“You do that,” I hissed, clenching my arms by my side so I wouldn’t take a swing at him. “You run like a little bitch while your son lays on a cold kitchen floor. Go hide, but I won’t. I watched my brother die, and I’ll take my last breath getting justice for him.”
“Don’t be stupid, Eden.”
I felt his impatience but refused to budge. “I’m going after them. Every one of them will pay.” My body shook as anger tore through me. Vengeance replaced the last traces of my humanity. “I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I can’t go back to my same life after what I saw. That life is gone. It died with Nash. I’ll live revenge, breathe it, and crave it until it’s served.”
We stared at each other, each of us unrelenting in our resolution.
Dejected, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver necklace. Closing his eyes, he let out a long breath and extended his hand, holding it by the chain. “Here. Take this.”
“What is that?” I blinked furiously, trying to rid my eyes of falling tears.
“Take it,” he repeated with finality, nodding once.
I couldn’t explain why, but I took the medallion out of his hand and squeezed it. The rough metal and smooth porcelain contrasted starkly in the dim light.
Studying the face, I glanced up quizzically. “St. Michael?”
He dipped his chin. “The Archangel. The guardian of souls who triumphed over hell. He was a spiritual warrior in the conflict against evil.”
Earlier images flashed in horrific sequence. “It’s a little late for a triumph over hell, Dad. I’m in it.”
Taking it from my hand, he draped it over my neck, and the chill of metal rested against my chest. “Never take this off, Edie. You’re a warrior, and so much stronger than your old man. You can win this war, but you have to be smart and vigilant at all times.” Finally looking at me, he stared at my face as if he were trying to imprint it into his mind. “Save yourself, Eden. Don’t get involved with that man. They’re watching you.”
My brows creased. “What man? Who are you talking about? Stop talking in riddles!”
Without another word, my father grabbed his suitcase, kissed my forehead and headed out the back door. My feet felt planted in concrete. Even as my brain commanded them to move, I stood rooted to my spot, watching him as he closed the door and walked out of my life.
Fuck him.
I’d spent most of my adult life on my own. Today would be no different. My face had been the last thing Nash had seen. I knew he saw the promise in my eyes. I wouldn’t fail him.
Dropping the medallion from my hand, it landed with a thud against my chest. I never looked back as I stormed off the front porch, not caring if I disturbed the entire neighborhood. Children would be waking for breakfast in a few hours, and normal families would be making their way to church.
And I’d be plotting my next move.
With my keys firmly planted in my hand, I stomped to the driver’s side of my car. I’d just moved my thumb to press the button on the keyless entry when a rough hand snaked around my cheek and covered my mouth. Shocked, I tried to scream, but the pressure on my lips stifled any sound.
A familiar voice, muffled by my own jerky movements, hovered over my ear. “Stop fighting and it’ll be over soon.”
The words seeped into my mind, and my heart pounded.
It’ll be over soon.
I’d stayed here too long. They’d found me.
I had to make noise. I had to scream. The neighbors had to wake up. They’d come outside to investigate if they could just hear me. Inhaling hard, I mustered what little voice I could get out and squeaked a pathetic plea for help.
The gravelly voice behind me slithered in my ear once more. “I don’t want to hurt you, but if you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll do what I have to.”
His overbearing weight lifted me off my feet, and I caught a strong metallic scent as he held me against him.
Blood.
My stomach roiled at the all too recognizable stench as I struggled harder, throwing elbows and trying to use my feet and legs to kick him. I’d almost gotten leverage when a sharp sting in my neck sent a seeping warmth through my skin and a thick haze across my vision. The world swam and a black cloud overtook the morning light until nothing remained but hollow silence and a cold darkness.
Chapter Twelve
EDEN
