Page 3 of Feeding Frenzy (Crimson Coven #3)

THREE

asher

Imogen needed to leave. I pressed my fingers against my temples, moving them in little circles. Tobias’s gaze was unfocused, so I angled my glare on Ren.

“You were too harsh, Ren.”

Ren’s jaw bunched.

“With a careless moment, Imogen will snap her neck. I’d rather be harsh, when coddling could mean her life.”

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t approach Cat.” I raised an eyebrow at Jax. “Imogen must have caught on, because she made sure to get up while I was still weighed down by the sun.”

I scoffed.

“Sure, that’s why you’re stuck to her like glue.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Jaxon was suddenly in my face. I smirked and poked his shoulder.

“It means you don’t look like you’re having a hard time keeping an eye on Imogen.” I sneered. I had hoped my Pet could sway him to her side, but as always, he fell for that toxic bitch. “Have you already fucked her?”

He jerked back as if I’d slapped him. “Because if you did, keep away from Catalina.” My jealous Catalina would fall apart. It would be difficult for her to detach from him, I’d seen the way she looked at Jax. I’d encouraged her softness toward him, but it’d been in vain.

“I have nothing to explain to you,” Jaxon snapped.

“Wrong, we have every right to know if you hurt her.”

“Your ?lskade ,” he spat. “Because you care for her, it does not mean you get to have the single claim on her. That’s your problem, Asher, fixation. You’ll lose interest. Sure, you’ve held on this far, but.” Jax shook his head. “Knowing you?—”

“Now you’re defining me by my past?” I scoffed. “You think because I was a whore I do not understand devotion?” I leaned close to him. “That makes me more of an authority on it, I know the difference between meaningless fucking to what I feel for Catalina. Unlike you, you think you’re so enamored by Imogen, she treated you like scum at her feet. Only using you to do her bidding?—”

Jaxon stiffened and in a flash his palm lashed across my jaw. The sting left as fast as it came.

“Did you just slap me?” I clasped my face with my fingertips, almost expecting blood. Jax seemed as shocked as I did, so to get rid of that stupid look on his face, I swung my open palm toward him. His head jerked to the side.

Ren shoved both of our chests, forcing us a step back.

“Enough,” Tobias shouted. The shock of it dragged our attention to the oldest of us present and the one that was supposed to be levelheaded. He seemed conflicted, so I said as much.

“How can I not be conflicted, Asher? Imogen, with all her flaws, is still my sister.” Tobias’s fangs flashed and he scrubbed his palm over the top of his head. “She is about to lose a lot.” Tobias faced my twin. “Jaxon, what will you choose? Are you going to remain by Imogen’s side?”

Jaxon’s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned.

“If I am reading your mind right, Jaxon. You’ve made your decision.”

My twin’s eyes closed and his expression rippled.

“What decision?” I asked when Tobias didn’t elaborate. “What is your decision?” I was ignored. I gritted my teeth.

“I read Imogen’s mind. Wrenhaven was not gentle with her. The things he did . . .” Tobias’s mouth twisted. “We need just a little time. I will explain myself to Catalina. I will take on the repercussions of this decision.”

A ring came from his pocket. Tobias fished his phone out. He had learned how to handle the device quickly. Usually, I’d be the one to handle vampire relations, but I’d been distracted since Catalina came into my life.

“What’s your plan, Tobias?” Ren grunted out, arms crossed.

“I am gathering information on Wrenhaven. I will not allow his mistreatment to go unpunished.”

“We need to move it along. There is only so long I want Imogen around Cat.”

“I do not like her in pain either, Ren,” Tobias said and strode into the hall as he put the phone to his ear.

“I need to speak to her,” Jaxon announced and took a step toward the door.

“Why?” I blocked his path.

“I won’t explain myself to you,” he sneered at me. “ Du gor mig verkligen forbannad .” I narrowed my eyes. He never explained himself to me, but I fucking knew how his mind worked. All he’d ever wanted was that bitch back.

He shoulder checked me as he walked past me.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered. “She doesn’t want to see you, bror .”

“Too fucking bad.”

Was that how it was?

I gritted my molars. Not if I had anything to say about it.

“Where are you going?” Ren shouted.

As I followed Jax, I yanked my shirt over my head and shoved off the slacks, tossing them at Ren.

“To make sure he doesn’t cross a line.” I became invisible and headed right for him. I yanked his shoulder before he touched the door. He whirled on me and his fist flew toward me, but I ducked in time and became invisible.

Jax sneered as his eyes scanned.

“Cheap of you, brother.”

“ Fy ?t helvete, bror .”