Текст книги "Tiger"
Автор книги: Laurann Dohner
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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
Bestial sighed. “He hurt her deeply. I saw the pain he inflicted on her emotionally.”
Jaded growled. “Asshole.”
Bestial nodded.
Chapter Seventeen
Zandy parked her car in the driveway and just sat there. It had been a long, horrible twenty-four hours. She’d learned Tiger had been in an accident and now she’d lost him. He was alive. That was all that really mattered. Tears threatened to spill again but she pushed them back. Ice cream was definitely going on her list of what to do next.
She unlocked the door and pushed it open, instantly shocked at the sight that greeted her. Her couch was ripped up and the stuffing from the cushions spread on the carpet. The table next to it lay on the floor in pieces with the lamp smashed. Something red had been smeared on the walls and her nose picked up the smell of paint and something offensive.
“What the…”
Someone had broken in and vandalized her house. She took a few steps backward, afraid whoever had done it might still be there. She spun to rush to a neighbor to call the police but gasped instead, jerking to a halt. A tall man blocked her door where he stood on the porch. He appeared to be in his late twenties. He frowned.
“Hello, Satan’s whore.”
His words sank in. She heard glass crunch under someone’s heel and jerked her head to stare at her living room again. Two more men in their twenties walked out of her kitchen area. They had paint smeared on their hands—at least she hoped that was the source of the red. It looked a lot like blood. Her gaze darted to the wall and she was sure the nasty words scrawled there were done in paint. Her head twisted back around.
“I have fifty bucks in my wallet. Take it.” Her hands trembled as she held out her purse in one hand and her car keys in the other. “Take the car too. They are just things to me and not worth my life.” She took a shaky breath. “I never saw you or your friends. Take whatever you want but please don’t hurt me. I swear to God that I won’t even call the cops.”
The one she confronted snorted loudly. “What would you know about God? We’re not here to steal your possessions. We’re here for you.”
Fear tensed her entire body. “Why?”
“You work at Reservation and help the demons who walk this earth.”
Confusion was her next emotion. “What?”
He stepped forward and closed the door behind him, trapping her inside her destroyed living room with him and his two friends. “We thought you might be Jessie North but our Brother told us your real name and address. That’s how we found you. He gave us your information before those demons killed him.”
“He can’t be dead,” one of the men behind her whispered. “Don’t say that, Brother Adam.”
She darted a glance at the speaker, the youngest of the bunch. He had a severe acne problem and she pegged him to be in his early twenties. Tears filled his eyes as he stared at the man in front of her. She looked at Brother Adam since he seemed to be in charge.
“He never got out of that den of evil. They either killed him or his soul has been compromised. They spread their evil into others. I’m sorry about your cousin, Brother Bruno. He gave his life to hand us this sinner.” The jerk in front of her stared down at her. “We’ll make his sacrifice count.”
Zandy knew she was in deep shit. Her terror level notched higher.
Brother Adam smiled—a cold, scary sight that didn’t reach his dark glare, which was directed at her. “She’s going to set an example to all God-fearing women to stay away from those demons.”
The third man chuckled behind her. “I think she’ll look good nailed to a cross and set on fire at the gates of that hellish place. It will be shown worldwide to all the potential sinners and dissuade them from stepping away from the righteous path. We’ll call all the media outlets to be there to witness the first strike at evil.”
She’d heard enough. The three men were nuts and no amount of reasoning would make them sane. Her gaze darted around the room before she addressed the one in front of her. Hate mail had come in from enough religious fanatics that she could guess these were a few of them.
“Are you with the Woods Church? Your leader has sent in a lot of mail to the NSO. I read it.” She darted her gaze around the room, hunting for an escape route. “We could discuss the grievances he has with New Species.”
“That hack?” Brother Adam snorted. “He doesn’t speak for God. We do.”
She lunged toward the kitchen to reach the back door. A scream tore from her throat in hope that one of her neighbors would hear it and call 9-1-1. Her quick movement surprised the men but there weren’t just three of them. She slammed into a fourth one when he jumped around the corner into her path.
“Got you!”
She collided with him hard enough to bounce off his body and her ass hit the floor hard. Zandy screamed again and rolled away. Pain shot up her arm when her palm came down on broken glass from the lamp. A hand fisted in her hair and dragged her to her feet. Agony made her gasp.
