I blew out a breath, then clicked on it.
Got your attention now? Too bad it took you so long.
Grinding my jaw, I scowled at the message. Who the fuck was this guy?
Another text came in.
Bracing myself, I read it.
Abandoning your pack was your first mistake, Beast. Joining the Popov Bratva was your second. Protecting Annika Popov is going to be your last.
A chill crept down my spine. This didn’t feel like it was about Annika anymore. It was aboutme.
My phone pinged with yet another text.
You’re about to go down for betraying your pack. Get ready to beg for your life.
Uneasiness churned in my gut. What didthatmean? Was that a hint of something to come? What did this guy have planned?
I let out a snarl of frustration. Whoever this guy was, he was whacked. But he’d unsettled me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to go down.
I slowly lifted the phone to reread the last few texts. But one sentence stuck out more than the others, and something finally clicked.
Abandoning your pack was your first mistake…
My legs gave out on me as the unthinkable slammed into me and I dropped to my knees, my breaths wheezing out, my stomach churning.No, it’s not possible. It can’t be.
Annika had said her attacker was big, like me. Strong. That I bore a physical resemblance to him.
I recalled first seeing the guy at the front gate of the L.A. mansion, the way he’d stared at me with recognition in his eyes. The way he’d howled like a wolf. Had he been mocking me? My gut said,yes.
“Adrik?” Annika’s worried voice filtered through my shock. “What’s happening? Are you okay?”
I gave a rough shake of my head and lunged to my feet.No, I’m not.
Because if my suspicions were correct...
Then Damien was still alive.
He’d tried to kill Annika.
And he was back to finish the job.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Adrik
My gut told me to get Annika out of here. ASAP. I didn’t feel like I could keep her safe here. We needed to get in the car anddrive.
My instincts told me it was no longer safe. My top priority was Annika’s safety.
If my assumptions were correct, then my own brother was hunting us. And since I hadn’t seen Damien since he was eleven years old, I had no idea how he’d turned out or what type of opponent I’d have to go up against.
What if I was wrong? What if it was someone else?
I hoped to fucking God itwassomeone else.
I turned to Annika, who was eyeing me worriedly from her wheelchair. “Change of plans. Pack a few necessities and meet me at the back door. I’m getting you out of here.”