Page 164 of Demise

I attempt to lift myself, to run, defend, attack. Anything. I can’t, though. My body is getting weaker by the second from the two gashes on my arms and the gaping one I’m trying to hold in my stomach, I don’t have long, and we both know it.

“Nice knowing you, Griggs,” he says as he stands over me, lifting his knife as I throw up my hands.

“Please, Zayden,” I beg. I can’t even believe I’m begging. I never thought I’d go out begging, but I have to try. I have something worth begging to live for now. “I got a girl,” I wheeze. “She’s everything. Please. I can’t leave, not when she’ll be alone in this world.”

Because I don’t give a fuck about the other guys. My siren will never be as protected as she is with me.

Something in my words seems to stir at Zayden, at least for a second. Then, any sympathy or window I was planning to play off disappears as he raises his arm once more and plunges his knife into me. My mouth opens, a squelching noise escaping me as Zayden twists the knife deeper and lowers his head to mine.

“Say hi to your mom and dad for me, kid.”

With that, he rips the knife out of me and stares as a rush of blood escapes my upper abdomen. Pain like I’ve never felt lances through me until I don’t feel anything at all. A biting cold sets in, and I feel my body begin to convulse in shock before I gocompletely still. All I can see is Skyla’s face. She’s smiling at me, holding her hand out for me.

I try to take it, but I can’t lift my hand, and she frowns before walking away. I try to call out to her, to beg her to wait for me, but she doesn’t. She vanishes into thin air as she walks away. A numbness settles over my body before I slip away.

I love you, Siren. I always will. Even in death.

Chapter Fifty

Skyla

The next morning, I woke up to find my left side empty. I fell asleep with Asher and Vincent, but woke up with only Asher. Looking to the bedside table, I see a quick hand scribbled note.

Got a job. Be back soon. Love you, Siren.

I smile at that, setting it back down as I snuggle onto Asher’s chest, pressing kisses up and down his neck. He hums in his sleep before waking up fully, his eyes landing on me as they flutter open.

“Good morning, princess.” He smiles as he runs his fingers through my hair.

“Hi.” I grin.

“What do you want? You’re looking at me like you want something.” Asher laughs, his morning voice unbelievably sexy.

“Pancakes?” I ask.

“Pancakes?” he gruffs. “Ronan is the cook, have him make them.”

“But it’s so much better when you make them because you hate cooking. Pleaseee,” I beg with a pouty lip.

Asher groans, capturing my lip between his teeth before biting hard. I yelp and he smirks before pulling himself out of bed. He’s just in his boxers as he steps out of the room and I slip on a baggy shirt before following after him.

When we get down there, Wesley and Ronan are already drinking their morning coffee, both of them lighting up when I step into the room. I give them each a kiss and perch myself into Ronan’s lap.

“Asher is making us pancakes.”

“Since when?” Wesley laughs.

“Since the princess asked for them,” Asher grumbles as he gets out the pancake mix and a bowl.

Liam sleepily makes his way down the stairs, wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants that are doing wonderful things for him. He makes his way to me first, cupping my jaw as he brings his lips to mine before moving to Asher. Liam wraps his arms around his waist, resting his head on Asher’s back.

“Whatcha making me?” Liam asks.

“Nothing. I’m making the princess pancakes. You all are on your own.”

Liam frowns. “What if I give you an extra-long blow job in the shower?”

Asher perks up at that, looking back at him before the rest of us.

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