(Song of the chapter: 'Monster' - Imagine Dragons)

*Sensitive content ahead 🙈*

RHYS

"What?" I barked into the phone, slamming the screen door behind me. I breathed in the cool night air, hoping it will give me patience necessary for the upcoming conversation.

"Luigi's gone," replied the disembodied voice on the other end.

This was how Black always sounded – whatever software he used to mask his voice made him sound menacing and monotone, like Darth Vader. It gave me the creeps. The number he was calling from, I knew, was his regular one... but it was completely untraceable.

Even Jasper had repeatedly failed to find his location, further adding to my unease.

I gritted my teeth. "Yeah, I know. The psychopathic serial killer you so kindly informed us about killed him, because, quote, she 'didn't like competition'."

I shifted the phone to my other ear. "Is that why you sent us to this city?" I hissed.

"So she could pick off the di Marco's one by one? That was your brilliant solution?"

Silence lasted an eon. Then,

"You're saying... Luigi's dead?" Black... sounded surprised?

Now I was confused.

"Isn't that what you meant when you said he was gone?"

There was a creak from the other line, like he'd just leaned back in his chair.

"No. I meant that the di Marco's recently received a letter addressed to them by Luigi, who explained that he'd managed to break into your home, steal a fortune, and then use some of it to hightail it to Sicily. He's graciously offered to share his new riches with the family, of course, if they join him there. They're all banned from Italy, as you know."

I could only stare for a moment.

"But he couldn't have done any of that," I finally said. "He's dead."

"You're sure?"

I hadn't exactly seen the body, but that scream that suddenly cut off... what else could it have been? I highly doubted she'd knocked him out just to drag him over for tea.

"Yes."

"Interesting." Black's voice sounded odd. Was that... amusement?

I blinked.

"It seems someone is leading them into a trap."

My mind raced. Was it Vixen? Why would she be doing this?

I hadn't realized I'd spoken aloud till Black said, "It appears she's found you people interesting." It still seemed like he was trying not to laugh.

I jerked out of my thoughts. "Are you– going to warn the di Marco's?" I asked tentatively.

"Oh no," he purred. In that moment, he sounded so much like a demon from hell it was an effort not to shudder.

"I'm finding you all very interesting myself."

AVALON

My heart pounded irregularly, like the beat of a faulty boombox in my ears as I stared at Jacques. Chill creeped into my skin.

No. I can't... He can't... I can't believe this is happening again!

I thought I was past this, that my life was past this. I was in the process of moving on from all the shit he'd put me through, and was just starting to succeed...

And now he'd managed to corner me again.

The fatalism that enveloped me was oh so familiar.

His lip quirked up in a smirk as he noticed my growing alarm and desolation.

"How interesting to find you here all by your lonesome, Loner."

His words were light, chipper even, but his malevolent blue eyes speared me with a gaze so frigid I felt goosebumps form on my skin.

It, however, helped snap me out of my frozen state.

He was blocking the door. I started scanning the room for windows and weapons.

For any way I could get out of whatever he had planned, and what I knew he was capable of.

"I-I was just looking for the bathroom. I'm gonna go now, okay?"

I meant to sound firm, but the hint of pleading in my voice made my teeth ache. I hated how automatically I'd resorted back to that.

It never works. You know it never works.

"Oh no," Jacques crooned. He looked positively delighted.

"Please, stay."

His words were condescendingly. We both knew I wasn't getting anywhere until he decided otherwise, so it wasn't actually a request.

I froze like a deer as he straightened from the doorjamb, taking a step into the room.

"It's been a while since our last chat. I called after you the other day, you know."

His eyes hardened, turning into slabs of cold metal.

"I don't think you heard me."

I took one step back, quivering all over.

No, stop. Think. I bit down on my lip, letting the pain clear my mind.

He was moving away from the door. I'd need to get past him somehow. Quickly, but without revealing my otherness.

My gaze landed on the dresser. It wasn't firmly against the wall – there was some space behind it I could slip through. If I timed it properly, I could use it to get around him then make a mad dash for the door.

I started subtly inching towards it. Hoping to distract him, I resumed speaking.

"I don't have time for this. My friends are waiting for me."

