Page 38 of Property of Karev

Finally, Sevrin brings the semi-trailer truck to a stop when we arrive at the clubhouse, and it’s then I whisper my fear, “Will he be okay?”

Sevrin turns to me. “We’re going to damn well raise hell to make sure. He’s a strong motherfucker, Lea. Karev never gives up and neither will any of his brothers, and certainly not his old lady.”

Even if the future is unsure and it doesn’t seem as if anything will be okay...his words do give me strength.

Which is why I nod and murmur, “Thank you,” before getting out.

We’re at the back of the clubhouse and one of the bikers is standing near a large cabin. Two huge doors are opened and I can see there are a few mattresses spread out on the floor.

“Has something like this happened before?” I ask, worry lacing my voice.

Sevrin helps the other five bikers lift Karev when he says, “Let’s just say we like to be prepared, and shit does happen from time to time.”

I guess that’s fair since life is fucked-up with its ups and downs. I watch the brothers take care of one of their own while I want nothing more than help. It’s better to stay out of their way, and it’s then I notice Triton isn’t around.

I’m about to ask where he is when he comes rushing toward us. “Guys, this shit is somewhat different than we thought. More fucked-up for sure.”

The sliver of fear is back, and the hint of panic has my fingers curling into fists. I guess life always manages to throw more shit in your face.

“I don’t care,” I snap. “Just tell me whatever it is and I’ll fight. There’s no way I’m going to let you stop me again from killing Drexel.” Pointing at Karev I add, “This man right there is my mate and the only one left in my life I care about. If there’s a chance for us at the horizon, I’m going to damn well take the chance at a future and fight like hell. Even if it means I’ll die trying.”

Triton shakes his head and looks pissed. “There’s no fucking way I’m going to let you die trying. What if you get killed but manage to lift the spell your mate is under so he fucking lives, eh? He would wish he were dead and wouldn’t have a life because his other half would be ripped from him.”

I hear what he’s saying and yet I decide to focus on what’s important. “So, he is under a spell like my sister was. Except, she didn’t have a soul anymore and was dead...Karev isn’t dead and still has his soul, right?”

“Judging from the wound on his shoulder I’m guessing he got the toxin through a bite from Drexel. Am I right? How much of the fight did you see?” Triton asks.

I try to think back and have to admit, “I didn’t see how he got the injury. By the time I got to them it was clear they were fighting already because Drexel was missing his head again. Well, I assumed he re-grew the one Levan bit off because there was a new wound oozing black blood from his neck.”

“Fuck,” Triton mutters. “That’s what I thought.”

Frustration hits me. “Stop with the internal dialogue and only giving remarks.”

“What she said,” Sevrin says as he comes to a stop next to me.

Triton starts to pace and it takes a few heartbeats before he starts to rattle, “It’s a good thing I followed you and saw the fucker lurking in the shadows when you were about to zap Drexel. He was actually waiting for you to do it so he could own your soul as well.”

My eyes go wide. “What? The one with the red eyes? He’d own my soul? How?”

“It’s an upper-level demon. I managed to injure him and with it obtain a few drops of his blood. When you guys were carrying Karev into the cabin I did some research and tested the blood. He’s the one after the souls, and I’m pretty sure he has Drexel on a string. He’s the one who needs to kill Drexel to release whatever spell or toxin Karev is suffering from. Hell, I’m pretty sure this demon has been the one feeding him the bullshit about some legend, becoming powerful. Which would mean the demon is doing it to become king of the underworld right here in Maryland, and with Calvania dead, he’s already succeeded.”

“Yes, I have,” an eerie voice states.

Triton and Sevrin both step in front of me, and it’s Triton who says, “What do you want?”

I can barely catch a glance of the demon with those two massive bikers shielding me.

“Well, according to you I already have what I want.” His voice carries the smirk I catch on his face. “Though, I am willing to bargain for the alpha hellhound’s life.”

“What do you want?” I ask and step around Sevrin.

The demon’s eyes flare with a red gleam when they land on me. “You have some interesting powers. Yet, you have sadly mated with the beast dying in the cabin over there. There’s nothing you can offer I’d be interested in.”

“He’s not dying,” I grit.

The demon ignores me and turns to Triton. “I am willing to break the link with Drexel that’s poisoning the Hellhound if you’ll give me your sister’s hand in marriage.”

I can’t even process the insane suggestion while Triton snorts and instantly states, “Deal.”