Page 104 of Ruthless Keeper

Worry tightens my chest, and I sit up, ignoring the delicious soreness between my legs. “What’s going on?”

Greyson shakes his head. “I… I’m not sure.”

The worry in his tone spurs me into action. “I’m coming with you.” I stumble out of bed, also grabbing clothes and haphazardly pulling them on.

Greyson doesn’t argue with me, but these days, he seldom does. I have more freedom than most of the operatives in the compound—I even have permission to leave the fortress for vacations, though Ihaven’t taken that liberty yet.

Greyson takes my hand. Together, we take the elevator to the first floor, and I follow him to the entrance hall with quickened steps.

There, my heart sinks at the sight that greets me.

Max stands in the center of the hall, surrounded by a semi-circle of Nighthawks. His clothes are shredded, there are blood splatters and what look like claw marks on his cheeks. There are also char marks covering his bare arms… but that’s not what makes my chest tighten.

On the floor beside him is awoman. She’s beautiful—raven-black hair, glittering blue eyes, gorgeous features and full lips that are parted around agag. Her hands are bound behind her back. Her hair is fisted in Max’s hand. Her calculated, furious gaze sweeps around the room, and I think she might be planning on killing every person she sets eyes on.

Greyson stops dead beside me, also frozen with shock.

“What thefuck?” Greyson snaps.

“Op failed,” Max says, using his free hand to wipe some blood beneath his nose. “Dagon is still alive, but seriously wounded.”

“Max,” Greyson says carefully. “I don’t care about the op right now. Presently, I’m wondering who thefuckthe girl is?”

“The woman who almost succeeded in killing me.” Max looks down at the girl, eyes glittering with something that can only be described as possession. Maybe a hint of obsession. “And my chosen.” He looks back at Grey, his glare daring Greyson to disagree. “I choose her. She’s mine.” He pauses, sweeping a dangerous gaze over everyone gathered here. “And anyone who tries to stop me better be ready to die.”