[Elise’s POV]Jose’s words drift around me while I continue to stare at the building in front of me. With each passing minute, it becomes more and more familiar, and I can’t deny that I actually know this place.Shivering, I try to make sense of why this is happening. Everything was just as I remembered it from the dock that sat just behind it and the calm sea. Even the seabirds that fly high in the blue sky are exactly as I remember them.“Why?” I whisper, unable to believe it. “Why is this the place?”As the words leave my lips, I feel myself drifting back to reality, and when the world comes into focus, I realize that tears are streaming down my face.“What’s wrong?” Jose asks, reaching out to brush one from my cheek but stopping as I let a growl escape me. “Did something happen?”“That place,” I say slowly, feeling my hatred for my parents rise once again. “That’s the fucking orphanage I was in.”It was made to look like the perfect Catholic church with caring pastors and nuns who
[Rosco’s POV]Later, I sit with Denali as she hums softly to Serenity, who is fast asleep. Despite myself, I find my eyes traveling down to her tiny wrist, which holds the mark of the curse that is plaguing us, and before I can stop it, a growl is escaping me.“Ssssshhhhh,” Denali whispers, giving me a look. “You’re going to wake her.”“Sorry,” I sigh, snuggling up to Denali’s side. “I just wish I could be the one carrying that fucking mark instead of Serenity.”“I do as well.” Denali admits kissing me. “But I’m positive that you and the others will protect her with everything you’ve got.”Nodding, I prepare to say that was exactly what I was intending, but stop as Denali’s phone begins to go off.Frowning, I reach out and grab it, then pass it to Denali.“Text message.” She murmurs, swiping up the screen and then clicking on the message on the screen. “Who…”She doesn’t finish her sentence as her eyes grow wide from shock and her hand begins to shake.“What is it?” I growl, grabbing
[Elise’s Pov]I stare at the bar in front of me, understanding completely why Anasastia wanted to meet Denali here. Since it was located on the poorer side of town, the people who frequented these places were drug lords and criminals.“Sneaky, sneaky.” I giggle, straightening my skirt. “But not sneaky enough.”Putting a look of innocence on my face, I begin to move, heading into the building, which wreaks of alcohol and stale smoke. Once inside, I look around until I spot her sitting in a booth while sipping on some fruity drink.Doing my best impression of Denali, I make my way toward her and then take a seat while she watches me.Only when I’m settled does she give me a smile that gives me the creeps.“I’m so glad you came.” Anastasia beams. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”“Of course I came.” I counter, smiling gently. “How could I ignore my dear sister when she reached out?”“And here I thought you forgot all about me after taking over Emerald Moon with your husband.” She huffs.“No
[Elise’s POV]I feel my body being lifted and hefted over TJ’s shoulder before we are moving.Now, where are you taking me? I wonder inwardly as my body begins to sway with his movement. I was certain that it would be somewhere secluded with a room he could use to have his way with me. I was banking on this so that I could do the same. I couldn’t wait to see the look on his and even that bitch Anastasia’s faces when they realized I wasn’t actually drugged. Oh, it was going to be glorious.Fighting the shiver of excitement that wants to rush through me, I continue to play my part as the poor victim captured after a mediocre trick until, finally, I’m being carried into a building.‘This is it.’ Anna announces, her excitement adding to mine. ‘It’s about show time.’‘Yep.’I remain unmoving as I’m carried upstairs and then carried into a room and placed on what feels like a bed.Of course, this would be what they were planning. Ruining Denali to avenge Anastasia for her ruin after her mot
[Rosco’s POV]“Now,” I begin, taking in the three on the ground. “Someone better tell me exactly what was happening when I walk in.”I speak slowly as my anger rises and falls. I didn’t need a response to know what the hell it was that Anastasia had planned, but I wanted to see if she would continue to play the victim.“I...” she begins, taking the bait. “I only came here to speak with Denali, but she...” she continues, snapping her gaze at Elise. “She tricked me!”“Yeah, right.” Elise huffs with a growl. “Man, I hate bitches like you the most who play the poor me victim thing.”“I’m not!” Anastasia argues. “And who are you anyway? What have you done with my sister?”“I ate her.” Elise responds sarcastically. “There’s really no way you’re so fucking stupid you don’t understand what is happening here.”I hold back the laugh that wants to escape as Anastasia’s expression shifts. I guess she was really too stupid to understand what was happening. I knew that she wasn’t the brightest, but
[William’s POV]When we arrive at Emerald Moon, I grab Elise and throw her over my shoulder while Marty and Rosco watch on.“What are you doing?” She demands, attempting to break free. “Let me go!”“Be good,” I snap, smacking her ass and earning myself an explosion of laughter from Marty. “Rosco,” I continue, turning my gaze to my cousin’s narrowed one. “You can handle things from here, correct?”“I can.” He confirms.“Great.”I don’t wait for him to question what it is that I’m doing before I’m heading into the packhouse and beelining straight for my room. When I arrive, I nearly break the fucking door down to get into it, and once I’m in, I throw Elise down on the bed.With wide eyes, she stares at me until I’m pouncing, pinning her beneath me.“Where?” I growl, sticking a hand under the shirt she wears and sliding it up.“Where what?” She asks in exasperation. “I don’t understand cave man. You’re going to have to be more specific.”“Where the hell did they touch you?” I snap in fru
[Elise’s POV]I stare at William as his words repeat themselves in my mind again and again.Was he really being serious right now? Wasn’t he basically proposing to me right here and now? Was he out of his fucking mind?“Be prepared to lose.” I finally shrug, deciding to bite. “I have no intention of falling for you or anyone else in this lifetime.”“We’ll see.” William chuckles, grabbing my chin between his strong fingers. “But I’d say that you’re already beginning to fall.”“Shut up.” I growl, reaching up and cupping the back of his neck. “And kiss me.”I didn’t want to talk about feelings or possible future relationships. All I wanted to do was fuck, and since he was here and willing, he would help me satisfy my need.Understanding exactly what I wanted, William leans down, claiming my mouth with his own. When his tongue presses against my lips, I obediently part them, allowing him access. Together, our tongues dance while my hands begin to undo his belt and then his pants. Once the
[William’s POV]I make my way across the room while Elise’s eyes burn into my back and my father’s burn into my head. It is clear both are chomping at the bit to explode, but they’re both attempting to hold back.“You wanted to talk, right?” I ask my father when I reach him. “Then come with me.”For a moment, he doesn’t speak as he continues to take in Elise, who is being obedient for once and remaining in place.“Before that, you better explain to me what is going on here.” He huffs.“Isn’t it obvious?” Elise calls before I can even speak. “We’re doing what adults do.” As she speaks, she lets a smug smile spread across her lips. “Are you blind or just too stupid to understand?”“Watch it.” My father growls, his eyes flashing. “I highly doubt anyone would care if a criminal went missing.”“A criminal.” She repeats, her voice filling with amusement. “So you’ve heard of me?”“You…”“Come along!” I announce sternly, grabbing my father’s arm and pulling him along behind me. “You came here