Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
“Well, gee, Geoff,” Vero said dryly, lifting his right hand to reveal the demon mark. “Can’t really do that.”
Geoff’s smirk faltered. “You’re part demon? You’re kidding me.”
“Now, tell me the truth. You were a scientist, weren’t you? A lab rat.”
Geoff’s jaw slackened for a moment, but then hatred filled his eyes. “You’re a half-demon, aren’t you? You’re one of them.”
Vero’s voice turned mocking. “Apparently. It was a shock to me too. But you—you were in the labs, weren’t you? Back when they were experimenting on demons. Or maybe you don’t remember all the lovely little projects involving Kurjans and demons?”
“I don’t know anything about that,” Geoff spat. “Finding out about Paxton was bad enough, but this?” He threw back his head and laughed, the sound harsh and bitter. “You’re dead. Just like your brother. And that bitch you mated? She’s as good as dead too.”
Vero’s rage darkened, but his voice stayed calm and cold. “Careful.”
Geoff leaned forward, his grin vicious. “She’s human. Mortal. Not even an immortal female, like Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood, who could handle mating a Kurjan-demon hybrid such as your brother, Paxton. Lyrica needs to be studied—cut apart, put back together, studied some more.”
Vero struck, slamming the knife into Geoff’s throat and pinning him against the wall. Blood spattered his hand, the familiar burn scorching his skin, but he didn’t flinch. Geoff’s eyes widened, his hands clawing at the blade.
“Wait,” Vero said, his tone conversational. “Tell me now—who else is in your cell? How many cells are there?”
Geoff choked, blood dribbling from his mouth as his gaze darted wildly. “I don’t know! Hundreds, maybe. We’re separate for a reason—so we can’t betray each other. We all have different goals. Mine is to put the nation back together. To make it strong again.”
“Who else is with you?” Vero pressed. His thumb hovered over the button on the hilt of the knife.
Geoff’s eyes flashed with defiance, though panic flickered beneath. “Fuck you, demon.”
Vero hit the button. The blade split into three, slicing through Geoff’s neck with brutal precision. His head hit the floor with a sickening thud, his body crumpling seconds later.
Vero stepped back, his chest heaving as he fought to steady himself. Geoff’s words echoed in his mind, twisted and vile. Of enemies who’d want to study Lyrica—by harming her. The thought of anyone touching Lyrica like that, treating her like a thing instead of the incredible female she was, made his blood boil.
He clenched his fists, forcing himself to breathe. He needed to run—hard and fast—to work off the searing rage threatening to consume him. But first, he had to see her.
She was in more danger than he’d ever imagined, and she had to know. Whatever it took, he’d protect her. No one would touch her. No one would take her from him.
Vero turned and strode out of the cell, leaving Geoff’s lifeless body behind as he headed toward the only person who could ease this rage in him.
His mate.
Chapter Thirty-One
Lyrica wasn’t entirely sure she’d ever been this angry. How dare they mess with those poor women’s memories? Those women had already endured enough. And how dare Vero lie to her? He did. An omission hurt just like a lie.
A tiny voice in the back of her mind reminded her that now the women were safe. They didn’t know about Kurjans or immortality, so nobody would target them for what they’d seen or experienced. Plus, they no longer had to relive the terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped by immortals.
Still, it didn’t matter. She was furious.
She jumped into a UTV, starting it up with a harsh growl. The vehicle’s low hum cut through the snowy quiet as she pulled away, no one paying her any attention. Vero had insisted she call for help if needed, but she didn’t plan to follow any of his damn orders. She patted the pocket of her heavy coat, reassured by the feel of the sleek green gun inside. If anyone crossed her, she would shoot first and explain later.
Right now, she needed to talk to Maeve. Ralstad should be at work, and Maeve would be baking or doing something equally domestic. This was Lyrica’s chance. A small, rebellious satisfaction filled her chest. Vero needed to understand right now that she wasn’t the obedient type.
She drove through the main part of the Kurjan settlement before turning toward the outskirts. The vehicle’s pace was slower than when Jonathan had driven her, but she didn’t mind. The time allowed her to gather her thoughts, though she pointedly avoided glancing at the area where the body had been found. That poor woman. They needed to figure out who was behind the killings—and fast.
For the first time, she fully understood Vero’s obsession with keeping guards close. It was smart, necessary even. But that didn’t mean she wanted to be shadowed every second of the day. Maeve wouldn’t talk with anyone else around. This conversation required privacy.