Penance E-Book

Kristen Middleton

• Herausgeber: Kristen Middleton and Cassie Alexandra
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Fourth and Final Installment of vampire romance series The Night Roamers.

Written by NY Times Bestselling Author Kristen Middleton.

Determined to locate Anne, Nikki and Nathan attend their mother's "funeral" in Shore Lake.

Meanwhile, Duncan goes missing after doing a little of his own investigating into Anne's disappearance, while Celeste's estranged brother, Martin, returns to Montana to avenge his father's death.

In this last installment of Night Roamers - illusions are revealed, lies are exposed, and love's fate is once again... tested.
Will Nikki finally learn the truth of what's been happening in Shore Lake, or is she still just a pawn in the twisted mind of an enemy she doesn't even realize exists?
 

Leseprobe

Copyright ©2020 by Kristen Middleton  

All rights reserved. All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The author acknowledges the trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

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Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter One

The clanging of metal echoed throughout the dark, musty dungeon. The prisoner, his wrists tethered above his shoulders, slowly raised his head.

A woman spoke. “Is he conscious?”

“Barely,” replied the guard.

“Let’s remedy that then, shall we?” she replied, a smile in her voice.

The echo of footsteps moved through the corridor toward his cell, and he clenched his jaw when she stopped outside of the metal bars, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

“Oh, honey, you don’t look so good,” she mocked as the guard unlocked the door. “I’ll bet you’d love a little snack. How long has it been? Two weeks?”

It had been much longer. His hunger was now so brutal that he’d started hallucinating. The only thing that kept him sane was the possibility of escape and revenge against the monster standing before him.  

“Nothing entices me more than an arrogant vampire at my mercy,” she stated, smiling in approval as she stepped inside his cell.

He glared at her as she moved around him like a lioness, circling her prey.

She clucked her tongue. “Have nothing to say? Still not interested in begging for my forgiveness?”

He didn’t give her the satisfaction of a response. He just continued to stare at her with loathing.  

“Dear... dear... you certainly don’t appear happy to see me,” she said, feigning sadness. “I’m somewhat hurt.”

He sighed and looked away, refusing to let her needle him. He knew it would only end in more savagery from the guard if he opened his mouth and told her what he really felt.

“Don’t you dare dismiss me,” she growled, poking him in the chest with a long painted nail. “Who in the hell do you think you are?!”

Her touch undid him. He snapped his head back. “Don’t you fucking touch me!”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t touch you?”

He gritted his teeth. “You heard me.”

“I will do whatever I want to you.”

“Why are you doing this?” he growled. “I’ve done nothing to you!”

“Nothing? This is your penance,” she said, raising her voice. “You caused this! Hell, you should be happy that I haven’t ended your life, just like you tried ending mine.”

That’s right. He’d almost forgotten.

His lips tilted at that memory.

Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, that amuses you? You know, I would have given you everything, but you threw it all away. And for what? A little mortal whore?”

His smile faltered

She smirked. “What’s wrong? Do you miss her?”  

He looked away.

She drew her hand up toward his cheek. “Miss her caresses?”  

He flinched before her fingertips reached his skin.

She lowered her hand. “You’re wasting your time, pining for her. She doesn’t miss you one bit. In fact, she despises you.”

“No,” he whispered hoarsely.

“Oh yes,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “And because you’re in here, there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it.” Her smile widened. “Nothing at all.”  

Grief and longing made his chest ache. He’d tried to forget about the girl, to ease the pain of missing her. But his heart allowed him no mercy. Even now, images of her warm smile and flawless, pale skin were his only light in the darkness.  

His keeper’s eyes searched his. “I would have given you everything, you know. Power, money, me...” Her eyes welled up and she blinked back the tears. “You’re nothing but a pathetic fool.” She turned to the guard. “He’s a fool. Don’t you agree?”

The guard, a tall, burly vampire with long, black hair and a tattoo of a cobra that ran across his collarbone, nodded. “Yes. You’re too good for the likes of him. I’d die for you. Any of us would die for you.”

She smiled in gratitude. “Thank you, Godrick.”

