Chapter 41
Setting Targets
“ T ala is asking if you like the pink or purple curtains and bedspread?” Violet asks as we stand hidden, waiting for the word from Bradan.
“Tell her to check on my desk. I left pictures of the set I want,” I reply.
Violet laughs, calling my attention back to her. “She said that’s cute. Frost is going to love it.”
I grin. I was thinking the same thing when I came across the set online. Everything is coming together just as I envisioned it.
I’m grateful to Tala. She took on the responsibility of decorating Frost’s new room. Bradan remained true to his word. All I had to do was think of what I wanted in our new apartment at the clubhouse.
Then he made it happen. We now have a duplicate apartment to live in—with a winding glass-railed staircase between the floors—that used to be a one-bedroom. However, we haven’t brought Frost home yet.
All because of Seraphina. I’m so tired of chasing after this maniac. She is toying with us.
I’m convinced that lately she’s been trying to lure us into a trap. I believe Bradan is under the same impression because he’s been going alone to the locations she’s spotted at. I’m never far away, but he hasn’t allowed me to go out in the open with him.
Seraphina has been popping up in various locations and disappearing almost as fast as she appears. This has been going on for the last week. I’m growing wary of it and today I feel like shit.
My stomach has been queasy, and I’ve been getting little headaches. I think it’s from all the stress and annoyance. I should be focused on my wedding and bringing our little girl home, not on some crazy fairy.
Bradan has left me behind this time because my stomach has been rolling the last few times we teleported to the locations she appeared in. I think it’s because Bradan teleports so fast. I’ve tried on my own a few times successfully in the past two weeks and I’m always a step or two behind him.
With some practice, I think I’ll get better. It takes a lot of focus and energy. I often feel winded after.
I’m not sure how Bradan does it with me in tow. I feel like I’m always one step away from getting turned off course. I guess it’s nothing to him now after centuries of practice.
Suddenly, Violet freezes and begins to growl. I come from my thoughts and look around. There’s nothing or no one in sight, but I know the wolves have heightened senses, so I remain on alert with her.
Then there’s a maniacal laugh that fills the air. I look around for the source of the laughter. However, I see nothing.
Then, I’m shoved forward. I stumble into Violet. She turns swiftly and grabs me to steady me. I look up at her in confusion.
“I guess one bitch is better than two. I thought he would never leave you alone. Bradan has never been stupid. I have to give him that much.
“At least that was before he left me for you. Now I take him for the biggest idiot in the world. I mean, look at you, it’s pathetic.”
I curl my lip in a snarl as the words surround us. Then Seraphina appears with a wild look in her eyes. I ball my fists, ready to kick her ass. I’m tired of her thinking I’m some weak pushover. It’s like she doesn’t remember me kicking her ass already.
“I didn’t need anyone last time and I sure as hell don’t need anyone now,” I snarl.
“Don’t worry, I will make this quick before Bradan notices I’m about to take your sorry l?—”
She doesn’t get to finish her words as I jump up and spin to slap the shit out of her, landing swiftly on my feet with the downward motion of the blow. Her face whips to the side and blood seeps from the corner of her mouth.
She recovers and snarls at me. “That’s the only way you can beat me? To sneak up on me.”
This chick is out of her mind. If she didn’t like hearing her own voice so much, she would have seen it coming. I looked her right in the eyes before I popped her ass.
“I don’t need to sneak up on you. Why don’t you just shut the fuck up and fight?” I growl.
I throw up a quick shield over me and Violet as I anticipate the fireball Seraphina throws. I’ve gotten better at forming them, so her orb bounces right off. She has to dodge her own weapon.
I want to laugh as it almost hits her. Instead, I pull in the shield and get ready to launch my own attack. However, before I can, Bradan appears, looking like he’s about to set the world on fire.
At the same time, it’s like a hand reaches out to grab Seraphina and then she disappears. I growl and stomp my foot. Bradan is at my side immediately.
“Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine. Shit, she got away again.”
“I’m done playing these games. I know the one thing that will bring her out in the open.”
“Why didn’t we use it sooner?”
Bradan sighs and pinches his nose. “Because it’s not an it, it’s a person. An innocent person, but Seraphina knows what happens when you fuck with me. She’s brought this down on herself.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I’m calling for some bait. If I dangle Nori in her face, she’ll stop running.”
“I don’t know, Bray. As much as I want this over, I don’t want anyone else hurt because of her,” I say cautiously.
“I’m protecting what’s mine. She targeted you today, do you get that? All the bouncing around was to shake us apart.”
“I know, but I can handle myself.”
“Not a risk I’m willing to take, especially not now. End of discussion.”
“Really, Bradan?”
“Really, baby girl,” he rumbles.
Seraphina
“I would really like it if you would stop pulling me out of situations when I’m about to take the win,” I snarl at Ferg. I then turn to my aunt to glare at her. “I’ve had enough of this. When do I get to use that weapon? We already know I can lure him anywhere. Why are we still testing that theory?”
I ball my fists in frustration. I don’t understand her plan. We knew when she received the weapon that Bradan would come right for me if I went out in the open.
All this toying with him is only going to piss him off. I want to get to that bitch and make sure she stops breathing before Bradan gets to me instead. Playing like this is going to get me hurt.
“Because everything has its time. I will give you the weapon at the right time. It will be soon. The clock is running against us. His patience has run out.”
I place my hands on my hips. “Who is this he ? I was going to leave weeks ago, you know. I’m tired of you probing my brain and bringing Bradan to his knees is taking too long. She had on a fucking engagement ring. This needs to end now,” I demand.
“If he marries her before you kill her, won’t it be that much sweeter?” Aunt Azar purrs.
“Enough, she is right. I haven’t been able to follow him back to the others. They have been staying with those wolves. If you don’t test the weapon soon, we will all face consequences,” Ferg says gruffly.
“Fine, the next move will be to test the weapon. We will attack them in their comfort zone.”
A grin comes to my lips. “Finally.”