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“Are you trying to hurt us?” Betty asks, grasping her throat. “After everything we've done for you?”

“Cut the shit.” Savy leans back against me. “What do you want?”

Betty and Travis share a loaded look. “We need you to do something for us.”

“I knew it.” Savy sighs. “I won’t do anything for you. But just out of curiosity, what?”

“We need you to meet Griffon,” Travis announces, scooting to the edge of the cushion.

“He’s a warlock who’s helping us,” Betty adds, glancing quickly at him. “We told him about you, and he’s curious. We met several months ago, and he’s guiding us.” She swallows. “Growing our magic. He’s become family. His power is great, and he has ways to make ours more.”

“But he needs a dream-walker,” Travis mentions lightly, nodding meaningfully toward Betty.

She licks her lips. “He needs…you.”

Savy is frozen in shock.

I am not.

Lifting Savy, I move her behind me and face the couple. I hold my hands loosely at my sides and tilt my head. Black mist flows from my fingers. Lightning streaks outside, illuminating the room as the lights flicker.

“If he gets anywhere close to my soul bond, I’ll kill him,” I hiss, and the window behind them cracks.

Savy is mine.

Chapter Ten

Savy

Shaking off my surprise, I rush around Archer and press my hands to his chest. I don’t particularly care if he hurts them. I haven’t thought of them as family for many years, but I would hate for Archer to do something that he'd regret.

“Archer, I’m okay. They can’t make me do anything.” I slide my hands to his neck, urging his attention. “Hey, hey, babe,” I whisper, and he looks at me. “They aren’t worth it. I’m with you. No one can take me away.”

“Brother, we won’t let them force her,” Rome says.

“If their friend gets close, you can kill him then,” I offer, and his jaw tightens.

“Promise?” He rumbles, and I smile.

“Yes.”

His chest rises, and his magic eases.

“He’s your soul bond,” Betty gasps.

“Yes,” I snap over my shoulder. “Just zip it before he kills you in my honor.”

“Well,” she huffs, and I roll my eyes.

“Archer, I’m fine. This kind of shit is nothing new.” I lift a shoulder, and the weather and room stabilize.

“That’s incredibly sad,” Lace whispers.

“That’s why I didn’t tell them where I lived,” I grit out, turning to face them. “I didn’t invite you here, and I certainly won’t meet Griffon. He can find someone else.” I shiver, thinking about them offering me to some random warlock.

“Please, Savy.” Betty stands, her expression pleading.

“No. Why would you think I'd do this?”