Page 34

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ELLA

I folded my arms across my chest and impatiently tapped my foot against the hardwood floor of the living room. “I’ll ask again, Dope. Where is Death?”

He reached for the rolled joint in his flannel shirt pocket and popped it into his mouth.

I gave him a pointed look. “Not in here with my kids.”

“Yeah. I got it.” He stood and headed toward the door.

With a few quick strides, I stepped in front of him and blocked his exit. “Not so fast. You can smoke your joint on the balcony if you behave and tell me where my husband is.”

“Ella, I can’t tell you. It would put you in danger.”

I put my hands on my hips and glowered at him. “You’re in danger now, so you better talk and quick, dammit.”

“All right. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll tell you where he is only if you give me your word you’re not going after him.”

My eyes widened. “Does he have the guy that kidnapped me?”

Dope’s gaze darted away from mine. Bingo.

“Who is it, Dope? I deserve to know. I lived through hell.” I wasn’t lying, but I hoped some guilt would also work in my favor.

“We don’t know who is behind it, but Death has the guy that drove to your house when you were taken. He, uh … may or may not have eyeballs left in his head.”

“Oh shit.” I barked out a laugh, then slapped my hand over my mouth, hoping I didn’t wake Verity and Alaric, who were sleeping in their room. “Serves the son of a bitch right.”

“I think … if it helps you feel better —” Dope stopped abruptly. “You didn’t give me your word that you wouldn’t go after him. I’ve already said too much.”

A fierce battle raged within me as my conscience and heart fought for control, tearing me apart. One part of me thirsted for revenge and longed to join forces with Death against the men who had captured me. But the other part, the primal instinct to protect my children roared through my veins like a raging inferno. If I abandoned them and something happened to both Death and me, my precious babies would be left without either parent to guide them.

I chewed on my lower lip and debated my answer, but I already knew what it was.

“You have my word. I won’t go after him. I’ll let him do what he does.” My chest ached with my promise.

“Perfect. In my opinion, Death should have told you already, but for some reason he didn’t. Sometimes I don’t understand his reasoning. Do you?”

I resisted the urge to smack him, hard. Instead, I grabbed his joint from his hand and threatened to snap it in half.

“Go ahead. I’ll just unroll it and smoke it in a bowl. No skin off my back.”

“When I’m done with it, you won’t have anything left to smoke.” I waited for that to sink in. I hadn’t told anyone how terrified I was that Xavier would heal and come after me again. I kept the truth hidden, too afraid to speak it aloud. The mere thought of Xavier seeking revenge made me break out in a cold sweat. How could we have been so blind before, unaware of his watchful attention constantly on me? The memory of him tracking me like a wounded animal after I’d escaped assaulted my senses as the memories rushed back.

“Why wouldn’t Death tell me that?” My chest heaved with my question in a lame attempt to control the emotions that were threatening to spill over.

“Because he didn’t want you to find him until he sent for you. He needed time alone with Xavier, and to make sure that you were safe.”

I closed my eyes, trying to silence the rising panic that was wrecking me. “Okay. That makes sense.” I looked at Dope again. “But I need to see Xavier again. I have to.”

Dope gave me a quizzical look. “Why?”

I glanced around the room to make sure no one was in earshot, but Cami had left to go to the grocery store and the kids were asleep. Dope and I were alone. Regardless, I leaned in and whispered what I’d learned.

Dope staggered backward with the news. “Fucking hell, do you think he was lying?”

I shrugged. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“Death can’t kill him, Ella. I mean not yet.” He drew in a sharp breath, a desperate look on his face.

“That’s why I want to know where he is. I want to give him the choice of whether we need Xavier alive for a little while longer. Please, Dope, tell me where they are.”

He threw his hands up and stepped back. “Ella, he’ll kill me. I feel letting Xavier go is a much better option.”

I rolled my eyes. “I agree with you, but don’t you think that should be Death’s choice? Besides, he would never hurt you. You’re his family.” I glanced at my watch. Death had been gone for approximately twelve hours, according to Dope. “We’re running out of time. What if he’s already killed Xavier?”

“Fuck.” He paced the living room, then reached for his joint. “I need that right now.”

“Tell me where he is, and I’ll buy your next bag.”

Dope blew out an exasperated sigh. “Promise me you’ll have me cremated and buried next to my grandparents if he kills me.”

“You have my word. I’ll make sure your wishes are respected.”

“He’s in California. There’s an abandoned building he likes to use. He’s holding Xavier and John there.”

I flinched at the name John.

“Who is John?”

“The man that wore the dark shades and drove to your place.”

I groaned and shook my head. “What’s the deal with all these horrible men that are named John?”

“Dunno. But if you want to make it in time, you need to get the hell out of here.”

I threw my arms around him in a big hug. “Please tell Cami I had to … find Sebastian, and that I’ll be back as soon as possible.” Before he could answer, I hurried to the bedroom to change into jeans and a sweater and to pack. A part of me wanted to call Kip and Death and let them know that I was on the way, but I didn’t want them to tell me no. I would show up and ask for forgiveness later. Twenty minutes passed, then I kissed my sweet babies goodbye and left to find Death before it was too late.

Walking out the door of the penthouse had nearly ripped my heart out. The last thing I had wanted to do was leave my babies again. I wasn’t ready. A part of me kicked and screamed as I boarded the plane. I just wanted to return to my safe cocoon and forget the agonizing nightmare I’d lived. But I had to move forward. I refused to allow myself to live in bondage to Xavier … or anyone else.

Once I landed at the airport and rented a black car that would blend in well with others, I followed Dope’s instructions to the abandoned warehouse, checking often to see if anyone was tailing me. Finally, I reached the building Death and Kip were supposed to be in. I fired off a text to both of them that I was there so they wouldn’t attack me when I walked in. My breath caught in my throat as I realized that I was about to face Xavier once again. A messy ball of emotions bloomed in my chest—fear, horror, and a fury I hadn’t experienced before.

The door swung open, and Kip stepped out to greet me.

“You’re an unexpected surprise, but I’m glad you’re here.” He looked around outside and then he held it open for me. “Watch your step. This used to be an old mill and there are nails and shit still around.”

“I will. I’m not sure that was the reaction I thought I’d get when you guys found out I was here, but I have to talk to Death. Please tell me Xavier is still alive.”

Kip frowned. “You’re concerned about Xavier after what he did to you?” He slipped his arm around my shoulders.

“Yes and no. I need to talk to Death.”

Kip’s steps echoed on the creaking floorboards as he led me through the abandoned building. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, and my pulse raced in anticipation.

“You’ll have to wait on that one.” His tone was gentle. “We have a much bigger issue to deal with. That’s why I’m happy to see you.”

As we reached an entrance to a room, a wave of dread washed over me. Kip’s cryptic words added to the unease gnawing at my stomach.

“Kip, I don’t understand,” I called to him as he walked away.

“Open the door, Ella,” he responded.

Trembling, I slowly pushed it open and braced myself for what lay ahead.