Page 9 of Vicious Titan

“You told me to leave you alone.” His voice is low and flat, causing me to shift back and fold my arms over my chest.

“Yes. I did.”

He twists, grabbing a box from beside him off the bed, tossing it at my feet. “Then what the fuck is this?”

Studying the box, I cautiously bend down, retrieving an exquisite black dream catcher off the floor. “It’s beautiful.”

“No, it’s another form of torment.”

“Why would you say that? Where did you get it from?”

“You begged me to leave you be, dangled my best friend over my head, then pull this stunt.”

He thinks I did this. Looking to the dream catcher, I stoop down, pick up the box, and see Elliot’s name and home address on the shipping label, but no return address. “I didn’t send you this.”

“Bullshit.” His tone takes on a harshness, but his body remains in a defeated position, shoulders slumped forward, elbows propped on his legs.

“I’m telling you the truth. This is not from me.”

“You and Asher are the only ones who know about the nightmares since you blabbed to him, and I highly doubt your brother thought to give me a dream catcher.”

“Olivia.” I don’t realize I’ve whispered her name aloud until I note how Elliot’s muscles have tensed. “You told her when …”

“That was yesterday.”

Yesterday. It seems like a lifetime ago. “It had to be her.”

“Of course it was.” His hands rub across his face, exhaustion evident as he blows out a frustrated breath.

Instinctively, my fingers reach for him, brushing beside his swollen lip. He flinches at my touch but doesn’t pull away. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” He jumps up to his feet, crossing to the door.

“Elliot, wait,” I say, following behind him.

As he rotates around, I halt in place before quickly taking a step back when I register the fury on his face. The defeated, broken person is gone, replaced by the furious, brutal monster I know all too well. Another swift change from him. I should be used to it by now, but I’m not. Not from him or from my dad, both can become completely different people at the drop of a hat. Yet, I can’t seem to figure out when to leave either alone and just let them be.

“What happened? You can talk to me.” My words only serve to trigger his rage, as he shakes his head.

“You told me to stay away from you. Wish granted.” Stepping back, there’s pure hatred on his face before he turns, leaving the room.

There’s a sense of relief, but also disappointment. I want the hideous monster I dealt with at school today to leave me alone, but I want the sweet, caring, tender version of him back. That can never happen. Both sides are a part of him and my heart can only be stitched up so many times.

Walking over to my bed, I note the dream catcher has been left behind. Olivia had to have sent it in hopes of helping her son the only way she’s able while locked away. It feels as though she will be locked away forever with the dangerous secret that Richard wanted her dead. What happens if and when she’s released? Even her return will cause Elliot pain. The truth surrounding that night will bring even more darkness to Elliot’s world. Will he ever be able to escape the sinister demons that lurk in the shadows of his mind, or will they just be replaced by others?