Page 18 of Unmasked Prophecy

“They’re going to hurt her, Talon,” I whisper. “I know it.”

“We’ll come up with somethin’, for now, get on the bike. You shouldn’t fuckin’ be out here.”

He’s right. I know he’s right.

“I needed space.”

His head whips towards me. “Do you fuckin’ want our help or not, Nia? If you don’t, then stop wastin’ my fuckin’ time by doin’ shit that could get you hurt.”

I reel back, his words like a harsh slap to my face. “I...”

“Yes or no?”

He’s angry.

I don’t blame him.

“Yes.”

“Then get on the bike.”

I don’t argue.

I get on the bike.

3

We ride back in silence. The wind is loud, whipping against my face to the point it’s painful, but I don’t complain. I know I’ve made a mistake, and I know Talon is furious with me. I shouldn’t have left, but at the same time, I feel so god damned helpless right now. I don’t fit in here, and yet they’re the only people who can help me.

When we finally pull into the compound, it’s nearly dusk.

Talon gets off the bike, not looking at me as he strides towards the clubhouse. People are lingering around, and a few of them stop and look at us, but Talon completely ignores anyone who even attempts to speak to him. He’s making it clear he doesn’t want to talk to anyone, and yet, it doesn’t stop me from calling out even though I know I shouldn’t.

“Talon?”

He pauses, turning and giving me a look that feels like a knife to the heart. “If you want to fuckin’ go back, Nia, do it now, because I’m not about to fuckin’ help someone who doesn’t want to be here. You think I don’t have better fuckin’ things to do?”

I jerk, but a strange sensation of anger washes over me. He’s angry at me? Me? He’s the one who was with another woman. He’s the one who made me feel like crap. I know it’s not fair, but my mouth opens long before my mind catches up. “Because you’ve made it so fucking comfortable for me, haven’t you? What with the woman you were fucking after refusing to kiss me.”

My eyes widen and my mouth parts slightly as I realize what I’ve just said. Horrified, I press a hand over my gaping lips,unable to believe those words actually came out of my mouth. I didn’t want him to know that I am hurt because he told me he wasn’t going to be my first kiss, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself.

Talon spins, striding towards me and lashing out, his hand curling around the back of my neck. “Is that what this is about?” he growls, his voice low. “You want me to fuckin’ kiss you so you’re actin’ like a spoilt brat to get it?”

I don’t get the chance to answer, because his lips crush down over mine and my entire world stops.

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