Finally, they neared the edge of the clearing, where tents were in full view, and the heat of the now-extinguished fire stillrippled through the air, smoke still rising. A figure emerged on the outskirts, watching them approach with a smug smirk.
“Been waiting for you to show up,” Eric said. “A little birdie told me you’d show up sooner or later.”
Cillian snarled. A moment later, he returned to his human form, glaring up at Eric as he loomed overhead.
“Something burning?” Cillian asked conversationally, nodding at the billowing smoke.
“Had some trouble with a snake,” Eric responded with a sleazy smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of her. One of us knows how to keep her in line.” He winked at Cillian.
Rage rippled through Cillian at the smirk, but he remained motionless. Every inch of him wanted to charge forward and tear Eric to shreds. It took every ounce of his willpower to stay put.
“It’s over, Eric,” Cillian said. “Come quietly, and we don’t have to have a whole fight. We can end this peacefully. Just put down your weapons.”
Eric tapped his chin thoughtfully, as if he were actually considering the offer. That slimy smile returned.
“Nah. I think I’d rather kill you four and take over as alpha,” he said. “If you want, the four of you could step down and let me take over. I’ll let you live if you do.”
“Somehow I doubt that,” Camden said.
Eric laughed, but didn’t bother to respond. Everyone there knew the truth. Instead, he dismissed Camden from his mind and turned to look back at Cillian.
“I really should have recognized you when we first met. What’s your plan here? You can’t seriously expect to win. Youfailed to get rid of the Night Pack the last time your crew tried,” he taunted. “What’s going to make this time any different?”
“Gloating and talking to stall is a cheap tactic,” Cillian said. “Why don’t we get this over with?”
Clicking his teeth, Eric raised his eyebrows. “All in good time. I get that you’re impatient, but there’s nothing wrong with talking a bit before I kill you.”
“You don’t know the first thing about me,” Cillian growled.
Eric let out a laugh. “I know you just fine,” he said, flashing a grin that showed sharp teeth. “I’ve got a great inside source with me right now.”
Snarling, bristling with anger, Cillian stayed where he was. Intuition prickled at him, cutting through the rage enough for him to slow and think for a moment. Something was off. He couldn’t figure out what.
“Why don’t we talk like adults?” Camden said. “What is it that you want, exactly?”
Eric laughed. “I think we all already know that, don’t we?” he asked, his grin widening. “I want you four dead and Silverrose under my control. That simple.”
“Yeah, I don’t think we’re going to be able to come to an agreement, then,” Camden said. “But I’ll still give you the chance to turn yourself in and make it easier on everyone here, yourself included.”
Eric laughed again, his attention sliding away from Camden to lock onto Cillian. “I’ve got something of yours,” he called, then jerked Amber into view. Her hands were bound behind her back, and someone had gagged her. She tried to wrench herself from Eric’s grasp, but he just held her tighter.“You should keep better track of your things. I caught her sneaking through the woods. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’d been trying to run.”
Cillian growled, taking a half-step forward. He wanted to charge forward and tear Eric to ribbons for laying a hand on Amber. But he stopped himself, barely being able to hold himself back. He glared up at the smirking Eric, who was currently stroking Amber’s arm idly, leering at her. He smirked back at Cillian.
He’s trying to get a rise out of you, a voice said.
He knew that, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to kill Eric for touching Amber. She tried to jerk away again, to no avail.
“Let her go, Eric,” Cillian said.
“I will,” Eric responded. “As long as you agree to back down. Step aside and hand the Silverrose pack to me, and I’ll hand her over. You have my word.”
Amber’s eyes finally met Cillian’s. She shook her head briefly, trying to tell him that there was no way Eric would follow through with that promise. He didn’t need her to tell him that; he could smell a trap this obvious from a mile away. It was almost as pungent as the smoke still billowing into the air. A burst of intuition hit him, and he smirked.
“So how did Amber manage to destroy your camp?” Cillian asked. “Because it sure looks like she did a number on it. You should probably learn to stop underestimating people.”
Eric’s eyes narrowed. “If you don’t want her, I’ll be happy to take her back,” he said. “She’ll be mine again after I kill all of you, anyway. This is your last chance to back down. Or you can watch me have a bit of fun with Amber here.”
Without taking his eyes off Cillian, he began to run his hands along Amber, smirking as he watched Cillian’s growing rage. Every time Amber tried to recoil or move away, Eric pulled her closer. His hand slid to her stomach and slowly inched upward.
