Page 25 of Detonation

Her men seethe with rage, tension lining their bodies. Serenity looks at them with a grimace on her face, her right-hand dangling uselessly, her left shoulder damaged now as well. A slight nod of her head has her men rushing into action.

Holy shit. The first time she’s ever accepted their help in a duel.

I interrupt their forward motion. “What can we do? You know we’ll do anything to help you.”

My brothers nod their agreement. These people have become a second family to us, pushing us with tough love and experienced advice, refusing to let us get overwhelmed with grief. They’ve been our rock when we needed anchors.

Logan shakes his head and goes to speak as Seth and Derrick run out to the arena.

I cut him off. “No. Don’t you dare tell us this isn’t our battle. It’s your duty as her mates but our duty as your family.”

My twin pipes in, “Your guidance and training is the reason we can help. We’re capable now. Without you, we would all be dead already.”

“Lana would have been powerless to Anshar when he took over if it wasn’t for all of you,” Zedd adds.

Hale finishes, conveying clearly that there’s no room for ‘no.’ “This isn’t up for discussion. Now, how the hell are we going to take this bitch down?”

A smile tugs at Logan’s lips. “Follow our lead and don’t let that witch leave.”

Ice webs across my hands at Zedd’s menacing chuckle and the words that follow. “She has some connection to Anshar. I don’t know about you guys but I’d like to send her head back on a silver platter. Let him see that we’re coming for him.”

Zedd’s bloodlust causes a shiver to go down my spine. Our lives have been turned upside down more than I could ever imagine.

Anshar, you’ve changed us. Now, we’re the hunters and you’re our prey.

Chapter Seven

Ash

All I know is oblivion. All I feel is despair. Why do I feel despair?

Flashes of copper hair.

Why does that make me ache?

Teal eyes.

My soul alights with love. Who is she?

Someone help me!

A dark laugh echoes in the expanse of my consciousness as I rage and scream, feeling so empty and lost.

“I told you that I’d make sure you don’t come back from the darkness. One way or another, you’ll cease to exist.”

That voice knocks loose a memory.

Her body breaking, flying through the air, landing against the dresser. Her ribs breaking with an audible crack. Her limp fingers in my hand. Her desperate plea for me to come back.

Lana.

It all comes rushing back to me. He’s locked me away in my own mind once more, taking control of my body. I can’t let him know that I remember.

I inject some desperation into my words, some childlike hope.“Who are you?”

He tuts, a smirk in his voice.“I’m helping you. Just let go. Everything will be better for you if you just give up.”

Not a chance in hell, you piece of shit.I guard my thoughts from him.