Page 108 of Pretty Thing

“Listen, Eden…you seem like a really sweet person, and I feel like I need to warn you that Felix has…issues.”

“Issues? What kind of issues?”

“My brother was a cruel man and an even worse father. All I’m saying is be careful.”

White-hot rage ripples through me. I set my backpack down and leave it before quietly stepping out from around the corner.

Whatever Uncle Jim planned to say next is lost. He snaps his mouth shut, and I look between them, confused, hiding that I heard Jim trying to ruin my life.

They both turn and look at me.

“What? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“No reason. I was just telling Eden that you two are welcome back anytime,” Jim lies.

“Thanks, Uncle Jim. You’re the only blood relative I have left, and it means so much to have your support. This place has always felt more like home, and I hope one day to buy it off you and keep it in the family.”

My voice cracks a little for Eden’s benefit, and I give her a small smile.

She smiles back.

“Well, we better get going,” I say.

Eden stands up and hugs Jim goodbye before following me out to the car.

“Go ahead and get in,” I tell Eden while I load her bag into the trunk.

Eden gets in the front seat, then I climb in to start the car.

We wave to Jim as I turn around and we start down the driveway.

I watch in the rearview until he goes inside, then I hit the brakes.

Eden looks over at me.

“Shit…I’m an idiot. I left my backpack.” Leaning over, I kiss her on the cheek. “Find us something good to butcher with our singing, and I’ll be right back.”

She chuckles. “For the record, I don’t butcher.”

“Hmm, I beg to differ,” I tease and she swats my arm playfully.

I climb out and close the door, keeping the warmth inside so Eden doesn’t get cold.

Jim is nowhere in sight when I slip back into the cottage as silent as a shadow. There’s a slight draft, which means he’s probably out back grabbing an armful of wood for the fireplace.

I slink over to the storage closet, open the chest, and grab my hunting knife.

People really need to mind their own business and stay out of my relationship.

I’m waiting for him when Jim reaches the threshold. His arms are loaded with wood, and he stops dead.

“Felix…wha⁠—”

He realizes his error far too late. I strike fast, my arm raising and coming down on an angle in a wide sweeping arc. The blade designed to cut through skin, muscle, and bone catches him in the cheek before severing part of his jaw.

He drops the wood and stumbles back, eyes wide with shock.

I follow, stepping over the fallen wood. Before he can try to scream with what’s left of his mouth, my arm comes back the other way, slicing open his throat and severing the jugular vein running up the side of his neck. I kick him in the chest, sending him flying backward.