Page 11

Instead, I show her. Pulling her up my chest, I press my lips to hers, feeling the smile on both of our mouths as I pour all my emotions into this kiss and she does the same.

Pulling back, I let my eyes move over every inch of her face, basking in the fact that Serena is my mate.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” she says, pressing her lips to my nose with a chuckle, making me go cross-eyed.

A whine echoes around the room, and we both freeze. Serena’s eyes go wide and her cheeks turn red.

Pike’s in here.

Serena brings her hands up to her face, hiding, and I have to stifle a laugh as I pull her down into my side, where she quickly falls asleep.

Sorry, Pike.I tell him through our bond as I pull the covers over us, and I swear I can feel him roll his eyes.

Someone’s salty, though I would be too if I were in his shoes.

Everything’s a mess.

The fact that Sol is alive is nothing short of a damn miracle, one we wouldn’t have been able to achieve if not for my mother. Wounds from chimeras are almost always deadly, but I’m glad if there were to be an exception that it would be this time, that the universe would choose to have mercy on us.

I’m not sure Serena could handle losing Sol. No matter how strong she is, everyone has their tipping point, and I can almost guarantee that would have been hers. Losing Lyle had almost pushed her over the edge as it was. The only reason she’s halfway handling shit is because Sol needs her and she doesn’t believe Lyle’s lost.

I wish that were true.

She hasn’t seen the effects of what Draven does, the way it warps the person into a beast, into a monster. His chimeras have no sense of self, no memory of the life they had before, or interest in the people, even if they did once love them. Lyle is a perfect example of that. He did more than just take a swing at her. He’d intended to kill her. But I know she still doesn’t see it.Not only do I know Serena, and how stubborn she is, she’s also terrible at keeping her thoughts to herself right now with her emotions all over the place.

I don’t have the heart to tell her she’s wrong, though, at least not yet.

No, right now, my biggest problem is Ryker.

Draven’s son has been an issue for years. He not only accompanied him to do his dirty work, but oftentimes, he’s done it on his behalf. I’ve seen him lead attacks just like the one we dealt with last week. He’s the reason for so many senseless deaths, and now he’s found a way to get Serena to trust him.

It doesn’t matter though; she won’t be going anywhere near him, not anymore.

“How the fuck did he get his hands on her?”

“Serena has a way of finding trouble,” Blair says from behind me, and I damn near jump out of my skin as I turn to find him standing near my door, half hidden in the shadows. We’ve all been sharing my room. It’s the only room big enough to fit all of us comfortably. Despite us not all getting along the best, we deal with each other for her.

At least we were. I get along fine with the guys here; it was Lyle who hated me.

I still say Blair needs a bell, though.

“Ryker isn’t just trouble; he’s dangerous.” I can’t keep the venom from seeping into my words, even though I know Blair doesn’t deserve it. He’s done nothing but accept me. Even in the beginning, when the others were sure I was a threat, he was willing to give me a chance, if only for Serena’s sake.

“Serena isn’t weak.” Somehow, Blair remains calm, and I find it only annoys me more. Never did I think I would miss Lyle, but I do right now. I’m angry for many reasons, and I’m looking to lash out. Lyle would have no problem going toe-to-toe with me for no other reason than he can’t help himself.

“I know that. I’m well aware of Serena’s powers and how strong she is as a person, but this isn’t about that.” I rake a hand through my hair as I continue to pace the floor in front of the large window Serena loves. She often curls up on the ledge with a book, soaking in the sunlight and looking out at the kingdom and the forest beyond it. From this far up, you can see for miles. It’s been one of her favorite places in the castle since we were children.

Even needing space from her to get myself under control, I was drawn to a place that held some importance to her. Serena is a part of me on a soul-deep level, always has been, and always will be. I wouldn’t change that for the world, but I need to keep her safe, even if it makes her mad, and I have no doubt it will.

I saw the way she was with him. There’s no way she’s going to take my word for what he is.

Blair remains quiet, but I can still feel his presence, and I know he’s waiting for an explanation.

I hesitate for a moment. I know Blair will be on my side. All I want is to keep Serena safe, the same as the rest of them, but I can’t help feeling bad knowing Serena is going to be pissed.

“Ryker is Draven’s son and one of his most loyal soldiers. For years, while Draven was gone, off looking for Serena or whatever he was doing, Ryker carried out attacks on the villages. Eventually, he went quiet, but so many were killed—women, children—Draven didn’t care.” My breathing is labored, and I can feel my beast as he rises to the surface, pushing to be released. Unfortunately, he can’t help. Losing myself to him would only make everything worse. Not only would he destroy this tower, but I’d bet my ass he would try to go out to find Ryker. Which sounds like a good idea, but I know better. Ryker isn’t easy to find; I’ve tried. I would just be wasting my time, and that’s not something I can afford to do right now.