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Cade's guttural cackle echoes mockingly through the empty stone corridors. "You pussy-ass weaklings think you can take on the Brotherhood's elite? In our own stronghold?" His pale eyes glint with cruel amusement. "You must have a goddamn death wish."

Primal fury ignites within every cell as I stalk forward, my blazing stare locked intensely on his sneering face. "No one—and I mean NO ONE—will lay a finger on my destined mate!" I snarl through bared fangs.

The amused glint in Cade's eyes chills to ruthless intent. "The mortal belongs to Lord Azrael now. She's his pet project." A sadistic grin twists his mouth. "So do yourself a favor and back the hell off before you seriously regret it."

Possessive outrage beyond reason or control consumes me at the vulgar thought of Danica enslaved by that monster. By my blood, Azrael and his vile lackeys will rue this day if they dare try stealing what is mine!

Cade spits contemptuously near my boots, features contorting with malice. "That bitch is going to get what is coming to her. For the last fucking time, stand down!" His grating cackle scrapes my nerves raw. "You arrogant fool—you can't possibly defeat one as anciently mighty as he!"

My thoughts spin wildly out of control. Has Danica already fallen captive to that psychopath? I don't know, as I've failed to complete the mating bond with her. Is her safety now nothing but a fantasy? We're outnumbered and surrounded with no possible way to reach her. Unless...

Surrounded by enemies in the shadowy stone corridors, desperation fuels my power. With a feral snarl, I blast Cade away with a wave of telekinetic force, sending him crashing violently against the rough-hewn rock. The back of his skull cracks sickeningly against the frigid stone, his limbs going limp like a rag doll.

My emotions spiral out of control, anxiety throttling me. I must escape this endless maze of corridors and reach Danica now before Azrael's depraved desires utterly shatter her spirit. The primal need to protect my mate eclipses everything, pounding through my veins.

Wildness seizes me as I stride toward Cade, my hands curling into vicious claws. With venom I did not know I possessed, I bare lengthened fangs, my eyes burning crimson, flickering like hellfire. "I'll kill every fucking one of you if I must! Now get the fuck out of my way before I rip you to bloody shreds!" I growl, tendons in my neck straining against my skin.

My vestige of reason has vanished. Danica's safety is all that matters now. I will savage anything that stands in my way, be it mortal or demon. She needs me, and I will let no barrier stop me from getting to her side, even if I must go through their bodies like a chainsaw.

I narrowly twist away from the first one's jagged swipe, the breeze of its passing chilling my skin. With a guttural yell, I seize the attacker telekinetically and hurl him against the stone walls. His spine cracks wetly on impact, limbs going slack like snapped twigs.

Ducking another fierce blow, I focus my rage and send a blast of telekinetic energy to smash my assailant against the unforgiving rocks. Dark satisfaction swells even as two more take his place, forcing me back.

Erik moves with preternatural speed, his whirling sword cleaving throats in crimson arcs. But more keep coming, their ancient dark power fueling their tireless onslaught.

Just as I smash another foe's skull against the frigid stone, a piercing sting stabs my neck. I whirl around with a snarl, ready to tear out my attacker's throat with my bare hands.

Cade's grinning face swims sickeningly as paralysis works its insidious magic into my veins...

My weak body crashes heavily into unforgiving stone, the copper tang of spilled blood saturating the air. Cade's hulking form blots out the dim light as he presses a crushing boot to my face, grinding the delicate bones agonizingly.

"Told you, scum, you can't defeat us." His rancid breath washes hot over my ear in a gloating hiss. "Now the real fun starts..."

Somewhere distant, Erik's ravaged screams suggest similar sadistic torture. My mind wars between excruciating pain and urgent thoughts of Danica. What vile acts might Azrael be subjecting her to even now without my protection?

Cade's jagged blade carves slick down my back as he etches twisted arcane symbols into my raw flesh. "We'll deliver you to Lord Azrael piece by bloody piece. Especially once I've had my personal fill of entertainment." His guttural promise echoes with dark delight.

Agonizing blackness threatens to engulf me into sweet oblivion. But one final act of defiance pierces through the punishing haze - I silently vow to make them pay for this brutality, every last one. Erik and I will find a way to get free somehow. And we WILL track Danica down.

With single-minded purpose burning through wracking pain, I commit each leering face to vicious memory while vicious promises of retaliation echo endlessly. The creeping darkness swallows me at last. But this is far from over...

Danica

41

Istorm through Club Karma's pounding chaos, the throbbing beats drowning out my whirling thoughts. It's been seven fucking days since Rhyland ditched without a word, ignoring all my pleas for help, and now he's ignoring all my pissed-off messages demanding answers.

How dare that arrogant ass ghost me after the prophecies and destiny bullshit he filled my head with! After clawing his way into my heart and my panties! Was I just a toy for him to use and toss aside?

I know it's risky as hell with Freakshow Azrael breathing down my neck to leave the safety of my apartment, but I need answers, dammit. And I'm not entirely without protection. I'll just blast his creepy ass with my radio-active girl power and call it a day.

Rage fuels my steps as I search for Lucian's stupid face. The second he spots me, he grabs my arm to drag me off the dance floor.

"What the hell, get off me!" I try yanking free, beyond confused. All eyes turn to gawk the struggle as I keep fighting against his iron-tight grip.

"I just want to know where the fu—"

Lucian whirls around, getting in my face. "I know exactly what you're after. We'll talk privately in my office." His gruffness throws me off completely.