“Braxton,” I choke—not only because he’s so close and I’m deathly afraid of him, but because I can barely speak from my lack of saliva.
“I suppose I should get you a drink. You’re gonna need all of your strength anyway.” He slightly rolls his eyes. “Deacon!” he calls over his shoulder. The door swings open almost immediately. “Get our princess here something nice and cold to drink—and make it quick! Time is tight around here!”
Deacon (the Hellion that had snatched me from my apartment) nods at Braxton then winks at me. “You got it. Nice to see you’re up, Princess.” Deacon grins, revealing a glimpse of his glistening teeth. I shudder but I can’t help but to stare at his face. Deacon is flawless, despite his red eyes that have haunted me for weeks. His cropped black hair matches well with his olive skin. His grin would be charming if I weren’t so terrified of him.
“And don’t poison it!” Braxton calls before the door slams. “I know how these brutes can get around here. They’ll kill anyone for the fun of it.” Braxton shakes his head lightly, smirking, and my palm twitches. I want to slap him right now and I would if these chains weren’t bound around my wrists.
“Why?” I manage to say through the rocks in my throat.
He frowns. “Why?” he asks, tilting his head as well. His shining blue eyes glare into mine. “Why, you ask?” He plops down on his rear but his eyes don’t drift from mine. “Why . . .” He places a hand on his chin, as if in deep thought. “How about you tell me why, Alexandria. After all, I’m sure you know more about what you are now, right?” He grins wickedly.
“I don’t know anything,” I mutter with an unknown raspy voice.
“You don’t?” He raises an intrigued eyebrow. “You know, Alexandria.”
I shake my head and look away from him, no longer wanting to speak.
“Don’t shake your head at me,” he growls as he reaches for my face. “Every single Angel that you know has told you why you’re so special, why you’re so unique—yet you still don’t understand. This should all be easy for you to comprehend by now.”
“Well it’s not,” I hiss as I glare into his eyes.
“Don’t you dare get smart with me,” he grumbles through his teeth. He’s trying to remain casual but there is a hint of frustration in his voice and it is forcing me to shut the hell up. Braxton fixes his mouth to speak but the door swings open and Deacon steps in with a can of Coca-Cola in hand with a pink straw placed inside. Braxton glances over his shoulder briefly to reach for the soda. “Get out,” he mutters as soon as the soda is placed in his hand. Deacon grimaces at Braxton before whirling around and slamming the door behind him again. Braxton slides in and if I weren’t so damned thirsty, I wouldn’t be letting him hold it for me. He levels the soda in his hand, tipping the straw my way for me to drink. I hesitate as I remember him saying the words: don’t poison it.
“Is it—?”
“No, it’s not poisoned. They may be monsters but they aren’t foolish enough to try and destroy my plans.”
I nod then dive in to drink. The sweet taste fills and satisfies my taste-buds. It burns at first but after a few seconds, I drink effortlessly, as if I haven’t drank for days—well I literally haven’t drank anything for days. I drink until the slurping sound chimes in both of our ears. He pulls away with a smirk. “Satisfied?”
I nod, pressing my lips and pulling them in to savor the taste.
“So, where were we?” he asks, tossing the can to the side.
At the part where I found out that you were bat-shit crazy.
“Ah, yes,” he says with a snap of his free fingers. “My father craves for you. For every part of you.”
I cringe. “Why me?”
“Because, you are the most powerful Angel in this world—you just don’t know it yet. But he wants to steal that away from you. It’s as simple as that,” he says casually, like that’s a comforting thing to say to a girl locked up in chains with nowhere to go.
“But I haven’t even gotten my wings. I—I can’t be of much help,” I babble, thinking of the first thing that will make me seem weak. “I can’t even defend for myself—you’ve witnessed!”
He chuckles. “A great amount of that can be changed with a whole day’s worth of training, Alexandria.”
“Braxton,” my voice cracks, “I—I don’t understand. I thought you were better than this. I thought you hated your father for killing your mother,” I whisper.
