Page 104 of Unclaimed Bonds

He inclines his head toward Sodie. “I think you and I need to talk.”

I cock my head to the side, glancing at Sodie’s figure growing smaller in the distance.

“Relax. I heard the same one-sided conversation. We should find some place a little more private. You’re going to have to trust me, especially if you want to help me keep her safe.”

Chapter 48

I’m Going To Kill Her

LUKE

TWO WEEKS AGO:

March 14, 2025: 9:45 p.m.

Luna Solar City: Concert Venue

Silence wakes me from my trip down memory lane. I look up from the piece of paper in my hand. The models still sashay down the runway. Murmurs grow louder from the onlookers. Then, I hear Jessica’s voice.

She steps onto the stage. Gasps swirl all around me. She’s not wearing her mask. No music plays in the background, no gimmicks, just her own voice. There is no mistaking that she’s “G.”

What the hell is she doing? As much as I wanted to see her face while she sang, today, of all days, isn’t the right time. I crinkle the paper in my hand and glance around the venue again. Guards are posted everywhere. Is this enough?

My brothers’ expressions mirror my own, depicting both worry and anger. My father’s face slowly turns red, and mymother’s eyebrows arch in surprise, I swear they could disappear into her hairline.

I want to jump onto the stage and throttle her. Why would she take this risk? Dammit!

The music starts to play in the background. She moves, and a male model dances with her, strategically removing her trench coat. As the song comes to an end the model throws her coat off to the side she’s wearing nothing but barely there lingerie.

Justin slaps his hands over his eyes. Jeremy claps the sides of his head, squeezing his eyes shut, and moans, “Please tell me when this is fucking over!”

I cover my mouth as I snarl, “I’m going to kill her!”

Chapter 49

No Turning Back

JESSICA

TWO WEEKS AGO:

March 14, 2025: 11:11 p.m.

Luna Solar City: Concert Venue

Ineed some fresh air. Rampant thoughts run through my head. My throat closes, and it’s harder to breathe. Doubt settles in my chest, although it’s way too late for that now. I set everything in motion. There is no turning back.

A growl breaks through the silence I sought. A tingling sensation creeps up my neck, a warning sign that I am not safe here alone. Shit. I thought I hid deep enough in the alleyway that no one could see me. I strain my ears to listen for footsteps. There are none. Either he’s flying or he knows how to sneak up on his victim. Besides, I can’t see too well in the dark due to night blindness thanks to the trauma I endured eight years ago.

I feel their presence. Soon, they’ll overpower me.

I hold my breath and stand still, waiting for the right moment. The soft whisper of rubber brushing against concreteprompts me to move. I swing around with an open palm, intending to strike him in the carotid artery, but my arm is blocked. I lash out with my other hand, but that one is blocked, too.

Large arms wraps around me. I spin clockwise to escape my attacker when these stupid heels cause my ankle to wobble.

That’s all it takes, a fraction of a second. An arm snakes around my waist. I use my elbow to jab, and he grunts as it connects with his hard muscular chest. His grip slightly loosens. Twisting the opposite way with an open hand, I strike down toward his arm.

He releases his hold around my waist to block my strike, catching me by surprise. He’s a trained fighter.