The one holding her hair used it to control her as she was flung forward and crashed into the wall. Her cheek hurt from the force of hitting the plaster. Hands grabbed her from behind to yank her arms behind her back. The hand in her hair pulled and she screamed again as her attacker rammed her face into the wall.
“Let’s get out of here. Someone could have heard her.”
“Get the van,” Brother Adam demanded. He was the one gripping her hair.
A hand wrapped around her throat and squeezed. Zandy fought but a body leaned in and pinned her painfully between it and the wall. He had her hair in one fist and her neck in the other. She couldn’t breathe, her face got really hot and pure panic surged when it dawned that she was suffocating.
She tried to claw at the hand on her throat but more hands grabbed her and pinned her arms to the wall. She kicked and struggled but couldn’t get away. Spots appeared before her eyes before blackness swept reality away.
* * * * *
Tiger awoke to stare at a white ceiling with thousands of tiny holes high above where he lay. The smells hit him next. Humans, antiseptic and air-conditioning. He wrinkled his nose at the hospital smell he recognized as he struggled to remember how he’d gotten there.
Memory returned quickly of the terror he’d experienced when the helicopter had been struck by ground fire and gone down. The crash had been painful but he’d obviously survived. He turned his head to stare at the male seated in the corner.
“How are you feeling now?” Bestial growled. “Feel like less of a bastard?”
Tiger was shocked by his friend’s words. “It wasn’t my fault the helicopter crashed. Did everyone make it?”
Bestial nodded grimly. “One of the human pilots was touch and go but they said he’ll live. He is in the burn unit. You were given the Mercile drugs. You suffered broken bones and a head injury. You will be in some pain for another day but you should be fine by tomorrow night at the rate you’re healing.”
Tiger relaxed. “I need a phone please. I have a call to make.”
Bestial growled. “No.”
Tiger felt stunned. “No?”
“No. I wouldn’t do anything for you at this moment. I wouldn’t even be here anymore if Justice hadn’t unfortunately ordered Jaded and me to protect you.”
Tiger looked confused. “Why are you so angry with me? What is your problem?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t understand my issue. I meant what I said. I’m going to pursue the female and mate her myself. You’re a fool, Tiger. A dumb fool.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Her who?”
Bestial snorted. “She sat at your bedside and tended to you. She slept curled in a chair at your bedside just to hold your hand while you were unconscious.”
“Who? How long was I out?” Tiger felt shock. “How injured am I?”
“Were. I told you the drugs are working. Your bones were broken but they are mending fast. Your arm and leg are fine but they haven’t had time to remove the casts yet. Your head suffered a severe enough injury that the doctors suspected you might not wake. They say you are fine now but I disagree. I think you have major brain damage. You lost your common sense.”
“What is your problem? Why are you so angry with me?”
“She pushed her chair next to you to keep touching you while you slept. I watched her bathe and tend to you. She almost lost her voice whispering to you to get better and wake for her. She wouldn’t go to another room to sleep on a bed. Hell no. Instead she sat there worried about you.”
“Who did?”
Bestial frowned. “You know who.”
Tiger shook his head, puzzled. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Bestial softly cursed. “You don’t remember Zandy being here?”
Tiger tried to sit up but gasped in pain from his ribs. His gaze darted around the room frantically. “Where is Zandy?” He inhaled but the hospital odors messed with his sense of smell. Her scent didn’t linger. He stared at his friend.
The big male slowly stood and approached his bed. “You made her leave. You said harsh words until she cried and fled.”
Tiger’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?” Rage hit him hard. “I wouldn’t do that. Where is Zandy?”
A snarl came from Bestial as he gripped the bed railings. “You honestly don’t remember your verbal attack on her before you demanded she leave?”
“No.” Tiger struggled to sit again. “I wouldn’t have done that.”
“You did.” Bestial pushed him flat. “Stop struggling. You need to stay down!”
Tiger glared at his friend. “Where is Zandy? I have no memory of seeing her. She was the last thing I thought about before the crash. She is in danger being with me and I need to protect her from humans harming her.”
“She arrived here yesterday morning after hearing about the helicopter crash and demanded to see you. She even showed us your bite marks to prove she was with you because it was difficult to believe you were involved with a human female. You woke and verbally attacked her.”
“I wouldn’t do that.” Tiger had a sinking feeling he had though since Bestial wouldn’t lie to him. “What exactly did I say?”
The door opened and Jaded walked in. “He’s awake again? Do we need to sedate him again?”
“He claims no memory of waking before or seeing Zandy.”
