Page 39 of Devils Cut

"Please, let this work," I whispered, trembling fingers gripping the cold metal handle as I pulled the door open. It creaked ever so slightly, making me flinch, but there was no time to worry about that now.

As I slid into the cramped space, I couldn't help but think of all the times I'd hidden from my stepbrother, from the pain and the fear. But this was different, this time someone was coming to save me.

I shut the cupboard door behind me, It felt like sealing myself in a tomb, the darkness suffocating and absolute. But it was better than being found, better than facing whatever horrors awaited me outside.

My heart hammered in my chest, each beat a deafening drum as I cowered in the small linen cupboard. The window in my room slid open, and I heard the sickening thump of someone climbing inside. My hand flew to my mouth, muffling the scream that threatened to escape me. The intruder's footsteps echoed through the house, sending shivers down my spine.

Fuck, I thought, trying to swallow the terror that clawed at my throat. This can't be happening.

The footsteps grew louder, moving from room to room as if searching for something—or someone. Each step brought them closer to the hall, closer to where I hid, praying they wouldn't find me. In my fear, I could barely breathe, afraid even the slightest sound would give me away.

Corvus, where the fuck are you? My mind screamed, clinging to the hope that he'd somehow reach me in time.

As the footsteps neared the door, I could also hear the distant roar of a motorcycle tearing down the road outside. Relief surged through me; Corvus was almost here. I kept the phone pressed against my ear, my lifeline to him as he raced to my rescue.

Please, just a few more seconds, I begged silently, willing the universe to grant me this one reprieve.

The bike pulled up out front, its powerful engine a battle cry that filled the night. Just as the footsteps began to retreat, the front door crashed open, the sound both terrifying and exhilarating.

"Tempest!" Corvus bellowed, his voice fierce and protective.

"Corvus!" I screamed from the cupboard, my voice raw with fear and relief. It felt like an eternity before he found me, huddled on the floor amidst a sea of dust bunnies.

"Tempest," he breathed, his eyes dark with worry as he took in my tear-streaked face. "It's okay, princess. The others are on their way." He reached down and scooped me into his arms, carrying me to the kitchen as if I weighed nothing at all. Carefully, he set me on the counter, sliding between my legs and pulling me close, my trembling body pressed against his solid, reassuring warmth. His scent—leather, smoke, and something undeniably male—wrapped around me like a protective cocoon.

"Fuckin' bastards..." Corvus muttered under his breath, his anger palpable. As if on cue, the rumble of more bikes filled the air, followed by the thunderous sound of boots racing through the front door. Corvus turned his head towards the newcomers, barking out orders with the authority of a man used to being obeyed.

"Hammer, check the house. Trey, the backyard. Nate, find out how they got in and if they left anything behind."

The men nodded, their expressions grim, and scattered in different directions. My heart pounded in my chest, a staccato rhythm that mirrored my racing thoughts. What if they come back? What if they're still here, lurking in the shadows?

"House is empty, VP," Hammer reported, his tone firm but reassuring. I exhaled shakily, grateful for the news despite the lingering fear that gnawed at me.

Next, it was Nate's turn. "Window lock's broken, VP. I suggest nailing it shut until you can get it fixed."

"Thanks, Nate," Corvus replied, his grip on me tightening ever so slightly. I could feel the tension coiling in his muscles, a living, breathing thing that threatened to consume us both.

"Looks like they ran out the back," Trey added as he returned from his search. "You can see the trail through the overgrown yard. We should get someone out to clear that shit."

I couldn't help but shiver as Corvus took a deep breath, the tension in the room so thick it could be cut with a knife. "Thanks, boys," he said, his voice gravelly and strained. "Take stock of what needs to be done and get it fixed tomorrow."

"Consider it done, VP," Nate replied, determination lacing his words.

As Hammer approached us, I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the ache in my chest from the fear that still gripped me. "Don't worry, Tempest," he said, his eyes filled with concern. "The house is empty now. But I have a question: was this place completely devoid of furniture when you bought it?"

I glanced around the bare kitchen, feeling suddenly exposed. "Yeah," I answered hesitantly. "Why?"

"Most houses come with something inside," Hammer explained, furrowing his brow. "But this place is completely empty."

"Is that...unusual?" I asked, shrugging. "It's normal in Australia for houses to be sold with nothing in them but a phone book."

"Alright," Hammer said, still frowning. "But there isn't even one of those here. I'm gonna look into it."

"Okay," I whispered, my heart still pounding in my chest as I clung to Corvus. The thought of someone having been in my home, violating my safe space, haunted me. And now, knowing that my house was somehow different from the norm added another layer of unease.

As I sat on the cold kitchen bench, feeling exposed and vulnerable, Corvus's words cut through my thoughts like a well-aimed dagger. "When you say empty, do you mean this place doesn't even have a bed in it?"

I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. "It's okay, I have a bedroll," I mumbled, trying to downplay the situation. But Corvus just shook his head, disbelief and frustration etched across his face.

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