Page 37 of Deviant

Never.

“Is that honestly what everyone thinks? That Elias would be callous enough to keep such a secret all to himself? Even from the people who loved him most?” I ask, vocalizing the hatred that Elias must have felt since he turned eighteen six years ago, that same hatred multiplying with each passing year his name wasn’t chosen.

Joe nods.

“Then everyone is wrong. Elias isn’t the monster people believe him to be.”

The only monster here is me.

“Whose to know what evil lies in men’s hearts?” Joe slurs, the alcohol already making its desired effect.

I get up from the stairs and brush my knees.

“Or women’s, for that matter.”

Joe flashes me a deep-rooted frown.

“True. I guess we never really know anyone, do we, girlie?”

“Sometimes, we don’t even know ourselves,” I reply, disheartened. “Thanks for the drink, Joe. And the chat. It’s been enlightening.”

“Anytime, Rowen. Anytime.”

Chapter 7

Elias

Fucking Sheriff Hawthorne.

The bastard loves to wield that higher-than-though attitude of his against those he believes to be beneath him. He sure didn’t mince words to convey his low opinion of me tonight.

Not that I didn’t already know how he felt about me.

Most of this town loves to remind me how much of a persona-non-grata I am in their book.

Still, it chafed my nerves that he thought lecturing me on proper etiquette was acceptable. I can still hear his voice in my ear telling me to be more empathetic to people’s sensibilities, and that I should understand that my very presence at such a meeting could be triggering to some of the families who lost their loved ones toThe Scourge.

The fucker made it sound like I’m personally responsible for that shit.

Well, fuck that, and fuck him and the high horse he came in with.

I had every right to attend the town hall meeting. I don’t care whose feathers got ruffled.

However, I suspect the true reason why Hank felt the need to pull me aside and give me a lecture was because the mayor put him up to it.

Yeah.

Davenport was the only one who got his panties in a bunch.

Fucking pussy.

If he was a real man, he’d come and talk to me himself instead of sending his lackey.

To put an end to the conversation, I had to remind the good sheriff that I’m currently the head of my household since my mother is too frail to make decisions for our family, much less attend meetings.

Of course, the fucker was quick to remind me that Aidan was old enough now to represent the Larsen family.

Yeah, like that shit-for-brains even paid attention to any of it.

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