Page 72 of Wicked Fate

Imight wind up killing him after all.

Our many-greats grandfather stood in the far corner of Briar’s room, arms crossed as he leaned casually against the wall, watching her with unreadable eyes.

“What the actual fuck?” I snarled.

Ryker stepped in front of me, muscles coiled. “Get away from her.”

The man didn’t flinch. Didn’t move.

He looked at Briar like she was a painting.

My sister scrambled back against the headboard, clutching the blanket to her chest. Her face was pale, eyes wide in pure terror. “He just—he wastherewhen I woke up. Just standing there. I didn’t hear him come in—nothing.”

A growl rose from Ryker’s throat, primal and warning. “This ends now.”

I took a step forward, rage surging like wildfire. “What the hell are you doing in my sister’s room?”

He blinked and then disappeared. No flash. No sound.

Just gone.

You’re right. I want to kill him.I spun around like I could somehow call him back with anger alone.

Gage, Kendric, and Xander burst into the room, Gage running into me as all three struggled to get through the door at the same time.

I stumbled into Ryker, and Briar’s hands trembled as she pulled the covers higher. “Did he cloak himself again? Like the vampires? Is he still here?”

The question made the room still.

Ryker scanned the corners, nostrils flaring as he tried to scent the air. “I don’t know.”

“I can’t feel or see him.” My voice came out tighter than I’d intended. I linked to Ryker alone, not wanting to freak anyone else out.But that doesn’t mean he won’t pop back in here any second.

“What the hell’s going on?” Gage asked, gaze sweeping the room.

Briar whispered with her voice shaking. “A strange man was just… standing there. And then poof, he vanished.” She pushed off the bed like it was scorched. “I want wards in my room. Now.”

I nodded, fury still thrumming in my veins. “You’ll have them. I swear it.” However, it wouldn’t help anything. He’d gotten past the perimeter without alerting the witches. Whatever portal jumping shit he could do outsmarted even witch magic.

We all stood there for a beat longer, unsure if he was really gone.

But in my gut, I knew he wasn’t far away.

Um… I get this is an emergency, but Ember, do you mind putting some clothes on before Ryker calms down only to lose his shit on us?Xander linked.

My stomach dropped, and I wrapped an arm around my breasts and put the other hand in front of my cooch.

Babe, we’ll find him. Don’t worry.Ryker turned around to comfort me and then snarled. He tugged me into his arms with my back to the other men and placed his hands over my ass cheeks.

Kendric’s gaze immediately darted to the ceiling. Xander blinked and spun around, muttering something about needing bleach for his brain. Gage barked a short laugh before clamping a hand over his mouth.

Briar’s face went beet red.

Ryker snarled threateningly. “Do not fucking look at her.”

My own possessiveness kicked in, despite Briar being my sister. My fated mate had his naked ass in clear view. My wolf surged forward, ready to protect what was mine.

Turning toward the far wall so that her back was toward us, she made it abundantly clear that she wasn’t looking at my mate.

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