Page 123 of Ashes

She stuck her tongue out at me, and I stuck mine right back out at her like a damn child.

“For fuck’s sake,” Ashes mumbled, rubbing his neck.

“Claws, do you understand what I’m saying to you?” Church demanded, pulling her attention from me.

“Yes,” she muttered. “I get it. I’ll hold off. For now.”

“Thank you,” Church said, actually sounding grateful. “But if you fuck this up, I’ll kill you and pretend like you never existed. No one will find your body.”

She rolled her eyes. “I said OK, dick weed. I won’t. I’ll wait. For now.”

Church nodded.

I studied her for a moment. Beautiful and fierce.

Just like Sirena.

We had our work cut out for us it seemed.

I didn’t think Cadence Lawrence would back off for long.

Which meant my end was really fucking near.

STITCHES

The room was so bright and white that I winced as they led me into it. It took my eyes a moment to adjust, but when they did, I noticed her.

Angel.

Sitting in a chair, her skin pale and her hair hanging limply around her. Dark circles haloed her dull eyes, making her look exhausted and unwell. There were belts around her, keeping her fastened in her seat.

She stared straight ahead and didn’t acknowledge me.

“What is this?” I rasped. “What’s going on?”

“We’re going to do that fun experiment we discussed the other day with your father. Good money was paid. You know how it goes. Sirena’s stepfather wants her healthy and at least not a statue. Her mother too. And others. . . well, like I said, good money was paid for this.” Sully winked at me.

I blinked in confusion at him in his ugly brown suit and slicked back hair. If I could launch myself across the room and beat his skull in without Sirena coming into the crossfire with the repercussions, I’d have been on the useless prick in a hot minute.

“Seth. Come,” Sully instructed as two wards led Asylum into the room.

They sat him in the chair next to mine.

“What the hell are we doing?” Asylum demanded, his black hair a wild mess and his blue eyes filled with fury as he glared at Sully.

Whatever we were doing was nothing good.

“Everett needs you tested,” Sully said, smiling that smug as shit smile. “I obliged because it’s for science. . . and for him.”

“What do you do? Suck him off when he comes to visit?” Asylum snarled. “He controlling you with his cock?” He cocked his head at Sully. “Who am I kidding? You’d do anything for some cock.”

I glanced quickly at Sully, whose cheeks reddened. He struck Asylum across his face, snapping his head to the side.

It didn’t take a genius to know Asylum was ready to do what I’d been thinking about. A muscle thrummed along his jaw as he straightened himself.

“You touch me again and you’ll be sorry,” he whispered in a voice that sent chills down my spine.

I didn’t spook easily, but seeing Asylum glowering at Sully the way he was, I had zero doubts he’d make good on his promise. I was fucking here for it too.

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