The memories of the past few days slammed into my mind and stole my breath as realization sank in. I had done this to myself. I had planned to be captured, but now that I was here, fear nestled in my heart. I was a prisoner in the demon stronghold, with no plan other than to try and locate the witches and help them escape if I could. I shivered, missing the warmth of my mate’s arms and the security of their presences. They felt so far away. I swallowed heavily, willing myself not to panic. I was not a slave again. I was not a slave. This time there was a purpose to my actions, a goal to fulfill. I just had to make sure not to die before getting the witches out. Simple, right?

There was a groan next to me, and I jerked, shrinking into the corner and readying my claws. Heated venom slid down into my palms, warming my hands as my fingers tingled with anticipation. My gaze sharpened on the figure with more clarity, and I exhaled in disbelief when I saw him lying across from me. Dried blood coated his side and coated the ground next to him, his fighting leathers torn and shredded against his skin. With a groan he rolled onto his back, trying to regain consciousness.

“What are you doing here?” I asked in dismay.

Thad grunted, managing to roll onto his stomach. His dark eyes cracked open, one hand going to the large wound across his abdomen. I tracked his movements, suspicious.

“I said I would protect you. I didn’t plan to take it this far, however.”

With a painful lunge, he sat up, gritting his teeth as he held his side firmly with his hands. I vaguely recalled him fighting his way towards me during the battle, but I still didn’t trust him. I remembered how he would watch me at the rebel camp and how he had tried to kiss me that night in the darkness of the tunnel with my mates sleeping only a few feet away.

Thad rolled his eyes, his hooded gaze sizing me up even as he tried to staunch the fresh blood flowing between his fingers. “You could just use your shifting powers to get us out.”

My wings flared in indignation. “I got captured on purpose, you cockmuffin! I’m trying to find the witches!”

Thad’s eyes narrowed, then he turned away, presenting me with his back. How very mature. I huffed. “Try not to bleed all over my side of the cell, would you?”

He coughed wetly and I tried not to wince. “You really don’t like me.”

I sniffed in the darkness, hugging my knees to my chest. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of any more conversation. I didn’t want any part of whatever weirdly strange agreement he had with Benedict. Neither of them thought I could take care of myself.

You’re being as cruel to Thad as Benedict was to you at first.