Page 57 of Edge of Desperation

“He look familiar to you? Thomas asks.

“Shit,” I groan. “Is that Senator Briggs?”

Everyone except Aurora runs over to check out what we’re discussing.

“That’s definitely the senator,” Bennett confirms. “But what’s he doing here?”

“Dude, look at that.” Carver points to the senator’s ass where a knife handle is protruding out, and a puddle of blood is underneath him.

How did I miss this? Your focus was on Aurora,and it will always be onher.Those emerald eyes are your kryptonite.

The five of us turn and stare at her. Aurora crosses her arms and taps her foot impatiently as if we’re the ones causing an inconvenience.

“Well, what do I do now?” she asks, annoyed.

“Aurora, honey,” Carver placates. “What do you meanwhat do you do now?”

She huffs in frustration. “You guys taught me how to fight and kill but never how to clean up after myself.” She glares at each of us. “This is your fault,” she adds.

“Our fault?” I choke. “In what world is this our fault?”

“If there had been aDisposal of Dead Bodiesclassin our training, I wouldn’t have had to call you tonight,” she says matter-of-factly. “In fact, don’t stand there fucking judging me, Jaxson Rivers. None of you have earned that right. Fuck you all and the goddamn horse you rode in on. Just leave, I don’t need you. I don’t need any of you. I’ll figure it out myself.” She takes a deep breath and screams, “Leave!”

She crumbles to the floor, sobbing hysterically. Lykos pushes his way into her lap, offering her comfort.

What. The. Fuck. Just. Happened?

CHAPTER 20

AURORA

“Aurora,”Jaxson says softly.

I can’t bring myself to look at him. The utter shock and horror on all their faces when they realized I was the one who killed the men in the room hurt, but Jaxson’s reaction gutted me. He’s the one person I thought would understand why I’m doing this. Instead, he looked at me as if I’m insane and need to be institutionalized. Hell, maybe I do.

Why can’t they comprehend how important this is? Those pricks needed to pay. I wanted them to hurt, feel what I felt when they defiled me. Why can’t Jaxson see that?

I wrap my arms tight around Lykos’ neck, resting my head on his back. He pushes his body against mine, which grounds me and helps me remain focused.

Footsteps shuffle toward me. “Don’t come near me!” I shout. “Guard.”

I release him reluctantly, and Lykos doesn’t hesitate at my command. He springs up on all fours, growling at the approaching angry squad. They immediately stop in their tracks.

“Call off Lykos,” Thomas demands. “We’re not gonna fucking hurt you.”

“Okay, shit for brains,” Carver mocks. “Because that just screamstrust us.”

“Do you have a better idea, asshole?” Thomas growls.

“Aurora,” Hudson says gently. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

Physically… Not anymore. But yes, I fucking hurt. I hurt EVERYWHERE!

I shake my head, refusing to answer with words.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Bennett calls. “We have an unknown female over here.”

Hudson jogs over to Bennett. “Shit.” He drops to his knees and places his fingers on her wrist. “She has a pulse.”

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