Page 72 of Scavenger's Oath

Seizing the opportunity, Ivy twists, managing to jerk free and bolts straight into me. I catch her against my chest, turning my body to shield her from them like a wall.

“Hey, hey. It’s alright, I’ve got you,” I soothe, stroking her hair. “I've got you now.”

She buries her face against me as if she’d crawl inside my chest if I’d let her. Her little body is shaking so much. My arms tighten automatically, like I could fuse her to me and keep her forever.

If they’ve hurt her… If I find one drop of blood on her… I’ll be the one they have to lock up. Because whatever control I’ve built since they found me will obliterate. Nothing will stop me from killing them both.

No vows, or debts, or oaths. No love that’s grown for them over the years. I’ll kill them with my bare hands.

My focus snaps back to them. “Are you both out of your goddamn minds?” I roar, losing my temper for the first time in years. “This isn't a fucking game. She's not some goddamn trophy to fight over.”

Phoenix and Myles both step forward, eyes locked on her now. But I pull Ivy tighter and start backing out of the room.

That look in their eyes tells me this isn’t over.

“What the fuck were you two thinking? Yanking her around like that! She’s fucking terrified,” I growl.

“Always the protector, Zane,” Myles snarls. “Sheshouldbe terrified. She was about to come on his fingers.”

Myles doesn’t even spare a sideways glance at Phoenix. He’s completely zeroed in on Ivy.

I keep my eyes on him, knowing he could lunge forward to grab her at any second. But something in my gut twists.

Phoenix was touching her?

“And we were so rudely interrupted,” Phoenix taunts, voice calm. “Don’t you want to finish what we started, little stray?”

I have to make a conscious effort not to crush her in my arms.

Her fists loosen on my shirt—as if she’s actually considering it.

It shouldn’t cut so deep. I have no right to care. I looked after her because it was right, not to butter her up. But that tiny hesitation makes something primal rage in me.

It takes everything in me not to toss her over my shoulder like a caveman and take her to my room, lock the door, and keep her safe like I should’ve from the start.

But I know it has to be her choice. Even if it crushes me. I’d rather cut out my own heart than take that away.

I tilt her chin up, those tear-filled eyes tugging hard on something inside me. She deserves better than all of this. Than us.

“I’m sorry they scared you, sweetheart,” I say gently, trying my best to ignore the twisting feeling. “It’s been just the three of us for so long… Do you want to go with Phoenix?”

Ivy turns her head to look at them again and they both attempt to put on innocent smiles. But the look on their faceseven sends shivers downmyspine. They look possessed. Like wolves circling a bleeding animal.

IfIwere choosing between them—honestly, I’d shoot them both instead.

When she shudders and hides her face in my chest again, that’s all the answer I need. “She's coming with me.”

I don't wait for a response. I don't trust myself not to swing at one of them.

Carrying her down the hall, I hear their footsteps following and quicken my pace. I keep my arms around her protectively, heart hammering as I block their access to her. But then their fighting picks up again at the bottom of the stairs, and they fall behind.

Finally making it to my room, I close the door behind us and lock it.

Looking down at Ivy, I brush her hair from her face, heart still thundering, and pull her back into my chest.

“You're safe,” I murmur, a sense of fulfilment washing over me. “I promise. They're not getting near you tonight.”

She nods against my chest, the tension in her body easing a fraction. Her little fists loosening a touch.