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“You deserve this, don’t you?” He came clearly within view, his arms at his sides, lips quirked into a cold smile. “Say it.”
He waited for her to nod. Give up. Acquiesce. She always did, submitting to being a punching bag.
But this time… She just eyed the night sky, unconcerned by the raindrops speckling her face. If this night was to be her last, then she might as well go out with her dignity intact.
Be blank…empty. Don’t let them see…
“I asked you a question, Loren.” He crouched and snatched her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You deserve this, don’t you?”
She said nothing, too exhausted to play along.
Fresh anger distorted his features to an alarming degree. His eyes seemed to glow, his jaw lengthened. Those yellowed teeth even seemed sharper…
She was hallucinating. She had to be.
“You deserved this.” As he spoke, his tone deepened, becoming more guttural. “Say it, you little bitch!”
He raised his fist but reached for her throat instead. Using the grip to pin her down, he turned his attention to the skin bared by the torn halves of her nightgown.
Loren froze. He never touched her. Not like this.
“You didn’t wait long to let that ass, McGoven, have you, did you?” He breathed harshly. “How long have you been fucking him, huh?”
Loren frantically shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut, trying to breathe.No.
“If I had known what a little slut you were, I would have used you to pay off my damn debts, rather than work my ass off—”
His hand trailed to the strap of her bra, tugging, and that was the last thing she remembered.
Gggggrrrrrrrrrlllllllll.
The growl shattered through everything. Even the earth seemed to ripple with the force of it. It could have been a roll of thunder, but as the thought crossed her mind, some part of Loren snickered—Ha-ha, you wish.
“Fuck!” Whatever it was, the sound startled her father. He withdrew from her, scanning the forest frantically. “The asshole wouldn’t dare.” His voice quivered. He was afraid.
Of what?
“I’ll deal with you on my own damn property. Come on—” He reached for her again, and a part of Loren knew that it was her only chance.
The knife was still in her hand, but she had no conscious control of her limbs. With an eerie sense of calm, she felt that impulsive force take hold of her again. Her arm moved, bringing the knife into something firm that grunted at the blow.
And then suddenly...the knife was gone, ripped right out of her hands.
When she stood, the only thing she was aware of was the falling rain on her skin.
Keep moving, Loren,that calm voice commanded.Just keep moving. Just move. Don’t stop.
She didn’t make it far.
After a few steps, she stumbled and went down face first. By reflex, her eyes flew open, and everything fell into focus. She saw the silvery rain that pelted her outstretched fingers…mingling with a darker, more vibrant color.
Red.
“No!” The wail ripped from her throat. Helpless, she curled up in a ball, knowing the truth in her gut even though she never turned her head to look. She couldn’t look.
She didn’t know how long she huddled there, screaming out wordless howls as the rain died down to a whisper. But she knew the exact moment whenhecame.
By then, the rain died down to barely a cool mist as if to herald his arrival. Even nature didn’t dare to challenge him.
