Page 55 of Vicious Titan

36

Victoria

Walking through the hallways of Golden Olympus Academy, I slap Zeus on the ass, say a quick thanks that it’s Friday, and appreciate that the school day is over. The statue might be a silly superstition, but I don’t care. I need all the luck I can get, and I’m just happy the week is over. All week I’ve gone through the motions, watching for him, trying to prepare myself. Today was the day Elliot returned to school, but I’d been foolish to think I could prepare myself. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the beaming smile on his face, the joking demeanor, just the same as he always was. Only I didn’t get the kind or brutal version of him. I got nothing. Not a look, not a glance, not even a “go to hell.” It’s for the best because the real hell had been thinking we had a chance at making it work.

Hurrying out of the building, I head home. At least I can get some laps in without worrying about him being around. He’s been avoiding my house as much as he’s avoiding me. It’s easier that way for sure because seeing him today was miserable.

When I arrive at home, I grab a bottle of water before heading to my room. Something flashes out of the corner of my eyes, pulling my attention to the side. My dad stands there, a sadistic grin on his face as the glass bottle slips from my hand, shattering when it hits the marble floor.

“Not happy to see me?” He takes a step in my direction, and I manage to keep my balance though my shoes slip in the water. “I thought you’d be happiest of all to know I’m a free man, and it’s all thanks to you.”

“What?”

“My lawyer was able to get some of the evidence dismissed, tossed out, and it was all connected to Nathan, thanks for that key to the puzzle. All my lawyer needed was the confirmation from you. You did great, princess.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Oh, I’m going to call you a lot of things, and you will listen to every word. Follow every command. If I say jump, you’ll do it and you won’t ask questions. Control of this household is mine. Whoever doesn’t agree, doesn’t survive. From now on, you’ll know exactly why your brother and mother wanted me locked away. Although, your brother isn’t complaining much. Now.”

I rush forward, skidding to a stop as he flashes a pistol, waving it in the air. “Follow instructions or you join him.”

“Where is he?”

He motions to the door leading to his office. I’m scared out of my mind, but my legs dart across the room anyway because I need to know Asher is okay. I need to find out this is some sick mindfuck that my father is playing, but it’s not. I scream, dropping beside Asher as my hands cover his head where blood seeps from several gashes.

Looking to the sadistic bastard in the doorway, I scream, “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do this. He did this. You did this. And she did this.” He motions to the corner of the room where I see my mother, bloodied and in a fetal position, and that’s when I realize none of us are getting out of this house alive.

My hands tremble as I gently shake Asher. He moans before murmuring, “He snuck up on me. I tried to warn you.”

“Yeah, so pitiful. He was so distracted punching numbers on his phone that he didn’t see the blow coming to his head.” The evil monster knocks the butt of the gun against his head, grinning. “Apparently it hurts.”

“Hello!” My heart sinks when I hear Elliot yelling for Asher.

My dad points the pistol at my brother as he says to me, “Get rid of him, or they both die.”

“Okay.” But how can I not ask for help? We’re all as good as dead if I don’t figure a way out of this. Stiffly stepping to the office door, I feel metal dig into my back. The gun.

“Where’s Asher?” Elliot asks, looking everywhere but at me. “His phone is turned off and I need to ask him something.”

“He’s at Allison’s.”

Bingo. Elliot eyes dart to mine, giving me a look like I’ve lost my mind. “Victoria,” he says.

I discreetly turn my palms to face him, his eyes immediately drop to my brother’s blood on my hands. “I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.”

“It’s fine. I’ll find him,” Elliot says, walking out in a huff. He had to understand. Please, tell me he understood. That he’s getting help, because if he doesn’t …

“Good job,” my father sneers, hauling me back by my shirt as I grip the corner of the desk. Asher groans in pain so my dad doesn’t miss the opportunity to kick him, sinking his foot into Asher’s side as he lets out a nauseating sound.

“I hate you.” This isn’t going to help my case, but at least he’ll leave my brother alone.

“Oh, princess, I’m just getting started.” His eyes flash with wicked glee. I struggle to maintain eye contact when I see a shadow pass the office doorway. Someone’s here.

I need to distract him. “Why? How? I don’t understand. I really don’t get how you can be so cruel to your own kids.”

“It’s simple. Always take care of you first, even if you have to let them suffocate.”