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Chapter 5

Ravena

“Move aside, Ravena,” Father says in a grim tone.

Tharion growls behind me.

“No!” I shout as I jump between them, placing myself in the path of the arrow. If Father wants to shoot Tharion, he’s going to have to put the arrow through me first.

“Ravena,” Father snaps. “Get behind me. Now.”

“Just listen,” I say, my chest tight with panic. “I have something to tell you.”

“Not now, girl!” Dad roars with outrage as he aims the arrow over my head. I raise my arms and jump up and down to stop him from shooting. He jerks his head back, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind.

Meanwhile, Tharion is growling protectively. I’m not sure who I’m trying to save here… My hunky gargoyle boyfriend or my father and all of these doofuses who don’t stand a chance against him. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.

“We’re mates,” I say, desperately trying to keep my voice steady. “Did you hear the bells ringing? That was us.”

“You read too many books, girl,” Father says, gritting his teeth. “Those ridiculous love stories have rotted your brain.”

“But you heard the bells!” I say, my hands trembling at my sides. “I woke him up with my kiss.”

Father has heard enough. “Korrick,” he growls. “Get her out of here.”

“Wait!” I say as Korrick looks at Tharion warily before slowly stepping forward. “Can you just listen?”

“There’s nothing to say,” Father hisses. “The lord wants him dead. It’s our job to comply.”

“Come on, Ravena,” Korrick says. He grabs my arm and it all goes to shit.

Tharion lunges forward with a protective roar and grabs Korrick’s head. He just palms it in his hand like he’s picking up a coconut. My mouth drops open when I see him toss Korrick aside like he’s made of straw. He lands a few yards away, crashing into empty milk crates. The strange boy is going to have a sore neck tomorrow and will think twice next time he’s told to approach a gargoyle’s mate, but otherwise he’ll be fine.

The other men from the forge step back in shock, but Father steps forward and shoots the crossbow.

“No!” I scream when I see his finger move. The arrow shoots out with a whoosh and flies past my face, heading right for Tharion’s chest.

Tharion plucks the arrow out of the sky like it’s a pesky insect and easily snaps the arrow in two. He growls as he glares at my father.

This is not going well for an introduction.

Father pulls out his sword as Tharion approaches him, his wings opening behind him, murderous intent in his silvery eyes.

“Wait!” I scream, putting my hands up to both of them. I’m still in the middle, and I know that neither of them will hurt me.

Tharion’s tail wraps around my waist, lifts me off my feet, and moves me to the side.

“No,” I scream, trying to wiggle free as Father raises his sword.

Tharion’s arms and chest flex. His claws are fully extended.

“Please,” I beg, my stomach twisting into a knot.

Father plants his feet in the fighting position.

They’re going to kill each other. And I’m going to have to watch.

Fuck. That.