Page 157 of Revenge Saints
And I smile, but it’s the kind of smile that burns on the way out.
“You’re alive, Bryn.” My voice shakes, but I hold it. “That’s proof enough they were telling the truth.”
Her face flickers. The mask falters.
“You don’t get to act like a sister now.” That stings her. “You said I was your sister. That I saved you.”
“I meant it,” she says, softer. “But I was wrong. You’re just like them now. You belong to them.”
“No,” I whisper, eyes wet. “I belong with them. That’s different.”
She sneers. “Come on, Aspen. Be real. You really think you can live like this? With four guys constantly wanting to fuck you?”
I glance at Knox; his eyes meet mine, full of pain but also of pride.
I chuckle through the sting behind my eyes.
“Actually, I can’t imagine living without four guys who fuck me so hard I forget my name.”
Bryn looks like she’s unraveling.
“You said they were different,” I whisper. “And you were right. They are. They protected us. I protected you.”
Her mouth opens, but I don’t let her speak.
“You destroyed the one thing we had left. And for what? To play matriarch of some burned-out kingdom?” My hands are shaking, but I hold my aim. “You sold us out for power. And the worst part? You did it with a smile.”
Roman shifts.
I whip my gun toward him, and he stops mid-step.
“Don’t,” I hiss. “I don’t know if Bryn mentioned it, but I’m a damn good shot.”
He glowers. The hatred in his eyes is palpable.
Bryn turns to him and nods.
A whistle pierces the air.
Roman reacts first, spinning toward the sound.
Knox whistles back, a different tone. The signal.
“They’re here!” Bryn yells, panic twisting her, but it’s already too late.
Gunfire cracks through the trees.
One bullet slams into Roman’s shoulder. He stumbles, but he doesn’t fall. He runs.
I fire. Miss by a fucking inch.
Bryn dives, grabs his fallen gun, and points it at Knox.
“Bryn!” I scream. “Don’t,”
But I see it in her eyes; she doesn’t care. The hate in her eyes—she is going to kill, so I shoot.
The bullet hits her square in the chest. She gasps, staggers, and falls, but the gun’s still in her hand.