He took a step closer, his massive girth making her appear almost delicate. “If you’d like, I’ll kill him this instant. I will prove my loyalty to you and make him suffer like he’s never suffered before.”

Her smile was beaming. “I’m quite sure you would do it in a heartbeat, but that won’t be necessary.”

“Just tell me when...” said the guard. “Your wish is my command.”

“You’re so sweet, but when the time comes, I will be the one to end his life. In fact, I want to look into his eyes when it happens.” Her eyes grew brighter. “Watch him beg for mercy.”

Godrick nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

She patted the guard’s thick bicep. “But I do applaud your commitment to me, Godrick. It’s very refreshing after what I went through with our little prisoner. I have to admit – he never praised me the way that you have. Never.”

“He’s a waste of oxygen,” replied the guard with a sneer, “and obviously a very stupid fool.”

She chuckled. “You’re probably right. Speaking of space,” she poked the prisoner in the stomach. “There seems to be a little too much in his ribcage. We mustn’t let him fade away to nothing, as much as that would please me. Why don’t you go and fetch the girl?”

“Of course. Right away,” said the guard, walking away.

She turned back to the prisoner. “He’s right. I am too good for you. It’s quite obvious.”

He ignored her.

“You used to find me irresistible,” she whispered, tracing a finger down his bare chest. She stopped at the fly of his jeans and he noticed that her pupils were large and dark.

So, she does still desire me...

The wheels in his head began to turn.

“Sometimes, you even bowed to my every whim...” she said.

He knew that wasn’t true, but in her screwed up mind, she believed it.

She traced a finger along his zipper. “You still want me. I knew it,” she said, staring at him in triumph, as his jeans tightened around his hips. “Don’t you?”

He bit back the truth. To most, she was a vision of beauty, with her shiny blonde hair, high cheekbones, and full lips. To him, she was nothing more than a leper and his sudden excitement had nothing to do with her. It had everything to do with vengeance.

She grabbed him by the neck and stared up into his icy blue eyes. “Fortunately for you, I’ve been merciful. I don’t know why, but I still have this soft spot for you.” She sighed. “Anyone else? I would have ripped them apart by now.”

He knew her feelings for him had nothing to do with love. It was an obsession. A poison.

Just then, the guard brought in a young woman. She was in her early twenties, voluptuous, and had large, green eyes that were glazed over.

“Come here,” ordered his keeper.

The compliant slave stepped forward.

His captor turned back to him. “So, just like before – I’m going to let you feed. Then Godrick is going to beat the hell out of you. How does that sound?”  

Sighing, he looked away.

She moved to his ear and whispered. “I will break you eventually. You know that, don’t you?”

It took all of his willpower not to slam his forehead against hers. He knew if he did, he’d never get the chance to scape.

She licked her lips, leaned forward, and trailed her tongue across his cheek.  “Even if I have to bring your little slut here and shove a stake through her heart. Along with her boyfriend. What’s his name?” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, yes – Duncan?”

His nostrils flared.

She laughed wickedly. “Didn’t expect that one, did you? They are together now. In every way. And, I’m quite sure that she would rather die than let you touch her again. But not Duncan. He touches her every night. In places that you will never know again.”

He pulled at his chains, rage burning a hole inside of him as he pictured them together.

She stepped back, her eyes hard and cruel. “She loathes you. Believes that you’ve deceived her, Ethan. Believes that it was you who offered her to the lycan.”

He froze and stared at Faye in disbelief.

“She’ll never trust you again. You broke her heart,” she said, smiling bitterly. “Just like you did mine.”

“No,” he rasped. “You’re lying.”

With her eyes gleaming triumphantly, she stepped back and transformed herself into him. She grinned darkly. “Am I?”

Chapter Two

Nikki

––––––––

Mom’s bogus funeral was held on Friday afternoon at Our Savior’s, a small Baptist church on the outskirts of the town. Nathan and I drove together, while Duncan snuck over to Victor’s cabin in search of some kind of evidence that would prove she was still alive. Although we’d been staking out his place the last few nights, it was clear that Victor had moved her to a remote location.

