Page 139 of Hunt for You

The risk with Cain was that he’d leave completely. Decide I wasn’t worth the risk. And then where would I be?

The panic that coursed through me at that thought was potent and terrifying… and left in its wake a sudden clarity.

Maybe that was point?

Maybe Sam had been asking the wrong questions all along. Maybe he’d been right that this was all intentional on God’s part—to show me the way to the end?

Maybe God didn’t bring me Sam to save me. Maybe he was just there to make it all clear. To point me down the path I’d been avoiding since the beginning with Cain.

Maybe I was just supposed to find therightway out. With Cain.

It had to be.

Something settled over me then and I thought of my computer.

I got out of bed naked, but I didn’t feel cold as I walked down the hall to my office and turned on my computer. Just sad. Really sad.

And kind of relieved.

It was almost time.

44.In the Cage

SOUNDTRACK:Shoutby Sleeping Wolf

~ BRIDGET ~

DeadGirlWalking:I’m not trying to entice you, Cain. But I have to tell you something. I changed my mind about changing my mind. I want you on the hunt. I want you coming for me. All the way. And if you won’t do it, I’m finding someone else.

DeadGirlWalking:This isn’t part of the game. I’m done.

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I didn’t even wait to see if he’d respond.

Then I pulled up the forum again and made a new post in the playground.

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[DeadGirlWalking has made a Post!]

I want to fight for my life… and lose.

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My notifications and DMs lit up in seconds and I smiled grimly at the screen. I knew most of those messages would just be the idiots and trolls, either wanting to goad me, or watch.

I closed the forum and almost shut the computer down—nothing would disappear for another twenty-four hours. But even though my DM thread with Cain hadn’t lit up, I couldn’t deny the prickling sense that he was watching.

Out of morbid curiosity, I went back to the post and started scrolling through the comments. There were already dozens.

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I’ll fill you up, then slit your throat, bitch.

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OH NO, DON’T DO IT! YOUR LIFE IS WORTH SOMETHING!

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