Page 75 of Back In the Shadows

We were definitely night and day. A part of me wondered if I could ever accept him. Accept that part of me, the pitch-black darkness. The other part of me wanted to fight it with everything I had, but what if it was futile?

Now. Are you finished with your fucking pity party, and we can get down to business?

I’d nearly forgotten that there was another prisoner waiting for him. Closing my eyes, I braced myself for what he was about to say. I didn’t ever want to be around again while he was killing someone, but I wasn’t sure after witnessing John’s death if I would be able to disappear. Death’s emotions and vile anger were so strong it triggered me to appear lately.

“What do you have in mind?”

Before we move on, I need to make sure we’re on the same page.

“About?” I rinsed the soap from my face and lathered my body as I continued to have a conversation with the other part of me.

Are you planning on leaving Ella and my children?

I snapped at him. “Clearly, my private thoughts aren’t private anymore.”

Answer the goddamn question. I’m not sure all the pretty words about needing her and not being able to do this without her were the truth.

My head hung, the muscles in my neck and shoulders aching from killing John and the weight of the emotional aftermath.

“I was planning on leaving, yeah. I’m a danger to her and my kids. I love her enough to leave them and allow them to heal and have a better life without us. That’s never even crossed your mind to be that selfless, has it, asshole?”

Pain shot through my skull so hard it dropped me to my knees.

If you hurt her by leaving, if my kids grow up without you around, I will find a way to kill you. I will take you over, and you’ll never see the light of day. I will fucking end you.

His words echoed in my mind as I gripped the sides of my head, gasping for air.

“So, you’re going to hold me hostage? Seems like it’s your go-to,” I grunted through the pain.

If you don’t want her, then just give in, and let me have her.

37

DEATH

“In the end, every lamb is lost—some just discover it sooner than others.” ~ Anonymous

“I knew you were a weak son of a bitch,” I said as I stood in the shower. I’d won. I’d pushed Sebastian aside and had taken over. Soon, I would be in control and finally end his relationship with my little lamb. I refused to share her with anyone. Ever.

Turning off the water, I opened the door and grabbed the towel off the toilet. It was damn good to be back and in control. The first thing I needed to do was find my little lamb and promise her that she would never be alone. I would always be by her side as she would mine. Leaving had never been an option. The second Sebastian had considered the idea, I realized I had to do something and fast.

My attention landed on a few specks of blood on my arm, and a dark laugh filled the small room. Sebastian had nearly puked all over the fucking corpse when I’d finished ripping out John’s throat. Hopefully, I could keep the weak bastard at bay while I dealt with Xavier. Now that Ella was here, I would offer him toher to do as she wished. I wanted to see how dark and twisted my queen had become. This would encourage her to release her darkness and take her place with me once again.

Once I dried off, I quickly dressed in clean jeans and a black T-shirt. I hurried out of the bathroom, eager to visit Xavier. I wanted a word with him before I brought Ella into his room.

Silently, I headed down the hallway and halted as I reached the area where I slept when necessary. From my duffle bag, I retrieved a small offering for Xavier, then made my way to where I was keeping him. Kip had been instructed to keep him nourished and hydrated. It was crucial that Xavier remained lucid as I slowly inflicted torture upon him over the next week, possibly even longer if he refused to cooperate.

I pushed open the door and flicked on the overhead light. Xavier had been forced to sit in darkness for the past twenty-four hours. I hoped the isolation had driven home the gravity of his situation, but we would find out soon enough.

“Hello, Xavier. How nice of you to stop by.” I sneered as I approached the emaciated man huddled in the corner. “How are your knees holding up?” From my pocket I produced a tiny white pill and dangled it in front of his face. “If you tell me what I need to know, this painkiller is yours.”

He attempted to snatch it out of my hand, but he was too slow. I tsked as I stood and towered over him.

“Your friend John said to tell you goodbye.”

Xavier peered up at me, squinting. “You let him go?”

“No. I carved him up like a fucking turkey on Thanksgiving Day, then ripped out his larynx.”

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