“They must be having the service outside,” remarked Nathan as we pulled up in his Mustang. Surprisingly, Victor had released it to him the week before, explaining that our mother would have wanted it that way. We both agreed that he was only trying to placate us and get us out of his hair while he continued his schemes.

I noticed a small group of people huddled behind the church, near the gravestones in the back cemetery, and smiled wryly. “Makes sense. Victor would probably fry if he walked into a holy place.”

“Sorry,” replied Nathan, tapping the steering wheel with his fingers nervously, “but, I think it’s vampires that can’t step into a church or onto any type of sacred ground.”

I snorted. “Seriously? That’s just based on movies and you know it. I believe that we already proved that I’m not afraid of crosses.” I looked up toward the sky. “Nor the sun. Well, not very much, at least,” I added, pulling my shades closer to my face.

He shrugged. “Hey, I’m just saying that you might want to be a little extra cautious.  Take your time walking into the church. Maybe test it out. You know, in case you start to melt or something.”

“Nathan, I believe you’re thinking of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. Anyway, just because my DNA has been altered, doesn’t mean that I’m an enemy of the church. Heck, I pray, just about every night that mom is alive and well.”

His lips twisted into a sardonic grin. “You’d better change your prayer, now that she’s a vampire and already dead.”

I rolled my eyes. “We’re not dead. We just have different eating requirements and,” I sneered, “can kick your mortal ass faster than you can fart.”

“Don’t think just because you can kick my ass, you have the upper hand,” he sneered back. “I now have an arsenal of wooden stakes and hammers.” He reached under the seat and pulled out a Forty-Four Magnum. “Plus, I have this bad boy.”

I gasped. Nathan’s only experience with guns included a BB and a Twenty-Two. This was an entirely new ballgame. “Jesus. Isn’t that a little overkill?”  

He quickly shoved it back under the seat. “Relax. Duncan gave it to me. Along with a shitload of silver bullets.”

“Silver bullets? Where did he find those?”

“Sonny had a couple of boxes, I guess.”

I rubbed my forehead and sighed. “I guess you should have some kind of protection, especially against those monsters. Duncan and I can’t be around you twenty-four-seven.”

His face darkened. “And you shouldn’t have to be. If I were actually one of you, there wouldn’t be a problem.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You seriously do not want this.”

He grunted. “Says the girl who can fly anywhere in the world without a plane ticket. Look, you have no idea what it’s like knowing that my sister can throw me across the room like a Frisbee. It’s humiliating.”

“To me it’s a curse, not a gift.”

“It’s only a curse if you don’t want it. Maybe, I do.”

“Nathan, you do realize that if you were one of us, you couldn’t eat the way that you do now. I mean, that’s like one of your favorite pastimes.”

He frowned. “Well, yeah. I know.”

“No more burgers or ice cream. And forget about your late-night pizza orders. There is no delivery service for what we have to consume.”

“So, I’d have to give up food. I’d learn to deal with it.”

“And you could really deal with a diet of blood to survive? I mean, you can barely look at the supply in the refrigerator without getting sick to your stomach.”  

He raised his hand in protest. “Okay, yeah, the blood thing is pretty messed up.”

“Damn right it is. I’m telling you, I’d rather go back to being normal than having these so-called gifts that you’re obsessing over. And so would Duncan.”

His eyes narrowed. “Speaking of blood, you’re looking kind of pale. When was the last time you fed?”

“Why, you scared?” I teased.

“Ha... ha... Seriously, though. When was the last time you fed?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Three days? Maybe four?”

“You need to keep up on that,” he replied sternly. “Not only does it make you weaker, but I don’t need to have to watch my back.”

“You don’t trust me?” I asked, my feelings hurt. “You know I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

“I trust you. I just don’t trust your appetite. Celeste had told me that if you go without it for too long, it can make you delirious. Soon, the hunger begins to control you and nobody is safe.”

“Celeste is a special kind of lunatic,” I replied dryly. “She isn’t normal. Even for a Roamer.”

“So, you’re saying that you’re feeling fine, even though it’s been a few days since you’ve fed?”

