Page 131 of Third Offense

“You want me?” I shouted as more than half my men followed, proving to me that emotions drove their actions more than purpose.

Something that disappointed me a little because I’d taught them better than that. But this situation was unprecedented. I’d hurt them. And now… now they would hurt me.

For turning on them.

For betraying them.

For choosing a side that they perceived to bewrong.

I flew up and up and up as more spilled from the palace in my pursuit.

And once I was satisfied with the number.

I turned.

Locked eyes with some of the more powerful Nora Warriors.

“Come and fucking get me.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

LAYLA

“Auric!”I screamed, my heart ripping out of my chest to fly after him. Soaring high. Chasing my mate. The other part of my soul.

My throat constricted around the plea as fear sent a wave of heat over my body.

Dozens of Nora followed him into the sky, a scene that had my pulse thrumming with intensity. Time seemed to slow, everything louder than before.

I could barely breathe.

The odds,I whispered.He can’t… he can’t survive odds like that.

Not when almost all of the Nora chased him up into the sky.

The remaining few were cut down around me, but I barely saw them. Barely felt them. I was frozen in time, staring up at my white-winged mate, watching him fight. Watching him whirl through the sky in a flurry of beautiful feathers.

Streaked with blood.

I choked, my heart in shambles as it returned from the sky to land at my feet.

Auric.

He couldn’t… I couldn’t… I needed to help him. Save him.Fix this.

Fly, I thought.Fly. Fly. Fly.

It wasn’t a chant meant for Auric, but for myself. I had to try… I had to join him… I couldn’t let him do this alone.

Energy pulsed around me as my wings burst through the elixir.Fly. Fly. Fly.

I crouched, ready to launch, but a heavy weight crushed down all around me, keeping me grounded.

I whirled on Ketos, snarling at him like a wild animal. “Don’t you fucking dare use your power on me!”

He replaced the weight of his energy with his hands, his touch unexpected and confusing.

Only for Novak to grab me from behind, lifting me with ease.