Page 9 of Rising from the Ashes

I know Demassi’s headquarters, if you would call them that, are hidden in an alleyway by the docks. I know I need to wait until tonight to make my move.

Good, I can grab breakfast.

Getting dressed, I pull on a pair of distressed jeans, a Killswitch Engage cropped tee and lace up my boots. Looking in the mirror, I realize I forgot to grab my ball cap as most of my excursions happen at night. Being a ghost, I like to remain under the radar as best I can while some of The Society still live somewhat normal lives under different names. I chose to stay in the shadows, live in solitude, becoming as untraceable as possible. At least until my father is eliminated.

***

Sliding my mask over my face, I can hear Demassi’s men yelling through the docks, echoing off the shipping crates. From the sounds of it, someone already tried to infiltrate the docks tonight. My thoughts go straight to my father’s men. No doubt that my attack on Silas catapulted whatever he had planned.

Rounding the corner of one of the shipping crates, through the steam billowing up from the drains, I can see Demassi standing next to one of his guards. I'm surprised there is only one man detailing him.

Crouching down behind the shipping crate, I pull the crimson carbon fiber arrow from my quiver and carefully align it along my bow. My stomach floods with anticipation of my next kill. Goosebumps erupt on my arms as I anticipate the sound of my arrows piercing my victim’s flesh and the smell of their blood as it pools around their lifeless body. The thought makes me shudder and my clit tingles.

Calm yourself, Cal. You can take care of this insatiable need when you return to the bunker.

I know as soon as I release this first arrow, I will have to be swift in firing off the second as more men will be following suit. I need to at least put down Demassi long enough that I can bring him to my favorite persuasion room at headquarters.

Before I fire off my shot, I feel someone come up behind me and rip an arrow from my quiver. Turning around, I see a hooded half masked man slicing one of Demassi’s men’s throats as he was quietly approaching me. Blood sprays across my breasts, white tank top, and black jacket as the arrow cuts across the artery in his neck.

Watching him fall to the ground, I look up at the hooded man with jet black hair that matches his eyes, “What the fuck?!”

Hearing footsteps approaching, I turn around to see Demassi and his man making their way in our direction. Without hesitation, I release my arrow narrowly missing both men.

Fuck. I never miss.

Irritation boils through me.

This fucker.

“Who the hell do you…”

Before I can continue, he pushes me out of the way while drawing his Glock, swiftly firing off two shots as Demassi and his man attempt to return the assault.

Both men drop to the ground with a thud, neither attempting to get up.

Turning around, I glare at him, “You just fucked up my entire assignment.”

“By saving your life? My bad.” He grins, crossing his tattooed arms across his broad chest, which makes the anger in my stomach continue to rage.

“I had it.” I clench my jaw so tight, it feels like it is going to pop.

“That guy would have shot you before you even had a chance to turn around.” He pauses, pointing at the dead man laying at my feet, “You, in fact, did not have it.”

I squeeze my fists, knowing he is right. “Who the hell are you?”

“As much as I would love to do pleasantries, here is not the time nor the place, considering news of Demassi will be getting out soon.” He grabs my arm, “Follow me.”

I rip my arm from his grasp. “I have to get my bike.”

“It’s already in the back of my van.” He nods to a black van parked two shipping crates away.

“What? Do I look like a child you can lure with candy to get in that thing with you?” I cross my arms over my bloodied chest.

He lets out an exasperated sigh.

“E said you wouldn’t go quietly. Don’t make me drag you to the van.”

I raise my eyebrows at the mention of Everly. “She sent you?”

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