“I’m fine,” I lied, not wanting to worry him. “I’m not even thinking about blood right now.” Admittedly, my stomach had begun to clench hungrily as soon as he’d brought up blood. But, he was my brother. I’d hurt myself before I ever hurt him.

His eyes narrowed. “You certainly don’t look fine.”

I pulled the visor down and stared at my porcelain reflection. I was definitely due for a fix. “I guess that I should have put a little makeup on,” I said, shutting the visor. “Well, at least it’s almost winter. Everyone is pale.”

“Good thing this isn’t shorts weather,” he replied. “I’d hate to see your pasty legs.”

“You and me both,” I replied. 

Today, I wore long, black slacks, a black turtleneck sweater, and a long, black leather jacket. Nathan had said I looked like a character from the movie The Matrix, with my hair pulled back and the glasses.

“Just keep your sunglasses on. Nobody will notice. They’ll think you’re just pale from being miserable. Hey.” He sat up straighter. “It looks like Victor is getting a ride from that piece of shit, Drake.”

I watched in my side-view mirror, as a black Cadillac Seville pulled up on the other side of the parking lot. Both doors opened and the two men, both wearing expensively tailored black suits, got out and began walking toward the cemetery. Victor, who was clutching a copper-colored urn, nodded and smiled grimly at us they passed.

“Yeah, like that’s proof that mom’s actually dead,” said Nathan, shaking his head in disgust. “So much for the casket. He must think we’re really stupid.” 

“I told you this thing was bullshit,” I said, opening the door. 

Quietly, we followed them to the group of people huddled at the edge of the graveyard. Victor and Drake barely acknowledged us.

‘I’m so sorry for your loss,” said an older woman, looking past Victor at me and Nathan. She had ebony skin and her dark eyes were soft. She smiled sympathetically. “I never met your mama, but I’m sure she was a wonderful woman. I’m Maddie, by the way.”

“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman,” I replied. “And, I’m Nikki. This is my brother, Nathan.”

“Nice to meet you both,” answered Maddie.

Nathan nodded solemnly. “Nice meeting you too, ma’am.”

There were two other women who offered their condolences, greeting us warmly. All of them were strangers, but I could tell that they really wanted to show compassion and support. It made me appreciate the town even more.

“Pastor Sherman,” said Victor, his voice grave. “Thank you for rearranging your schedule at such a short notice. I appreciate you doing the eulogy for Anne.”

The pastor, an older, dark-skinned man with kind, brown eyes and shortly-cropped gray hair, put a hand on Victor’s shoulder. “It’s my pleasure. I’m so very sorry for your loss.”

Victor, the clever actor that he thought he was, nodded his head and looked away, as if having a difficult time. “Yes, thank you. It has been a very trying time for our family.”

“Just remember that your wife is in a better place now,” he answered, releasing his hand. “A place she will no longer feel any pain or suffering.”

Victor nodded.

“I see you brought the urn,” stated the pastor.

Even though I was sure that the urn didn’t contain mom’s ashes, something told me that it was someone’s.

I glanced at Drake, who was now watching me through his sunglasses, and wondered if the ashes were actually Ethan’s. Part of me still hated him and yet, another part grieved for the bastard.

It was frustrating.

Feeling like a fool, I clenched my jaw and told myself that Ethan deserved whatever Drake had dished out to him. That if he was dead, it was well deserved. As if reading my mind, Drake smiled at me.

I looked away.

“Yes. I picked it up from the mortuary on the way out here. It’s hard to believe that this is all I have left of Anne,” said Victor, looking grief-stricken.

I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something hateful, as did Nathan, who also looked infuriated.

“On the contrary,” replied Pastor Sherman. “You have your memories, your children, and nothing will take that away.”

“You’re right,” said Victor. “Still, it’s hard.”

“It is. Just remember, that I do make house calls, so if you ever need to talk...”

Victor nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, Pastor Sherman. I will keep that in mind.”

“Good. Now then, do you need a hand with the urn?” asked the pastor.

Victor shook his head. “No, I can carry it. We’re going to the lake, correct?”

“Yes, it’s what you requested over the phone. These are the twins, I take it?” he asked, smiling at us.