He chuckles again but I frown by his careless behavior. “Alexandria, silly, that should be easy to understand, too. My father didn’t kill my mum.”
“Then who did?”
He grins wickedly again. “Me.”
My eyes widen and my palms sweat as a few beads of sweat prick at my forehead. “Why would you kill your own mother?” I ask slowly, my heart still banging against my rib cage.
“I told my mum to just stay out of it. She would still be alive if she would have listened to me. I told her to let me live with my father but she refused because she said the man was loony. Boy, was she wrong. My mum got a bit nosey, started following my father around until she could figure something out. I was eighteen when she found out what my father was. My father told me to get rid of her, so I did. I beat her brutally with a bat, broke her neck with my bare hands, and watched her writhe in pain before tossing her worthless body towards the bottom of a lake. She deserved every ounce of it, too. My mum treated me like complete shit. She used to whip me, beat me for no reason at all. She was a drunkard and I wasn’t surprised when my father cheated on her with Felix’s mum. She deserved to be miserable, but she took her misery out on me. The woman was a complete lunatic. She’s better off dead and in hell.”
This time my heart freezes. Braxton pulls his legs in and observes me with a grim smirk. How in the hell did he go through with that? Braxton—of all people? I’d never have suspected it.
“But why did you try and kill yourself that night, after your art show?”
His face slants as the glow in his blue eyes lose a bit of their shine. “If you must know, I was stuck between the decision of going off on myself or going through with this. I didn’t know what I wanted and my father has been controlling me and my emotions a lot lately. He’s getting impatient. I guess you could say that I was a bit confused with what I wanted.”
“But what about Stacy, Braxton? She loves you. How could you do this to her?”
He frowns this time. “I love Stace—I swear I do, with all of my heart—but I don’t deserve her, which is why I sent her away to London where it will be safer for her.”
“So you are still good then. You still care—Braxton you don’t have to do this. You can get us out of here. You have a good heart, I know it—”
“No!” he yells, scrambling to his feet. “No, I do not, Alexandria,” he fumes, pacing back and forth in front of me. I flinch from his swift actions. He stood in less time than the blink of an eye. I realize now that speed is a part of an Angel’s gift. “I killed my own mother. I was raised by a father that only wants destruction. I am fucked up in the head—yes, I know—but I’d rather get this done by his side. I want him to be proud of me for once. So far, he’s prouder of me than Felix—and that is a first because Felix has always been better than me at everything.”
So that’s what this is about? He wants to be the favorite son. He wants to win his father over and gain his love? Maybe part of his story was true. Maybe he was neglected by his father in some ways.
“You’re a great person, Braxton. Who cares what your father thinks?” I ask, frowning.
“I care!” he roars then turns to glare at me, his blue eyes scorching like flames. “Just stop it, alright? You’re trying to get in my head but I won’t allow it. Don’t forget—I know all of your tricks. I know how you are and the gifts that were given to you. I’m no fool,” he scolds with stitched eyebrows. He turns his back to me and makes his way to the old wooden desk in the corner. “You see this?” he asks, spinning around with a sheet
of paper in his hands. “This right here is what keeps me going. My father had tabs that he wanted both Felix and I to follow—along with a few other Angels—but Felix and the others tapped out of it when we were boys. They all thought it was wrong. My father left notes because he knew that in the end, he would be too weak to do any of this himself. But I did it—and I did it all alone. My father refused to tell Felix about the other half of this—the part where we kill to gain power. Felix knows our father is on his sickbed but he doesn’t know that our father is still seeking strength, still seeking the all-mighty gift of the Angels—which is you. That’s why Felix isn’t here. Felix didn’t know that I was still apart. He thought it was one of the other’s that our father had gathered. Felix chose the wrong side.”
“What did you do to him?” I hiss, pulling my body forward as if it can get me closer to him. I hope Felix isn’t dead. I hope no one is.
Braxton tilts his head with narrowed eyes. He slams the paper back down on the desk and before I know it, he has one of his hands gripped around my jawline and has shoved my head back against the rigid walls. I wince from the blow, from the pain. My head rattles and something hot and wet trickles down to my shoulders. Braxton reaches forward to touch my neck and as he pulls back, I spot blood on this fingers. My blood.
