Page 8 of Back In the Shadows

His cryptic reference to a friend had me nearly bolting into the house and grabbing the gun.

“Please tell me why you’re here or you need to leave. This is private property.”

He chuckled softly, his gaze darting around as if he was searching for someone.

“I personally don’t mean you any harm, Ella.”

I didn’t miss what he said, personally, which meant someone else did. Taking a few steps back, I edged toward the open front door.

“Then who wants to cause me harm?” After working at the law firm, I was aware that I’d made some enemies since my bosses represented several big criminals. I could easily be on someone’s list, but the Horizon Society could also cause issues for any of us helping to relocate families to safety. Hell, it wasn’tthat long ago that one of them had tried to kill me, and Death had stepped in and ended Stephen on my kitchen floor.

The man tapped the side of his head. “Smart girl, listening to what I’m saying and not just what you want to hear.”

Each muscle in me tensed, and I became acutely aware of every sound. Suddenly, a chill slithered down my spine and goosebumps dotted my skin. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as a feeling of unease consumed me.

My fingers curled into tight fists, knuckles white as I prepared for a potential fight. “Get out of here,” I barked through gritted teeth.

The loose wooden board of the porch creaked ominously behind me. I whipped around to see a hulking figure looming over me.Run!My body instinctively kicked into flight mode, but before I could make a move, a meaty hand clamped down on my arm with a vise-like grip, trapping me in place.

Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my entire being like a hot needle piercing my skin. My eyes bulged in terror as I stumbled backwards, grasping for the railing to steady me. But my legs betrayed me, buckling under the intensity, and I crumpled onto the porch, helpless and at the mercy of the drug that pulsed through my veins.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the yard as my vision blurred and faded in and out of darkness. With a last burst of strength, I turned to face my attacker, their twisted features taunting me as the world began to spin out of control. I desperately tried to fight unconsciousness, but it swallowed me whole as it sent me spiraling helplessly into the depths of oblivion.

5

DEATH

"White wool, black thoughts—a lost lamb carries both until one outweighs the other." ~ Anonymous

The dried leaves crunched beneath my booted feet as I hurried through the forest toward my car. I’d jogged a couple of miles after I’d left Ella, and soon, the sun would set, allowing me the cover I needed. Until then, I would remain hidden.

As badly as I wanted to return to Ella and my children, I had to extinguish the fire burning inside of me. Months had gone by since my last victim, and my bloodlust had returned full force. I needed to kill, to watch the life drain from some pathetic bastard’s eyes. I had the power, the ability to play God when necessary, and I was ready. It was easy to murder a twisted son of a bitch for hurting his children, especially since I had my kids. Even though I had to be careful not to get caught, the urgency to kill faster and to rid the world of evil had started to consume me.

I slowed my pace and listened to my surroundings, but only silence responded. Reaching inside my jacket pocket, I retrieved my burner phone and tapped out a text message.

Me:

Do you have a target for me?

I waited impatiently for a reply,keeping an eye out for anyone that might accidentally stumble across my hiding place. It would be a very bad day for someone if that happened.

My phone vibrated in my palm, and I stared at the screen.

Dope:

Are you sure you want one in that area or a bit farther away from your home base?

I knewhe was referring to Ella, and he had a point, but I wouldn’t kill tonight. Not yet. I would stalk and prepare, drawing out the excitement and anticipation, then remove the victim from the vicinity. My cock hardened at the thought of taking my time before I devoured my prey.

Me:

Give me the information. I’ll draw it away from base.

Dope:

I’ll get details together and message shortly. Hang tight.

A wicked smileeased across my face as I waited for the darkness to descend. Dope, aka Hal, along with Kip set up my kills for me. It not only saved me time, but they helped me space them apart and across the country. But as the days moved on, I was finding it more difficult to leave Ella, Alaric, and Verity. I had to remind myself that I did this for them, and for all the families who were suffering at the hand of a maniac.

---