Page 111 of Ashes

“Anyway, if you participate, I think it’ll do you some good. It’ll train you. Enlighten you. Teach you things I still believe you’re missing.”

“What am I missing?” I frowned at his statement.

“That little bit of pizzazz that drives us wild. Not crazy, Malachi.” He gave me a stern look. “Wild.Something that brings out our emotions. Something that’ll test you and make you understand how very bad things could get if you step out of line. You tried to kill yourself. Hanging. Of all the disgusting ways to leave this world, you chose that one.” He shook his head at me, disappointment evident on his face. “No son of mine will leave the world like that. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” I said softly, feeling remorse over my actions. Not that I wouldn’t try it again if it came down to it, but really, it did suck. If I’d had a gun, I’d have made it more permanent. I’d simply worked with what I had.

“If you help the headmaster in his next step of treatment, we’ll see to it that you’re free. Can you be wild for me, Malachi?”

I glanced at Sully to find him eyeing my closely. Almost like a hungry, rabid dog. Chills raced over my skin. Whatever Sully had planned wouldn’t be good. I already knew it involved my angel and most likely Asylum. But when it came down to it, I knew this wasn’t all Sully’s plan. Everett had his dirty hands in it too.

He always fucking did, the prick.

“And the students?” I questioned. “They’ll get to leave once it’s over?”

“Of course. As long as we see what we’re looking for. You have to do everything the headmaster says, or the treatment fails. Do you understand? Saying no or declining to participate could end not only in your punishment, but in theirs. I’m sure you don’t want to hurt the others because of your feelings, right?”

“I don’t want to hurt anyone, Father. I told you. I feel better now—” I was a lying motherfucker. All I wanted to do was gut these pricks and walk out with their entrails around my neck like a bloody necklace.

“Malachi, sometimes hurting people makes them stronger. You want her stronger, don’t you? The pretty girl with the colorful eyes and long, black hair? She’s truly a beauty. Her stepfather has said he’s willing to sell her to me should she become too damaged here. I’m sure you know what sort of use for her I’d find. Right. . . Son?” He cocked his head at me, his eyes glittering with his wickedness.

I hate you. I fucking hate you. Evil, worthless prick.

I exhaled.

“Yes. I want her stronger. I just don’t want her to hurt. I lo—” I stopped myself from speaking, but I knew the damage was done.

Hell, he probably knew weeks ago how I felt about her.

“If she’s the one, Malachi, then you could turn her inside out and rearrange her soul and she’d still come back to you.” He approached and drew me in against his body as he whispered in my ear, “Do you think she’s the one?”

“Yes,” I answered in a trembling voice, knowing better than to lie to him.

He’d simply find a way to prove I was a liar. Then my angel would suffer for my lie.

“She’s the one.”

“Then make her stronger. Show Dante. Show him what happens when you listen to your father and do as you’re told. He needs a lesson in that. Can you teach it to him?”

I nodded wordlessly, my chest aching.

“Good boy. Such a good boy.” Everett dragged his lips along my jaw as I stiffened beneath him. “Help the headmaster and earn your freedom.Nowon’t be a part of your vocabulary, right?”

“She’ll get to leave here too? And so will I? Together?”

“Yes.” His lips lingered on my jaw.

“Promise, Father? Swear it to me.”

He chuckled softly and trailed his lips to mine where he placed a soft kiss on the edge of my mouth. “I promise. You have my word. But if you fail, I’ll take her from you and Dante. There’s a debt that needs to be paid. For now, if you abide by the rules, she’ll remain yours. If you fail. . . well, then I’ll take her flesh. That’s my vow to you.”

I shivered at his words.

“Do we have a deal?” Everett asked, his hand resting on my waist and his body entirely too close to mine.

I hated it. Fuck, I hated it, but I had to promise. I had to save her. I owed her this. I owed Dante and the watchers. Screwing up had led me to this moment. So to hell with it.

“Yes. We have a deal,” I confirmed, my throat tight.

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