Page 80 of Wicked Fate

“If we stay here, we’re done too,” Kendric answered. “If we’re going to die, I’d at least like to kill some vampires on my way out.”

“Well, I hope you mean that.” Cassi’s jaw clenched. “Because they just broke through the perimeter.”

As if Fate wanted to taunt us, an agonized howl filled the air, reminding me of the night our pack was slaughtered.

And then the cold pressure slammed into me, nearly knocking me over.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

The howl shattered the silence. It wasn’t a warning but a cry of death.

My blood turned to ice, and Ryker’s fear constricted my lungs.

“The vampires have moved.” Reid headed to the front door. “And they’re cloaked. We’re shifting and getting ready to fight.”

Sun chased after him, but I grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward me.

“No,” I snapped. “Tell your people to get in the damn cars and go. Remember what happened to my pack when we did that.”

Her forehead creased. “Reid, she’s right. This isn’t about being cowards, it’s about survival.”

I blinked, completely taken aback that she’d agreed with me that easily.

“Fine. That means your ass needs to be in a vehiclenow,” he snarled.

Adara groaned, her fingers curling around the edge of the blanket like she could sense the storm rising around us.

“Xander,” Ryker barked. “Get Adara to the SUV. Move.”

“I’ve got her,” he said, lifting her gently like she was made of glass.

I turned to Bruce. “You need to tell your pack to leave your territory too. I don’t know if they’re already attacking them or not, but if not—they will be soon.”

“Fuck, this is about vengeance.” Bruce’s irises glowed. “I’m on it.”

A crash echoed outside—glass shattering, metal groaning.

“Windows.” Briar swore under her breath. “They’re getting inside our house.”

“I’ll slow them down,” Cassi offered, already lifting her hands and muttering under her breath.

“Everyone out,” Ryker barked. “Follow the plan. Don’t split up. Don’t stop. Just drive.”

Briar nodded and headed for the front with keys in hand. Kendric threw open the front door, and I caught sight of blood smeared across the porch like a warning sign.

It wasn’t just a smear. It was deliberate.

A paw print, dragged from the middle of the railing down. Then a trail leading down the steps.

My stomach twisted as I stepped closer.

I didn’t recognize the scent at first—too much copper and fear—but the closer I got, the more it settled in my bones.

It was wolf and not foreign, belonging to one of Reid’s pack members.

The vampires wanted us to know they’d broken through, killed someone who’d tried to run, and left their blood like a calling card.

They were sending a message—they were here for us.

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