Page 39 of Hollow House
“Pedophile?” I questioned, looking from him to Damon.
“He has multiple allegations against him,” Damon stated.
I knew by the look in his eyes, I would not be getting more information.This was about testing loyalty, proving my worth to the Society, proving I would do whatever must be done to be a part of it.
“None of them ever proven,” Darren scoffed.The bastard had the audacity to grin as he said it.I knew they weren’t just allegations…
“You seriously think she’s going to kill me?” he laughed the question at the Wraith. “She can barely write an article, never mind be an obedient worker. I doubt she’d listen to your nonsense, not if she knows what’s best for her.”
His gaze settled on me with such hunger, I realized I was utterly fucked if he survived. His eyes promised punishment if I ever stepped foot in the office again. Forget the article on Hollow House—I was out of a job regardless.
I sucked in a deep breath and held it, trying to figure out a way out of it all, one that didn’t make me a murderer and allowed me to keep my position. Without it, I was nothing, and I would never make my way out of the small town.
“You’re right,” I admitted, looking at my boss.
His smug features made my insides curl. If I could run away and never see the asshole again, I would have long before.
“You’ve known me years, and I follow every last rule. I take every assignment and follow the instructions. I have never once stepped out of line,” I said.
The more satisfaction spread on his face, the worse I felt. I hated watching him win. The hold he had on me was inescapable.
I stepped forward a couple feet, the space between us minimal. My eyes met his, and I tried to search for any form of a human behind them, anything forgivable, redeemable even. Could he change? Could I still work for him?
“I certainly never would kill someone,” I spoke again, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Damon.
His features didn’t change, but I knew he was watching intensely, waiting for me to make a choice. The choice was simple: kill him and join or walk away.
Would they even allow me to walk away?
I couldn’t publish an article with this. My entire way out was fucked. There was barely anything I could work with without incriminating myself now. What would they even do with Darren? Let him go? Or kill him to keep their secret?
“You’re going nowhere,” Darren spat. “When you get back, I will be evaluating your performance again. Perhaps this time, I’ll fire you. And you won’t do a thing about it, because I know you.”
I took that last step between us.“You knew me, but I no longer recognize myself,” I spoke before I drove the knife into his heart.
Chapter 22
She slammedthe knife into his chest, and I watched with pride as he stumbled back.
She was mine for eternity.
Damned like the rest of us.
Cast out from society, banding together in our own little world.
She belonged to me now.
Her eyes filled with horror at the realization of what she’d done.
Before the rest could see her, I stepped in. My hands cupped her face, and I forced her gaze to me. Dropping my hands, I gripped the handle of the knife and pulled it from her grasp. She didn’t fight me. My lips collided with hers then, kissing away any hesitation or regret she had building inside her. I let my tongue drift along the outside of her lips, searching for an invitation.
The rest of the room left, leaving her as all mine to devour.
Chapter 23
The Wraith kissed me hard.At some point, he’d ordered everyone out of the room, but I was too numb to notice. My entire body felt like pins and needles were jabbing into me. Thoughts raced through my mind, but none were coherent.
At some point, my knees buckled and the only thing holding me up was him. He lowered me safely to the floor, pulling back from the kiss.
