Page 48 of Devil’s Snare

With the dream as confirmation, I knew Gwen had been my lover in multiple lifetimes. Lover wasn’t the right word. I wasn’t sure anything summed up what we were to one another. Soulmates?

He seemed a bit surprised. “You want her as your ol’ lady.”

It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah, Pres. I do.”

“Go to the Tree. Be certain before you claim her.”

I didn’t have to do it, but I would. “I’ll take Omen.”

“Good idea.” He dropped his hand. “I’ve got your back, brother. Gwen will be your ol’ lady.”

In our world, that was a sacred vow.

My chin dipped with gratitude.

Omen sensed my presence before I arrived. I could feel his excitement and the pulse of energy that often radiated from him. He sat on his black haunches and waited for me outside the cemetery gates.

Bounding to his feet, he shook the ground as he leaped toward my chest, almost crashing us both to the ground. I caught him and scratched the fur under his chin.

“Gwen is ours, boy. Gotta make that permanent.”

He tilted his head as if understanding my words. A sharp bark followed.

Omen dropped to his paws and trotted beside me as we moved deeper into the forest. Not even a bunny hopping in front of him deterred Omen. Praising him, I scratched his velvety soft ears. “Good boy.”

When we finally reached the hollow in the woods, I lowered to my knees. My hand pressed to the earth, fingers digging into the soil, and I repeated the incantation that I knew so well I could recite it in my sleep.

The ground began to quake. The trees shook and briefly danced on their roots. I lost sight of the sun as the Tree of Life poked through the hallowed dirt and began to rise. The limbs stretched wide as if awakening from deep slumber. Leaves appeared and shimmered in shades of gold.

Staying on my knees, I held out my arms.

“I humbly come to ask for a blessing.”

I WANTED TO SURPRISE Gwen after I left the forest. That was the reason I didn’t text her that I slipped into her apartment again, tore off my shirt and cut, and waited for her to enter.

Didn’t count on Ethan showing up and catching me as I climbed through her window. I wouldn’t have cared. Didn’t give a fuck at all until I saw the fucking gun in his hand. But when I saw him swing his weapon toward us, I nearly lost my shit. Brother or not, if he pointed a gun anywhere near her again, I’d kick his ass.

He was too pissed. Too volatile when he saw us.

When she asked me to leave to give her a few minutes to explain things to Ethan, I didn’t like it. We hadn’t clarified shit about what we were to each other. I didn’t want her figuring that out without me around.

Would her brother try to convince her that I was dangerous? Or that being with me was wrong? This shit got to me. I hated how those questions fucked with my head.

Riding usually helped. I’d hop on my bike, head into the wind, and leave everything behind me. It didn’t this time. Couldn’t clear my head.

I just wanted to be back with Gwen, even though I’d only been gone a few minutes. It wasn’t until I caught what Ethan was saying as I entered the apartment that I understood why I felt restless.

Gwen’s ex put his hands on her, hit her, and put her in the hospital. Rage coursed through me. Didn’t matter if it happened a few years ago. I had to find this piece of shit and make him pay for what he did to her.

Learning that he was released from prison early and Ethan knew where to find him? Perfect timing.

“You sure Gwen is going to be safe?” Ethan asked as we left Gwen’s apartment building together.

“Prospect is here to protect her while I’m gone. The club will step up if she needs anything.”

“Your club.” He said it like he tasted something bad.