Crais(86)

Colton’s tongue fell out of his mouth. It looked like he was smiling before he turned and took off.

“Alright, ladies, keep up,” Brace said as we followed along.

It took a few minutes until we were out of the Doreen area. If anyone thought it was strange that a large wolf and the four of us were flying across the field, they certainly didn’t show it. Barely anyone even glanced our way. Walkers were definitely used to weird. I tried to keep my confidence up. If I even thought about Lucy being hurt for a second, I would crash under the emotions and I needed a clear head. Brace, who had slowed his pace to stay with us, reached over and captured my hand. I could still see Colton-wolf, although he was outdistancing us at a rapid rate.

We passed by the Relli area, then Kaos, Gai, Laos and Whar. Colton continued to head toward the furthest flag, near the forest, and I just knew where we would find her.

Abernath.

The wolf didn’t hesitate at the entrance. It was his clan and he could just stroll right through. As he dashed past, Magenta jumped to her feet. She’d been sitting in a large group of laughing Walkers.

“Colt, what the hell are you doing?” I heard her screech. She whipped her head around and noticed us following behind. “Of course it would have something to do with you, Abigail.”

I flipped her the finger as we moved past. More of the Abernaths were on their feet now, wondering why we were invading their territory. Technically we shouldn’t be in here unless invited, but since Brace, Colton and Talina were all from this clan, we were safe.

“Stop.” Brace ground to a halt, his bellow echoing around the cavernous space. “Que has her, Abbs. We’re walking straight into a trap.”

Colton hadn’t stopped. He was powering forward when a huge force of energy flew through the Abernath area and knocked everyone off their feet.

The enormous wolf shot back, smashing into a tree. His low yelps followed by a whimper had my stomach dropping and fear lodging itself as a lump in my throat.

Brace, who hadn’t succumbed to the energy, moved in a blur to Colton’s side, gathering his friend in his arms and dashing back over to where we were scattered on the ground.

“Are you okay, Red?” Brace showed no strain holding the wolf.

I was on my feet. My energy had mostly absorbed the force instead of it knocking me down.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Is Colt okay?”

I moved to his side, relieved to see his beautiful eyes following me. Before I could blink his tongue flicked out and licked my face again.

I laughed and kissed his nose.

Brace lowered Colton down, spinning around to fall protectively in front of us. But the wolf didn’t stay down. He was back on his feet, low growls ripping from him.

Que stood at the edge of the forest, a man on either side of him. Lucy was being held by the right-side goon.

“Hello, son, I believe my invitation to this gathering was misplaced. But never mind, I’ve made it in time.”

I watched Que as he stood, hands on his hips. He looked the same, only there was something ...

“What have you done, Que?” Brace bit out, his anger palpable. “How could you bring it in here?

The rest of the Abernaths were standing now and I was amazed as they moved to our back, openly defying their Princeps.

“I do need to thank you. I would never have been able to weed out those disloyal to me. Now I know exactly who needs to be eliminated from my plan.”

The way he said ‘eliminated’ sent shivers down my spine.

And I’d finally figured out what was different about him. His skin looked like it was cracking. Very fine fissures covered him. What could have caused that?

“It’s killing you,” Brace said without inflection. “You’re not strong enough.”

“You are my son. If you can safely house the first, I can handle the third.”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Que was a vessel for the third Seventine, and he was inside the barrier, where no one could escape.





Chapter 18


Lucy





I was sort of getting tired of this kidnapping business. Sure, I’m small, blond and cute, but that doesn’t give these giant a-holes the right to pick me up like a doll and carry me around. I wiggled again, attempting to loosen the iron grip of tweedle-dumbass, but there was no budging it.

I could see the worry on Abigail’s face as she stood across from us. My best friend, who is without any doubt the most stunningly beautiful person I’ve ever known, did not have one hair out of place, despite the fact I’d seen her sprint into the Abernath area. I’d hate her if she wasn’t so lovable. Damn her. And Brace. Well, there was no denying the man was sex-on-legs. Those two were going to have beautiful babies. Although they could be ugly. Maybe Abigail and Brace had sucked up all the hot genes for themselves.