Chapter 114: Chapter One-Hundred-And-Fifteen

Ryder

“He is powerful, isn’t he?” Milindya mused. “He should have been under my complete power, yet he still fought more than most.”

“He’s twice your age, Milindya,” Catalym said tiredly.

“That has never been a deciding factor before.” Milindya’s face turned accusing. “You’re protecting him.”

“Of course.” Catalym drew me back another half a foot.

Having control over my body again should’ve pleased me. But, somehow, it just pissed me off.

But the moment I launched forward, Catalym, in her practically infinite power, stopped me.

How was this worthless wretch powerful enough to enthrall me? Though challenging, I managed not to snarl at the woman beside me. My normal reactions around her seemed to be ass-backward.

“Interesting. You’ve never done that before, not even for yourself,” Milindya contemplated.

Because you had Judo…

The half-thought wasn’t directed at me, but we were merged so profoundly in her agitated fear that there wasn’t a way to miss it. She thought of me as an emotional and reality anchor. I didn’t share such experiences with just anyone. Before Corrine, I’d never trusted another vampire enough other than Holly.

You can trust me.

Strangely enough, I did. I just hoped it stayed that way.

She’ll no longer have to, Kev barked from behind me, but the woman ignored him.

I will have you, Ryder. Milindya’s power surged, but this time there wasn’t any effect. I still couldn’t move either.

Please, Cat, I can handle her.

Ultimately, I don’t know why Catalym let me go, but she did, stepping back.

This had nothing to do with being a man or anything else most people would’ve thought. I had to find out if I could handle it now. It was nothing more than a safety measure to know where we stood.

To do that, I needed to feel its full impact. I relayed this to Holly, who examined the finer details with expediency. He could spot me if it became too dangerous.

You didn’t know to expect it and can handle her, even if she doesn’t think so.

No, you won’t.

Milindya’s smile widened, “She can’t give you what you need.”

“You would know nothing of such things, and she does. Nothing about her doesn’t please me, but…you? I dislike my women covered in thorns.” I sneered. “Your sister exceeds my every fantasy.”

“Mine too,” Kev piped up. “She cooks for me.”

Catalym burst into laughter again, turning to shoot him a wide grin, “Is that all it takes?”

“Pretty much,” Kelly muttered.

“Why would you want some used, timid piece of garbage that can’t even take care of herself properly? All she’s good for is getting everyone around her into trouble.” Milindya crossed her arms over her chest and looked remarkably childlike.

Catalym suddenly straightened, going painfully rigid beside me. She bit her lip, eyes clouding with pain; I didn’t immediately understand.

If you start anything, it’s war. Melinda hasn’t done anything against our laws. Holly went unheeded when I launched to catch Catalym.

Blood ran from the lush rise of her bottom lip, and her canines unconsciously extended because she was still gritting her teeth. I was sure the pain of it didn’t come even close to the flash flood that cut out before she had shut herself up like Fort Knox.

The malicious one hurts yours. Indeed, this is against the Council, and we will be granted the ability to stop this.

“Then let me kill her,” I rumbled aloud.

Max?

Milindya knows she breaks nothing by this. Her position allows her to reprimand her subordinate however she sees fit, he snarled. If I permit you…

She abuses it.

I know. We will make her pay for it. I promise you this: Max pledged to.

Catalym broke into violent convulsions, and I shook with rage at my inabilities. Holly stirred, agitated by my furious thoughts of rebellion.

Ryder, think with your head and not your emotions. I know you’re having problems sorting through these new sensations, but remember who we taught ourselves to be.

I cradled Catalym’s trembling body, holding her head to my neck.

Kev hissed behind me, pacing back and forth. His true self is shown underneath the skilled façade, and he deliberately sheds the human facade. Kelly was silent, tempting me to see what she thought about these proceedings, but I couldn’t afford it.

Milindya didn’t appreciate whatever she saw in us, contentment turning into hatred, crimson flames leaping in her eyes. This would not go well.

“The worthless whore thinks she can take off and hole up with you after a week. After the trouble she has caused us, all to feed her troublesome lust! She deserves to suffer,” Milindya spat vehemently.

She is going to kill her. You have to do something, Max inserted.

What? My hands are tied. Said so yourself.

Corrine is going to flip.

What the fuck do you want me to do?

“She hides it well, doesn’t she? Ryder, who do you speak with?” Milindya asked.

“Who do you think?” I snarled.

My Curse rose and clung to the walls of my mind, not understanding when we did nothing but want more than anything to drain this bitch dry.

Movement burst to my side, Kev falling short when Kelly launched at Milindya and punched her squarely in the jaw. I knew she’d been lucky because Milindya had overlooked her as another young fledging. That wouldn’t last, and Kelly might’ve just started something she could never finish.

Oh, Marcus was so going to try and kick my ass, which then I will be forced to prevent, and when he reaches a new level of psycho…I so wasn’t looking forward to that.

And that was even if she broke a nail or a split-end there. There would be a rage within him, unlike few others. Milindya pushed that same twisted energy through Kelly to improve my day.

She cried out in agony, but it didn’t stop her from slamming her fist into Milindya’s jaw again. Hell, even I was impressed.