“Shit.” Jaded paused by his bed, frowning. “Honestly?”
Tiger stared at his other friend and felt his heart squeeze in his chest. “What did I say to her?”
“You yelled at her that you didn’t want a mate and you’d never take one. You ordered her thrown out of your room.” Jaded paused. “You said she was your enemy.”
Tiger stared wide-eyed at them both. “Tell me this is payback for some of the pranks I’ve pulled on you both. I didn’t really do that.”
Bestial’s gaze softened. “You did. She cried and took off out of here fast. She was in pain and shock. You hurt her deeply. She didn’t deserve that, Tiger. She loves you. She sat here tending to you and not leaving your side. She left Reservation as soon as she heard what happened and drove her own car here. Smiley tried to talk her in to waiting for an escort but was told it would be hours before they could free up males to escort her. She refused to wait and had to get permission to be allowed to see you. She loves you and anyone could see that from the way she looked at you. You were a total ass and she is a good female, Tiger. You are a stupid bastard not to have taken that one to mate.”
“I don’t remember. I…” He was in shock. “I wouldn’t say any of that to her.”
“You did.” Bestial softly cursed. “You really don’t remember?”
“No. I wouldn’t do that, damn it. I wouldn’t drive Zandy away. That’s why I want a phone. I need to call her.”
“You did it,” Jaded confirmed. “You made her flee in tears and in pain. It must have been the drugs. We didn’t know. We just thought you were being an asshole since you’ve always been so vocal against Species mating humans.”
“How long ago did she leave?” Tiger felt his chest squeeze in pain.
“Five hours. She’s had time to get back to Reservation.” Bestial withdrew his cell phone. “I will get her on the phone for you and tell her it was the drugs talking and not you.”
Tiger nodded. “Please.”
Bestial dialed and asked to talk to Security after identifying himself. “Direct my call to Zandy Gordon’s escort.”
He listened. “You are sure?” He paused. “Fine. I want to be called immediately when she gets there.” He hung up and grimly gazed at Tiger. “She never arrived back at Reservation.”
“How far are we from there?”
“Almost three hours by vehicle.”
“She must have gone home.” Tiger softly cursed. “Give me your cell. I’ll call hers.”
Tiger dialed the number he’d memorized but it just rang until it went to voicemail. “Zandy? It’s Tiger. I just woke up and don’t remember what happened before. I didn’t mean anything I said. I was out of my head. Please call me, little one. This is Bestial’s number you see on your phone so call it back.” He hung up.
Bestial eyed him. “Little one?”
Tiger frowned.
Jaded chuckled. “You have it bad, don’t you?”
Tiger hesitated. “She’s all I think about, so yes, I have it bad.”
Bestial sat back down. “The feeling is mutual. She loves you very much and is completely dedicated to you. It was very obvious. She was terrified you wouldn’t make it and she tended to you as if she was your mate. It was very impressive.”
Tiger relaxed. “She is very impressive.”
Bestial suddenly laughed. “She might not forgive you. She would make a wonderful mate.”
“Try to go after her and die,” Tiger growled. “She’s mine.”
“But you haven’t mated her,” Jaded pointed out, grinning.
“I am confused,” Tiger admitted. “I never wanted a mate but I hadn’t met her. She has been hurt by males and I’ve been trying to take things slow.”
Jaded shook his head. “It isn’t our way. We take what we want.”
Bestial snorted. “Tiger spends too much time around the task force listening to those males. The human condition must be rubbing off on him.”
“Bite me,” Tiger growled.
“You nearly bit Jaded,” Bestial informed him. “I think that’s enough near-blood draws for the day.”
Tiger glanced at both males and saw honesty in their faces. He couldn’t remember snapping at one of them with his teeth. “I have to explain to Zandy that I didn’t mean the words that were said.”
“He has it bad.” Jaded leaned against the wall and grinned. “Tiger is going to take a mate.”
“Perhaps not. She might prefer me,” Bestial boasted with a chuckle.
Tiger forced his body to move despite the pain and struggled until he sat upright. He glared at his friend. “I will get up and beat you if you keep threatening to go after what is mine. She’s all I think about when I’m not with her. It’s gotten hard to leave her side and her scent nearly drives me insane from wanting to touch and mount her.”
