“How did you find Issy?” I think of the pain Issy will feel when she knows.
“I saw you with her,” he smirks. “I followed you. How does it feel to be on the other side?”
“I have to admit,” I sigh. “Not good.”
“I didn’t know what the relationship was between you.” He twirls the sword. “Until I introduced myself to her. Luckily, I know how to play the guitar. She believed everything I told her. I had to take my time. I couldn’t ask too many questions right away. Getting paid to get close to you was a bonus. Slowly, she began to trust me, and it’s natural to ask about someone's life, their family. She went on and on about her amazing brother.”
“Fucking asshole,” I grit out.
“I could have done anything to her.” He tilts his head. “I restrained myself. I wanted you. I needed to get justice for my friend. Still, I couldn’t find you, and Issy wouldn’t slip up and tell me.”
“How?” I’m done with story time. I need to get out of these chains.
“I heard her on the phone. She was talking to her mom, and she mentioned where you were. I was already in town when she called.” He laughs. “She had no idea the favor she was giving me. I had to listen to her excitement over her dear brother finding his mate, and the honor it was to play for her.” He punches me in the stomach, and I grunt. “I saw you and wanted to kill you. So happy. Surrounded by people who respected you, but I knew the monster you were. I had to stand in front of you and test you.” He closes his eyes briefly. “Your sweet mate. The bond isn’t complete.” He smiles slowly. “Perhaps after I kill you, I’ll visither. Take pictures of her. She’ll be grieving, but I’ll make her feel better.”
I bow my head. “Wrong thing to say, motherfucker.” I shift my face and lift my head. Bode sees the image of the woman he killed. “Everything you have done was bad enough, but to threaten my mate.”
“What the fuck?” he gasps.
“Do you remember killing her?”
“How?” He steps back. “How is this possible?”
“I have gifts.” I grin, but he doesn’t see my lips. The blood he shed drips down her image. “How did it feel? Killing a woman who didn’t deserve it?”
“Stop. Now.” He lifts the sword.
“Matt would have been proud, but he’s dead.” Maybe it’s the wrong move, but I sense Rylee and her family are close. I replace the image of the abused with Matt’s. “He didn’t see me coming. My knife slid easily into his skull, his eyes wide, in shock.”
“Matt?” he says faintly. “No. He’s gone.” He raises the sword.
“Yes, he is.” I cancel my magic and lurch forward. “I killed him. He deserved it.” I hiss as the sword plunges into my side. I stare at him, his face close to mine, and smile. “My mate is going to kill you,” I hum, and raise my legs. I press my feet against his stomach and push. My teeth descend as the weapon's tip comes out of my body, just as the door is thrown open.
“Ezra,” Rylee says roughly.
“Hey, Foxy. I missed you.” I smile softly at my beautiful mate. “I like the mask. It looks good.”
“Fuck, mate.” She takes a step, and I see Heath behind her.
“No.” Bode stumbles back, dropping the weapon in surprise, and I drop my legs.
Bode begins to turn, but Rylee moves before he can face her. She shoves him to the ground, pressing his face to the floor, pressing the metal against the back of his head.
“You hurt him,” Rylee says, gripping my knife. “I smell his blood.”
“Ezra, I’ll get you down,” Heath says, moving to my side.
“That would be good,” I say, but stare at my mate.
“You don’t get to touch him,” she growls, kneeling on his back. “He’s mine.” She shoves the knife into his head, leaning over him, using all her weight to aid her.
Hunter and Bane grip my sides as Heath uses his cane to break the chain. They catch me and ease me to the floor. I attempt to stand, but I slip on my blood.
“Stay down,” Heath says.
“No.” Rylee lets go of the handle, looking at me. “Ezra, he stabbed you.” She scrambles away from Bode, dropping to her knees by my side.
“This is nothing.” I press my hand to my side. “My fierce mate.” I trail my bloody fingers over her mask. “That was badass.” I attempt to smile.
