Page 128 of Dare To Take

The force behind those soft words chokes me.

What is he going to do?

Has he finally snapped?

Have they finally got what they wanted?

My phone pings again.

Glancing at it, I swipe the screen.

Unknown number: Hit him harder.

Unknown number: Where the fuck are you going?

Unknown number: Get back here and punch him harder.

Me: You told me to hit him, and I did.

Unknown number: You need to do better. We want him to react.

Me: I’m doing exactly as you told me.

Unknown number: It’s not good enough.

I didn’t have the strength or the will to hit Eli any harder.

Me: I’m sorry.

I sit there and shake, waiting for a reply, but nothing comes. Ten minutes pass, fifteen, thirty … and nothing.

Maybe they’ve given up?

I slowly get to my feet, and wander into the cemetery. Drifting between the gravestones, I wind my way toward Zoey’s plaque. There’s something placed at the base. Flowers. Delicate and white. They are wrapped in black paper.

Flowers from Kellan or Eli?

I’ve given up reading her diary, unable to lose myself in her words. I can’t concentrate on anything, and I know it’s only a matter of time before one of the teachers says something. My grades are already suffering. I’ll be lucky to graduate at all.

The familiar numbness I’m becoming accustomed to settles over me. I embrace it, letting it take away my pain. I linger in the peaceful cemetery for a little while longer, before I go back to the school and toward the dorms. Lunch won’t be over for a while, and I’d rather sit in my room than haunt the campus, waiting for the classes to restart.

When I reach my room, I let myself in and close the door behind me. I sweep my gaze around the room and stop when it comes to the bed.

There’s a rabbit lying on top of the mattress with its head bent at an odd angle. Its gray fur looks soft, while its black eyes stare sightlessly up. Pressing a hand to my mouth, I stare in horror at the dead animal.

My phone pings.

I slide it out of my pocket.

Unknown number: Next time, it won’t be a bunny. Everything you do wrong comes with consequences. Remember that next time. You belong to us. You will obey.

Chapter 79

Eli

“So, we agree someone is definitely watching and directing her actions.” I lean my back against the headboard of my bed.

Kellan nods.

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