He knew he shocked his friends as they gaped at him, all traces of humor gone from both males. He didn’t care what they thought. He’d messed up badly by sending Zandy away. “I love the feel of her in my arms when I am going to sleep and waking with her is wonderful. I think of her when she isn’t with me but I want her to be. Zandy is exceptional. She’s different. She’s—”
“Your mate,” Bestial cut him off. “Idiot. Whether you wanted one or not, you have her, Tiger. At least you did. You caused her tears. It was hard for me to watch and I can’t imagine how it would harm a mate to hear those words. You inflicted great damage. I don’t know if she would wish to stay with you after today.”
“Get her home number. Maybe she doesn’t have her cell phone with her. She might have forgotten it when she heard of the accident.”
Bestial nodded and called the NSO again, asking for Zandy’s home number. He memorized it and dialed while watching Tiger. “I will tell her it was the drugs and offer her an escort back here.”
Tiger was relieved. “Thank you. I have to tell her I never meant what I said.”
Bestial frowned. “Her phone is busy.”
Impatience drove Tiger insane after many failed attempts to reach her. “I can’t stand this anymore. Help me up. We’re going to her home.”
“No,” Jaded stated. “You’re staying put until you’re healed.”
“I need to get to Zandy.”
“Remain calm,” Bestial ordered. “I have a plan. Human females talk too much but I know there is a way to have an operator do an emergency interrupt. I would call this urgent.” He made a phone call and then finally hung up. He eyed Tiger. “Her phone is off the hook. The operator said so.”
Tiger tried to climb out of bed. “I’m going to her. She is upset and I need to clear this up.”
Bestial moved fast and pushed him back. “She only lives a few miles from Reservation, correct? I’ll send a few of our males to her house and make them hand her the phone to talk to you.”
Tiger grinned. “Thank you.”
Bestial shrugged. “Remember this if I find myself a human mate and I screw up. I might need a few favors.”
Tiger smiled. “My word to you.”
* * * * *
Zandy’s face hurt when she roused and her mouth felt swollen. Her bottom lip throbbed when she ran her tongue over it and she tasted blood. She tried to sit up but something kept her restrained. She slowly took in her surroundings and realized she was on a bench inside an old motor home.
Handcuffs chained her wrists together in front of her and thick straps at her shoulders, waist, thighs, and ankles secured her flat. She tried to wiggle her arms out from under the straps but they were too tight. She strained to hear anything but didn’t pick up any sounds.
The motor home had seen better days with its fading orange-and-brown décor. She tilted her head back to see the kitchen and found the source of the smell that bothered her when she spotted a lot of dirty dishes. Whoever it belonged to was a slob.
Her head turned and she stared at the scattered pamphlets littering the floor. She twisted her head enough to read a few. They were targeted toward spreading hatred for New Species by using religion.
“Fuck,” she sighed, dropping her head back on the padded bench. Memory returned and fear grew into terror.
They had mentioned burning her at the stake. She’d read enough hate mail to guess what their basic beliefs were. Some fanatic religious groups had popped up, stating that the human/animal hybrids were really spawn of the devil put on Earth to bring the destruction of mankind. They’d watched too many horror movies in her opinion but unfortunately they weren’t prone to listening to a voice of reason. They were firm in their conviction that only evil beings could have fangs and growl.
Think! Calm down. You need to get out of this mess.
A man’s voice penetrated her thoughts, growing louder. Her head turned toward the closed door, expecting someone to check on her at the very least. Her only chance would be to trick them into releasing her. Her arms and legs strained against the restraints but they had no give in them.
“Tonight we’ll show all those devils that they can’t win.”
Another man spoke, sounding nervous. “It will make women think twice before associating with evil. Are you sure we shouldn’t drug her first? I don’t know if I can stomach listening to her scream while she burns.”
Zandy’s stomach heaved. They really planned to burn her alive. It was beyond horrific. Her terror returned full force as she struggled harder against the strong belts.
“We are righteous in this, Brother. It’s our duty to show what must be done when one embraces evil.”
“You’re right, Brother Adam. I believe that as strongly as I believe in our charter. We must show the sinners how they will be punished to prevent this plague from spreading.”
The door to the motor home creaked loudly as it opened. The bright sunshine that poured inside momentarily blinded her and she blinked a few times. She’d been unconscious all night. The first man who stepped inside was the one who’d blocked her exit last night at her front door. He met her frightened stare with a frown.
“You are awake. I will listen to you now if you want to confess your sins before your soul cleansing this evening.”
