Page 144 of Fatality

CHAPTER 28

Riven

Mother Mother - Hayloft II

Istand in front of Evren’s car while Ren talks, probably explaining how to replace a side mirror, but I’m not listening.

Why would I listen? I won't do a fucking thing he says.

I glance around when a shadow falls over me from behind.

I stiffen.

It’s not Evren.

It’s someone far more imposing.

Slowly—painfully—I turn my head like a malfunctioning robot, moving in short, jerky motions.

My gaze lands on arms thicker than my own legs, then slowly travels upward.

And up.

And up.

Until I meet the eyes of a man so tall, it’s like looking at a fucking mountain.

His stare burns, but there’s something strangely calm about it.

“Riven.” His voice is deep, steady. It seems to vibrate through my entire body. “Listen to Ren. I don’t want to hurt you. Do you understand?”

I swallow.

Evren could snap me in half if he wanted.

This man? This man could snap anyone in half.

He’s terrifying.

I nod, the movement sharp and jerky, then immediately turn back to Ren, trembling.

I’m not stupid enough to pick a fight with this.

“This is Varek.” Ren’s voice finally cuts through the haze in my head. “He’s calm. Loyal as hell. Doesn’t throw his weight around for no reason. But trust me, you do not want to find yourself between those hands if Evren gives the word. So focus and work.”

I can only nod and try to follow Ren’s instructions.

The hood of Evren’s car sags under my weight.

Grease is smeared all over me, and I don’t even know what else.

I was working on the windshield.

But what can I say?

Varek is terrifying.

He just stands there, staring at me like I’m going to bolt the second he looks away.