Page 91 of Wicked Fate

Briar rushed forward first, her face melting into relief as she took in my steady stance. Before she could reach me, Ashlyn darted past her with surprising speed, her small figure illuminated by the parking lot's harsh lights.

"I told them," Ashlyn exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. "I knew the fire inside you would make sure you’d be okay!" she proclaimed, beaming up at me.

I stared at her, stunned. How could this child know about the fire I'd felt coursing through my veins? Before I could form a response, the others surrounded us, their faces a mixture of disbelief and relief.

"What the hell happened in there?" Reid demanded, his blue eyes scanning me for injuries. "You were practically dead when we put you in the truck to come here."

Sun stepped closer, her gaze analytical. "No one recovers from a wound like that in minutes. Not even shifters."

"The doctor couldn't believe it either," Ryker added, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Said it was medically impossible."

They all stared expectantly, waiting for an explanation I couldn't give. Greats-gandfather had made it clear that I wasn't supposed to share.

I shrugged, avoiding their questioning stares. I tried to choose my words carefully so it didn’t come out as a lie. I had to believe that the explanation could potentially be true if I didn’t have my fae side. “Maybe the knife didn’t hit anywhere serious, and it just needed to be removed so my shifter magic could kick in."

Do you not think we should tell them?Ryker linked.

Maybe, but I don’t want to decide right now because, at the end of the day it doesn’t change things.I didn’t want to be deceitful, but I needed to understand why Greats Grandfather didn’t want me to tell anyone about my heritage.

I agree. We shouldn’t rush into anything.

“We need to meet up with the others. Anyone up for riding in the bed of the truck?” Reid arched a brow.

Considering how hot my skin felt, being in the cool wind sounded amazing. “Me.”

“That means me too,” Ryker answered, tugging me to his side.

We all climbed in, Ryker and me jumping into the bed of the truck. I glanced at the illuminated hospital sign, the name snapping me to attention: Ridgemont Memorial.

I inhaled quickly. "We're two towns over.”

Ryker tightened his hold on me as the truck rumbled to life beneath us.We couldn't risk going to a hospital in our territory. If those vampires tracked your scent or blood trail, they'd find you.

The truck lurched forward, and I braced myself against the metal bed. The wind whipped through my hair as we picked up speed, carrying away the lingering scent of antiseptic and blood.

Makes sense.The vampires who'd attacked us had been determined to kill me, but I didn’t want to tell Ryker that.

I edged closer to him, seeking his warmth and touch. My hand slipped on something wet beneath me. Frowning, I glanced down and froze.

A puddle of water glistened in the dimming light, diluted red around the edges. My stomach lurched, but my chest expanded.

Someone had tried to clean up my blood before I got back.

My fingers traced the damp metal, feeling the residue of what should have been my end.

Ryker's eyes followed my gaze, and his hand covered mine, pulling it away from the bloodstained water.

Briar tried to clean it while we were inside. She didn't want you to see it when you came back.

I leaned into my mate, drawing comfort from his solid presence as the truck rumbled beneath us.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead as he linked with our entire pack,She's alive. She's going to be okay.

Thank Fate,Xander replied.

I knew you were too stubborn to die,Gage added.

I’ve been so worried,Kendric connected.

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