Page 59 of Echoes

Taking a breath, I remind myself that this is for Avery. And that Damon had promptly warned me not to murder anyone today.

"I don't like you," I spit out. "But I love Avery. And for some reason, shelikesyou."

He doesn't say anything in response, but locks eyes with me, acknowledging that he's listening.

"For the sake of her, I'm willing to not rip out your organs one by one."

"How delightful," he mocks. "I could easily break your neck and make it look like an accident. But that's beside the point."

I kick the mortuary cabinet hard as I spring forward, stalking across the room toward him. We're around the same height, but I tower over his relaxed, slouched posture. "I'm going to be civil for Avery. At the end of the day, she deserves to be happy. But if you cross me, or if you hurt her, I'll end you."

A half-smile curls on his lips. "The feeling is mutual. Try not to toss her aside again."

My hands reach out and grab the neck of his shirt as I slam his back into the cabinet. He doesn't flinch at all, smirking at me.

"Did I hit a nerve?" he asks in a low voice. "You're so caught up in whatever little scheme you have running here. You're Damon's little bitch and everyone knows it."

"What the fuck is going on?"

The sound of her voice stills me. I glance over my shoulder at the door, spotting a horrified looking Avery. The black familiar staff card is in her hand, eyes wide as she glances between me and Ashwood.

"Hey, little killer," I grin, still holding onto the scruff of Ashwood's shirt. "Fancy seeing you here."

I knew she'd be here. I asked Damon to set it up.

It might be the only chance for the three of us to have some privacy to sort this out. Or, at the very least, she would stop me from killing herfriend.

"Grey," she whispers, eyes dropping to my clenched fists. "Let go of Theo."

I scrunch up my nose, waiting a few seconds before dropping him carelessly. He straightens up behind me as I turn to face her.

"We're just having a little discussion," I tell her fondly. "About you."

Her eyes drift over to Theo with concern and it takes everything in me to fight the ugly green monster that's threatening to break loose.

A hand slaps onto my shoulder, making my face curl up in disgust.

"We'recivil," Ashwood mutters. "Aren't we,Grey?"

I shrug his hand off my shoulder, taking a few steps away from him. Composing myself, I grin at Avery, nodding.

"Good friends now. See—I'm making an effort."

Avery looks at me wearily. "Really?" she asks in disbelief.

Ashwood laughs under his breath. "It's fine, Avery," he tells her calmly.

She visibly relaxes a little. "That's… good," she answers hesitantly.

Seeing her in person, color back in her cheeks, starts to send a wave of calm through me. I know she was dragged to that cunt's office again this morning, and when I didn't see her at breakfast, I knew we had to do something.

And the fact that she's here means the plan with Damon went smoothly.

Well, as smooth as things can go when it comes to Deadman. I have no doubt he caused some havoc on the way.

"You weren't at breakfast," I say softly.

Avery looks at me, nodding. "Whittingham strikes again."

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