“Yes. Our children, Nathan and Nikki,” replied Victor, smiling like a politician trying to win votes.

Biting my tongue, I forced my own smile. “Hello.”

Nathan stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Hello, Nathan. Nikki,” he nodded toward me as he shook Nathan’s hand. “It’s certainly nice meeting you both. Unfortunately, it had to be under such dire circumstances. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks,” we both replied in unison.

The pastor nodded and then his eyes moved back to me. His smile faltered. “Are you okay, child? You’re so pale...”

“No,” I replied quickly. “I’m fine. I mean, I guess I’m a little sick to my stomach at the moment,” I said, glancing toward Victor, who was studying me as well. “You know, with everything going on, and all.”

“Of course,” he replied. “This is a very challenging time. But, rest assured, your mother is in a place of love and peace. We are the ones suffering Not her.”

If only it weren’t true, I thought. She had to be suffering under Victor’s care.

Pastor Sherman continued. “Yes, she’s with the Almighty. Speaking of which,” He looked up at the clouds rolling in. “I think we’d better move to the lake and begin the ceremony.”

“Good idea,” replied Victor.

The pastor began walking toward the other church members. “Yes, let’s do this now. I hear we’re going to be getting hit with a nasty snow storm later.”

“I heard something about that too,” replied Victor. “It looks like everyone is here. Except...” He turned to me. “Where is that boyfriend of yours, Duncan?”

“He has some business that he has to take care of,” I said. “Something in town.”

Drake shook his head and sneered. “Business so important that he couldn’t attend his girlfriend’s mother’s funeral? What a wanker.”

“I would have to agree,” said Victor, looking troubled. “And I do hope that whatever business he is involved with, doesn’t get him into trouble.”

My eyes widened innocently. “Now, what kind of trouble could he possibly get into?”

“I’m not really sure,” he answered. His eyes darted to the pastor, who wasn’t paying attention, and he lowered his voice. “But, in our world, trouble is always lurking around the corner. That’s why I always stay one step ahead of it.”

“Always, huh?” I asked.

“Indeed,” he said, his eyes boring into mine. “That’s why those who cross me do not win. Ever.”

“You mean like Caleb and Celeste?” said Nathan.

“Exactly like Caleb and Celeste. So, keep that in mind.” He turned and began walking away. “We’d better follow Pastor Sherman, to pay our respects.”

“Yes,” said Drake. He held out his arm to me. “If you’d like, I’d be happy to assist you to the lake. You’re obviously a little undernourished and could use a strong arm to support you.”

“Drop dead,” I replied, brushing past him. “Wanker.”

“Your sister is so damn stubborn,” said Drake. He turned to Nathan and lowered his voice. “And really needs to learn who her allies are.”

Nathan scowled. “Like you’re an ally.”

“Oh, friend, more than you know,” he said under his breath before he walked away.

Chapter Three

Duncan

––––––––

Duncan surveyed Victor’s property before approaching the cabin, and it appeared relatively quiet. He flew to Nikki’s balcony and snuck inside.

As he sniffed the air, he could tell right away that the cabin was empty of lycan. Relaxing, he slipped into the hallway and made his way to Anne’s old room. When he opened the door, he found her king-sized bed stripped bare, and the walk-in closet empty. Next, he checked the rest of the cabin, which also showed signs that the place was being abandoned – the furniture was covered with sheets, the electricity had been shut off, and the refrigerator was empty. He opened up the cupboards, which were also bare.

Not even dog food, he thought wryly.  Yep, Victor has definitely ditched this place.

Chuckling to himself, he searched through several drawers in search of forgotten or discarded mail, but found nothing. Everything, but the furniture and kitchenware had been cleared out. Frustrated, he walked out the back door and was about to fly away, when he noticed the brown garbage bin next to the garage. He raised the lid and pulled out a large, white plastic bag from the top, grimacing from the horrendous smell.

“I can’t believe I’m digging through that asshole’s garbage,” he mumbled, his stomach roiling in protest.

