Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“I wasn’t aware this was story time,” I stated.
“It isn’t.”
My father’s stare shifted toward the fireplace, his reflection flickering against the wall. When I was a kid, I used to envision puppets dancing across the white paint. Sometimes I’d still see the strings attached to my old man.
His words were quiet now. “They buried him standing.”
I resisted the urge to tell him I didn’t give a fuck, instead, I mocked, “Should I be taking notes?”
“No.” His gaze shifted back to me before he questioned, “Did anything happen that wasn’t supposed to?” He took another slow sip from his drink, setting it down on the table. It loudly clinked against the wood.
I followed the sound. “You tell me.”
“I already know what happened.” His voice never rose. “I want to know what you think happened?”
“I found her, didn’t I?”
The room suddenly felt smaller.
“I know.”
“Then why am I here?”
He reached for the decanter and refilled his drink. Everything he did had a purpose. “Again, I ask, did something happen that wasn’t supposed to?”
I shook my head.
“No?”
“No,” I sternly repeated.
“You answered too quickly.”
“I answered.”
“You reacted.”
“Some people would say they’re the same thing.”
“Since when are you some people?”
Losing my patience, I asked, “Is there a point to this conversation?”
“Why, son?” He leaned back into his chair. “You have somewhere more important to be?” He gestured to me. “Considering you show up to a party in our home dressed like you don’t live here.”
“You should be grateful I’m here at all.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You wear that hoodie because you think it separates you from this family.”
“No.” I paused for effect. “I wear it because it’s comfortable.”
“One day you’ll realize everything I’ve done is for you.”
“And one day you’ll realize all the guilt you keep aiming at me is just a gun you’ll never fire.”
He growled, standing abruptly. “You’re becoming insufferable.”
“I learned from the best.”
He considered me a moment. “Don’t confuse provoking me with winning, Onyx. You’ve done it your entire life.”
“Yet you’re still surprised.”
Inhaling sharply, he straightened the lapels of his jacket.
“Are we done here?”
“No.”
I reached for the doorknob anyway.
“I didn’t dismiss you.”
I laughed. “I’m done asking.”
Three strides was all it took for him to close the distance between us. He stopped close enough that I could smell the whiskey on his breath. Once upon a time, I would’ve taken a step back.
I didn’t.
I held my head higher.
His eyes searched mine, waiting and measuring what he was up against. Looking for any sort of hesitation from me like I had when I was a kid.
Finally, getting close to my face, he bit, “You’ve forgotten your place.”
I didn’t falter in reminding him, “My place is taking yours.”
He gripped the front of my hoodie, dragging me up to his face. “Don’t you ever think you’re replacing me, Onyx. I’m your fucking father, and until I die, you stand behind me. Do you understand me?”
“Don’t tempt me,” I clenched out.
“You’re defiant like your mother.”
I grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“She fucking spoiled you. I warned her that—”
“You don’t get to rewrite history, old man. Now”—I scoffed—“I suggest you let go unless you want me to remind you I’m not a kid anymore.”
He cautiously did as he was told, and I smiled.
“At least you learn fast.”
“Don’t lapse restraint for weakness, Onyx.”
“No.” I opened the door. “I mistake it for intelligence.” With that, I left him there.
There wasn’t a chance in hell I was walking into the ballroom where the party was still being held, so I took the back stairs to my bedroom. I didn’t stay there often. I had my own floor suite back at the Academy. All the Blood Oath Brothers did. It came with the title. I’d be staying there more now regardless.
I shoved open my bedroom door. The extravagant suite hadn’t changed. It never did. I threw off the hoodie, annoyed that his hands were on me. Frustration quickly followed along with anger. I tossed the rest of my clothes and jumped in the shower to wash off the grime.
I cranked the water as hot as it would go. Steam swallowed the glass within seconds. I scrubbed my body raw, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. It didn’t wash away the night. Her face found me nonetheless.
“What the fuck…” I swore under my breath.
The heat pounded against my shoulders, drowning out everything except for the thoughts in my head.
It wasn’t her.
I hated loose ends, and now she’d become one.
Leaning my forehead against the tile, I contemplated what I couldn’t let go. They say your body gets used to whatever it’s given. It’s our natural state of survival. It was adaptation in its truest form.
I was lucky if I slept two to three hours a night, never fully reaching the deep sleep phase. The faintest sounds woke me up, always feeling like I had to look over my shoulder, unable to trust anyone.