There was no stammer this time, which made me inwardly whoop. I felt much calmer now that I had a plan.

Besides, I wasn't lying – Rhys had told me he'd be right back.

I should have stayed in the kitchen and waited for him. I should have danced with Jasper. I should've done a million other things except what had landed me in this situation.

Jacques smirked smugly.

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. They seemed pretty preoccupied last time I checked. In fact, I'd say they've forgotten all about you."

His lips twisted in cruel amusement.

"Is that what you tell yourself? That they're your friends?"

The barb tried to burrow into me, to take root and fester doubt. But then I remembered Jasper hugging me, Brandon spinning me, Lilith cheering with me and Rhys laughing with me.

"Yes," I replied. "Because they are."

The absolute surety in my tone made his lips tighten.

"You know, you're very ungrateful," He snarled, stalking further towards me. I felt like a hunted rabbit.

"I basically introduced you to those people, yet you never thanked me. Never even put in a good word."

I stilled, so flabbergasted I actually forgot about escaping for a moment.

I gaped at him. "Are you insane?"

He reacted about the way I'd expect crazy people to when confronted with their craziness. His eyes darkened, teeth flashed. A vein in his head throbbed.

Uh-oh.

Abandoning all pretense, I ran for the dresser. I'd just gotten partway through when his hand closed on my arm and yanked me back.

I swallowed my scream as he slammed me against the wall.

Pain reverberated through my bones. I blinked against the dark spots in my vision, slightly hyperventilating as I fought to get air into my lungs.

"It should have been me," Jacques seethed, his grip on my shoulders tightening.

It didn't matter to him that the pain he was inflicting was kind of distracting, and didn't really make me the best audience.

"I should be the one inside their circle. I should be the one everyone gathers around for even a drop of attention."

I thought of telling him no one was clamouring around me either, but felt it impolite to interrupt his evil villain monologue.

"I should be the one beside the Four Horsemen. But instead it's you." The way he said the word made me feel dirty.

Jacques shook his head incredulously. "Do you even know how ridiculous that is?"

No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me.

His eyes narrowed like he could hear my thoughts.

"You stick out like a sore thumb," he deliberately spelled out. "Everyone can see you don't belong with them. They're even starting to see it too. That's why they didn't want to be seen with you at this party."

I stared at him. No, he was wrong. They wanted to hang out with me, they just got waylaid... right?

His lips tilted up with vicious glee at my insecurity. "Good, you're starting to get it. You're nothing, Loner. You don't mean anything to anyone, and that's why everybody leaves you eventually. I mean, Mary left."

He looked pointedly around the room – which didn't contain even one memory of me. Of when we were happy.

"I left." He sounded very proud of that.

He picked up one strand of my hair and thoughtfully twirled it.

"Even Jonathan left you, didn't he?"

I viscerally, violently flinched. And instantly regretted it at his look of delight.

"Don't deny it," he said, pressing even closer. "I'm sure wherever he is right now, the one thing that brings him joy is knowing that you are out of his life."

No! That isn't true at all! Jonathan was taken from me, he didn't choose to leave.

Unbidden, my mind flashed to my last memory of him. He'd been... running away.

From me.

No. Stop.

Jacques' lips brushed my ear.

"I even wonder if I should be envying him. He might've actually gotten the better end of the deal."

"No, stop!"

I clamped my hands around my ears, not wanting to hear anymore.

Less than a second later, Jacques grabbed my wrists and slammed them into the concrete.

"Listen to me, you stupid bitch," he snarled, our noses now touching.

Pain flared, bright and sharp, my outer and inner injuries combining to bring tears to my eyes.

Lip wobbling, I held very still, forcing myself to focus on him although my sight was blurring. I didn't want to do anything to anger him further so he won't hurt me again.

His gaze followed the tear that trailed down my cheek. He snorted.

"God, you're pathetic."

The words cut, but his grip slacked a little, giving me some reprieve.

"It's really a mystery why they keep you around. What is it about you they find so fascinating?"

He let go of my wrists to grab my chin, scrutinizing my face like it could give him the answers.

I impassively stared back at him. I didn't care anymore what he did or said, I just wanted him to hurry it up and go away.

