Page 42 of Mercy & Malice

“If there’s a moment where you can run, get the hell out of here and don’t look back.”

She shakes her head. “I can’t leave you behind. What are you even saying? No.”

I swipe my thumb across her wet cheek. “Yes. If you get the chance, take it. For me, please.”

Her eyes snap shut as she hides her face from me. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Cain will take care of you.” I know there was nothing between them, but I can’t say I wasn’t jealous as fuck, and I’m certain it will piss her off. Furious-and-determined Brooke is who she needs to channel in order to get out of here.

Sure enough, her irritated stare is on me. “Are you serious right now?”

“You went on a date with him to the masquerade. That’s more than I ever got.” Maybe I’m more envious than even I realized.

Leaning back, she gapes at me for a few seconds. “And I would’ve gone with you had your big, stupid self been around. Besides, Cain and I went as friends. He is more than aware that’s all I feel for him. I’ve never wanted to date anyone else. And the only guy I ever wanted to be with disappeared the moment I could actually be with him.”

“So, Cain was the rebound?” I ask.

“Are you not hearing a damn word I’m saying, Micah?” she shouts. Shaking her head, she lets out an exaggerated exhale. “You’re deliberately making me mad, and it’s working.”

She’s always known me a little too well. “I didn’t think you’d recognize me that night. I had the same costume as Luca.” The immediate recognition in her expression infuriated and exhilarated me at the same time.

“I can tell. You’re just you.” Her voice is so sure and steady, like it’s not a big deal. I never realized how much until the moment I thought she wouldn’t be able to distinguish between my brother and me.

Being a twin isn’t bad; being the one everyone considers inferior is. Always coming in second and trailing just behind him. Never having an identity of my own. Except with her. The notion is worth more than she’ll ever understand.

We’re still in the same position when the door opens, the two of the motherfuckers coming in as the lights turn on. And that’s when I see someone stumbling in behind them until he’s hauled around and pushed to the floor by the third asshole just outside the cage—Brent Guidry. His wrists bound with zip ties, his mouth bloodied.

“Dad,” Brooke gasps, her confusion and fear clear. She’s realized what I’ve known from the start—it’s not her father behind this. I just can’t bring myself to tell her I brought the monster into her life. Because my father is responsible for her suffering.

23

BROOKE

“Dad?” I see my father, surrounded by the three hooded Keepers. He’s not behind this? Why does that scare me more?

“Wh-What’s he doing here?” I whisper, terrified to find out the answer.

“Merry Christmas. I brought you a present,” Judge proclaims as one of the other goons hauls my father to his feet then shoves him against the bars.

Judge aims his gun at Micah as he motions to the gate. One unlocks the access while the other frees my dad’s hands then pushes him into the enclosure with us. The gate door slams shut as I recoil.

“Destroy if you dare.” Judge steps closer, rotating the gun between me and my father as he speaks, “I kill her or you kill him. One will be destroyed and only two will remain.”

I hate my father. But I don’t want to witness Micah having to murder him.

Micah stands rigid and hushed as Judge states, “Choose who you want to destroy wisely.”

My father has always been the worst villain in my world. But he’s been surpassed ten times over. And I’m unable to bite my tongue. “You’re a fucking monster.”

Judge thinks it’s hilarious as he waves the gun around. “Me? I’m the monster? That man is abusive and vile.”

I keep a level glare at whoever is hiding behind a mask. “And you’re worse.”

“Brooke.” Micah shifts in front of me, signaling for me to cut it out I’m assuming, but damn, this is all kinds of screwed up.

Dad seems baffled and woozy as he looks around. “What the fuck is going on?”

Who the fuck knows?