Page 146 of Finders Reapers

I slammed my head forward, and a starburst of pain erupted behind my eyes when our heads collided with a thunk. Maddox cursed, and his grip loosened.

I pushed him away, but the car wasn’t that large, and he didn’t have anywhere to go.

Maddox reached for me again, but I swung my legs up and used them as a shield, planting my bare feet on his chest. Maddox’s eyes darkened, and his hands curled up to grip my ankles. “You need to start talking now. What the hell happened in there?”

I looked around frantically, finding Rome in the driver’s seat, with Fletcher at his side. I opened my mouth, but the words that came out made no sense. They were just syllables, grunts, and drools. I clasped my hands to my throat, my eyes wide as I tried to explain.

“She is not speaking any human language.” Rome glanced over his shoulder. “Perhaps Cyclian?”

Maddox’s eyes narrowed as he studied me. “No. It’s not Cyclian.”

I growled.

Maddox shot Rome a look.

I scooted forward and grabbed Rome’s shoulder, gesturing behind us.

“I think she wants me to go back.” Rome reached back and squeezed my hand gently. “I can’t, myshka.”

I threw my hands up, exasperated.

“Valentina,” Maddox said my name to get my attention. “We can’t go back because you killed Oriax.”

I sat back in my seat. Stunned.

There was no way.

“We got you out of there as soon as possible,” Maddox explained. “But when they find his body, it's only a matter of time before they...” He allowed his words to trail off.

“They will throw you in the pit at the center of Hell,” Rome said heavily. When Maddox glared, Rome shrugged. “What? I will not lie. Valentina deserves more than that.”

I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.

Rome gathered my question from the tone rather than understanding the words.

“We will protect you.” Rome nodded staunchly and turned back to the road.

I eyed Maddox but did not turn to face him. Would he protect me as well? I didn’t know.

In a tired gesture that I hoped conveyed my question, I held out my hands.

Maddox reached for my seat belt, but I waved him away.

“Away from here.” His icy blue eyes flicked to mine.