"Wait..." His eyes suddenly glimmered.

"You're sleeping with them, aren't you?"

I blinked, coming back to life a little. What?

"Yeah, that's it. I'll bet you are," he mused.

"Even the girl?" He huffed. "That's low, even for you, Loner."

The way his eyes raked over me, like he was peering through my clothes to what was underneath, made me want to take a shower so hot the heat melted my skin off.

"Is that why you're wearing this?" He fingered the strap of my corset-top.

"They make you dress sexy for them? Do they pick out costumes for you to wear in bed as well, even underwear? It explains why I can't compete, at least." He sounded wryly amused.

His words, his implication... Bile rose in my throat.

"No."

The narrowing of his eyes made my heartbeat rise into a crescendo, but I couldn't let him get away with spreading such lies.

"Oh?" His voice was quiet. Dull ringing filled my ears.

"I guess I'll just have to find out for myself what a whore you are. Strip."

My jaw dropped. Just that– I had absolutely no words.

His eyes flashed. "Do it. Or..."

Jacques' hands returned to my shoulders, my straps.

"I'll do it for you."

He... he'd...

I looked into his eyes and saw the crazy in him.

I think that's what let out the crazy in me.

Vixen surfaced abruptly, her bloodcurdling snarls the only sound in the world. I felt her rage fill my veins, felt her curve my lip up and bare my teeth.

Our fist swung out and connected.

"Mommy, why can't I play with the other kids like Mary's doing?"

"We just want to make sure that it's safe, okay honey? We don't... want anyone getting hurt."

"..."

"Alright, now pass me an egg from that bowl. Hold it gently... gently now..."

Breathlessly, "That's it..."

*crack*

"Oh," voice breaks, "oh."

"I'm sorry, mommy."

"No its- its fine, dear. Just try to be more careful next time."

Crack. Something under my fist crunched.

Crack. His neck snapped to the side with a sharp sound.

Jacques staggered back and tripped, crashing to the floor. His head banged brutally against the tiles beside the fireplace. One of the pokers came loose, almost skewering him as it clattered to the ground.

Crack

Crack

Crack

The world had turned golden, more enhanced. We could hear every breath he took, smell the faint sweat emanating from his pores. And we wanted to end him.

It would be so easy to walk over and rip his limbs from their joints, tear his chest cavity open with our bare hands and feel his life's blood leaking out, coating our fingers.

And then we'd reach in and grabbed that slimy, shriveled thing keeping him alive and chuck it out the window.

I could imagine each step we'd take to kill Jacques in wonderful, glorious detail.

Vixen was howling for his blood, a song echoed by every cell in my body.

My fingertips itched like claws wanted to sprout from them. A bit of pain filled my mouth, as if my teeth were stretching, sharpening.

Was this the change?

The thought was like a splash of ice water.

I couldn't do any of that! I most certainly could not rip him to pieces. That would alert everyone in the vicinity that something other, something monstrous, lived amongst them, closer than they ever imagined.

And if I did kill him, wouldn't I be the first suspect? I had the greatest motive – any Evercrest student could testify to that.

The crime would be easily tied to me, and that would blow my Pack's cover sky high. I would lose everything.

"We just want to make sure that it's safe, okay honey? We don't... want anyone getting hurt."

Coming to my senses, I grappled with Vixen, trying to rein her in.

Understandably, she didn't make it very easy.

HE MUST DIE!

No! We can't!

It was a tough struggle, since I was warring against our shared desires. But Vixen ruled by instinct, refusing to see reason, and I couldn't let her.

I managed to get the upper-hand and tamp down on her bloodlust, though the effort cost me. Panting from exertion, I looked at Jacques' prone form.

He was so still. He didn't even look like he was breathing.

HAD I KILLED HIM ALREADY????

"Oh," voice breaks, "oh."

"I'm sorry, mommy."

It was as if someone had attached strings to my lungs, and then suddenly yanked them shut.

My heart pounded against my ribs, hard enough to bruise. My breaths quickened, yet I wasn't getting any air in. I couldn't.

I clutched at my neck, trying to force my airways open. It didn't give.

I sank to the floor, still gasping.

I... can't... breathe.

