“Blaze, be careful.” Katrina swiped at her eyes and took a shaky breath. “I’m okay. I’m not hurt. I just needed to hear your voice to keep me out of that dark place.”
“I’m pulling in now,” Blaze said, causing Katrina to turn and see him flying toward her.
Before she could blink, he was at her door, pulling it open and dragging her into his arms. She lost it. Her body shook so hard it hurt, tears pouring down her face as she held on to him with everything she had.
“I’m sorry,” she sobbed, having no clue if he understood her through the tears.
“Do not apologize.” He cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Katrina nodded, clearing her throat. She watched as he looked up, searching the parking lot before looking back down at her.
“Get your stuff,” he said, turning her gently around. “I’ll come back later for your car. Lock it up.”
Katrina nodded and did just that. She didn’t trust herself to drive at the moment. “I have to go to Becky and Sloan’s,” she said as she grabbed the bag for Becky and her purse.
Blaze led her to the SUV after locking up her car, then helped her inside. “Lock the doors.” Blaze stepped away. “I’ll be back.”
She wanted to tell him to stay with her, but knew he wouldn’t. She locked the doors and watched him walk toward the pharmacy. He disappeared inside for only a few minutes, then came back out and looked her way, making sure she was okay.He walked the parking lot, his eyes searching the area before finally turning back toward her.
Katrina unlocked the door for him and felt herself relax a little when he slid into the driver’s seat. Starting the SUV, he put it in drive, then reached for her hand and held it tightly. The drive was silent, and she knew Blaze was trying to get control of himself. It wasn’t long before they were pulling up to Becky and Sloan’s. He stopped before they reached the house, sent a text, then turned off the SUV and looked at her.
“What happened?” Blaze asked, his eyes searching hers. “Did he hurt you? I swear to God if he laid one fucking finger on you, I will kill him.”
Shaking her head, Katrina swallowed hard. “It just shocked me, him standing there. He tried to act like what happened never happened...or something. I don’t know. It just brought back too many memories, and I wasn’t expecting it. He told me someone is trying to restart the Iron Drakes. He wanted to warn me. Whoever it is will put a price on our heads because we’re blood to Samuel Drake, and there are still many loyal to him even though he’s dead that will want one of us to take over.”
Blaze’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent as he listened.
“He also said he no longer goes by Craig, but Asher, which is the middle name our mother gave him.” Katrina snorted at that. “And that he’s joining the Dark Guardians in Kentucky. He said because of you, he couldn’t join the Warriors. If I need to contact him, I’m supposed to let one of the Guardians know.” Katrina knew her words were coming out in a rush, but she couldn’t control it. It all came pouring out of her.
Blaze’s eyes narrowed even more, but he didn’t comment on that. “I don’t want you going anywhere alone until I know exactly what’s going on.”
Nodding, Katrina didn’t even argue. She knew more than anyone what would happen if the Iron Drakes formed again under someone else. Her life would change in ways worse than when her father had been in control. Not only will the ones who want to restart it be after her, but the ones still loyal to her bastard of a father would want to use one of them to keep control. It was the way of that world, a brutal world she never asked to be a part of, but was a major player in it because she was the daughter of Samuel Drake.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” Blaze cupped her chin, bringing her face to his. “Do you hear me? No one will touch you.”
“I know.” She leaned over and kissed him. “I love you.”
He deepened the kiss before pulling away. “I love you,” he replied, then let her go. “Okay, let’s get this done so I can get you home. What did you have to get her that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
The question threw her a little. She didn’t want to lie to Blaze, but she had sworn she wouldn’t tell anyone. “She hasn’t been feeling well,” Katrina said as he turned the headlights back on and pulled up behind Sloan’s motorcycle. “It’s girl stuff.”
He only nodded in that uncomfortable way he always did whenever she mentioned girl stuff.
Katrina grabbed the bag and opened the door, then glanced back at him. “You don’t have to look so terrified.”
“I’m not terrified,” Blaze frowned, then looked toward the house. “I just know when I’m out of my depth.”
Despite everything, Katrina almost smiled. “Smart man.”
Blaze knocked on the door, then winked at her.
“Thank you for coming so quick, Blaze.” Katrina squeezed his hand, knowing how damn lucky she was to have a man like him. “I knew one day I would come face-to-face with my brother, but I didn’t expect it to hit me so hard. I thought I could handle it.”
“I’d walk through hell for you, Katrina.” Blaze squeezed her hand back. “You are my life.”
Katrina swallowed the sob that rose in her throat just as the door opened.
Sloan stepped back, letting them in. She tried to give him a smile, but he was already looking at her with a frown before his eyes moved to Blaze. Her face was probably blotchy, and eyes swollen from crying.
