Page 16 of Unmasked Prophecy

“Not really.”

She doesn’t press. Just sits beside me, pulling a pebble from the dirt and rolling it between her fingers. “You know, when I first got here, I was in a dark place, too. I didn’t fit in, and I sure as hell didn’t trust anyone. But, eventually, I realized that this life, these people, they are one of a kind. They will protect you if you let them, and they’ll do it with a fierce loyalty you won’t be able to believe until you see it.”

I’ve read enough about Mera now to know about her life. Being the daughter of the infamousShadow Butchermade her stand out even when she didn’t want to. If anyone understands, it’s her. That still doesn’t change the fact that I have a wholearmy against me, and I’m not certain these bikers understand just how dangerous that army can be.

“I know, trust me, but the people after me are going to come with a force that you didn’t have. I’m scared for this. For all of it,” I admit.

“True,” she says. “You’ve been through things I can’t even begin to understand, and I know they don’t, either. If you just let them in, though, you might be surprised at what they can do.”

I set the cup down, kicking the dirt with my shoe. “I saw Talon with another girl. I don’t know why it bothered me, but fuck, it did.”

Mera exhales through her nose. “That fucking sucks, honey. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t even have a right to feel it. He’s not mine. I’m not his. We haven’t... nothing’s even happened. God, he asked me yesterday if I had been kissed and then proceeded to tell me he wouldn’t be my first. If that isn’t a hint, I don’t know what is.”

Mera laughs softly. “Talon’s a hard ass, he is always going to do the right thing because that’s just who he is, but trust me, honey. The man has eyes on you. Trust me on that.”

I glance sideways at her. “So what, I should just kiss him anyway?”

She laughs. “If you are confident enough. I guarantee he wouldn’t turn you down.”

I huff. Maybe she’s right, but she’s more than likely wrong. Either way, I’m not about to find out. Not right now, anyway. Right now, I need some space, and I have to get out of this club to do it. It’s a risk, but I just need a minute to myself to process everything that has happened.

“I’m going to take a walk,” I tell her, pushing to my feet.

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

I glance at her. “Nope, but I’m doing it anyway. I need... I don’t know, a minute.”

Mera purses her lips, but she doesn’t stop me. Instead, she steps forward and hugs me, before taking the coffee mug and disappearing. Turning, I head towards the exit, not sure where I’m going, but knowing I will be better off for it. I don’t understand a single thing about this club. Leona was demanding respect, and I know there is a reason for that.

I am from a world that is so different, yet scarily the same.

Without respect in the cult, you were punished.

Maybe it’s the same here.

I walk until my legs ache along the scarce, somewhat empty highway. It feels strange being out here alone, almost freeing. The last time I was out on my own, I was kidnapped by a fucking crazy person and held captive. But, I’m not entirely ungrateful. I met Mera, and without her, I wouldn’t be here. That’s a blessing.

The midday sun burns my eyes as I slow to a stop near an old, worn-down dirt road that has a sign saying that there is a lake a couple of miles ahead. Deciding to risk it, I turn and walk down that road, hoping it actually leads to something beautiful. I’m lost in my thoughts, so much so that I don’t hear the gravel crunching as a car approaches, not until it’s too close anyway.

Turning, I narrow my eyes, and my heart skips a beat as I see a familiar white car and face that I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see again anytime soon. The car comes to a stop, and out steps Cyrus, the man I was set to marry, the one chosen for me. It’s all part of their plan, their belief, and they truly think that I will have a child with this man, and that child will be the chosen one.

It's sick and twisted.

“How the hell did you find me?” I whisper, taking a step back.

Cyrus steps closer, his long blond hair flowing over his shoulders. The white shirt he is wearing is a little too big, and his faded denim jeans make him look scarily normal when we both know he is anything but. This man is dangerous, and he is loyalto my father. He’s always going to put his word before mine. He might have been chosen for me, but that doesn’t mean he likes it.

“Come now, Nia. You didn’t think that it would be so easy for you to escape, did you?”

What is he talking about?

I take a slow step back. My heart is thumping so hard it’s like it’s trying to break free from my chest. For a moment, I forget how to breathe. Cyrus stands calmly, too calmly, like a predator who's been waiting in the shadows. His eyes never leave mine and there is a smirk on his face that screams satisfaction. Like he’s won. I suddenly feel like the world has tilted off its axis.

"How did you find me?" I ask again, my voice shaky, but firm.

He smiles, and it’s cold. Calculated. "We’ve been watching the club for a while. Did you think they wouldn’t put someone on you? I was assigned the moment you left. After all, you are my problem, are you not? We both know you belong to me and the punishment for your actions will be well earned.”

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