Eric barks an ugly laugh, sending shivers across my arms. His eyes flit between me and Hunter, making my blood turn to ice.
His smile is feline. “Always knew you were a smart kid. Just like your daddy.”
My gaze slides to Hunters, and our eyes connect, a silent question passing between us.
Who the fuck is this guy?
Chapter 5
Why is he lookingat me like that?
It’s the first thought that swirls into my mind as I watch Stone watch me with a desperation I’ve never seen in his eyes. But before I can say anything, Eric speaks again, and my world spins.
“Did you like my calling card? It was just for you.”
Calling card.
My mother.
“Opal Morris,” I choke out, my voice raspy from disuse or pain; I’m unsure. All I know is that the organ in my chest is currently trying to beat its way through my skin.
“Who the fuck are you?” Nyx barks.
He’s much closer now, having inched his way toward Ella at some point. Her fingers are clammy in mine, or maybe she’s strong and steady, and I’m the one falling apart.
I have no idea.
All I know is that I can’t let go of her. Even the small distance between us feels like too much. Every step she takes toward Eric feels like an ocean too far.
“How do you know Stone’s father?”
Eric’s practically dancing with laughter, and I’m momentarily taken back to that time and place when he was so much bigger, so much more terrifying than he is now. A time when he could hurt me, bend me, break me, just for his sick enjoyment. A time when I had no choice but to let him.
I have a choice now, though.
I’m bigger than him. I’m stronger than him. With Ella and these men, this family she’s created for herself, surrounding us, I no longer feel like the weak little boy I once was.
“I’m in the Circle, of course.” Eric grits his teeth. “I was in the Circle.” He points an accusing finger at Ella and me. “You ruined everything, you worthless pieces of shit.”
I flinch, and Ella rubs her thumb over my palm. I should be the one comforting her, protecting her. I should be the one shoving her behind me so I can turn him to bloody ribbons.
But I can’t fucking move.
Why can’t I move?
“Who is Isabella?” Stone murmurs, his voice cool and calm. For some reason, his confidence soothes my frayed nerves.
Eric smiles, his hand sliding from behind his back. Everyone moves at once, and I tighten my hand around Ella’s, instinct screaming at me to take her and run. But she doesn’t let me run.
Doesn’t let me.
Doesn’t let me.
Instead, she lets go of my hand and steps forward, leaving her line of men at her back like the willing soldiers they are.
We are.
“Wait,” she says softly, holding her hand out to stop them as a chorus of clicks fills the air. “I need to know.”