“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” he asks rhetorically, observing the blood. “I guess we should test out your strength right now. We should see if your wings will actually sprout. That would make this whole process so much easier!” he shouts, grinning demonically. His sparked eyes continue to glare into mine. “I should prepare you to see my father. We’ve already picked the clothes you will be wearing. I have a few servants around here that can get you cleaned up . . .” He pulls his hand away from my jawline to reach for his back pocket. He pulls a bronze key out then reaches for my ankles. He unlocks the shackles and as he does it, I realize that this is the perfect opportunity to distract him. I may not be strong, but I’m sure one blow to his private parts should keep him rolling on the ground for a few minutes—and a few minutes is all I need. But what about the Hellions outside? Oh, to hell with them. I’ll sneak my way around and get the hell out of here somehow. I can’t back out. It’s the only option that I have.
He slides in closer while twisting me around to get to the shackles on my wrists. As soon as they drop—as soon as I hear the metal clank against the hard, grey floors—I rush to get up but Braxton gets up faster. He reaches for me, grips my arm, but I lift my leg and kick as hard as I can and even though my legs feel like spaghetti, I know the blow was strong enough because he jerks away from me to cuff his hands around his groin. I guess no matter how supernatural you are, you still have some sort of humanity.
His eyes roll to the back of his skull and he groans as he thuds against the floor. “You bitch!” he hisses through strained lips. My heart beats frantically as I rush for the door. I swing it open but check the hall first, glad that it’s clear. I’m barefoot as I rush down the hall and as I get further down, the air seems to get colder. My teeth begin to chatter and my feet begin to numb but I don’t stop because I know this feeling. Its winter air and I must be close to some sort of exit. I continue to follow the lamps that are on the walls, shining on with each step that I take. The air becomes even colder the further that I go down. My breathing is heavier, my lungs feel like they are closing in, about to explode.
“Go after her!” Braxton yells from a distance. I gasp, glancing over my shoulder but I pick up my speed—which was just a trot—to a full sprint. I’ve never run so much before but running like this—running for my life—it feels familiar. Like I’ve done this before. I try to ease up on my panting but it is no use. I’m running like a mad woman. The ground becomes slick beneath my feet but I don’t stop—that is until I reach the end of the hall that randomly cuts off and reveals a vast body of water below. The water shimmers and sparkles beneath the pale light of the full moon.
I come to a halt just in time, gripping onto the wall too keep me from falling. It must be a lake of some sort. “She had to run towards the lake! That’s the only way out!” Braxton yells, his voice sounding closer. I bite on my lower lip and finally make my move. I dive towards the lake, feeling free—feeling just like I’m flying. The wind hits me hard but I finally plunge into the water and begin to swim. The water freezes and stabs at me like icy daggers as soon as soon as I’m in. The currents of the water aren’t too pushy but they are strong and hard for me to get through without a fight. But I keep pushing because I’d much rather be freezing than sitting in a room with a psychopath. I continue to swim through, pushing my legs as hard as I can get them to work. I feel numb all over and the freezing water is actually causing pain to strike at every joint and limb on my entire body, but I don’t stop. My joints feel like they aren’t going to work anymore—like they’ll freeze at any second. My arms feel like they weigh a thousand pounds but I refuse to give up now. I didn’t come this far for no reason. I know there is something on the other side. Most likely my freedom.
The currents become gentler and I take that as I sign that I am closer to the other side. I rise to the surface and I don’t bother to glance back. I hear the heavy steps above as I climb out but I run quickly. The wind nips at my wet body, making me want to scream from the deathly chill and ache in my arms and legs but I won’t. I refuse. My cheeks burn icily and the droplets of water on my eyelashes seem to freeze. I want to give up; I want to fall over and curl up in the fetal position that will most likely warm me up, but I can’t. Not now. I keep telling myself, what situation would I rather be in? Stuck in a room with Braxton and forced to give myself to his father, or running in the winter air with nothing but a blue blouse on, a pair of jeans, and no shoes. They’re both a quick way to death but I’d much rather die freezing my ass off than to die in the hands of Braxton and his father.
