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“No.”
Jax’s answer was something of a relief, but that didn’t mean we weren’t out of danger.
“Can we lose them somehow?”
“Maybe, but it won't be easy.”
The shrill ring of Evan’s phone pierced the tension in the car, making me jump. Evan’s jaw set as he punched the screen to answer the call. Before he could even say hello, Tomas’s manic laughter echoed throughout the car, causing Sofia to stir in her car seat. I put my hand on her chest, hoping to soothe her, even as my own heart beat erratically.
“I had a feeling you were sending me on a wild goose chase.” The sound of his voice sent chills down my spine. “You must think you’re very clever, and I have to say, it was a good attempt. My men were scattered around the country coming after you. I was nearly afraid they wouldn’t catch up to you, but then I got word that an old informant of mine was visited by a young woman fitting Mariah’s description.”
“He ratted us out?” Evan said.
Tomas cackled. “Sadly, no, though wouldn’t that have been fitting? I have eyes everywhere, Evan. Haven’t you learned anything yet? But no matter. It’s all we needed to know where you really were.”
Evan let out a menacing growl, which only delighted Tomas, spurring him on.
“You know, it’s too perfect. Once we realized what you were after, it didn’t take long to piece the puzzle together. How ironic that the child I was told of all those years ago is the same as my dearest Mariah.” His laughter bordered on maniacal. “Clearly, this is what fate has destined. You were meant to be my little experiment.”
“Go to hell, asshole,” I spat, sitting up now. I couldn’t take this lying down, and I wouldn’t be silent. “You won’t get away with this.”
“But I already have.” His tone shifted abruptly, calm and collected as if he were perfectly reasonable. “Why can’t you see the bigger picture, Mariah? The blood that runs in your veins is potent, and the possibilities are endless, my dear. Just imagine, you have everything within you to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Together, we could change the world. Don’t you desire and deserve so much more than being a second-rate alpha’s mate?”
Evan’s growl grew louder. Jax’s fingers were digging into the leather. His temple throbbed as he clenched his jaw.
“You’ll never get your hands on me again. You have no claim on me or my family.”
“Ah, but that's where you're wrong.” His tone shifted yet again, becoming dark and menacing. This was how I’d remembered him: flipping back and forth between personalities, a sure sign that he was insane. “You were never meant to belong to someone like Evan. You're mine, Mariah. Mine by destiny, mine by right. I made you what you are today. Don’t you feel some gratitude for your creator?”
Holy shit, he’d lost his last shred of reason.
Jax signaled silently to Evan. I twisted around, my heart dropping when I saw the car following us from a distance had gained ground and was weaving its way through traffic, getting closer with each passing second.
“Gratitude?” I scoffed, disgusted by his delusions. “You don't control me or my destiny, Tomas. I do. And you’ll never get what you want.”
“Your defiance is amusing but futile,” he said, his laugh far colder this time. “Haven’t you realized by now? There's no escaping me. No matter how far you run or how well you hide, I will always find you. You are mine.”
“I will never be yours.” My stomach rolled in disgust, and I was surprised my voice remained steady when this fear was deep in my gut.
“Such passion,” he mused, sounding almost impressed. “Your bloodline was strong. It will make powerful shifters.”
“Over my dead body,” I snarled, my dragon's presence flaring hot inside me at the thought of ever submitting to Tomas.
He made an exasperated sigh. “You offend me. I have no desire to harm anyone. And you needn’t fear. I realize my granddaughter is in the car with you. Rest easy. I will not risk her, even if she isn’t of any use to me anymore. It’s you I want, Mariah.”
The way he said my name had my hands trembling uncontrollably as nausea gripped me. It was all too similar to the familiar way he’d spoken when I’d been his captive.
“You will never have her!” Evan roared, startling Sofia from sleep. She started crying as fear and fury surged within me. Beneath it all was a burning desire to see this man dead and gone—the only way to truly protect my family.
I’d never thought I would crave someone’s death, but if anyone deserved it, it was him.
Tomas simply laughed, the sound grating on my bones. “You can’t interfere with destiny.”
“You’re insane,” I hissed. “I will never come to you.”
“You belong to me!” Tomas yelled, his tone changing yet again, now angry and full of menace. “You were meant to be mine since you were only a child.”
My mouth gaped. Was he serious? He was that twisted and that corrupted by his own sick desire for power, he’d convinced himself of this.