I'm DYING.

Vixen whined, my turmoil affecting her as well.

Our agitation combined must have alerted Archer.

AVALON!

I got a glimpse of him suddenly sitting upright.

Breathe, okay? You can do it, he soothed. It's all in your mind.

It didn't feel like it was all in my mind. Tears sprung into my eyes as I continued to fight desperately to inhale.

The door burst open.

Lilith rushed in, her eyes widening once she saw me. She glanced at Jacques' form, causing my anxiety to spike, but then ignored him completely and hurried over to me.

"Sit up a bit alright?" She murmured softly. "There's a good lad. Here, I'll help you."

She gently tugged me up, then positioned my head in between my legs.

"Breathe in, then out. One, two," she encouraged, rubbing circles into my back.

I can't.

"It's okay. I've got you."

I clung to her words. Closing my eyes, I let everything else fall away but the calming sensation of her hand movements.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT DOING HERE?"

My eyes sprang open.

Lilith glared at Rhys. "Shut the fuck up, you idiot."

She shifted, blocking him from sight, but I could feel his eyes on me. He– he'd see what I'd done.

Lilith resumed her gentle murmurings, giving me something else to focus on.

"Oh, wow. What a great shiner." That was Jasper's voice.

"Good job, Lilith."

"That wasn't me," she said quietly.

There was a pronounced silence.

Archer was rummaging through my mind, getting caught up on everything that happened. He snarled, the sound vibrating with rage.

Someone cleared their throat.

"Well then, good job, Avalon," Brandon said.

My breathing finally eased enough for me to look up. Brandon was looking straight at me, a smile dotting his cheeks. Jasper was stunned. And Rhys...

He was staring at Jacques' skull like he was considering stuffing it into the fire. He must not be dead then.

"Its- its fine, dear. Just try to be more careful next time."

I sniffled, wiping my eyes on my trousers.

"I want to go home."

The words came out pitiful, shaky. Pathetic.

Lilith exchanged a quick glance with the guys.

"How about we take you to our place, yeah?" She said carefully. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

I didn't care. Just as long as I was out of here.

"Whatever."

Shakily, I rose. Lilith remained crouched on the ground as if ready to catch me if I fell, but she let me stand up on my own. I dared a glance at her face, and found nothing but respect in her eyes.

I looked away.

I was first out the door, their footsteps at my heels. Below, the party had come to a standstill, students milling around and whispering to each other as they looked up the staircase. I paid them no mind.

Mary's eyes narrowed as I advanced.

"Were you in my roo–"

I breezed past her without stopping, not making eye contact with anyone as I headed for the door.

Outside, the night was unchanged. Kids were still drinking and laughing gaily, without a care in the world.

I was the only one who was different.

I searched for a second, spotted the car, then made a beeline for it. I made to open the passenger door.

My mind presented me with a vivid image of a dented door handle and the screeching of metal in my ears.

I swiftly retracted my hand and tucked them both into my pits.

Beside me, Rhys's gaze slid over to me. He reached over and tugged open the door.

I scrambled in, leaning against the window once he closed it. I shut my eyes, willing myself to disappear.

The car engine roared, but it couldn't quiet my thoughts.

"Mommy, why can't I play with the other kids?"

*crack*

Archer huffed.With friends like those, who needs enemies? I can't believe they left you alone at that party.

He was pissed. I inwardly sighed.

They weren't obligated to stick to me, Archer. They're my friends, not my protectors.

No, saudara, they're both, he shot back.

They took it upon themselves to be both, and now they can't even do any of them right!

Things must really be bad if he'd slipped into his native tongue.

Vixen was fuming as well.

I can't BELIEVE you stopped me! She seethed. 

That boy is made of madness!

Archer snorted. On that, we are agreed.

I swallowed, remembering the concerning sound he'd made when I punched him.

Can you make sure he's alright?

If he was brain damaged – anymore than usual – I wasn't sure he'd make it.

There was a pause.

If I get anywhere near him right now, Avalon, I will kill him, Archer said silkily. I'm not gonna give him a little love tap like you did.

Vixen growled. He'll live. The number of lifetimes we've allowed that cockroach is truly tragic.

