I push back with my mind, my will, and I pour every ounce of my fear, and my love for Sisk into fighting it.
The black liquid now gushes out of me, while flowing in and out simultaneously. The pain gets worse, but I don’t give a shit, because I know, Sisk can’t be harmed. Not while she’s carrying my blood. The tar won’t hurt her. It can’t.For the first time, I’m free to fight back.
The stone groans, cracks spiderwebbing out from my hands as I force the tar to bend to my will. I force the connection deeper, past the tunnels, past the whispers, and straight into the pit itself. My spine arches as the tar floods my senses again, a black tide that drowns everything but her. The voices snap back into focus, and I listen.
“The one with the needles will be here soon,” Ivan whispers, almost cheerfully. “He helps. Always has.”
I hear a soft rustle of fabric, then a sharp, gasping intake of breath from Sisk.
“Be still,” Ivan orders, his voice dropping into a sickeningly gentle tone. “Don’t wrinkle the dress. It’s a special dress.” A soft, wet laugh follows. “He brings food.” Another giggle. “The needles make everything go dark and quiet.”
My teeth grind together as I focus on the sound of her breathing, shaky and scared.
“You’ll like the needles,” he continues happily. “Nice needles.”
“I won’t,” Sisk’s yells. ”Get away from me. Stop!”
A violent slap echoes through the connection.
“You don’t make the rules,” Ivan snaps, his voice losing its cheerful edge. “The Pit makes the rules. And The Pit wants you to be quiet. I haven’t seen his girl, the one with the snake, in a long time,” he mutters, his voice changing again as he trails a finger down her arm—I can feel it, a ghost of a touch on my own skin. “I remember when I saw her that day he brought me here.” He lowers his voice. “He says she can’t come anymore.” Another breathless laugh. “I want her too. Pit said I can have it. Pit said I can have anything I want if I listen and obey. She’s pretty, isn’t she? Almost as pretty as you. But you… you’re special. Sisk and Ivan. Ivan and Sisk. I remember.”
His voice becomes a whisper to the darkness. “Thank you for the gift, Pit. I will take care of her. It’s time. It’s time.”
The connection falters and pain explodes through me. The tar snaps back through my veins blocking me. It’s enough, because the anger burning through my blood is stronger than the pain.It’s a fucking soul fire, and it’s all I need to get her back.
* * *
I don’t slow down. The door slams open against the wall. They both jerk apart.
“Jax—” Viper starts, her voice a squeak.
I cross the room in two strides and grab Viper’s arm, dragging her off the counter.
“What the hell—” Matt snaps, stepping up, trying to be the hero.
I don’t even fucking look at him. My eyes are locked on hers. “Did you know?”
Viper stares at me, her eyes wide with panic. “What?”
I tighten my grip. “Did you know your brother has been keeping Ivan alive all these years?”
The color drains from her face. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t lie to me,” I growl. “Tell me where he is. Now.”
Matt steps between us, grabbing my shoulder. “Jax. Stop.”
The tar under my skin surges, heat crawling up my neck. “Move.”
“Not until you explain what the hell you’re talking about.”
I shove him back, hard. He stumbles but keeps his feet.
“The lab is empty,” I snap. “Ivan took Sisk. And Murtaugh has been helping him.”
Viper shakes her head slowly. “No.” Her voice is barely a whisper. “No, he wouldn’t?—”
“He’s been bringing him food,” I cut in. “Sedatives. Keeping him hidden, maybe somewhere in the tunnels.”
