AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ryker grunts in agreement and crosses his arms.
“One night, I was running in the hunt. I heard the screams of a woman. I came upon three of the hunters. Two of them were holding a man to a tree, a man that was my friend in that hellish place. The other hunter was crouched over a girl, my friend's sister. She was seventeen and on the verge of getting raped.”
Ava and Serenity sob, knowing the damage that would have done to a girl.
“I killed the man with my claws. My friend killed the other two. My friend’s name is Bishop, and he is a golden dragon.” I glance up to see tears, shock, and fury. “We teamed up and used our anger and pain to kill everyone there. My uncle got away. I swore I would leave all of it behind. Never speak of it again. But my uncle called me today. He is starting the games again. He threatened Ava.” Kerian curses. “Someone that we know is talking. We have to find out who it is and kill him.”
“River,” Ava whispers in anguish.
“River, that’s–” Kerian starts, his voice choking.
“No, I do not want pity,” I say roughly. “Don’t you dare treat me differently. Any of you.” I point around the room.
“So, he didn’t give you anything to go on.” Bash looks at me. His face is set in stone, but that’s his usual expression. I appreciate him moving the conversation to the important facts.
“No. I heard screams in the background, though,” I say. I stand, putting my hands on my hips. “He wants me to find him. But he won’t make it easy.”
“Why?” Ryker asks. “Why does he want you back so badly?”
“He took it as a failure—me escaping. I was his pet. His experiment. Why wouldn’t he want revenge?”
“You also probably cost him a lot of money,” Ryker guesses.
“I have no doubt,” I reply bitterly.
“He moved the operation?” Serenity asks, voice wavering.
“We burned the forest down. He would have to. It has to be fairly close. He wouldn’t travel across states to get Ava.”
“Somewhere isolated. In the woods,” Ryker says, new respect shining in his eyes as he watches me.
“Yes, we have to find whoever is talking to him. That’s how we’ll get some answers.” I walk across the room to look out into the backyard. I need to get some distance.
“Then that’s what we’ll do. Not many people know Ava is our mate. It should be a short list,” Kerian says.
“I think you should take Ava and go,” I suggest, looking over my shoulder at him.
“What?” Kerian asks, flustered.
“It would be safer. She would be safe with you. I can deal with this and tell you when it’s over.” I cut off the protests. “The further away from me, the better off you will be.”
Chapter Nine
Ava
River walks outside, closing the door softly. My mind can’t compute all the horrors he went through. He said it in a monotone voice. His emotions are locked down behind all the memories of that time. Being around River, I never guessed he went been through such a traumatic time. He expected to forget and move on. I understand not wanting to be vulnerable, but he hasn’t dealt with what happened to him.
This morning I was prepared to walk away from them. I left the house determined to forget how they make me feel, to move on. Now that they knew my shame, I assumed they would move on to.
I was confused by Serenity and Ryker wanting to stick by my side. I didn’t understand the sudden popularity. When Bash showed up, it raised so many questions. We could barely tolerate each other. When Serenity was in trouble, he was in charge of keeping me safe. We drove each other nuts. He’s not mean, just cold, and I enjoyed pushing all his buttons. We may yell occasionally, but he is more like my older, much older, annoying brother.
I went through some messed-up shit growing up. After hearing River’s story, I feel silly being so innocent of the horrible lives others are forced to lead.
I don’t feel pity. I feel amazed that he didn’t give up. I admire him.
“Maybe it would be better if you two did leave,” Serenity says hesitantly.
“Fuck no, we stay together,” Kerian states.