Zandy refrained from calling him some choice, insulting names and from telling him what a stupid, crazy son of a bitch he was. Another man, a new one, who appeared to be in his mid-sixties followed Adam up the few stairs. His wrinkled gaze narrowed on her.
“She doesn’t look evil, Brother Adam.”
“She allies herself with the devils. Don’t forget that. Evil comes in many forms and her innocent looks are just a ruse for the foolish.”
The older man nodded grimly. “That is true. She might end up a bride of a demon like the other women who visit their den of evil if we don’t intervene.”
Adam nodded. “We’re saving her soul. She’s a mere woman and we all know how weak and foolish they are when they see masculine skin. That is why those NSO demons are all so big. Women take one look at them and it drives them to the sin of feeling lust. They hide their women from us because they know we’re stronger and can resist sins of the flesh.”
Oh, hell! She couldn’t hold back anymore. These guys were flat-out ridiculous. “You know what you could save me from?”
The old man peered at her curiously. “What do you want to be saved from, child? Do you wish to embrace God and take the right path before your soul is cleansed of evil on this night?”
“I want to be saved from you crazy morons. That’s the biggest load of horseshit I’ve ever heard. Men are the ones who think with their dicks. If you’re so religious have you ever heard of the Ten Commandments? Thou shall not kill. Does that one ring any bells?”
Adam sputtered. “See? Her soul is already gone. She probably fornicates with the devil himself. It’s just as I stated. Those demons flash their muscles and they turn the women into lusting whores. This is why she must be nailed to the cross and her soul cleansed with fire.”
Fear was replaced by anger quickly. “If I was doing the devil he’d be here and torch your asses, like having a big weenie roast. Ever consider that? The devil knows all, right? He’d come get me if I belonged to him. Let me go, you stupid bastards.”
“See?” Adam nodded at the old man. “Hatred pours from her mouth.”
“Hatred? You’re talking about nailing me to a cross and setting me on fire. You honestly think I’m hateful because I can call you stupid bastards? Hello? Can you use your brains for once? You might want to ponder that one before you commit murder.”
The old man frowned. “We aren’t really going to nail you to a cross. We’re going to bind you to it. Putting nails through your body would be too cruel.”
Zandy’s mouth opened in shock. “Are you kidding me? You don’t think setting me on fire is cruel? Who the hell are you people and what is wrong with you? Lay off the damn drugs, people. Put down your joints and smoke some common sense.”
“That’s enough,” Adam snapped. “We are saving your soul. We are cleansing you and showing others that working for the devils will bring nothing but death and destruction.”
The older man eagerly agreed. “Fire cleanses the soul.”
“What do you assholes do in your spare time? Go hunt down teenagers who listen to rock music while wearing black, accuse them of being witches, and dunk them? Give me a break. Ever hear of medication? Get on it.”
“We do not need medication!” Adam yelled. “Our mission in life is casting out all evil and doing God’s will by fighting the devil and his spawn, created by his minions.”
“Minions? For real? How many comic books have you read? They aren’t real. Newsflash for you, nut job. The only evil happening is you twisting religion to suit your narrow-minded bigotry against people you don’t understand.” She glared at him. “I might not be able to get free but I want you to know one thing, Brother Adam. You’re a pathetic idiot.” Her gaze cut to the older man. “The only things more pathetic than a moron are the ones who follow him.”
She might not have long to live but damn it, she would make them miserable while she had breath. Both men looked ready to explode in rage after she’d insulted them. It was slightly satisfying and encouraged her to go on. She’d always wanted to vent after reading hate mail and she suddenly had a chance to unload—if she could hold back her fear.
“I think your real problem is you have no life and this is the only way you can get a woman. You have to kidnap them and tie them down to make them listen to this bullshit. It must be rough knowing you’re both such losers and it’s a jealousy thing, isn’t it? New Species are hot and you both couldn’t get laid if you walked into a whorehouse wearing hundred-dollar bills.”
* * * * *
Bestial’s phone rang and Tiger felt his heart jump in his chest. Zandy would have to forgive him after he explained about the medications and how he didn’t even remember what he’d said. He’d tell her how he felt about her and she would hopefully believe him. He wouldn’t give up until she did. He could be very convincing when need be and he refused to give up on getting her back into his life.
His friend answered the phone. “This is Bestial.”
Tiger watched the male’s face pale and his mouth tighten. Anger glinted in Bestial’s eyes as a growl burst from his lips. “Tell me what it looked like.” He paused. “How many? Could you follow the trail?” He listened. “Are you sure?”
