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I should have seen that coming.

Great. Just fucking great.

Chapter 26

Khaos

Patience has never been one of my strengths, but I’m trying. Through the half-open door, I can hear them talking—only the tone, not the words. Hecate’s voice is urgent. Amber’s is resigned, sad, and scared. Each syllable slices through me like glass. I want to rush in and force Hecate away from her, to shield Amber from whatever torment is brewing. But I know that won’t end well.

I know what I have to do.

I have to protect her, and to do that, I have to stay detached.

I must appear cold and unyielding.

Every fiber of my being aches to claim her as mine, to take her into my arms and never let her go. But I’m broken, shattered in ways I can’t even articulate. She deserves so much more than the tangled mess I’ve become. I’m still struggling to pull my thoughts together, and only when I’m near her do I feel any sense of peace. I can’t be trusted. I’m not sure I’m sane anymore.

Deep within me, Fury stirs. He doesn’t like it when I think this way. He believes we’re fine. He thinks if I just let him take control, then we’d be even better. He knows what he wants. I sigh. Logically, I know Hecate is on Amber’s side, but Fury is not convinced.

Just then, the door swings open, and Hecate steps out. Her gaze locks onto mine, and something dark flickers across her face, a shadow of mistrust. Her eyes narrow, sharp as daggers. She approaches me, halting just in front of where I lean against the wall at the top of the stairs. I keep my face blank, but inside, Fury snarls and growls, ready to break free.

“Don’t screw her up,” Hecate warns, her voice steady yet laced with emotion.

I don’t reply, and her lips tighten in frustration.

“She doesn’t need the complications right now.”

I have nothing to say to that. Am I a complication? Hell, yes.

“Stay away from her.”

This time, a small smile curls my lips. “Not happening.”

Her hands clench at her sides, tension radiating from her. Clearly, she doesn’t like my answer. Just to make sure she understands, I add, “She’s mine.”

I hadn’t meant to say that. I blame Fury. Those words are his, not mine. But I don’t take them back; I can’t.

Hecate purses her lips, frustration etched into her features. “She’s the only weapon we have.”

Now she’s pissing me off. “She’s not a fucking weapon; she’s a person.”

She grits her teeth. “I’ve worked too hard to fail now.” Something like regret flickers across her face. “Don’t become my enemy.”

I straighten, standing tall, looking down at her. “Or what?”

Her shoulders slump, and she turns away, almost defeated. Either she hasn’t decided how she’ll respond if I become her enemy, or she doesn’t want me to know her plans. I watch as she disappears down the spiral staircase, the air heavy with unspoken words.

Now I push myself away from the wall and stroll to the open door. I hesitate, taking a few long, deep breaths. I need to appear sane because I truly don’t want to screw up Amber.

I just want to screw her.

My dick hardens at the thought, and I ignore it. It’s not happening—not until I have control of myself and Fury. And I can’t see that ever being the case.

So, I remind myself: stay detached, help her.

But the memory of that night lingers in my mind—the feeling of being deep inside her, of becoming one. The words she whispered as she left me:I love you.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the memories that cling like shadows.