Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

325. Rueben - The 'rat' II

It's been years since I last went hunting. My dad was an avid hunter. He used to take Tyson, Ansel, and me up in the mountains each year at the end of each school year. It was our tradition. We stopped going after Camila died. Maybe it's time to start it again. Though, this time will be different. We won't be looking for wild turkey, elk, deer, or other game but for a man who we thought was our friend. Alekos' cabin is the perfect place to start to bring Maddox since the woods here are very dense. I've never given chase to another Lord before, but today looks like a good day to start.

It's been a minute or two since Rin parked close to the cabin. We've been silent since then. The tension is so thick it can be cut with a knife or something like that. Don't they always say that in books? Maybe I should read more instead of watching sports and playing video games.

On the way here, Maddox had tried to speak several times, but Tyson's gun pointed at his head, making him keep his mouth closed. Tyson is rarely this worked up about whomever we have to kill, but this time is different. Maddox has been our doctor and friend for years. He and his blood-brothers spent many summers at the farm.

Once we get out, things will change for all of us. Depending on what he has to say, Maddox may die in a couple of hours.

Tyson's eyes are enraged, and his demon lurks behind them. If Cirro is not wrong about Maddox, and he rarely is wrong, then we let a traitor into our houses. As a doctor, Maddox visited many patients at home. He knows many things about most of the Lords. God knows what he told the Dukes. Was he the one who told the Senator where the farm was? We even asked him to take care of Olivia when she was sick. He could have hurt her or worse.

I might not like what Olivia made me do to prove my love to her or something like that, but I don't want to see her hurt ever again. After what she did for Ansel, Tyson, and me no one will lay a finger on her ever again. From what Ansel revealed to us, I understand why Olivia was Azael's target, but I still can't figure out why he went after us as well. Did he want to experiment on us as he did with Yan and many others?

Tyson suddenly punches the back of the driver's seat with his free hand. He is still pointing at Maddox's head "Fuck!" He inhales deeply before snarling, "Get the fuck out before I blow out your brains."

Cirro opens the door next to him and gets out. Maddox quickly follows. Part of the tension disappears. It is rare for Lords to be snitches for the Dukes, but when it happens, they are sent to the Catacombs. They never return. The demons there have a special treatment for anyone who betrays the vow made the day they become one of ours.

Tyson bites his fist, trying to contain his rage.

get

He detaches from any feelings and turns into a cold-blooded monster. He is like Reyes in a way, only that Reyes doesn't have the same patience at torturing as Tyson does. "Do you want me to take over?" I ask

deep inhaling and a slow release of the air,

than in the city. Tyson was right. I shouldn't have left

back in the holster, and goes to look at the sun rising from behind the line of

narrows his eyes. "We didn't

creepy smile spreads on Tyson's face. "I'm choosing the spot where we will bury Maddox and his blood-brothers after we are done

and Henry don't know anything. I'll

always make mistakes, although in Maddox's case, it's not a secret that

the back of his knees by Yan, and falls in the snow. He doesn't dare move again. "If you are not comfortable leaving your pregnant wife home alone, take her to the farm. I'm sure my bonded will enjoy some company." He looks at Maddox. "I don't promise anything. Hurry up if you want to catch the traitor alive." End of call. "Let's get inside," he tells

each grab Maddox by the arms and drag him to the

show Maddox what happens to traitors,"

know how this will go. Tyson will make Maddox curse the day he was

freezing in here," Rin

adamant that the fireplace from the living room would

living room. "You heard him," he

is not

what to do like I'm a child. This is why I stepped up when