrecking everything,” I whisper, tears burning unexpectedly behind my eyes. “You have no idea what you’ve done. What you’re keeping me away from.”
He looks forward again. “I know exactly what I’m keeping you away from.”
The quiet conviction in his voice is more terrifying than if he’d yelled.
I look away from him, but I can’t stop seeing it.
Blond hair.
Green eyes.
The doll.
The way, for one horrible second, when he looked at me—it didn’t feel like I was being taken. It felt like I was being protected.And more than that, like I was beingclaimed.
I don’t know which one scares me more—so I settle for being freaked the fuck out enough for both.
Kane
With Blair slung over my shoulder, I push open the front door to the cabin.
Arms flailing, heels kicking, body twisting with all her strength, she’s fighting like hell as I step inside and kick the door shut with my boot.
“What the fuck?” Rook questions, his eyes darting between me and the woman slung over my shoulder.
“Holy shit, Kane!” Cal shouts, already on his feet.
“She’s fine,” I say, breathless but controlled. “I mean, she’s real fucking pissed at me, but she’s fine. She’s safe.”
That part matters the most to me. She’s safe, even if she hates me for it.
Kylie’s eyes go wide, and Rook moves instantly, pulling her into his side. He’s protective, as he should be. Not only do the elites want us dead, but they also want anyone associated with us dead too. And well, he doesn’t know the full reality of this just yet, but I’ve made shit a hell of a lot worse with what I’ve just done.
Blair bucks harder, and I adjust my grip on her waist.
“Who is she?” Cal asks.
“Her name is Blair.”
The second Rook’s eyes lock on hers, something shifts. He goes still, and it’s then that I register she’s still thrashing but she’s not screaming. I can feel her lungs working, but she’s not making any noise at all.
I frown slightly.Is that because of me?
Rook meets my eyes. His brow is furrowed, and his mouth is set in a firm line. It’s clear not only is my elder brother reading Blair’s thoughts right now, but he would appreciate an explanation for my current situation. “Kane, why do you have her?”
“I had to,” I say. “I had to save her.”
I feel Blair’s chest move with force against my back, and I know she’s trying to scream. But again, nothing comes out.
Rook’s astute gaze flicks from her to me and back to her.
And that’s when I feel it—the bond.Even with her this pissed at me, even with her thinking I’m some kind of lunatic who has ruined her life, the draw to her is pulsing inside my ribs. I can feel her intentions bleeding into my veins, into my mind, and I know without a doubt she’s still too fucking naïve for her own well-being.
I know that her screams are being directed at the wrong people.
And I know that I’m able to stop them.
