Page 156 of Pucked Around and Found Out

I don't know if I even want to.

The only thing I know for certain is this, Fiona Williams is about to learn what happens when you threaten what's mine. And if Toren hates me for it? If she wakes up and realizes I chose wrong? Then I'll deal with that when I get back. Because right now, all I can focus on is the rage. The need to hurt. The monster inside me that demands blood.

Every. Last. Drop.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

XADEN

The address Alex sent is an industrial building on the outskirts of Hollow Hills. This is his turf, me coming here without more of my men is a gamble, this is a move of trust on my part. The area is abandoned. Perfect for what we have in store..

Ken drives us there in silence. When we arrive, there are already several vehicles outside. I start to wonder if this is a set up but quickly squash that thought.

We head inside.

The building is exactly what I expected, concrete floors, exposed beams, drainage grates in strategic locations, excellent acoustics for screaming.

Alex Denver is waiting in the center of the main room.

Up close, without the chaos of the extraction, I’ll admit he's even more impressive. This guy has built a reputation for himself, spanned across the country—maybe even the world. His eyes have seen everything and been impressed by nothing.

A predator in every sense of the word.

Just like me.

It’s like we can recognize the animal inside each other, our beasts calling to the other. This is a first for me, I’ve never been in the same room with someone who likes to take their time with their kill and make an art out of it. Excitement about getting to see someone else's work flows through me. Normally I’m a greedy son of a bitch and I don’t share my toys but tonight, I’m feeling generous.

Beside him, Fiona is strapped to a chair.

Conscious now. Gagged. Eyes wide with fear.

The terror on her face is like a song, sweet and soothing. My mouth waters with hunger, not for subsistence, for blood.

Several of Alex's men are positioned around the room, watching, waiting, ready to assist if needed.

“Devlin,” Alex says, his voice a low rumble. “Glad you could finally join us.”

“Wouldn't miss it,” I say, walking closer to Fiona. She sees me and starts struggling against the restraints. I smile at the bitch and make sure to bare my teeth. “Remember what I promised you earlier?” I ask conversationally. “You showed me surveillance footage earlier. Threatened to kill my fairy. Locked me in a fucking cage.” I lean in close enough that she can see every detail of my face. “That was a big fucking mistake.”

Behind me, I hear Cas shifting on his crutches.

“So you're Alex Denver,” he says, and his voice is cold. Hard.

Alex turns to look at him, and something passes between them. Recognition. Acknowledgment. Anger.

“Caspian,” Alex says.

“Don't,” Cas snaps. “Don't say my fucking name like you know me. Like we're family.”

“We are family,” Alex says calmly. “Same blood.”

“I had no fucking idea you even existed,” Cas shoots back, the tension in the room ratchets up. Several of Alex's men shift, hands moving toward weapons.

“I was protecting you,” Alex says.

“Bullshit,” Cas snarls. “You’re a fucking asshole, hiding in the shadows acting like some savior, you’re not my anything!”

“You are where you are because of me,” Alex says, his voice hardening. “I kept you alive and safe for years!”