The woman was nothing but secrets and lies. And all of them had worked to destroy the heart she’d helped repair.
“FUCK!”
The word tore from my throat as I threw my head back and arms wide to bellow it. Not even the wrath of the lightning could drown it out.
My head bowed and shoulders heaved as I released the lightning and drew on my control over the rain to pull it from the sky. I stood there, unable to move as the immensity of Ellery’s betrayal sank in.
The cool rain against my skin felt good after the inferno. It slid down my back and dripped from my hair as the fire sizzled and hissed against its assault.
Soon, all that remained were the steaming remnants of this ruined section of woods. The smoking ash beneath my feet and the broken, barren landscape matched my bleak soul.
Feeling a little more stable but more desolate than ever, I opened another portal and returned to Tucker. He remained waiting for me among the trees where I’d left him.
The poltergeist who watched over the building remained on a rock twenty feet away, watching us as he flipped his knife. I may not be able to kill the already dead bastard, but if he came at us, I’d find out what lightning could do to him.
I cast a glance at the bordello as I debated returning to it. I was calmer and might be able to return to the building and booze I craved, but Tucker and I couldn’t have this conversation there.
I didn’t give a shit if Ellery burned in Hell, but I wasn’t about to let others know how much she’d played me for a fool. Casting one last glance at the bordello I’d return to later, I opened another portal into a section of forest near where Tucker had established his growing group of amsirah.
My power was waning, and I couldn’t open another portal again today, but Tucker could take us back to his encampment. This time, Tucker followed me through the portal.
I closed it behind us and walked over to sit on a rock while Tucker remained by one of the trees. His gaze was filled with apprehension as he studied me.
“I’m fine,” I stated.
“No, you’re not.”
I shot him a look, but he was right. Even after unleashing some of my wrath, I wasnotokay.
She’d lied to me the whole time.
I’d fallen in love with her while she spewed lie after lie, and I’d never sensed anything wrong. There was a time when I’d prided myself on my ability to judge others; I would question that ability for the rest of my life.
I’d let her in, and she’d torn me apart. She’d also taken away my ability to ever love again.
Immortals only ever loved once in their lifetime, even if they made the mistake of giving their hearts to treacherous, deceitful bitches.How often did she laugh at me while leading me through the woods to pursue the Hooded Robber?
The idea of it rankled, and lightning zapped between my fingers. I ran a hand through my wet hair, pulling at it as I sought to regain control over my emotions. I’d lost it once today; I wouldn’t do so again.
“You shouldn’t have brought her there,” I growled.
“She needed to talk to you, and I… I…”
“Couldn’t say no.”
“No.”
“Don’t do it again.”
“What happened?” Tucker inquired. “Who is the Robber?”
“Sheis.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Ryker
Tucker laughed,but when I lifted my head and he saw the look on my face, it ended abruptly. “She can’t be. You said the Hooded Robber was a lightning bearer.”
