Page 64 of Wicked Fate

I kissed Ryker’s cheek and followed her.

Breakfast?she asked.

When would I ever say no to that?I teased as I opened the refrigerator and grabbed eggs, bacon, milk, and butter.

She pulled out two frying pans, and we began working as the men sat at the kitchen table, discussing everything that had happened earlier.

I didn’t want to hear it. I needed a break.

The vampire. The impact. The sound.

That bone-splinteringcrackstill echoed in my chest, in my teeth. I could still feel the way her body had slammed against the hood, still see the blur of limbs as she rolled out of view.

My stomach twisted violently.

I dropped the spoon I’d been holding and backed away from the counter. “I need some air.”

Briar’s eyes snapped to mine, filled with concern. But she didn’t stop me.

Babe, are you okay?Ryker linked as I opened the front door.

Yeah, I just need a minute by myself, please.I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but I didn’t want anyone to see me fall apart. At least, not right now.

I let the front door swing shut behind me and walked into the woods beyond the porch.

The cool morning air wrapped around me, biting through my sweat-dampened shirt. I bent over slightly, pressing my hands to my knees, trying to breathe through the nausea churning deep in my gut.

“You shouldn’t linger too long out here by yourself,” a soothing voice said from behind me. The voice held an accent I’d never heard before.

I spun around, andhewas there.

The strange man.

Golden skin caught the light like polished stone and surrounded eyes that screamed of wisdom. His hair shimmered like the first stars at dusk.

The now-familiar lilac-and-rose mixed with damp earth scent washed over me.

And then I realized I was alone, outside, with a man who didn’t seem to be from this earth. A man who’d stalked me while I slept.

I opened my mouth to scream, but no noise came out.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

The sound was lodged in my throat. My heart pounded against my ribs like a drummer announcing war.

His eyes softened. “If I meant you harm, Ember, you would’ve never made it to that prison.”

My mouth snapped shut. He had to be talking about the forcefield that had surrounded the Accord when the vampires had thrown a grenade at it.

Ember, are you hurt?Ryker linked, and the front door opened.

No. It’s the strange man—he’s here talking to me.

I’m on my way,Ryker responded.

Only you right now, please. I want him to remain willing to talk, and he helped us earlier with the grenade.I pushed my worry toward him.I need to give him a chance to explain. Please.

My wolf was still growling low in warning, but my instincts… they didn’t scream danger. “Who the hell are you?”

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