Page 150 of Bonded Chaos

I closed my eyes, letting the tears stream down my cheeks as I sank into the sound. When I opened my eyes again, the man watched me with concern, his brows furrowed, unsure what to do.

I launched myself at him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I buried my face against his chest.

“Papa!”

His arms encircled me, and he hugged me just as tightly, gently stroking my hair.

“I’m here, Cadence. Everything is going to be all right.”

Chapter Sixty

Ryker

Our footsteps were silent as we moved through the dense forest, the moss-covered ground concealing the sounds of our approach. The tall trees that loomed above us blocked out the inky night sky, plunging the woods into darkness.

Instead of being a hindrance, I thrived among the shadows. The blackness called to my soul, welcoming me home.

I didn’t have to worry about losing my way. The bond beckoned me to Cadence as a moth to a flame, guiding me through the wilderness with ease.

It was also a constant reminder that she’d left me, spurring my anger as I hunted her down like prey. My mind kept returning to the various ways I would punish her for disobeying me. All of them involved her being naked and on her knees.

A twig snapped behind me, and I spun on my heels to scowl at my younger brother.

“You need to get out of the palace more often, Little Brother. You’re losing your edge.”

Riordan scowled back at me, but he didn’t deny it.

The bond blazed inside my chest, reclaiming my attention, and I could tell she was close. My muscles ached from being coiled tight as I hunted my mate, but it was comforting to know the end was near.

She wouldn’t be able to evade me for much longer. I’d have Cadence back at my side where she belonged.

As soon as the thought formed, the air shifted. The forest grew unnaturally quiet, and the night became thick and oppressive. My shadows danced and writhed around me, hovering at the edge of my vision, waiting for the command to strike.

“Something’s wrong,” Malesh whispered, and I gave him a curt nod in agreement.

“It could be a trap,” Eamon added.

But he knew me well enough to know that wouldn’t stop me.

“Keep your eyes peeled and your weapons at the ready. No harm comes to Cadence. If you get the chance, take her and flee.”

“And what about you?” Riordan asked.

“I’ll dispose of the Blood Fae.”

“On your own?”

I gave my brother an amused smirk, telling him exactly what I thought of his concern.

“I’m surprised you can stand upright with the inflated ego you’re carrying around,” he muttered under his breath.

A laugh threatened to explode from my chest, but I suppressed it, not wanting to draw attention to our presence.

“Come on. It’s time to retrieve my woman.”

I took a single step forward, and then my entire world shifted on its axis.

One moment, my connection with Cadence flared, tethering my life to hers and leading me toward her.

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