Page 81 of Always A Villain

By the time I reach the parking lot, the storm outside has ramped up. Rain crashes down in sheets, soaking the pavement. I pull my hoodie tighter and make a break for the car.

Just as I fling the door open, a black BMW screeches into the lot, tires skidding to a stop.

My breath catches.

The tinted window rolls down, revealing Creed’s frantic face.

“Rory!” His voice is sharp, edged with pure panic.

“Creed?”

“It’s Spencer!” he shouts. “He was in an accident—with your nieces!”

The words punch the air straight out of my lungs.

I stumble forward. “What?”

Creed’s hands are tight on the wheel, white-knuckled. “They’re in an ambulance, on the way to the hospital. Get in. Now.”

I don’t waste a second. I leap into the car, slamming the door shut behind me.

“What happened?!” My voice cracks as panic overwhelmsme. Creed jerks the car into gear, peeling out of the lot, weaving through traffic like a madman.

Heart hammering so hard it hurts, I grip the dashboard. “Are the girls okay?!”

“Heather called me. She didn’t give me details, just that they’re hurt.”

“How badly?”

“I don’t know!” Creed snaps, swerving through traffic as we veer away from the Iron. My mind races, and I realize my phone is dead. Before I can even ask for a charger, Creed yanks my phone from my hand and tosses it out the window.

“Hey! What the hell!?”

“Rory, this wouldn’t have happened if Axe hadn’t interfered. It was the easiest way to get you to come with me.”

Unease slithers through my veins. “What are you talking about? Interfered with what?” It suddenly feels like I can barely breathe, only worsening when he doesn’t answer. “Creed, turn around and take me back right now.”

“Can’t do that,” he says, a sickly-sweet smile stretching across his face.

“Creed, please.” Tears prick at my eyes as reality crashes in. This isn’t good. “What are you doing? Turn around and take me back! Now!”

His expression remains frozen, eyes locked on the road ahead.

“It’s already done, Rory. But don’t worry; you’ll be with them soon enough,” he says, his voice flat, devoid of any trace of warmth.

“Be with who? What the hell are you talking about? Creed, stop this car right now!” I shout as tears spill downmy cheeks.

“The Dolore.”

“No, no, no,” I whisper, my body trembling with disbelief. “Creed, what are you saying? What the fuck are you talking about?” I grab his arm, desperation surging through me, but he swerves, jerking the car back onto the road. His fist connects with my face, sending me reeling against the seat. Pain explodes across my jaw, and the metallic taste of blood fills my mouth.

“I will fucking hurt you,” he snarls.

“Why are you doing this? Creed, please! Stop! Don't do this!” I scream, my voice cracking under the weight of hysteria. Blood trickles down my chin, splattering onto my leggings.

“It would have been much easier if Axe hadn’t gotten in the way. I never thought the Reaper would fall for a girl, but it doesn’t surprise me that you were his weakness.” He sighs, and my stomach plummets to my feet.

“Please, take me back. I’m begging you, Creed. Whatever this is, whatever you’re doing, please don’t. Just let me go! What about Spencer? You’re his friend! Please, Creed, you can’t do this!”