Chapter 7

Ryeleigh

“Mom, Dad wants me to stay here with Ryeleigh because he needs to talk to you. We will protect her. Cormac is a bear and I have a feeling he could hold down the fort single-handedly.” I smile as my brother talks about his best friend. Even Bram’s mind is fluttering. I cannot get a read on either of them. My mother, however, is an open book and her fear is palpable.

“You better not leave her side. Even though it is yet to be confirmed, I am certain she is the Amory. Protect her with your life.” My mother leaves, but in her wake, I can feel the inevitability of her feelings as the others process the information. Shaking from head to toe in dread, I look down, smelling blood. I cannot feel the pain, so I inspect my body to find where I am bleeding.

“Damn it, Rye, you cut yourself. You really hate me that much? Mom just said to keep you safe, she is going to kill me if you do not heal quick.” Struggling in his grasp as he tries to find the blood, I see the cut on my arm, and i