Page 30 of The Awakening

“We got this, little one. Now, let’s go fuck some shit up, shall we?” Arno says from behind me as I take in one last deep breath before the veil of revenge falls over me.

“We got this, big man. Let’s taste this sweet revenge.”

Arno and I make our way to the decoy car we had Stix stash here prior to our arrival. It’s an old beat-up BMW he was able to pick up off the streets a few days ago. Before entering the car, Arno zip ties my hands behind my back as discussed. Along with a piece of duct tape over my mouth, and to top off the whole look, a burlap sack to cover my face. Helping me into the front seat, Arno leans over to buckle me in. He smells like timber and bourbon. I inhale his scent, allowing it to fill me with a sense of calm, knowing he’ll be with me this whole time.

“Are you sniffing me, little one? No worries, there will be plenty of time for you to hit on me later.” He lets out a deep chuckle, knowing I can’t respond to his comment due to the duct tape securing my mouth shut. I let out a small huff at his comment. Leave it to Arno to lighten a situation of this magnitude.

The passenger door closes beside me, and a moment later I hear Arno entering the driver’s seat. Turning the key in the ignition, the engine comes to life, and we begin driving to the main road. The car is silent, both of us completely engulfed in the roles we are about to play. The decoy and the delivery boy. Arno needs to convince Cara and Cormick he utterly despises Everett, Dean, and Colson so much, that he’s willing to hand deliver their most precious thing to their mortal enemy. That’s the level of hatred that I hope Arno can portray in hopes of not giving up our true intentions.

“Here we go, little one, time to shine.” The car comes to a steady stop, his window rolling down as a gust of cold air fills the cab, making me shiver.

“Who de fuck are ye?” one of the security guards barks out, his Irish accent coming out thick.

“I’m about to be your most valuable player, mate. I have someone here I’m sure the boss is dying to see,” Arno casually spits out, while pushing my head to the side.

“That would be?”

“This, my friend, is the granddaughter of Mr. Wallace himself. I hear she’s been the talk of the town lately. I figured with some negotiation, we could make a deal, a trade perhaps.” Arno’s voice is smooth and calculated, every bit of a master manipulator, and I thank God at this moment that he’s on our side.

“Ight you, let me see ’er face first.” With that, Arno grabs the sack over my head, yanking it up and over my head, making a mess of my long blond hair that is now slapped across my face.

“Here, love, let them see your pretty face.” Arno’s hands sweep over my face, exposing my duct taped face to the guards. The moment they see my face, an audible gasp escapes one of their mouths.

“Shamus, radio up to de house, tell ’em Sloan is ’ere.” My name on his lips gives me goosebumps. Does everyone know who I am?

“Good man,” Arno retorts.

“Follow de road up. Stay on the path until ye get to the front. Someone will be there waitin’ for ya.” Holy shit, it’s working. They just let us in, no questions asked. Desperate move if you ask me. I hear Arno roll up his window.

“Too easy, little one, too fucking easy.” He shakes his head as he accelerates the car, the driveway lined with massive trees on either side caging us in. It doesn’t take long before we round the driveway, pulling up to the massive compound. The guards were right, five men in dark clothing are lined up, each holding AKs that are slung low over their chests.

Stopping the car and shutting off the ignition, Arno exits the car, rounding the back and coming up to the passenger side door. However, he doesn’t open it right away, instead he leans his back up against the frame. His giant frame makes the car lean a bit to the side.

“Hello, you lot. I’m here for Cara and Cormick. I have someone they desire, but before I give her up so easily, I’d like to discuss some things first.” The men lining the driveway don’t say a word. Rather, they remain still, holding their position as if their only job is to look scary. A moment passes and I see Arno fiddling with his fingernails on one hand, looking bored while waiting for someone to speak.

“I have all day.” Arno’s deep voice breaks the silence once again as he remains leaned up against the car. I adjust myself in my seat, the zip ties biting into my skin.

“Right, I guess I’ll be leaving then. I’ve got more important things to do besides having a staring contest with a bunch of fucking gorillas.” Pushing off the car, he takes a step before someone interrupts him.

“What makes ye think ye ’ave somethin’ I want?” A cool female voice has the hair on my neck standing on end. Looking out the window, I see a small, slender woman emerge from the cover of her men. Her pin-straight red hair hangs to her waist, her piercing blue eyes visible even in the night. She stands in front of one of her henchmen, her slick black pants and tight black long-sleeve hugging her body as she crosses her arms in front of her.

“Cara, I assume?” Arno bites out, his hands finding his jean pockets before standing tall and rolling his shoulders back, making him look even bigger than the line of men behind her.

“That depends. Who are ye?” Her eyes remain locked on Arno, her gaze not once faltering or wandering.

“You and I have something in common, my dear. We both have a common enemy, you see. A group of men who, since I’ve been young, have been an annoying thorn in my side. When I heard one of them was killed recently, I became elated. I wanted to know more. I heard through the grapevine that you were looking for someone. Someone that could possibly alter the course of your future.” Arno pauses a moment, allowing Cara to absorb his words.

“I guess I’ve been makin’ a lot of noise ’round ’ere. Shame on me.”

“You’re right, noise travels fast. With one of the problems gone, I figured I’d give you exactly what you want, knowing this will destroy the last two remaining thorns in my side. However, the moment they know their little kitten is gone, you’ll be the first person they come looking for. A double-edged sword, if you will. Except now you have a warning. I give you their precious little bitch, and when they come looking for her—and I assure you, they will—you’ll have the warning and the manpower to take care of the last two.” I swallow the lump building in the back of my throat. Arno should be a fucking actor with how well he is playing the part.

No one speaks for what feels like an eternity. Looking at Cara’s profile, she looks pensive, deep in thought at the idea of someone delivering her the person she wants most. Finally, her eyes land on mine, my spine going ramrod straight as a single eyebrow lifts on her delicate face.

“What do you say, my dear?”

Cara continues to stare at me. I stare back, not wanting to be the first to break eye contact. Glancing back to Arno, she gives him a crooked smile.

“Let me see her.”

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