Page 74 of Fated By Fire
Did I say love?
He hesitates, then shrugs. “It’s not important. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re screwing this up.”
I grind my teeth. “I have to protect the clan.”
“Maybe protecting the clan means accepting help. Accepting her.”
I turn away. “I don’t have time for this.”
As I walk off, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see a security alert flashing on the screen.
“Shit,” I mutter.
Dorian catches up to me. “What is it?”
“Malakai’s been spotted near the outskirts of the city.”
“Alone?”
“Unknown. But he’s too close for comfort.”
An uneasy feeling coils in my stomach. Elena’s emotions spike again—confusion, then a sudden jolt of fear.
I stop in my tracks. “I need to check on something.”
Dorian grabs my arm. “Caleb, wait.”
“I have to go.”
“You’re running to her,” he says.
“She’s in danger. I can feel it,” I snap, pulling free. “Something’s wrong.”
Without waiting for a response, I break into a run, heading for the nearest exit. Behind me, I hear Dorian curse before following.
By the time I reach the street, my mind is racing. I try calling Elena, but the call goes straight to voicemail.
“Come on, Elena,” I whisper. “Pick up.”
Nothing.
I climb into my car, the engine roaring to life as I speed away from Craven Towers. The bond pulses within me, a beacon guiding me toward her, even as dread settles heavy in my chest.
I left her vulnerable. In my anger, I pushed her away, and now she might pay the price.
“Hold on,” I murmur, fighting down the panic that wants to take hold. “I’m coming.”
I can’t lose her.
Chapter 27
Elena
The roar of the engine does little to drown out the storm of thoughts in my head as I drive. Trees whir past on either side as I speed down the winding mountain road, the cabin disappearing into the darkness behind me.
I tell myself that each mile is putting distance between me and the upheaval Caleb has brought into my life, but I’m not convinced.
“Dammit, Mara! Why?” I mutter under my breath, the glowing lights of my phone catching my eye from the passenger seat. I shouldn’t call her while driving, but I can’t wait any longer. Swiping the screen, I hit her number and put the call on speaker.
