Page 70 of Fated for Flames

Lucien cleared his throat again, drawing our attention. “There’s one more thing we need to discuss.” His gaze shifted to me, his expression serious. “What happened at the amphitheater?”

A wave of dread washed over me at the memory of being bound, exposed, and vulnerable.

“I didn’t see my attacker,” I explained. “It could have been anyone from the Luminary Coven.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. “That’s unacceptable! We can’t allow them to continue targeting you like this.”

“I know.” I straightened my shoulders. “I need to be smarter, more vigilant. I can’t let them catch me off guard again.”

Rafe placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his kind eyes filled with concern. “We’ll help you, Evelyn. You don’t have to face this alone.”

I offered him a grateful smile, drawing strength from the unwavering support of my friends. “Thank you. All of you.”

“We’ve got you,” Rafe said again.

In that moment, I knew it was true. I wasn’t alone in this fight. I had Lucien, Rafe, Theo, and even Chad and Ryker by my side. With their help, I was ready to face whatever came next.

43

Ryker

That had been some seriously messed-up fucking shit.

Chad and I were walking away from that ugly modern building, having just experienced whatever the hell that had been.

This was why I couldn’t stand witches and warlocks.

Manipulating someone’s brain! That was fucked up.

When Chad had mentioned that Evelyn needed our help, I didn’t hesitate, especially after finding her in such a state at the amphitheater. I wasn’t sure what exactly was going on or why she was a target, but all I could think about was unleashing fury and killing anyone who dared hurt her.

Chad was walking next to me, rambling about angels and dicks.

“What are you even talking about?” I asked him.

“Did you not see how that angel dude was looking at our girl? There’s no way we can compete with an actual angel,” heexclaimed with wide eyes. “Even I want the guy, and I don’t swing that way!”

I sighed. “What are you prattling on about?”

Hadn’t he just witnessed the dark magic that went down in there? And here he was talking about angels and dicks!

“I think we might have to add them to our harem,” Chad said. “I wasn’t planning on bringing any more dicks into the mix, but with the angel dude in the picture, we don’t stand a chance, and that grumpy one probably wants her too.”

As Chad continued his nonsensical rambling about angels and his apparent desire to add them to our nonexistent harem, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

“I think my wooing is working, although I sometimes choke and end up giving her noogies. I think it might be sending her mixed signals.”

I shook my head in exasperation. “Chad, can you please focus for a second?”

Chad blinked at me in confusion before his expression shifted to one of understanding.

“Right, of course. Sorry, man.” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, a stark contrast to his usual cocky demeanor.

I softened my tone, realizing that despite his carefree attitude, Chad cared deeply for Evelyn. I’d never seen him like this.

“It’s okay, just…try to stay on track,” I said with a nod.

We walked in silence for a few moments before Chad spoke up again, this time with a more serious tone. “Do you think she’s going to be okay?”

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