Page 105 of Burn of Obsidian

Thea screamed, her body yanked from beneath him.

“A Guardian, how unexpected,” Gideon commented calmly, gripping a thrashing Thea by her hair. “The Fates bless me.”

“He wants the last page.” She cried out when Gideon pulled her tightly against him. “But I don’t have it.”

Last? Fuck.

Jax placed his palms flat on the floor and pushed up. His shoulder screamed, pain radiating across his upper back and through the centre of his chest.

Half the ceiling had fallen against his back, something sharp piercing his lung.

Gideon caressed Thea’s jaw, smearing the blood that dripped freely from her hairline. “I don’t believe you.”

Jax’s arms trembled, the pain excruciating as he slowly pulled himself free.

“Stay,” Gideon snapped.

Hands landed on his shoulders, keeping him impaled.

“Please, he’s hurt!” Thea begged, clawing against the hold.

Jax concentrated on breathing, each breath a struggle, and it was only Thunder’s presence that kept him conscious. He needed to shift, but he couldn’t while pinned.

Where the fuck is Lucifer?

“Now, isn’t this interesting?” Gideon’s smile was cruel, his eyes darting over Jax’s shoulder. “Why does a common thief care so much about a Guardian?”

“It’s okay,” he said, his lungs burning with every inhale. “You’re going to be okay.”

Gideon arched her back, wrapping her silver strands into one fist. “We shall see.”

Approaching, he dragged Thea with him. Jax lifted his chin, making no sound when Gideon pulled the metal pipe from his shoulder. The pain was piercing, followed by a dull ache which left his lungs feeling heavy, tight.

KILL HIM, Thunder roared, trying and failing to shift into his form. They’d been too badly hurt, his body needing time to recover.

Gideon wrenched Thea’s head to the side. “Where’s my document?”

“I don’t have it.”

Jax kept his expression empty, attention trained on the Daemon. He couldn’t do anything, not without risking Thea.

Gideon laughed, and up close Jax could make out the darkened veins beneath his ashen skin. With a nod, something touched his neck, the sharp edge cutting at his skin.

“Wait!” Thea cried out.

“Don’t,” Jax rasped, his eyes burning when they met hers. Don’t do it.

His life wasn’t worth it.

“I’ll get it,” she said, head shaking gently. “I’ll get you the page.”

Gideon released his grip, her palms slicing open when she caught her fall. Jax went to reach for her, but the blade sliced deeper.

Fuck!

Gideon rolled his shoulders. “I’ll believe it when I see it. Until then…”

The blade was removed from Jax’s neck, only to be replaced by something thick and heavy. He allowed it to click into place, not moving an inch even as it seared against his skin.

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