Page 120 of The Fallen Ones

Christmas miracles did happen.

I hoped this time they happened to me.

Chapter 46

Damien

“What’s the plan?” I asked as I sat forward in my seat at Caleb’s place on Christmas Eve. “We going to her? I can’t fucking stand another minute of being away.”

“I’m ready. Whatever she tells us, we need to do this. It’s been over two weeks. We agreed at Christmas,” Jace said. “It’s time, man.”

We both looked to Caleb who hadn’t said much since we’d arrive an hour ago. We’d have been there sooner, but Caleb had some family bullshit he had to do first. It was why it was eleven at night and we were still trying to sort shit out.

“Caleb?” I called out. “We doing this?”

“Yeah.” He rubbed his eyes. “Yeah. I’m just nervous.”

“You think we aren’t?” Jace asked.

I scoffed. “I’m not nervous. She either wants us or she doesn’t. We need to know though. I’m sick of worrying about it.”

That much was true. I’d barely slept a wink since she’d been hurt. I spent a lot of time annoying Caleb with texts, asking how she was. If she needed anything. What I could do. I’d been theone to grab Jace and make him come with me every night to deliver food to her door while she recovered with Caleb there. I was sure he played it off like he’d put in orders so he didn’t need to explain why random food kept turning up, but that shit was all my idea.

“Damien is right. It’s time.” Jace got up. “You think she’s asleep?”

Caleb nodded and grabbed his mask. “Yeah. She texted me while I was at my parents’ and told me she was going to bed. That was nearly two hours ago.”

“Then let’s fucking do this shit. I’m done waiting.” I pushed past the guys and went to the door.

They followed me outside and to my car. I’d wanted so much to check on Lily while she was recovering. I was the fucking pre-med major. I should have been the one with her, but I’d relented, knowing she’d probably fare a bit better with Caleb. Because I didn’t want her distressed further, I’d agreed to it, but fuck, it killed me inside.

As for Brandon, I wanted him to die twice. I hated that little cocksucker and was glad he burned to death. It was far too kind a death for a monster like him. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat but with added tools, like maybe a chainsaw and pliers.

“What will we do if she tells us to fuck off?” Caleb asked, his voice thick.

“Then we fuck off,” Jace said. “Although I really hope she doesn’t.”

I said nothing. I wasn’t going to fuck off. Whatever I had to do to prove to her I was worth the chance, I’d do it.

I’d even try to win her over for the guys because it meant that much to me. I wasn’t going to tell them that though.

We rode the rest of the way in silence. When we pulled up to her apartment, we pulled our masks and beanies on and went toher door. I made to pick the lock, but Caleb pulled a key out and opened the door instead.

“When did you get a key?” I asked.

“I’ve always had it.”

“So why the fuck did I pick the lock before?”

He shrugged. “Made it more authentic and gave you practice, you fucking felon.”

“Asshole,” I muttered at him.

Jace chuckled softly as we stepped into her apartment.

I thought for sure she’d be in bed. Instead, she was beneath the Christmas tree curled into a ball. I went to my knees immediately and stared at her. She looked so much better than the last time I’d seen her. The bruising had all but faded from her pretty face, at least from what I could tell from the Christmas lights. Her lip was no longer swollen.

The guys moved to kneel beside me.

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