Page 55 of Back In the Shadows

“What you’re saying makes sense. I was just hoping to see Ella first.”

“All we’re doing is sitting around, waiting, and you know how I feel about that,” Dope said. “It’s overrated. I’m sure Death would agree.”

Within a split second, a blinding pain shot through my skull and dropped me to my knees. I moaned and grabbed my head as the room blurred in and out.

“Looks like Death wants to join us on this one,” Kip said.

27

DEATH

“In the shepherd's tales, darkness always devours. They never tell of how it cradles, how it crowns its lambs with stars.” ~ Anonymous

Alive. The word echoed in my mind like a deafening thunderclap, shattering the numbness that had consumed me since I’d learned of her supposed death. My body trembled with a mixture of relief and adrenaline as I frantically searched for her, desperate to see her, touch her, and devour her with my all-consuming hunger. The thought of losing her again tore through my soul like a blinding white-hot flame. But she was alive. She had come back for me, defying death itself to be by my side once more. A surge of fierce protectiveness and unwavering love flooded my being, propelling me forward with determination to go to her and never let her go again.

I rose slowly, thankful that this time I’d been aware of Sebastian talking to Dope and Kip, and I remembered the conversations. I squared my shoulders as I stood to my full height and Sebastian’s words returned to me. There was no wayin hell I was sitting this one out. Sebastian would fuck everything up if I allowed him to take the lead with Xavier.

“Welcome back.” Dope reached into his computer bag and then tossed something at Kip. “I came prepared.” An ornery grin lit up his face right before he pulled on the skeleton mask I’d given him a year ago. Kip followed suit and situated his devil mask over his head and neck.

“My mother would fucking love this one,” he mumbled as he adjusted the eye holes.

I chuckled at his comment. “Let’s get going. I assume you have a rental car?”

Dope and Kip removed their masks, and Dope produced a car key. “I have the map and directions already brought up from Google. We should be able to make it in about an hour and a half, right before dusk, which will help us stay hidden.”

“I know part of the way since Ryan and I were there when we found Ella. I’ll let him know we’re leaving.” The mention of her name brought back the image of her limp and battered body in the middle of the dirt road. A feral rage reared its ugly head, and I swore I would get revenge on everyone responsible. In fact, it would be my pleasure.

The drive had takena little longer than we’d anticipated due to the winding and bumpy road that climbed up the base of the mountain. The conversation had been mostly about how we wanted to approach the area. If Xavier was there, we should knock him out but not eliminate him …yet. I definitely wanted to play with my prey before I moved in for the kill.

I’d be surprised if the fucker was even there, but you never knew what someone unstable might do.

Dope parked the car on the side of the road behind a cluster of trees. When the sun set, it would be nearly impossible to see the vehicle, which would allow us to sneak up on Xavier unannounced.

We hurried through the woods until the replica of my childhood home came into view, and I removed my knife from the sheath on my calf. Careful not to step on the dead leaves that were scattered across the ground, we slipped our masks on and circled the house. It was eerily quiet as we split up and each took a side.

“Watch my back but let me handle it unless I call you in for help,” I said to Kip and Dope.

They nodded, understanding all too well that I could easily take out a number of grown men on my own. Bloodlust was a powerful tool when I needed it.

As I crept closer to the house, my heart quickened in anticipation. The adrenaline coursed through my veins, fueling my every move. The shadows of the late afternoon sun cloaked me like a shield. I could hear faint whispers on the other side, their hushed voices adding to the tension in the air as I approached the first guard stationed near the back entrance.

Peering through a dusty window, I caught a glimpse of movement inside. My grip tightened on the knife as I prepared to strike. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the door, and my body tensed, ready to attack. He strolled lazily outside, unaware of the danger lurking only steps away from him.

He never saw me coming.

I moved with swift precision, my blade slicing through the air before plunging into his unsuspecting flesh. A gurgled gasp escaped him as I watched the life drain from his eyes, and a twisted smile curled on my lips. The metallic scent of bloodmingled with the crisp air, sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine.

Three more guards remained, unaware of the fate that awaited them.

I ghosted through the semi-darkness, a silent predator stalking its prey. The second guard fell with a choked cry as my knife found its mark, carving a path of crimson across his throat. His body crumpled to the ground, a lifeless heap at my feet. I rolled him face down in the dirt in case the fucker had the audacity to take another breath.

The third guard put up more of a fight, his eyes widening in terror as he realized the danger he was in. But it was futile. I was fueled by my rage, unstoppable and merciless. With a savage ferocity, I overpowered him, relishing in the desperate struggles that drove my hunger for revenge even more. As he gurgled and clutched at his neck, I watched with detached interest.

“That’s for Ella, motherfucker. See you in hell,” I said quietly.

With a final shudder, he went limp and collapsed at my feet. Another one down.

Only one guard remained now, his breath ragged with fear as he witnessed the carnage around him.

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