Page 35 of Property of Karev

He murmurs something and it takes my mind a second to process. “We’re never going to New Hampshire.” That’s what he said. The corner of my mouth twitches. I truly adore his over-the-top protectiveness.

I reach for his hand and link our fingers. “No supernatural can compete against a hellhound. Certainly not one who has three heads and special powers.”

His hand leaves mine so he can cup the back of my neck and pull me close. “Special because of my gorgeous mate.”

My breath catches right before his lips land on mine. The passion flows freely between us and I dig my fists into his denim cut to pull him closer. His tongue rubs against mine, spiking the lust inside my veins. He pulls back all too soon, and this treasured moment gives me a taste of the future.

A reminder of how life can shove you into the darkest pit all while there’s still a spark of light somewhere. Though, the darkness conceals it until someone, or something, points it out to you. Karev isn’t a spark of light; he’s a damn inferno warming my heart and heating my veins.

“I really like you,” I blurt.

He grins, and shoots me a wink. “I really like you too, darlin’.”

My heart leaps inside my chest, making it feel as if some of the emotional weight on my shoulders shifted onto his. Where I’ve always felt alone, I now have someone standing strong beside me.

“Incoming,” Triton grunts and we quickly pull apart.

Karev walks away to get the space he needs and quickly shifts. I can hear a vehicle approach. Croc and Stingray are on the other side of the road while Spec and Drop, two prospects, are further down the road. Sevrin is at the clubhouse, something Karev demanded to make sure nothing happened to Cassia, and the kid...s. Kids. Still weird how they are twins merged into one.

Triton is going to stop the car with magic, and that’s about everything the plan entails. I just hope Annetta is still alive and in the car with him. She can’t be part of all the ash we saw around the house. I swallow at the tightness in my throat. Emotions are overwhelming, and it’s something I don’t need right now.

Karev’s massive hellhound form comes up beside me and I reach out to place my hand on the neck of the head closest to me. Sinking my fingers into his thick fur while the flames dance up my arm relaxes me. We can do this. We damn well will do this. Drexel needs to be stopped. He’s on this road because he’s heading for his half-sister to kill her.

“Roadblock in place,” Triton states. “Waiting for that fucker to come closer.”

I turn to Karev and let the words flow through my mind. “I’m going up. Don’t you dare leave me too.”

All three heads whip in my direction while I hear the word, “Never,” inside my head.

I shoot him a grin and murmur, “Good boy.”

Triton snickers while all three heads rumble a growl. My wings burst from my back and without any effort I push them down to catch enough air to shoot upward. Once I’m higher, I can see one of my father’s trucks heading this way.

The anger inside me burns hot, making the flames dance over my skin. My fingers curl into fists and I want nothing more than to blast the truck with all my powers. Unfortunately, I can’t because my sister might be in the truck with Drexel.

Closing my eyes, I try to reach for my sister. The three of us have a connection. It’s probably why my father tolerated my presence. Together we were the strongest. I could always sense if either one of my sisters were upset, especially Alora. She was the one with the temper, the anger issues, while now...I swallow hard and try to focus as the truck slowly rolls to a stop.

The driver’s side door opens and a wave of relief hits me when I recognize Annetta. I lean in to get closer, but something feels off. Her posture, the way she walks, it’s as if she’s a robot instead of my sister. Rushing to the ground head-first, I turn my body in time to land on my feet in front of Annetta.

“Don’t touch her, Lea,” Triton bellows as he comes rushing toward me from my left.

Karev jumps out of the woods and lands on the roof of the truck. I can hear the metal object against the weight of him as I stare into my sister’s eyes. A gasp rips from me when I see they’re completely white. No pupils, no irises, no nothing.

“What’s wrong with her?” I whisper, knowing Triton is standing next to me.

My sister raises her hands as if she’s going to gather her power, but nothing happens. No yellow smoke surrounding her, no spark of electricity or a single flame. It’s as if the life has been sucked right from her.

“Do you see the little black pouch around her neck?” Triton asks.

I keep my eyes on my sister, who is raising her arms, and notice the pouch on the necklace. “Yes, what about it? Other than the fact that I’ve never seen her wear it.”

“Hex bag. I need you to burn it. Do not for any reason touch her, understood?” Triton’s voice is firm.

Something about his voice makes me feel it’s a warning. It’s then I realize what he just said. A hex bag. My sister is under some kind of spell.

Raising my hand in her direction, I’m about to direct a small burst of flames in the direction of the hex bag when the door of the backseat bursts open. A blur moves fast and I see Karev jump after it. Curling my fingers, I quickly move them outward and with it send a flying ball of red fire straight at the hex bag.

The hex bag goes up in green flames and disappears from her neck. Annetta’s eyes roll into the back of her head and her body crumbles to the ground.