We walk to the garage door, and I set the alarm after they both make it outside and then join them where Carter waits.
As we start moving, I give instructions.
“Killer, you’re going to stay back while we make sure it’s safe. Carter has the bow, so if we’re surprised with a lot of people, he can take many out in under a minute. Knox and I are close-range fighters, so we’ll stay back with you.”
This is assuming we find people there. I’m hoping we do, but we won’t know anything until we get there.
We are still far away when we hear the sirens, and spot the flames. As we move closer, it becomes apparent. They are gone. Heather falls to her knees and sobs.
“They ran. And they aren’t coming back.”
Knox kneels beside her and pulls her into his arms.
“We will find them, but right now you need to go back to the house. Firefighters mean police, and if they find you at the scene of previous crimes, they will arrest you.”
“I don’t care,” she whispers, appearing to have lost her normal fight.
Carter growls, his voice rumbling through the air.
“Enough, Little Heathen. We care. Let’s go. End of fucking discussion.”
CHAPTER TRIGGER WARNING
The following chapter depicts SA of a minor, via a memory. Reader discretion is advised.
Your mental health matters.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
THE HEATHEN
Yesterday was almost more than I can take. I do want revenge, but it’s always been about them—the younger ones. Seeing Delilah with Jedediah on top of her, inside her, the way he was with me so many times, broke something inside me. Both Knox and Carter have nearly begged me to eat, but I can’t. I watch from the kitchen as they both reluctantly walk away, and Killian comes toward me.
“What are you doing, Killer?”
I look at the sink and then at him as I hold a sponge in my hand.
“Cleaning. I need to stay busy.”
He takes it from my hand and tosses it in the sink.
“What are you doing?”
Grabbing my hips on either side he lifts me onto the counter.
“You need to eat. If you do, I’ll take you to the gym and teach you how to let some of this anger go. Would you like that?”
I tilt my head at him in question.
“What would that involve?”
Killian doesn’t smile often, but when he does, it’s both heart and panty melting.
“Fighting, Killer. Trust me, throwing a few punches will feel good.”
My gasp is audible, making him laugh.
“You’re going to let me punch you?”
