Page 94 of Court of Evil

“I didn’t have a choice. I was scared, Tate. I didn’t know what I was and what was happening, and Black seemed to.”

“He’s controlling you the way he always did, with fear, power, and knowledge,” she scoffs.

“He wanted to go after the wolves. That’s why we went back to the lot, and then he smelled you,” he says, leaning back.

“Smelled me?” Her brows draw together as she watches him.

“You smell.” Eric nods. “It’s a distinctive scent, and he knew it was you, so we followed it right to your door.”

Her lips purse as she stares at him.

“I’m scared. Tate,” he says, and it seems to soften something in her.

“Eric, we will find a way to help you, but in the meantime, tell us how to stop them,” she demands. “Okay?” She crouches before him. “You can rectify your wrongs now by being like you used to be, but better.”

He nods, lowering his head as he sniffles like he’s crying, and she lays a hand on his shoulder in comfort despite everything he did to her. Suddenly, that sniffling grows louder, and I realise he’s not crying.

He’s laughing.

He starts to laugh loudly, and she frowns as his head lifts. “The old Eric is dead, and you fell right into our trap. Sweet, kind Tate, always trying to save everyone. We knew you would try to save me, even now after everything. We’ve been waiting for you.” His grin is pure malice as he leans back into the wall. “They will be here any minute. You came just like I said you would.” He pouts his lips. “Poor, defenceless Eric needs protection, and big bad Tate always wants to be the saviour. You couldn’t even save your own daddy, though, could you?” She flinches, stands, and steps back as I get to my feet. “And you won’t save any of them either.”

Just then, an explosion rocks the earth.

“Time’s up, Tate. Welcome to the end,” he says with a smirk, the veins crawling over his entire face.

CHAPTER 38

Rushing towards the front door, I nudge it open and peek out. Addeus and Jarek wave smoke from their faces as they crouch behind an old metal barrel. The front fence is down, clearly blown inwards, with smoke billowing around it. I don’t see anyone, but that doesn’t mean anything. They could have blown the front doors, but they didn’t.

“Back inside,” I call, and they hurry past me. I close the door and dash back into the room, my eyes narrowed on Eric.

I’m furious at myself for falling for his tricks. I played right into their hands.

“Is that them?” Fang asks, looking out the window before she lets the blinds fall back into place.

“Yes,” I answer without looking away. “If they are making noise like that, then it’s a distraction to draw our attention away. Tem, Addeus, check for other exits and entrances. Zeev, Jarek, split up and go with them. Spell any you find. They will try to sneak up on us, surround us, then stab us in the back.”

They rush away, but I keep my focus on Eric.

Pulling out a blade, I stalk his way and crouch before him. He smiles as he leans back, totally unbothered. The crying, unsure, anxious boy who followed me around is gone. Turning him intoa ghoul seems to have completely changed him. This is a soulless killer.

“Tell me everything you know,” I demand.

“Why would I do that, Tate? You’re smarter than this. You know you can’t win, so why try?” he counters.

“You also thought I was going to die, so it seems you’re always wrong.” I grin. “I will win, and I will kill you all. The only choice you have is how much you’ll suffer before that occurs.”

“You won’t hurt me, Tate. You’re a good person,” he sneers. “Protecting the little guy, doing no wrong?—”

“You might have lost your soul, but so did I.” I drive the blade into his thigh, and he roars in agony. “You might not be able to die, but I’m betting I can make it hurt. In fact, I can make it hurt over and over without you dying. Isn’t that nice? Tell me everything you know.”

Pulling the dagger free, I watch him jerk and hiss before I drive the dagger into his other leg, then I twist it as he shouts. Something full of joy unfurls in me at his pain, and I yank the blade out and slide it down, cutting his thigh open like they did to me. When both are carved open and he’s howling, I drop my knife back to my side and glance to my right to see my open bag. I can feel their gazes on me, but I don’t care.

“Hand me that taser.” I hold out my hand towards my bag, and then I worry what they will think of me for a moment.

I might not be a monster like they are, but I sure as shit am acting like one.

Fang doesn’t hesitate and gladly hands it over with a grin. “I’m in the category of kill all men. They are guilty until proven innocent, so go ahead and have your fun.”

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