Page 47 of Savage Claim

Claws of panic ripped open my chest as I slowly inched toward my former best friend, but Mykel positioned himself between us. Hawk couldn’t really know what he was up against. Venna was a royal demon for shit’s sake.

“Hawk, you need to get out of here now,” I hissed. “This is not your fight.”

He sneered. “Of course it’s my fight. Ravens are charged with handling rebellious nightworlders who can’t obey the rules. Maybe you forgot that since you’re one of them now.”

Venna flicked her platinum hair over her shoulder. “And what accords have we broken, young raven?”

“You killed two teenagers.” Hawk pulled his hilt out, activating the sword. “Your head is mine.”

Her blue demon flashed with delight. “He’s adorable, Tate. I can see why you want to protect him.” When she smiled, her skin paled even more, and her cheekbones protruded, leaving part of her face in deep hollows. “Too bad I’ve already decided it’s his time to die.”

I lunged for her, thinking she was moments away from grabbing Hawk, but Mykel was the one who charged him. The two battled each other, a sword against claws and teeth. While I was distracted, Venna slammed her fist into my cheek, and I stumbled into a headstone so hard fissures dug into the granite.

“Killing you will be worth losing the Infernal Sol, Tate,” Venna said as she sliced her talons through the air, so close they tore my shirt. “I’d much rather avenge my sister’s death. Ziva deserves it.”

I ducked her next hit. “Ziva deserves a spot in hell just like you.” My foot kicked out, crushing her ribs. A crack reverberated as Venna toppled to the ground. “You’ll see her real soon.”

My breaths came in heavy pants as I spun to rush to Hawk’s side while he and Mykel fought. The dux demon hadn’t even broken a sweat while Hawk was drenched. The raven might as well be a toy to Mykel.

As I took off, a hand fisted my hair, yanking me back. Pain erupted in my scalp, and stars spotted my vision as Venna swung me around. Her claws sliced into my shoulder, warm blood spilling down my arm.

“Not so fast, half-breed mutt.” She snapped her jaws, attempting to bite me.

Holy shit! Was she trying to eat me? I didn’t think royals enjoyed flesh, but maybe Venna had a taste for it.

I slammed my arm against her to break her grip. My fist sailed through the air, smashing into her nose. Black blood spurted against her white skin. As the fury began to intensify, I sliced my talons down her neck, spilling more onyx liquid.

“You’re going to pay for what you did to Fane,” I growled, the mix of shifter and demon magic rushing forward, longing to tear into her throat and rip her head off. “You’ll suffer for every moment he suffered and then?—”

Hawk cursed, yanking my attention away from Venna just as Mykel snatched the sword right out of the raven’s grip. My world slowed as the demon grinned and thrust the blade toward Hawk’s abdomen.

He was going to kill him.

Forgetting my desire for vengeance, I released Venna and sprinted toward them, my heart in my throat. Hell, I wasn’t breathing either. My legs pumped and boots dug into the ground as my surroundings blurred. Mykel and Hawk became the center of my focus as the blade drew closer to my best friend, the guy I’d loved for years.

Even if he hated me now, I wouldn’t let him die.

I’d never moved so fast in my life, darting between them and pushing Hawk to the ground. As I pitched toward him from the momentum, something sharp slid into my back, and a cry burst out of my mouth.

My vision blurred, but I had enough sense to land on my hands and knees to keep plenty of space between Hawk and me so the end of the sharp blade protruding from my stomach didn’t puncture him.

Mykel fucking stabbed me.

“Tate!” Horror broke across Hawk’s expression when he realized what happened. “What did you do?”

I took a shallow breath as pain tried to overwhelm me. “I saved you.”

“Such a pity Fane wasn’t here to see this.” Mykel yanked the sword out, and crimson spilled over Hawk’s chest, splattering his face and dirty-blond hair. “I’m sure he felt it, though. But would he be happy you’re dying or devastated?”

Hawk shook his head and scooted out from under me as I remained on all fours. “Tate, just hold on. We’ll get you help.”

Help.

I will help.

“Oh, shit,” I muttered as the Infernal Sol barreled past all my defenses and surged forward. The dark power shot through my veins so fast the cemetery spun. As it stole my control and climbed into the driver’s seat, Hawk’s eyes widened. He saw the change come over me, and I was about to become a creature that would terrify him to his core.

Did you really think I’d let you perish from a little stab wound? If you die, I die.

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