Page 81 of Mercy & Malice

There’s a match already going on with two idiots exchanging blows before one finally stays down and the guy is declared the winner.

“This is so stupid,” I say when I lock eyes with Micah when he steps into the center of the floor. The announcer introduces him, then his opponent, Cruz.

The announcer is telling Micah something, but he’s locked on me. I motion my hand and mouth to pay attention. He lingers for a second before he focuses to the guy beside him.

Tucking my arms over my chest, I grip my biceps as my nails dig into my skin. I should’ve grabbed a hoodie or changed out of my uniform. But I wasn’t thinking about my wardrobe until I started shivering. Though, I don’t think it’s truly from the chill in the air.

The announcer states the one rule, “Last one standing wins,” then the match begins. The crowd’s roar growing louder.

I’ve seen Cruz fight here before but never against Micah.

Cruz takes the first swing as Micah dodges the hit and keeps bouncing on the balls of his feet. It’s the complete opposite of the usual method I’ve seen him employ, which is go headfirst and reckless into the battle.

He’s holding back. Just like he did in the cage with my father.

The second punch Cruz throws connects with Micah’s jaw. There’s a flash of something as Micah’s tactic immediately shifts, his arm swinging as he goes straight for Cruz. Hit after hit that Micah throws lands with excruciating thuds. Cruz isn’t able to recover enough to strike back and keeps getting hammered.

My stomach twists at the sight of the blood trailing down his face and bare chest as I watch the brutal assault.

Stop. Micah needs to stop before it’s too late.

Micah gets Cruz in a headlock, his bloody fingers clawing at the arm crushing his throat.

Cruz’s face morphs into Dad’s. Mentally, I’m back in the cage, witnessing my father’s hatred staring back at me and the hollowness in Micah’s eyes as he nudges for me to look away. I did then and will now too.

“I can’t watch this.” I shove through the mob and try to get to the exit. The blood in my head thumping against my eardrums drowns out the shouts of the crowd.

Running out of the building, I dash through the cemetery. I trip, falling to my knees, and the cold, wet grass grounds my reality as I erase the images of my father and the brutal brawl in the cage from my mind. Going to the Tomb was stupid. Why did I think watching Micah fight would be a good idea? I press my hands over my ears, then slide my fingers into my hair. I have to keep going and get the heck out of here.

When I get to my feet, a figure moves out from the shadows. I expect it to be Micah. In a split second, I think he’s followed me. But the person who steps out is Julian. “Hello, Brooke.”

I’m stepping back as I tell him. “Stay away from me.”

“Did you really think I’d just let it go? I wasn’t satisfied before and won’t be tonight without a taste, even if it’s not mine to be had. Someone needs to put you in your fucking place. And now, you’re out here unprotected. Why would I give up such a great opening to be alone with you? I knew your boyfriend would be distracted with the fight. You’re finally not surrounded by his goons and idiotic brother. So, I have you all to myself.”

Julian moves in my direction as I back up, hitting a solid form. A tight grip latches around my chest, pinning my arms to my sides as another hand covers my mouth. My panic rises as I thrash and struggle, trying to get free of the unyielding restrain.

Lifting his fingers, Julian gets in front of me and holds up a few bills. “I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. You on your knees, sucking his dick. It was quite the show. And now it’s my turn to collect. But don’t worry, I’ll still pay those dollars I promised.”

He reaches towards me, tucking the money in my shirt before his fingers rub over my neck. The sensation sends a surge of horror through every limb of my body.

It was him. He’s the Collector. This isn’t happening. He’s just trying to scare me. But I don’t believe it from the sinister glare in his eye.

I bite down as hard as I can, and the grip quickly falls from my mouth. My arms are still immobilized, so I kick and stomp, making contact, and that’s when I’m slung to the ground and realize it’s Blaine who had me. He’s friends with Julian but he’s never been a pain in the ass like his buddy. “I didn’t sign up to be mauled by this crazy bitch.”

I didn’t sign up for this shit either.

Before I can get to my feet, Julian is in front of me, gripping my hair as he yanks me to standing. “Sorry you can’t control a weak little girl.”

My eyes sting with tears as he pulls my head back and seethes, “I’m glad she’s a feisty one. The fight will make it that much better. Let’s get her out of here before they find us here.”

Bile rises in my throat as I struggle against the grip tightening, my father’s voice in my head yelling as he pulls my hair. But he’s not here. He’s dead. And I’m going to be too if I don’t get away from this psychopath.

As I swing my arms to hit him, Julian shields them then spins me around until my back slams into his chest. “Where’s that smart mouth now?”

In the distance, I hear Ivy yell my name. Then there’s a click, and cold metal is pressed against my temple. “If you make a sound, I will put a bullet in her head.”

I go still. Ivy can’t die because of me. When I see her pass by and go towards my car, I’m relieved. I won’t let another person get hurt for me.