Page 274 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Chapter 12

Bailey followed his usual routine—go to the gym, run a few laps, hang out with the few people who seemed normal, including Eli, though he hadn’t asked about the murder charge as that didn’t feel right—but the day crawled.

After lunch something set his whiskers twitching. While they weren’t on his face, his cheeks tightened and his senses went on alert, though he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be on alert for. His arms broke out in blotches like leopard spots as his anxiety spiraled.

Book in hand, he went outside to read, needing the distraction but unable to be around people in case he snarled.

Most prisoners were inside because the weather was brewing a storm. The clouds lowered like they planned on squashing anyone outside. He always liked storms because the energy tumbled over his skin and they tasted like…like magic a lot of the time, he realized. So, he waited for the rain, not bothered by the snap in the breeze.

When a shadow fell over his page, he knew it wasn’t the storm he’d sensed. He was in trouble and the yard was deserted.

The man in front of him drew a pen out of his pocket. He licked his lip. “You made a mistake.”

Bailey flipped the book closed and glanced up at him. Tall and thin, he looked like he belonged in a bland office crunching numbers or something. If it came to a fight, Bailey could probably knock him out with the book. “It’s a bit thick, but a good read. Passes the time.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten the Coven involved.”

Bailey sniffed, the man wasn’t a witch, or a shifter, but he was sweating and smelled like fear. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I think you should put your pen away.”

He stood fluidly and put a few more inches between them.

The man jabbed the pen toward him. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

“Okay.” Bailey took another step back.

His eyes darted around, looking for back up or guards? “This is your only warning. Tell Kass to visit Gran.” He shook his head. “Fuck you lot are weird.”

That word again. Bailey tilted his head and stared at him. “Who’s weird?”

“The gang you’re in.”

“I’m not in a gang. And you don’t know the half of it. Drop the pen and walk away, buddy.” He drew strength from the bond, knowing he’d needed to be ready. Kass immediately pushed his strength.

His face twisted. “I can’t.”

Then he slashed and lunged toward Bailey.

Bailey skipped back, using the book to block in neat movements as though he’d been taught to fight. He wasn’t sure where that had come from. He’d only ever been in a few skirmishes in middle school, and they involved pushing and shoving until someone hit the ground.

The man didn’t quit. Desperation widened his eyes, and the stink of panic and fear roiled off him. The clouds broke open. Rain spotted the ground and slicked Bailey’s skin. He’d been going the wrong way. He needed to get to the building and the guards.

Could he break and run?

It was worth a shot.

He sidestepped and took off. His assailant was faster and leaped on his back. Bailey flung himself to the ground and rolled, mashing the man into the asphalt. He grunted and retaliated by driving the pen into Bailey’s side, twice. Skin popped and burst. Bailey flung his hand out, and the stabbing stopped.

But the pain started. The cold rain mixed with his hot blood.

He broke free and the man let him go, rain slicking his dark hair to his head, Bailey’s blood staining his clothes and the ground. “What the fuck?”

“I had to. Please don’t die. I don’t want a murder charge.” He blubbed. Then covered his face with his hands.

Bailey pressed his hand to his side and crawled away. Blood filled his mouth. Heat pushed through the bond and Bailey stood. He shuffled through the rain, barely covering the distance to the door and the cameras.

“I’ve been stabbed.” He tumbled through, his wet shoes slipping. He grabbed the wall for support and left a bloody print. He didn’t make it three meters before guards were on him. He didn’t need their help to reach the ground.

Magic pumped through him, keeping him awake when he’d much rather be asleep.

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