Most of the items inside of the bag were empty food containers and random junk mail. As he dug further, a torn envelope caught his eye. He pulled it out and found that it was addressed to Victor. There was nothing inside of the envelope, but the return address definitely interested him.

It was Club Nightshade’s.

He wondered what kind of dealings Victor had with the club, and decided that it was worth checking out. He quickly finished his search of the trash bin and then headed toward the club.

––––––––

Nightshade was closed when Duncan arrived and apparently wouldn’t open until four p.m. With Faye gone, he wondered who was actually running the club.

He walked around the building and noticed that there were a few cars parked in the parking lot. The employee entrance at the back was locked, so he decided to check out the terrace above. Not seeing anyone, he leaped into the air and landed on the rooftop, where he noticed an open stairwell leading inside of the building. Once inside, he found a hallway that led to the penthouse apartment, which, to his luck, was unlocked.

Not sensing anyone inside, he walked through the extravagantly furnished condo. From the white leather furniture, plush mauve carpeting, and feminine décor, he assumed it had to have been Faye’s. Then, when he walked into the chic master bedroom, he noticed a large nude portrait of the shape-shifter on the wall and shook his head and chuckled. Only a vain woman like Faye would have a picture of herself, in the buff, facing her bed.  

Still grinning, he turned around and came face-to-face with the dead woman herself.

Her eyes glittered darkly and she smiled. “Boo.”

Chapter Four

Ethan

––––––––

The guard left him beaten and exhausted in the cell after hours of torture. Because of Faye’s twisted mind, however, he was allowed to feed on the girl. The blood worked quickly, and in no time, his wounds were healed and his mind became clear. Which brought his thoughts to Nikki.

What had Faye done?

The last memory of Nikki was in the casino, when both he and Duncan had been monitoring Nikki as she tried to lure in the lycan. Obviously, that had been the first mistake. He should have never allowed her to be used as bait, even if it was to find her family. Then, he’d been distracted by a woman who looked exactly like Miranda. Only, it had turned out to be Faye. A shape-shifter he’d destroyed back in Shore Lake. Or thought he had. She’d injected him with something and that was the last thing he’d remembered before waking up as a prisoner in her chamber of horror.

I should have beheaded her, he thought tugging on his chains again. Like a damn zombie.

Shifters were a deadly lot, and apparently, draining them of their blood wasn’t enough to destroy them. It had been a costly mistake. One he wouldn’t ever make again.

As he brooded about this, the dungeon became alive with the sound of violence being inflicted upon someone else. Unfortunately, they were out of eyesight, so he couldn’t see much of anything.

“You like to give punches, huh?” growled Godrick from somewhere deeper in the dungeon. “Well, how do you like taking them?”

There was a loud grunting noise, and it sounded to Ethan that the other prisoner hadn’t taken it well.

Godrick laughed. “How about a couple more?”

The prisoner said something and the guard swore at him.

“Knock it off. Both of you. Put him in the cell across from the other one, Godrick,” snapped Faye.

“Will do,” replied Godrick. Then his voice hardened. “Come on. You heard what she said. Continue fighting me, and I’ll cut off your feet and drag you inside.”

“Do what you have to, Godrick,” said Faye. “But don’t kill him. Not yet.”

“As you wish. Dammit, knock it off,” snapped Godrick as they stepped into view. When Ethan recognized the other captive, his eyes widened.

Faye came up behind them and smiled at Ethan. “Good. I’m glad you’re awake. What do you think of our newest pet?”

Ethan didn’t reply.

She tilted her head. “Oh, come on now. I’m sure part of you is tickled to death that he’s here.”

“Duncan, where’s Nikki?” he asked hoarsely.

At the sound of his voice, Duncan turned toward him and their eyes locked. “Ethan?” he asked, incredulously.

“Where’s Nikki?” he repeated.

Duncan scowled. “Like I’d tell you or anyone else here. In fact, you can all go fuck yourselves.”

“Pretty bold words from someone who should be on his knees and begging for his life,” said Godrick, shoving Duncan’s arms into the restraints.

