Page 19 of Hysteria Rises (Dark Falls Hollow #1)
“We’ll also need the four of you to help us by taking shifts to deal with the girl until she calms enough for us to leave her with the women. There was … an incident last night.”
At his words, I swivel to look at the other guys, who are just as in the dark as I am. “We’ll let you know when you’re to go down there to check on things, take food, and so forth. We’ll fill you in on what needs to be done.”
Arrow raises a hand. “But”—his voice trails off, a line forming down the center of his forehead—“why aren’t the women doing that?”
Henry rubs a meaty hand over his jaw. “She’s a poor influence on them, has them worked up, and we feel it’s best to keep them separated as much as possible right now.
” After a brief nod, Nolan turns back to me.
“She must submit. And that would have fallen to Finneas to take care of on this occasion.” He pauses to cast a glance at Henry and Kiefer.
Arrow’s father is stoic, unbothered by this proclamation.
Malakai’s not so much. In fact, I could swear, Kiefer is having to employ legendary feats of will not to let his true feelings be known.
Because of course he would want Malakai to have this rite over me—but it’s not his place. It’s mine.
And I’m fucking unwilling to give up something that I’ve been in line for my whole life—even if I’m unsure of what exactly that entails. Mal has thought he was entitled to more since the moment he arrived. He’s wrong. “I’m prepared to do whatever you need of me.”
(Day 4)
The next morning dawns to more of the same gloom, with only hints of the sun breaking through the clouds every so often. I complete a few necessary tasks before going in search of Cross so we can get moving. I’m ready for this. I fucking have to be.
Nolan’s words to me late last night ring in my head. Hayze, you’ll brand her in multiple ways. She’ll be ours.
I drag a steadying breath into my lungs as I roll those words over in my mind. What’s mine is yours. And what’s yours is mine. It’s always been like this. But now … now it’ll be the absolute truth. It feels real.
Steeling myself for what’s to come, I stride with purpose down the hall to the wing where both Nolan’s and my father’s rooms are located. I duck my head into the medical suite, spotting Cross at the supply cabinet. “You ready?” I murmur low. Subconsciously, I know today is really fucking important.
Cross pivots, bag in hand, and smirks at me.
“I could do what needs to be done on my end in my sleep.” He levels me with an intense stare.
“The question everyone has this morning is are you ready? This is your show. Your … ascension to the ranks of the Collective. It’s a massive deal to be given this opportunity. ”
I rub a few fingers over my lips, hiding the beginnings of my smile before dropping my hand.
With a nod that I’m aware is halfway to arrogant, I firmly state, “I fuckin’ am.
” I shrug, then punch his arm right in the tattoo I’d put on his bicep myself.
“Besides, I’m itching to do some more of my best work today. ”
“Good to hear.” As we walk out the door and proceed down the hall side by side, he nudges me. “But what about the rest of it?”
“I’m ready for that, too.”
He chuckles. “Who of us isn’t? But … I might be able to help.”
My eyes fly over to meet his. “I uh … I don’t need help. Not with that.”
“Oh? Well, you might change your mind if you hear me out.”
I shake my head at his cocky grin, then pull open the heavy cellar door. I inhale, curiosity piquing in my blood, but prepare myself to do what needs to be done.
We slip through the downstairs living area without drawing attention.
No surprise there. Our women are trained to mind their own business.
Eight is at her sewing machine. Twenty-one has been tasked with the schooling of the children since her arrival and will be busy doing that.
Twenty-two and Sixteen are likely upstairs doing meal prep.
As we approach the hallway on the far side of the room, it’s obvious why the Collective are on their guard when it comes to this girl and unwilling to let her anywhere near the rest of the women yet. A hoarse shout can be heard echoing down the hall from her cell.
I press my lips together, only sparing Cross a glance as we open and rush through the heavy door.
He shuts it firmly behind us. This area is dark and gloomy, even in the middle of the day.
There are hardly any windows. No lights.
It’s a good fucking thing we don’t have to complete this first undertaking right here.
And for a hot minute, my heart bucks within my chest because I don’t spot Twenty-three when I peer into her cell.
“Where?” Cross grabs my forearm, frowning.
But then there’s a shuffle, alerting us to her presence. I point to where she’s tucked herself into the most remote lightless corner. Her arms are wrapped around her knees, her head bowed. All that’s easily discernible is the blonde hair.
Matter-of-factly, I gesture to Cross that he should get ready, and he puts the key into the lock on the door while I turn, grabbing the heavy metal equipment from the hook on the wall.
Cross whips the door open, and as I enter the tiny cube of space, her head lifts, fierce blue eyes shining in the dark while she watches my every move. In a bid to escape, she scrambles—as if there were anywhere to go.
I pull my hand from behind my back, the metal chain clanking ominously. Her mouth gapes open, and she gasps, shaking her head. “Stay the fuck away from me with whatever that is.”