SEBASTIAN
“We need her alive,” I finish, hoping my words get through to Ariah.
My fucking spitfire looks breathtaking. I’ll question my claim of ownership later.
Wyatt and Owen bring up the rear as I step into the room. Wes and Lev secure Antonio— he’ll be dealt with later.
“Why? This bitch deserves death,” Ariah yells, pressing the blooded piece of glass into Elise’s neck.
Holster my gun, I hold my hands up, trying to get her to see reason. “She’s going to die. We need answers first,” I explain.
“Let’s get her in the seat over there, Love,” Wyatt coaxes, pointing to a leather office chair.
Ariah mutters to herself but eventually drops the shard from Elise’s neck. “Fine,” she grumbles, then slams Elise’s face into the ground three times before dropping her.
Elise makes one muffled cry but nothing else. It’s not until her body slumps to the ground I realize Ariah knocked her out.
Ariah points to Elise’s crumpled form. “She shouldn’t be hard to tie up.”
Wyatt snorts, causing my attention to shift in his direction. That’s when I see the frozen gaze of Owen transfixed on Elise. Wyatt, noticing where my eyes are trained, leans and whispers something in Owen’s ear. Owen nods, expelling a deep breath and shaking his head clear.
When my focus shifts back to Ariah, her brows furrow, observing our exchange. She doesn’t say anything. Wyatt and I pick up Elise while Owen stalks toward Ariah.
Once Elise is tied to the chair, I radio everyone, telling them where we are.
“Who did this?” Owen asks, making Wyatt and my focus whip to where he and Ariah are standing. Owen has her chin tipped up as he examines the bruise forming on her face and a cut to her cheek.
Ariah allows him to fuss but mumbles she’s fine and it’s nothing.
Wyatt and I snicker at their banter when the Council walks into the room, followed by Lev and Wes.
Mr. Bradford beelines straight for Ariah, enveloping her in a hug. “Ry.” He breathes into her hair. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he chokes out.
Ariah wraps her arms around him. “I’m okay, Dad. I let her take me. I had to. Sh-,” she tries to say her name, but the words get caught in her throat.
Aaron pulls slightly from her hold and wipes the stream of tears from her eyes. The guys all step forward, but I signal them to stop— this is their moment.
Ariah closes her eyes, welcoming the comfort from her father. “Please tell me she’s okay,” she finally stutters.
“We’re not sure. She was taken to the hospital, Angel,” Owen answers—his tone gentle.
“Well, isn’t this fucking touching,” Elise croaks, and all our heads swivel in her direction. “The only thing missing from this pitiful family reunion are the other three pissants I had to ruin my body for.”
My hands clench at my side. Elise is like my father, but worse. Self-serving and power-hungry—lacking any moral compass.
“Good, you’re awake. Let’s question the hag and kill her,” Lev snarls.
“I second that idea,” Wes adds.
Aaron whispers something in his daughter’s ear. Then kisses the top of her head before striding across the room. “This has been a long time coming, you traitorous bitch,” he sneers.
Elise smiles, her blood-stained teeth on full display. “Aww, is widdle Aaron upset that I played with his widdle feelings,” she coos like she’s talking to a baby. “Too fucking bad. Build a bridge and get over it,” she taunts.
Aaron whips a knife from its sheath and drives it into her right thigh.
Elise shrieks, jerking behind her restraints as she reflexively tries to move her arms.
“Funny you think I give a fuck about you playing. All I want are answers, and you’ll give them to me before you die,” Aaron demands.