Duncan struggled, his one hand still free, but the goliath guard slammed him against the wall so hard that it echoed. “You think you’re a badass, donut boy?” he growled, his eyes bulging as he got into his face. “You’re nothing. I could squash you like a pastry.”

Duncan spat into Godrick’s face and then slammed his forehead against his skull. There was a loud crack, and even Faye cringed.

The guard howled, stumbling backwards, but quickly regained his balance. He flew at Duncan and grabbed him by the neck. “I should kill you!” he roared, his face red.

“Enough,” said Faye. “Restrain him and then we’ll go search for Nikki. I think it’s time all three of them had a reunion. Then, afterwards, I’ll let you do whatever you want to Duncan and the girl.” She turned back toward Ethan. “Anything.”

Ethan glared at her.

“You touch her and I’ll kill you,” said Duncan.

Godrick smiled cruelly as he shoved Duncan’s wrist into the restraint and locked it. “Good luck with that.” Then he pulled his fist back and slammed his knuckles into Duncan’s nose.

Duncan grunted in pain as blood poured out of his nostrils. But, just as soon as it started, his immortal body clotted the flow. He licked some of it from his lips and smiled coldly. “That all you got?”

“Oh... there’s plenty more,” replied Godrick, before kneeing him in the groin.

Ethan watched as Duncan gasped and his legs buckled. The shackles on his wrists prevented him from dropping to the ground, and all he could do was hang in agony until his body recovered.  

“Is that what you’ve resorted to, Faye?” said Ethan, staring at the guard with contempt. “Hiring a pussy buffoon who can only fight when his opponent is unable to defend himself?”

Faye smirked. “I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you.”

“Why? Because your chicken-shit, homely guard might smack me around a few times again, being that I’m handcuffed?”

“You want some, too?” growled Godrick, stepping out of the other cell and kicking the door closed behind him. “I’ll give it to you, loudmouth.”

Ethan snorted. “If I was free, and it was a fair fight, the only thing you’d be giving is your life. To me.”

Godrick clenched his jaw. “I’d still kick your ass with my hands tied behind my back and you fully healed.”

“Only in your dreams, needle-dick,” replied Ethan.

“Drop it,” ordered Faye as Godrick advanced toward Ethan’s cell, his face the color of beets. “I said we have things to do.”

The guard, clenching his fists, froze. “This isn’t finished, though. Nobody talks to me that way.”

“Especially those who are tied up,” said Ethan. “And at your mercy.”

“Ignore him,” Faye warned, turning around.

“Mama’s boy,” taunted Ethan.

Godrick’s chest began to rise and fall rapidly he was so furious.

Faye rolled her eyes and began walking toward the exit. “Godrick. That was an order. Don’t ignore it or you’ll be sorry.”

The guard’s shoulders drooped. Mumbling under his breath, he ignored Ethan and followed Faye out of the dungeon.

Ethan turned back to Duncan, who was studying him. “Is Nikki okay?”

He laughed coldly. “Really?

“What do you mean, really?”

“Why do you even care?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he countered.

Duncan’s face darkened. “You’re unbelievably fucking crazy, you know that?”

He shook his head and sighed. “You have no idea of what’s really going on here, do you?”

“I guess not. Why don’t you explain? You know, make up some more lies. Try fucking with my head.”

“Come on, Duncan, I haven’t lied to you. I’ve always been straightforward.”

“As straightforward as a circle.”

He clenched his jaw. “Look, I know you think you know what’s going on, but you’ve been misled. And it’s not by me. In fact –”

Duncan laughed coldly. “You just never stop, do you?”

Ethan’s lips thinned. “Shut up and listen to me!”

“I’ve listened to you enough. We all have. But not any longer. Shit, I trust Victor more than I trust you.”

“Victor?”

“Yes, you know – Nikki’s psychotic stepfather? The one who howls at the moon at night? The guy who used to write your checks... until you betrayed him. Hell, Ethan, you’ve betrayed everyone.”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot up. “What in the hell are you talking about? Used to write my checks? And how in the hell could I betray a guy I’ve never met?”

Duncan shook his head in disgust. “Incredible. Look, just drop the act. Obviously something odd is going on here, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re right where you belong.”