I spot an opening ahead that is swarmed with trees and no sign of light. It looks terrifying but I’m sure I’ve seen the worst of everything. I’m not afraid. I continue to rush forward, hearing the curious deep voices of men and the anger in Braxton’s voice. I smile to myself through heavy pants as I glance over my shoulder. But just as I am turning to face forward again, that smile flips upside down and I clash into someone. Hard. Our bodies collide roughly and we both fall and thud against the hard ground. Large rocks dig into my back and the person beside me groans deeply but I am in too much pain to see who it is. Maybe this is just a sign that I need to give up. My head is throbbing and I’m sure my body temperature is too far below the norm to try and make it any further. My body will just give out sometime.
But as I squeeze my eyes shut, that’s when I really think about it. A Hellion or an Angel wouldn’t have fallen with me to the ground clumsily. They would have caught me in their arms and trapped me like a lock. I turn on my side, looking to my right until I spot the silky blonde hair, the tight blue T-shirt that he had on the night of our failed-attempt-of-a-dinner, and his loose jeans that are wrapped around his waist securely—but only because of a belt.
“Liam!” I shriek, rolling over. “Liam, oh my gosh.” I reach for him and he finally opens his eyes. He reaches for the center of his chest and clutches it.
“Damn, Alex! Why is your head so heavy?! I wouldn’t be surprised if my chest got caved in!” Well, at least he’s alright.
“Liam, we have to get out of here,” I say, helping him to his feet while glancing over my shoulder. “I think I’ve lost them but—”
“Zandy—Alex! Calm down. I know where to go,” he says, gripping me by the wrists and glaring at me with wide green eyes. I nod then he rushes off with his hand still around my wrist. He heads for the trees—the trees that are still frightening—and we duck off between the shadows. He doesn’t bother to release his grip from around me, either. He pushes the branches out of the way, making his way around smoothly as if he’s done this plenty of times. He finally comes to a stop and as I step to his side, I gasp at the large, bulky body lying on it
s chest.
“Liam! Is he dead?” I shriek, staring at the still body of the Hellion.
“Yeah. He’s the one that took me when I tried to run out. Jules killed him,” he mutters then steps over the body. “I just have one question, Alex,” he says, clutching my wrist again. “Why in the hell didn’t you tell me about any of this before? I hate that I had to figure out like this—with my life in danger.” I frown at him as he continues to scurry through the trees. But then I remember. Liam was taken away. He saw everything and Jules went after him. Oh, gosh. Jules!
“Where’s Jules?” I ask, panicking as he continues to swat at a bundle of bare branches.
“He’s fine,” he says without looking at me.
“What do you mean fine? Where is he?” I ask impatiently.
He sighs and after a few moments, we stop again. He glances down and I look with him. Below us are two wooden doors that look like they’ve been covered in leaves and vines and left alone for years until recently. Liam releases my wrist for the first time since we’d taken off to push the few leaves away and pull at the latches of the door. “What’s down there?” I ask, a little bothered that he knows this place so well.
“Your biggest dream,” Liam tries to say beneath his breath. The latches unlock then he pulls at the metal hoops to open the doors. They let out a soft creak and then they thud against the ground as he drops them. “You go first,” he insists.
“Liam, I’m scared. What the hell is down there?” I ask, staring into his eyes that are the same color as mine.
“Alex, nothing bad is down there. I’ve been staying down there for the past three days now. Trust me,” he says, his eyes softening. I stare at him for a moment then nod as I crouch down to sit. I’m still wet, my body is trembling all over, and I’m not sure whether I’m scared or cold. My teeth chatter as I place one foot down after the other then turn myself around to place my feet on the ladder securely. I begin to climb down but Liam doesn’t allow me enough time to even make it midway before he bends down to climb in, too. He stops to reach for both doors and they close with another heavy thud that echoes beneath us.
OBTAINED (Book One) Page 23