by N. M. Howell
“This is our way. This has always been the best way. For you to join us and then judge us is the ignorance, Riley,” he growled.
“Your anger amuses me, Adrian, but I am not moved. I will not yield while you slay hundreds in the name of custom.”
He took a menacing step towards me. I held my ground.
“And those shifters are better than us? I'm sure you've been with two of them already, maybe even three,” he accused. He sniffed the air, scowling.
“Three is correct,” I smirked.
He growled while glaring at me with two jealous eyes. I knew that would bite at his cold heart. In fact, I had gambled on it striking a chord just for the sake of making him angry. It pleased me to see him hurt. It made this that much easier.
“What you fail to realize, Riley, is that humans are more despicable than any paranormal creature. They thrive on war, destruction, and chaos. We give them healing by giving them death. We are their release from their wretched existence,” Adrian explained. “And yet you deny that this is the moral way to handle the world.”
“The world isn't yours to destroy. Humans aren't your pets or your toys. They are people. They have lives and feelings and desires just like we do. Don't you see that?” I implored.
“How dare you even attempt to compare us! We are the elite immortals of the world, and we shall conquer it as we see fit,” he spat back.
It was my turn to take a menacing step forward. By the look on his face, I could tell he was losing power. And he didn't like it. He snarled at me as I approached, baring his fangs while crouching over into an attack position. While he bent forward, I started to charge with my dagger, but slowed as he relaxed into a standing position. He laughed suddenly.
Aghast, I lowered my dagger and gave him a puzzled expression.
“What?” I growled.
He shook his head, patting his thighs with amusement before sitting up to point.
“You're still not very bright, Riley.”
Darkness shrouded my vision. A collection of arms grabbed at my body, pulled the dagger from my hand, and disarmed me completely before I even had a chance to think. I fought hard against the assault while screaming for Zane, for Forrest, and for Leo. Could they hear me from this distance? They should be approaching the castle by now, surrounding it with supporting forces.
“Release me!” I cried. “You're making a mistake!”
The voices around me erupted into laughter and something hard hit my chest. It burned with an intensity I had never felt, sinking deep into my shoulder and twisting suddenly. The pain was incredible. I could feel myself mentally fading as I gave way to the arms restraining me. I knew this sensation. I knew exactly what it was.
I had been stabbed, and before I could manage to reach for the knife, the world went black once more.
About the Author
N.M. Howell is an author, publisher, and all-around nerd from the West Coast of Canada. She has an obsession with coffee, spicy food, and the rain, and she absolutely hates sleeves (seriously, they’re like little fabric prisons)! When not working on her latest book - or latest ten books, more realistically - she spends her time designing buildings and fighting with her micro-wolf pup over who gets the best spot on the couch. Hint: the dog often wins.
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Find N.M. Howell Online:
www.nmhowell.com
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Also By N.M. Howell
Winter Reign: Rise of the Winter Queen
Broken Gods:
Shattered Heir
Arcane Realms:
Portal
Return of the Dragonborn:
Marked by Dragon’s Blood
Fueled by Dragon’s Fire
Called by Dragon’s Song
Brimstone Bay Mysteries:
Murder Any Witch Way
Witch Way to Hallows’ Bay
Bewitch You a Merry Christmas
N.M. Howell also writes under the adult paranormal pen name NICOLE MARIE.
Moonlit Harem:
Moonlit Harem - Part 1
Darkness Bites:
A Bitten Curse
A Pull of Moonlight
A Promise of Protection
A Taste of Temptation
