Page 64 of The Monsters Within

I turned my head to Cash; Thorne was sixteen when he joined the club? That’s so young.

You were fourteen when you started working with the Nyght Nymphs.

That was different, though.

How?

I didn’t know. It just was.

“Anyway, I told you I’d bring her by so you could meet her. Your cut looks good on her. Still think I should have bought her a new one. You should have been buried with yours. But I did like you asked.”

I hadn’t told him about the letter I’d found in the pocket. I wasn’t ready to read it yet. Maybe after today. I looked up at Cash and smiled.

“Can I have a few minutes alone?”

“You gonna complain to her about me?”

I looked at the headstone and chuckled. “Maybe.”

He smiled back and kissed the top of my head. He did that a lot. Our height difference was comical, and the top of my head was easy to reach.

“Don’t believe a word she says, Rach. I’m absolutely perfect.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of me as the wind picked up and the trees swayed. It felt a little like Rachel responded with‘yeah, right.’

He walked away, and I watched his ass until he was far enough away that he couldn’t hear me. “He’s got a great ass, doesn’t he?” The wind picked up again, and I knew then she agreed.

I turned around to face her. Positioning myself directly in front of her headstone, I sat cross-legged on the ground.

“I found the letter you left me. I haven’t read it yet. Not sure I’m ready.” Wind blew over my face like a caress, and I tipped my face to the sky. “I don’t deserve him. But thank you for letting me have him. I’ll do my best to love him and take care of him. He’ll never forget you. I won’t let him.”

Absently, I picked at the blades of grass. I looked over my shoulder to see where he was. To make sure he was far enough away before I turned back.

“I remember you. There’s a picture in his room of you. You were so beautiful. Especially that day. I haven’t told him yet. Not sure how to bring it up. Maybe when I tell him about the letter. She’s doing okay. There’s a little trouble coming, but we’ll protect her.”

My words died off. I wasn’t sure how to do this.

“How did you know? We spoke for only a few minutes, but somehow you knew, didn’t you? It’s why you left me that letter. It’s why I haven’t read it yet. He’s gonna be mad, you know. At both of us, when I tell him.”

The wind carried her words to me.‘He’s all bark and no bite.’

“I’m scared, Rachel. I’m afraid if he learns the truth, he won’t want me. But I’m not sure how much longer I can keep my secrets. Can I tell you? Will you listen?”

The burst of wind was so strong it lifted my hair from my neck. Tears spilled over as I told Rachel my secret. I told her everything, and the monsters stayed asleep.

“I hate that you had to die for me to be here. You would have made a great friend.”

I stood up and looked for Cash. He ran over when he saw me swipe away a tear.

“You okay, Rose?”

“Yea, Rachel’s a great listener.” He pulled me into his arms and held me as we stood there with her for a few more minutes.

“You can come talk to her anytime.” He let me go and crouched down in front of her headstone. “Thank you, babe. I’ll always love you.”

Talking to Rachel had been cathartic. I told her about Mom and the man who took her. I told her about Thorne and how we lost each other for so long. And I told her about Amber and my feelings about Val. I told her everything.

Now I needed to talk to my brother.