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“Marie is with them. She would never let anything happen to Saylor, even if Ryker and Bash didn’t act soon enough,” Harmony says.

“They are not like the ones from your past,” Logan reminds me.

“I know,” I concede. “I just hate waiting.”

“It would pass the time if we had food,” River suggests. Everyone groans. He is famous for his love of food. I can’t blame the guy—food is amazing. I am not the best cook but I can order it like a pro.

River always has food in his hand. I am surprised he doesn’t have something hidden away for a moment like this.

“Help yourself,” Bishop offers, motioning to the cupboards.

River hops off the stool at the counter and starts opening cupboards. Kerian rolls his eyes but smiles.

“He hasn’t moved?” Jax asks.

“Nope,” I say, putting my forearm on the window. “Maybe we should take the cuffs off? What if they can’t find him?” My fingers tap along the edge of the brim of my hat.

“How can they not smell that?” James asks. “I can smell him through the walls.”

“It almost put me off eating,” River mumbles around a mouthful of chips.

“It is powerful,” Penny wrinkles her nose.

“You weren’t the one that had to ride with him,” Kerian complains.

“Can we stop talking about the damn smell?” I yell. “Does everyone get that my mate is out there with a man who she has been terrified of her whole life? The only person she has had looking after her is dead, and now I am the one that will be taking over that role. But she doesn’t want me right now. I have to stand on the outside, waiting for that fucking stinking cheetah to lure his asshole pack members here so I can kill someone. Ineed to kill something. That is the only thing that will make me feel better since I can’t have my mate in my arms.”

“Elijah,” Logan says.

“What?” I growl.

“Look.” He nods to the window.

I turn sharply. Four cheetahs stalk slowly toward Sam, their heads low and swiveling.

“They’re here,” I say harshly.

Finally. Let the killing begin.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Saylor

Time hasn’t dimmed Grant’s good looks. Is it too much to ask that evil people with black souls have their outward appearance match their insides? Why can’t he have no charm? A deformed face? Horns?

His midnight black hair is thick and wavy. He has pretty dark blue eyes, and they are filled with satisfaction. He is tall and muscular. Any woman would look at him twice, maybe three times. You would never guess the sick things he has done by looking at him. I guess that is what they all say…’he was always the nicest guy’. Most of the world would be surprised at what happens behind the facade some show the world.

“You grew up fine, sweets,” he oozes. “Did you miss me?”

“Not at all,” I sneer. I have to force my feet not to move as he moves closer.

“I don’t believe that.” He smirks and comes closer still until I can smell his stench.

“Believe it,” I snap. “Why?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why follow me? Why do you want me?” I can’t hold the questions inside any longer.