Page 22 of Coerced

I cut my eyes to where he stood about ten feet away. He held up both hands, palms toward me, and took a step closer, every motion slow and deliberate.

A lot of people move like that around me. Gemma says it’s because they’re trying not to startle me, which doesn’t make sense. I’m not a nervous person or skittish or anything.

“Gemma’s fine. Gigi unfroze her and she’s fine. You can let him go. This is a chance to show your critics you’re not a tiger.”

“But I am, Hank. You know it, too.”

I drew my shield tight around me in case he asked Jax to blast me. Tame was the last thing I wanted to be.

“Then show them that you control the tiger, not the other way around.”

He had a point, but the rage felt so freakinggood. It was comfortable. Familiar. Like slipping on my favorite hoodie.

“Up to now, everything you’ve done is justified. No legist would pursue any charge a Council member might try to levy against you.Up to now,” he repeated. “But if you choose to go any further, you’re seeking vengeance, not protecting or defending.”

“I am protecting the next girl he knocks down and kicks in the stomach,” I said through my teeth.

“You don’t know that he would do that again.”

“How many people does he have to hurt before he’s held accountable?” I demanded. “How many chances do you give a rabid dog before you put it down?”

“As many as he needs. Turn the other cheek, kiddo.”

“I don’t believe in that. I take an eye for an eye.”

“And you have. You’ve exacted an injury for an injury. He’s down and bleeding and no threat to anyone. Let the wardens take him into custody.”

I wasn’t keen on being kicked out of the Sanctuary, which is what the Council would do if I killed someone. Gemma was all right, the adrenaline rush was fading, and Fanishell was done, whether he realized it or not.

So, yeah, I didn’t have tolikeletting him live, but I could do it.

“Are the wardens at least gonna punish him?” I muttered.

“I guarantee it.”

Blowing a heavy breath out of my nose, I opened my hand and let Fanishell’s head flop to the grass.

#

Gemma

“Gems? Can you hear me?”

Words found me in the darkness, but they made no sense.

“We need you, Gems. Heal yourself.”

Heal myself? I’m hurt?

“What do we do, Jax? He’s losing it.”

“She’s the only one who can reach him now.”

Someone grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me gently.

“Kerry needs you. Wake up, Gemma.”

Kerry? Hmm. My Kerry…

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