Page 88 of Shifters' Fated Summer
“Lana,” I said cautiously.
A blur struck Lana from behind, sharp nails wrapping around her throat and grasping the wrist of the hand holding the gun.
She slammed her elbow back, trying to dislodge him, but the vampire was too strong. Her gun clattered to the ground, and he kicked it into the bush before I could react.
Wrenching her head to the side, the vampire held her vulnerable as he focused his attention on me. One movement and he could easily end her, and Lana knew it too. She stopped struggling and waited for an opportunity.
I clutched the knife in my hand, trying so hard to not shake.
Evrin smiled at me, and it was cold and calculated, turning my anxiety into full blown terror. Two sets of needle teeth glinted in the starlight.
“Hello, Summer. I’ve missed you,” he purred.
“Evrin,” I said, taking a small step closer.
“Aren’t you glad I’m here to rescue you?” His expression shifted, looking entirely genuine, the perfectpicture of a lover reunited. The change was jarring.
“I need you to let her go,” I said, trying to sound soothing.
“Can’t do that. My contact told me you would be alone, not with a guard.”
“Who?” I inched closer.
Evrin laughed. “Does it matter? Do not ask any more questions. You don’t need answers, you need me.”
Shuddering, I tried to focus on his body and how he was holding Lana. I had no idea how to attack him without him first killing Lana.
“Let her go,” I repeated.
“I’ll let her go if you come with me. And if you act like you’re happy about it, I won’t go into the pack house and slaughter the cute little pregnant one. Even though her blood would be so sweet.”
My muscles locked up. Elowen.
With shaky hands, I tucked my blade back in its sheath and plastered on a smile.
“Evrin, I’m glad you’re here to rescue me. Let’s forget about these werewolves and go home.” Each word felt like needles scraping down my throat.
“That’s my sweet little Summer.”
Evrin twisted Lana’s arm around until a pop echoed, and then dropped her in a heap. She gasped, fighting against the pain of whatever injury he had just caused. Before she could climb to her feet, he shoved his foot against her hip and sent her skidding across the leaf litter.
My teeth ground together so hard I was in risk of breaking a molar.
Lightning fast, Evrin swept me up. His hands circled my waist like Luca often did, and I fought back the nausea of his touch.
“I knew you’d come back to me willingly,” he said, fangs gleaming. Without warning, he bit into my neck, high above the claim marks still healing.
The razor feel of his teeth spotted my vision, and I clawed at his arms. Then he released his venom, and the fuzzy feeling filled my veins, blotting out all thought. Thatwas the last thing I knew.
Chapter 34
Captive
A familiar darkness blanketed me, thick and cool. Part of me wanted to go back to sleep, but Luca wasn’t pressed against my back with his arms curled around me, holding me like I was his favorite teddy bear.
I shifted, reached out behind me, and met nothing but scratchy blankets. Wait, where were our soft sheets and cozy coverlet?
A match fizzed and a candle flickered to life, illuminating Evrin’s regal features. His high cheekbones and sharp jaw no longer sent excitement and affection through me. Cold dread trickled through.
