Page 46 of Savage Devotion

Ash’s voice is urgent and raw. It cracks through the hush between the shelves. My heart stutters.

He barrels on, “There’s an emergency at the Voodoo Lounge, man. Where the fuck are you? There’s been an overdose. Three of them, and the shit’s about to hit the fucking fan.”

Our eyes lock in the dusty half-light, a silent understanding flickering between Reaper and me. My breath goes shallow. Adora. My lip trembles, memories burning behind my eyelids.

“It’s happening again,” I whisper, barely able to find my voice.

Reaper pulls me into his chest, strong arms anchoring me as the world starts to spin. His heat is like a protective shield of devotion and love, grounding me. I press my ear to his heart, letting its steady, unbreakable rhythm pull me back from the edge.

“I know, baby. I know.” His words are a vow and a balm. His fingers thread into my hair, gentle and sure.

He lifts his chin, eyes sparking with purpose. “Tell them we’re on our way,” he tells Ash while never taking his eyes off me.

With care, Reaper lowers my feet to the floor. His thumb sweeps away my tears—soft, determined and I recognize the promise in his touch.

“We will stop this. I swear it.”

I want to believe him, and for a heartbeat, I do. But beneath love’s fragile cocoon, I sense the gathering storm. Call me dramatic if you like, but I sense danger and destiny twining together. Reaper and I found our happy ending, but I know the real story is only just beginning.