Page 204 of Brutal Prince

Indi

Ireally gotta find out what the hell these guys put in their tranquilizers. I’ve never felt this relaxed, this zoned out, this…detached.

Not entirely true, I guess.

I was in almost this exact same spot when I last felt this way. Back then it was my mother’s body they were wheeling out of the smoking ruins of my house, not Addy’s.

Marcus is already in the ambulance. I heard someone say they’re taking him to the hospital. Dunno why — psycho fuck was already long dead by the time they pitched up here.

But then Addy disappears into an ambulance and they drive her away too.

Guess Lakeview was all out of mortuary vans tonight. Actually, now that I think about it, I can’t remember if they took mom away in an ambulance or a—

“Indi.”

I twist slowly, and tip back my head. It’s night time already, but with all the police cars, ambulances, and the firetruck around — whose presence I have to get someone to explain to me before the night is out — Briar looks like a character in one of those cyberpunk movies where the whole city is basically just one big neon sign.

“Briar,” I say.

He steps closer, but almost reluctantly. “They want us down at the police station to give our statements.” There’s a clink from his hands — he’s busy toying with his keys. “Want a lift?”

I consider for a while, watching the play of red and blue on his face. Maybe they gave him something for his shock too, because he looks ready to wait all night for my answer.

“Can I drive?” I ask.

“No.” He shrugs. “You’ve been sedated.”

“So have you.”

“Can barely feel it.” Another shrug. “Plus, you’re not on my insurance.”

I stand, and it takes me forever just to take two steps closer to him. “You just don’t want me driving your car.”

“Not tonight.”

“But someday?”

His eyes lock onto mine. He reaches for me, and it takes us both a moment to realize I’m too far away. We step forward at the same time, and then I’m in his arms. I wish I could feel it. I’m sure it would be a wonderful moment, full of comfort and bliss.

But I’m still dead inside. Those maggots have stopped moving, but I have a sneaking suspicion that’s only because they’re sleeping.

I’m not sure if they’ll ever wake up again. I’m hoping they won’t.

I don’t want to think about that. What I want is for this day to be over. I want tomorrow to come.

Briar turns, his arm over my shoulder as he leads me to his Mustang. No one stops us — other than the bump on my head which, apparently didn’t give me a concussion — I don’t really have any wounds.

Even those two bite marks turned out to be much shallower than I’d imagined. No need for stitches. I did get a tetanus shot, though. Briar must have too. Turns out humans have filthy mouths.

I glance back over my shoulder, my eyes tracing the broken outline of my house. My other hand goes to the necklace that’s still hanging from my neck.

All I want to do is go home and sleep, but I know the police need information.

Go to sleep, my girl.

Have pleasant dreams.

Tomorrow is a new day.

This time, when I look ahead, I don’t see darkness. Maybe it’s the tranquilizers singing through my veins, but there’s some kind of numb hope seeping into me as Briar opens the passenger door.

I guess I can wait to go to sleep, because I know this time, mom’s promise will come true. Tomorrow, when I wake, it will be a bright new day.

I peek at Briar through my lashes as he turns the ignition and his Mustang rumbles into life.

How do I know? Because Briar will be there.

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