When Wraith had the door replaced, he insisted on heavy duty double locks. She wasn’t opposed but wanted to keep the old-style chain. He’d given her a whole speech about it not being worth shit, and anyone could bust it open. They’d compromised and installed both.
Thank God!
The door opened only a fraction and the chain tightened. When she saw a hand slide between the door and the frame, she charged forward, slamming her body against the wood and crushing his hand. A loud, screeching, pained shout sounded before the hand disappeared.
She drew in a breath and closed her eyes.
For a brief second, it was completely silent. Maybe it was wishful thinking, or she was trying her hand at manifesting. Maybe they’d left.
Cleo was completely unprepared when the door burst open, sending her to the floor and sliding down the hallway. She scrambled to get to her feet, stumbling, but only made it into the living room when she was tackled, and her face slammed against the floor. She kicked her legs, swinging her hands behind her back, but it was a fruitless effort. He outweighed her and easily pinned her down.
“Help!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.
“Shut the fuck up,” the man snarled, grasping the back of her hair and yanking her head back. Her breath got caught in her throat, and pure panic set in.
His heavy body jerked forward, and he screamed, groaning like a wounded animal. “Fuck!” His grip loosened, and her face fell forward. His body jerked over hers, and mixed in with his pained groans she heard a breathy whimper. Cleo struggled to turn her head just as he collapsed over her back, and she felt all his weight bear down on her. Her breath shallowed, and shifting her body, she crawled out from under him. He was lying flat on his stomach, twitching slightly, and his voice made a gurgling sound. Her gaze shifted down to the floor. There was blood spilling onto the edge of her carpet, soaking it red. His black jacket appeared wet.
Cleo slowly angled her head to the opening of the kitchen. The girl stood silent, staring down at his body, a bloody knife gripped in her palm.
Holy shit!
****
The bikes roared down Grizz’s driveway, kicking up rocks and wheels threatening to slide out of control. Headlights shone their way, and a small car came toward them. He was fully prepared to slam head on. There was no way they were getting away. For all he knew, Cleo was inside that vehicle. They were only a few feet away when the car slammed on its brakes, coming to a jolting stop. Bikes circled around the car, and Gent pulled out his gun, shooting the tires on his side while Cue covered the other.
“Get out of the fucking car!” Cue shouted, aiming his gun at the driver. He glanced up at Wraith. “Just Reyna.”
Wraith jumped off his bike, as did the others, and he raced to the front door. He charged forward with all his weight and power, busting it open. The first sight he got was a body, a man lying on the floor.
“Wraith.” Cleo’s voice was small, laced in fear. She rushed toward him, and he circled his arms around her, hugging her against his chest.
“What the fuck?” Cross said.
Wraith shifted his gaze to the kitchen. A girl was standing frozen, wielding a knife, and her hand and arm were drenched in blood. Her shirt had streaks and speckles of red all over her.
“Drop the knife.” Ace growled.
When the girl didn’t move, Wraith shifted Cleo behind him and pulled out his gun, aiming it at the girl.
“Put down the fucking knife.”
“No.” Cleo grabbed his waist. “Don’t hurt her.”
Cross slowly moved closer and held up his hands. “Not gonna hurt her.” He kept his stare on the girl. “There’s a dead guy, andyou’re holding the knife. Makes you a threat. You put down the knife, he puts down his gun. We ain’t gonna touch you.”
The girl had been almost zombie-like since he’d stormed through the door. But her eyes moved to Cleo as if waiting for permission. Or reassurance.
“Tell her, Cleo,” Cross said.
Cleo inched forward, but Wraith stepped into her path. That was as close to the stranger as he’d allow. The girl was pale, in shock and distress. And unpredictable.
“Tell her,” Wraith muttered.
“No one is going to hurt you, I promise.”
She stared back at Cleo for a few seconds then dropped the knife to the floor and stepped back.
Thank fuck.
