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“You two behaved while I was gone?” Logan asks, gaze penetrating and hard.
“No time to plan an epic escape,” I grumble. “Night, Ro.”
“Night, Rae.”
After they leave and disappear into their tent, I listen to make sure Ronan isn’t getting beat on. Since no sounds come from that direction, I slowly stand and decide I’ll check on my other siblings while no one is paying me any mind.
All the little kids are sitting on a blanket with Tee, Lisa, and Stacey. They’re singing songs and laughing. As much as it pains me to see Dakota and Declan giggling, it also alleviates some of my worry. When Ronan was getting whipped, I couldn’t help but fear what would happen to the others, myself included. At the very least, the boys aren’t in any kind of immediate danger. That just leaves Destiny and Sadie.
They’re both farther away from the fire and sitting in front of a tent. Jace and Mya sit with them. Destiny frowns, head cast down, while Sadie keeps shooting Mya disgusted looks. When Jace playfully tugs at my sister’s hair and grins at her, I march toward them, ready to pry his sleazy hand away from her. Before I reach them, a man steps in front of me.
Michael.
Their fearless, insane leader.
“You’re not to be walking about all by yourself,” Michael says, voice gruff. “Things happen to little girls like you when they’re not properly chaperoned.”
I attempt to keep my expression neutral, but Michael is terrifying. Only a monster could concoct this way of life. Still, I refuse to let him see me tremble in fear. Hardening my features, I boldly stare up at him.
“My family’s safety is my number one concern.” My tone is sharp like a blade. It reminds me of Mom when she’s pissed and laying down the law. “Excuse me.”
He doesn’t step aside. Instead, he grabs hold of my jaw, tilting my head from one side to the other. “I’ll allow it this once, child, because you’re new to our Higher Earth ways, but I won’t allow it again.” His fingers bite into my flesh, making me whimper. “You will respect me and my people. Especially me because I am an elder of our community and have earned that right. Especially your husband, whomever that may be.”
Or what?
I don’t speak the question, but my eyes must do it for me.
His eyes flicker with something evil. “You don’t want to find out. It’ll make what happened to your brother seem pleasant.”
“I’m too young to marry,” I grit out despite his hold on me.
“Not here,” he says, gaze dropping to my mouth. “You’ll behave and submit to the husband who is chosen for you. They’ve worked hard to earn this.”
Me.
To earnme.
“And if I don’t?” I croak out, the fear lacing my words.
He grabs hold of the front of my shirt, twisting until the fabric strains in protest. I’m pulled so close I can smell the liquor on his breath. I cower, desperate to get away from his menacing glare.
“If you don’t, my unruly child, I’ll be forced to take another wife.” He releases me completely and steps away, an ominous smile curling his lips up. “If I do, I’ll break your spirit the first night you’re in my tent. Just like I brokehers.” He gestures to where Stacey holds her pregnant belly and reads Declan a story. “You’ll worship me as I put baby after baby inside of you. That will be your future.”
My mind reels.
Stacey was like me once?
She’s part of his psycho club. I will never willingly be a part of this monster’s world.
“Now be a good girl and do as you’re told. Trust me when I say you’re getting it easy with either Tom or CJ. Understood?”
Trembling, I give him a curt nod. “Loud and clear.”
He runs his tongue over his lip and then winks before sauntering over to his wife. I watch in disgust as he plunders her mouth with his, blatantly groping her breast over her shirt. When I swivel around, unable to look a second longer, I’m staring up at another giant. This one stinky, but seemingly harmless in comparison.
“Time for bed.”
I don’t fight Tom.
