Page 53 of Underworld

I let out a screech as I slice my dagger across his upper arm. “You were never my father! A father protects! A father loves! You used me! You tried to sell me!” With my next words, I slice across his chest, “You allowed one of your FRIENDS to rape me!”

I’m panting hard as I watch my father cry from the pain. Snot is streaming from his nostrils, and drool is rolling down his chin.

“Stop,” he begs as his breathing turns raspy. “Please.”

I growl and slam my dagger into his chest. Warm blood sprays across my face as he chokes on his blood. “You never stopped when I asked.” His dark eyes meet mine, still pleading for his life. “You never stopped when I said please.” I slash across his throat with my other dagger and watch as blood seeps from his neck and mouth.

His eyes widen as he continues to choke on his blood, but I do nothing. I just watch as the life slowly leaves his eyes. My vision blurs momentarily, and I don’t realize I’m crying until fingers touch my cheek. I turn to find Jace staring down at me.

“It’s okay, Princess. I’ve got you.”

I turn quickly before dropping the dagger and wrapping my arms around him tightly. I feel the others move closer as well. Finally, I hear the gruff voice of Silas as he snarls, “May your soul be devoured in the Underworld. May you never find rest for what you have done.”

In that moment, I knew Silas and Jax thought of me as family. My arms tighten around Jace, mostly to stifle my sobs because I have so many emotions running through me. Sadness about losing the father I wish I had. Relief over killing the man who has plagued my nightmares for years. Happiness because I finally have the family I always wished for.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Jane

It's been two weeks since I killed my father. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my chest. That’s one less person wanting me dead.

A knock on my bedroom door at the mansion makes me jump. We've been hanging out here more often than not due to the threat of the other gang. I peer up from my position on the bed and look toward the door to see Jace leaning against the door frame. I arch a brow as I ask, "What's up?"

The corner of his lip tilts up in a smirk. "The guys and I have been talking, and we think you've healed enough to get your next tattoo."

Jumping up and off the bed in excitement, I squeal. "Are you serious?"

His smirk grows into a full-blown smile as he replies, "We will be leaving in a few for your appointment. So you should probably change out of your pajamas."

I look down at myself. I mean, my pajamas aren't too bad, are they? They’re merch from a series written by one of my favorite authors, Britt Andrews. She has this Emerald Lakes series, and the characters talk about penis snails. Made me laugh for hours, and I couldn't pass up buying the pants with penis snails all over them. I also have a shirt that says I love fancy peens.

I shrug as I say, "You're probably right." Then I run off towards my closet to get changed. I grab comfortable clothes that are more appropriate than my current clothing choice. I strip and slip on my clothes as fast as I can. Putting on a pair of sneakers, I jog out of the room to find Jace already gone. He must be downstairs with the others.

Racing out of my room, I let out a loud squeal of excitement as I run down the stairs. Howe and Alec are at the bottom of the stairs, staring at me wide-eyed. Unfortunately, I'm going too fast to stop, so I launch myself into Howe's arms. He yelps in surprise but catches me.

"Shit, Jane! You scared the hell out of us with your scream. I thought something was wrong." Howe sighs as he holds me closer.

I press my face into his neck and wrap my arms and legs around him. Inhaling deeply, I sigh at his leathery scent. "I'm sorry," I whisper into his neck, "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay, Starlight. We just need this feud with the other gang to end."

Alec comes up behind me and wraps his arms around Howe and me. I hear his deep inhale as he takes in my scent and Howe's. His huff of breath brushes across my neck as he says, "We need to end the threat so we don't freak out every time you scream."

"I didn't even scream; I squealed."

"Sounds the same," Howe and Alec say in unison.

I huff but don't argue. Jace clears his voice from behind us, and I pop my head up. He's got a sad smile as he looks at Howe and Alec holding me tight.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he says with a sigh. "But we need to leave if we are going to make it to the appointment on time."

Howe growls, and Alec snickers, but they both release me. Setting me softly on my feet, Howe threads his fingers through mine.

I smirk when Alec does the same. Seems that even though they allowed Jace and Zane to cuddle me after my abduction, they weren't as completely unaffected as they pretended to be.

I tighten my fingers in theirs as I smile up at Jace, then flick my gaze to Zane. He’s giving me a weary look, so I give him a wide smile. "Let's go get my tattoo!" I drag Howe and Alec behind me as I try to race out the door. Their large bodies slow my progress, but that doesn't stop me.

My pace stopped once I saw Silas and Jax waiting by the armored car. I jump up and down in excitement. "You guys are coming too?!"

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