Page 55 of The Fate of Black Hearts

“No. You’re not going, Evie. Absolutely not,” Efrem said. “He’s out to capture or kill you.”

Her mind whirled with worry over Flynn and Jonas. The rapid rate of her heartbeat made her breathless. “You won’t let them hurt me.”

“Never,miri thagarni.”Dom’s lips lifted into a scary smile.

“Are you sure they won’t see you?”

“I can manipulate minds to make people see whatever I want them to see.”

“Have you done that with me?” She crossed her arms.

“Your mind isn’t easily influenced.” His eyes crinkled with humor.

“You tried?” Her cheeks scorched as angerflared.

“Of course I did. You’re so affected by me that you don’t fall for any alteration of my form. You almost alwaysseeme.”

“Almost?”

“There might’ve been a time or two when you didn’t.”

Her face scorched. “I’m going to find out what that snake wants.”

“Efrem, we need you there as well in order to sweep the perimeter,” Dom ordered. “Undoubtedly, he’ll bring humans to assist him. I need you to eliminate them.”

“Do you really need me there?” Efrem asked.

“No, but I figured you’d want a part in this.”

“You’re a scary fucker, you know that?” Efrem tucked his hands into his armpits. “I don’t think I like you.”

“I don’t care.”

“What’s the price of you doing this? Beings like you don’t do favors for free.” Efrem’s eyebrows pulled together.

“My price is Evie doesn’t do anything…”

She squinted a warning at him. If he dared say stupid or reckless,she’d slap him.

He continued, “Anything that takes too long in Willem’s presence. And Willem dies.”

“I’m going to do it.” She’d envisioned so many ways to end him over the past decades.

“If he hurts you, I can’t promise that.” Dom’s eyes darkened. “But I’ll agree for now.”

“What about the demon curse? Do you think it’s still on him? Is there a chance it might bounce back?”

“I won’t allow that. I know a lot more about those now.”

She nibbled on her lower lip. “You’re worried, aren’t you? Not about me. What do you see might happen?”

“I sense death. That’s why I’d prefer you to stay here.”

“Maybe it’s Willem’s death you see. What if you die?”

“I sense a lot of misery around this death. Evie…” He waited for her to look at him. “It could be Flynn or Jonas. They may already be gone.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t… No one will die over this. If you think you’re at risk, then you will go home. I’ll deal with him.”