Page 84 of Sage Haven

I didn’t give him time to process the mistake.

In one swift movement, I drove the needle into his gut, pressing the plunger with clinical precision.

Recognition flashed in his eyes but it was too late.

The sedative hit fast. His limbs turned into deadweights. His expression twisted, confusion battling with terror.

“Easy, bud,” I murmured, catching him before he could collapse completely. My tone was mocking, a cold echo of concern. “Looks like you’ve had too much to drink. Let’s get you some fresh air.”

I slung his arm over my shoulder and hauled him toward the back exit.

He was heavier than he looked or maybe I was just running on borrowed adrenaline from seeing Sage.

Outside, the alley was slick with rain. The air was sharp and cigarette smoke hung low, mixing with the faint reek of garbage and diesel.

Lucas groaned against me, his head lolling as he fought the drug.

Annoyance flared within me. I hated when they struggled.

When I reached the car, I drove my boot into his knee, forcing him to drop, then followed up with a brutal elbow to the side of his skull.

He hit the pavement hard, his head cracking against the concrete with a satisfying thud.

Blood pooled slowly beneath him.

He was out cold.

Finally.

I stood over him for a long moment, breathing hard.

Tempted.

It would be easy to end it here.

Quick. Clean. One less predator, but there were too many questions and something about his focus on Sage wasn’t adding up.

She wasn’t his type.

She wasn’t street prey.

She wasn’t desperate.

At least, not in the ways they liked.

And yet, there he was.

Tracking her.

With a low curse, I dragged him up the side of the car and shoved him into the trunk.

I took the long way home.

Gave myself time to think.

To prepare.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, the house loomed dark and silent beneath the trees.