Page 79 of Knotted By the Demon

I landed a punch to her jaw, the impact sending a satisfying crack through the room. She stumbled but recovered, slamming me into the wall with enough force to knock the air from my lungs.

“Is this all you’ve got?” she sneered, blood dripping from her split lip.

I grinned, my teeth bared. “Not even close.”

I drove my knee into her gut, doubling her over before grabbing her hair and slamming her face into the edge of the end table. She howled, blood splattering across the wood.

“You think you can take what’s mine?” I snarled, slamming her again. “You think you can steal him away from me and our alpha?”

Her eyes were wild, her breaths ragged as she fought to regain control. But I didn’t let her. I wouldn’t let her. I went to slam her head into the table again, but she elbowed me in the ribs, knocking the wind from me and making me loosen my grip on her.

I slid my hand into the waistband of my pants as she lunged again, her nails aimed for my throat, but I caught her wrist, twisting her arm until she screamed.

“This is for Greek,” I hissed, driving my knife into her chest.Not once. Not twice. Three times.Just like my cousin and his bond mates taught me.

Her scream cut off abruptly, her body going limp as I held the knife in her chest, refusing to lift it until I was sure she was dead.Her blood soaked my hands. I let her fall, her body crumpling to the floor.

My chest heaved, my heart racing as I turned to Greek. He was on his knees, tears streaming down his face, his hands covering his mouth. I rushed to him, pulling him into my arms as he sobbed against my chest.

“I’m sorry,” he choked out, his words muffled against my skin. “I’m so sorry—”

“Stop,” I said, my voice cracking. “This isn’t your fault.” I held him tightly, my own tears mixing with his. “I’d do it again,” I whispered. “A thousand times. For you, Greek. Always for you. This is what mates do for each other,” I told him.

Greek and I was safe. But could the same be said for our alpha?

***

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DEMON

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Blood still dripped from my fingers as I stepped into the cabin. The metallic tang clung to the air, mixing with the sharper, bitter scent of death. Sofia and Greek were crouched together by Natalie’s crumpled body. I recognized her from Greek’sdescription. Her scent was sour. Yet, I hadn’t picked up on it while I’d been outside.

That didn’t sit well with me. Neither did the fact that she’d made it inside. That was on me. She never should’ve made it past me. But I was glad to see my hellcat’s knife buried deep in the woman’s chest. Greek was trembling, tears streaking down his pale cheeks.

Sofia’s gaze snapped to mine as I walked further into the room, my boots heavy against the wood. I tossed Nathan’s severed head onto the floor, letting it roll to a stop near Natalie’s lifeless form. The wet thud echoed in the tense silence.

“They’ll never hurt you again,” I growled, my voice rough and low.

Greek stared at the head, his lips parted in a silent gasp, his breath hitching. Sofia’s eyes darted to mine, fire burning in her gaze.

“If you ever close your bond off from us again, I’ll skin you alive, alpha,” she snarled.

Guilt hummed through me. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t wanted...” But before I could say more, it hit me.

That scent.I should’ve smelled it sooner before it was this close. What the hell was going on? That unforgettable scent slid through the air like a serrated blade, sharp and familiar, dredging up memories I’d spent years burying. Cedar smoke laced with iron and decay. My brother.

Lucius.

A growl tore from my throat as I spun toward the door, the snarl ripping through my chest like a war cry.

“Well, well.” His voice oozed mockery, each syllable twisting like a knife. He stood in the doorway, tall and menacing, his dark eyes glittering with malice. “I’ve been hunting you for years, brother, and here you are. Playing house with a pretty omega and an alpha bitch.”

Sofia bristled beside me, her fists clenched, but I held up a hand, keeping her back. I hadn’t even seen her approach my side.

“Imagine my surprise,” Lucius drawled. “When I learned the omega I was searching for was in your possession. I let Natalie and Nathan live after destroying their pack only because they promised to lead me to him. And now, not only do I get the omega, I get you too! I feel like a snotty-nosed kid on Christmas morning.”

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