Alarm gripped Tiger, sensing something was seriously wrong. Had the NSO been attacked again? Another helicopter fired upon? He struggled to sit up in bed, his ribs feeling much better since he’d gotten several hours of sleep.
Bestial refused to look at him. “Call in all law enforcement, even the humans. This is priority. We must find those males immediately and I want to be called the second you know anything.” He hung up.
“What has happened? Are any of our people hurt? I am so tired of the stupid humans. Why can’t they all be reasonable, like the majority of them?”
Bestial rose from his chair by the door and finally held his gaze. The cold, angry look in them only made him more certain something horrible had happened. His friend stalked closer to the bed before he paused within arm’s reach.
The male pulled in a deep breath. “We couldn’t free any task members to escort our males to Zandy’s home until this morning.”
Tiger’s stomach knotted and his hands clenched into fists at his lap. The rate of his heart raced and he had a sick feeling something bad had happened to the female he had such strong feelings for.
“Is she well?” He knew he couldn’t stand it if the answer wasn’t positive.
“Her home was vandalized and they smelled four human males.” He reached out and gripped Tiger’s upper arms to keep him in place. Sympathy softened his gaze as they stared at each other. “They also found her blood. Her car was in the driveway but she wasn’t there. They believe she was attacked and stolen.”
The information was too horrifying to be real but Tiger knew Bestial wouldn’t lie to him on this matter.
“They lost her scent outside by the curb. They spoke to neighbors who saw a van there yesterday evening. Two of them thought they heard a few screams but believed it was someone’s television playing too loud. More of her blood was found outside. She was alive and actively bleeding when they took her. There wasn’t much, if that’s a comfort. I’m sure if they meant to kill her, they would have left her body. We’re doing everything we can to try to find her, Tiger.”
He lost his mind. It hurt too much to think and a roar tore from his throat as he tried to shoot out of the bed. Strong arms shoved him down and he fought. Zandy was out there, injured and kidnapped by human males. She needed him.
“Stop it,” Bestial shouted. “You’re still healing.”
The doors were shoved open as more of the task team rushed into the room and they tried to hold his body flat. He fought hard, snarling and biting at anything that came near his mouth.
“Let me up! I need to find her.”
“Calm!” Jaded roared, drawing Tiger’s attention.
He stared at the other feline Species and battled his emotions. “Get me my clothes now. I’m going after my female. Help me or get out of my way!”
“I understand but you’re still weakened by injuries.”
Tiger flashed his sharp teeth. “They took my female. Would you lie here meekly while others searched in your place? She’s mine.”
Jaded hesitated.
Bestial eased his hold. “I’d feel the same if it were my mate. Let me get you some of my clothing. Your clothes were damaged. We’ll find her, Tiger.” He spun away and left the room.
Tiger yanked out the lines to the monitors and in seconds was shoving his legs over the edge of the bed after all the males released him. He tore off the hospital gown.
Misery and fear flooded Tiger as he swayed on his feet waiting for Bestial to return, ignoring all eyes on him except Jaded’s. A sharp jab of pain dug into his heart at the thought that his Zandy might be dead. He shoved that concept away instantly. If they’d just wanted to kill her then they would have done so. They would have left her discarded body inside her house. No. They’d taken her for a purpose. Tiger snarled.
“I’ll kill them all if they hurt one damn hair on her head.”
Bestial walked in carrying the clothes. “We will help you do it.”
Jaded reached out to help steady him. “We will find her.”
Chapter Eighteen
Zandy fought the urge to cry, refusing to give Brother Adam the satisfaction of seeing her break down. She rarely hated people to the extent of wishing she could choke the living shit out of them but for him she’d make an exception. The idea of wrapping her hands around his throat and watching him turn blue while she squeezed calmed her. She’d had to listen to his rambling hate until she’d given up on insulting him. It only seemed to encourage him more.
A new man entered the motor home to address Brother Adam. This one looked fresh out of high school and needed a haircut. His shirt had holes and his faded jeans were in just as poor shape. His gaze avoided her completely.
“We are ready to test it, Brother. We need to make certain it will work for the real thing. Brother Davey said it should hold her weight but we don’t want it to break during the cleansing.”
“No, we don’t.” The jackass stood from the table and shot Zandy a glare. “We want her to burn without any glitches. We don’t want to create any bad press that would hurt our cause.”
“Yeah, committing murder will really endear you to people,” she snorted.
