Page 157 of Shattered Souls
That Riley got her justice.
That Grayson got his closure.
That we all got our vindication.
Twisting my hands around the handle, I give it a few test swings before slamming it into the side of Bertram’s knee. He cries out. A noise that sounds like the tearing of ligaments makes me smile as I line up for another shot. “Oh yeah, that felt good.”
I hit the same leg again. This time, there’s a pop, his kneecap dislocating. When his leg is completely fucked up, I move on to the other one, doing the same to it.
I’m breathing heavily, and sweat dots my brow by the time I’m done, and Bertram is officially dangling by his manacled wrists, his legs completely fucking useless.
If only it were his dick.
Actually…
He’s half-conscious when I shift my stance, lining the bat up before driving it directly between his legs and into his balls.
His strangled scream is music to my ears.
“Your turn, man.” I toss the bat to Royce as I turn my back on the shitstain. I feel ten times lighter than I have in months. Like a weight has been lifted off my chest, and I can finally breathe again.
It feels fucking great.
“Gee, thanks. You two fuckers have left me so much to work with.” Royce gestures in Bertram’s direction. “The asshole is half dead already.”
I shrug, not the least bit apologetic.
“Whatever,” Royce grumbles, shaking his head. “I’m not interested in beating on him, anyway.”
“You sure, man? ‘Cause it feels pretty fucking epic.” Arms out to the side, I spin in a circle with a manic grin. “I feel like I’m on top of the world.”
“That’s the adrenaline,” Royce drawls.
“Nah, man, this is the sweet, sweet high of vengeance.”
Dismissing me with a roll of his eyes, he turns to Gray. “Gray, you done?”
Still leaning against the wall, Gray’s expression is shut down as he stares at his dad. “Yeah.”
Royce searches his face before he nods. “You can step out?—”
“No. I’m staying.”
Royce doesn’t ask if he’s sure. He simply pulls the gun Dax gave him several weeks ago from the waistband of his jeans.
Flipping off the safety, he stalks over to Bertram, who puts up absolutely zero fight. I don’t even know that he’s aware of what’s happening right now. If he realizes he’s about to die.
With the muzzle pressed to his forehead, Royce doesn’t say any last words as he pulls the trigger.
The sound bounces off the walls and vibrates down my bones as Bertram’s head snaps to the side before falling forward.
In the deafening silence of the aftermath, the three of us stand there, staring at the empty carcass dangling in front of us.
Good fucking riddance.
Hands shoved in my pockets, I glance at the others. “Well, I dunno about you guys, but I’m ready to get home to our girls. I think this calls for a celebratory breakfast.”
Freshly showered and wearing only a pair of gray low-slung sweats, I silently enter Aurora’s room and scoop a sleeping Riley into my arms.