I wonder if I should say the same for these 'friends' of yours, Archer spat.

I tensed. Archer, stop.

He had every right to be mad, I knew, but they were my friends. And they'd been there when it mattered.

He sighed. I suppose they aren't completely useless. In fact, they've given me an idea.

I licked my lips. What?

I could hear the seriousness in his tone. I'm going to make sure this never happens again.

This– Jacques cornering me, overpowering me, taking liberties where he had no right. I remembered his malicious gaze, his horrible words. My arms, shoulders and back started to ache, the agony making me curl deeper into myself.

Archer, I whined.

I'm here. A second later, a cool, soothing feeling washed over me, and then my hurts ceased to exist. He was healing me through the bond.

As for my inner scars...

He started humming a tune. The melody filled my head, causing the previous darkness to recede.

When you're lost, I'll find your way
And I'll be your light
You will never feel like you're alone
I'll make this feel like home

It was like a breath of fresh air. I inhaled, finally feeling lighter, more like myself.

There was also a literal breath of fresh air as Lilith opened the car door.

"We're here," she quietly told me. Just as silently, I got out of the car.

The guys flocked around me as Lilith led me to the door, as solemnly as if they were marching beside a casket.

I was too numb to take in much of my surroundings – the expansive area, the neatly trimmed bushes, the high-security entrance. I mutely followed after Lilith then sat at a dining table I was directed to, staring sightlessly ahead.

I didn't know how much time had passed before a sweet aroma filled my nostrils. I turned, finding Lilith holding a cup.

"It's tea," she explained, offering it to me.

I stared at it, feeling like I was being treated as fragilely as the teacup she held. Like they were all waiting for me to break.

"What's that gonna do?"

Lilith stuttered. "Uh, its– it's comforting,"

Comforting. How laughable.

I looked away. "I don't want it."

"Alright. I'll just set it down here in case you change your mind."

She spoke slowly, as if addressing a child.

She placed the cup onto a saucer.

Crack

I bolted from my seat, taking off in some random direction.

"Where are you going?"

How the fuck was I supposed to know?

I just knew I needed to get away before I did break– something. Or someone.

I came to a corridor with two doors on opposite sides. I yanked one open, coincidentally finding myself inside a bathroom.

I hopped into the tub, then twisted the knob all the way to the left.

Scalding rain battered my skin, almost boiling me alive. And yet I felt as relieved as if I'd dipped into a cool spring.

I held my arms up to my face. They weren't bruised, since Archer had healed them so thoroughly, but still I stared at them. They reddened under the heat, Jacques' touch finally melting away from my skin.

I became aware of a presence beside me. Slowly, I looked over.

Lilith stood there, holding a towel and what seemed like a bundle of clothes.

Couldn't she see that I wanted to be left alone?

"Avalon, I–" Her gaze darted over to my upheld arms, then back to my face.

"I just wanted to let you know that you will be okay," she said gently.

She shifted. "I can't say I completely understand what you're feeling, but I've been in a bit of a similar situation, so I'm here to talk, if you want."

What the actual fuck?

I was cooking myself right now to get rid of all the emotions still churning within me – the helplessness, the bloodlust, the rage and shame directed at myself – because if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to keep from accidentally breaking something.

Like I was five again, unable to control my own strength.

And now she'd tracked me down to share her own sob story as if it could somehow suffice.

So I broke her.

"Are all British people terrible at taking a hint, or is it just you?" I said coldly. My tone could have frozen the water around me.

"I don't like you, Lilith. I have tried and tried to put up with that stupid smile on your face and your useless prattling, but I have gotten tired of trying."

I spoke slowly, slicing into her with every word. Vixen rose up, lending her voice to mine.

"So can you get that through your thick head and leave me alone?"

I watched her stagger back with a flinch.

"Oh. Okay."

Her voice hitched, audibly wobbling.

"I'll just– set these over here."

She hastily placed the towel and clothes on the bathroom railing, then left the room without looking back.

Vixen settled on her haunches, smirking with satisfaction.

And now I was alone.

Just like I wanted.

********************************************************************************

The amount of times I burst into tears writing this is truly alarming 😭

I know I'm not supposed to hate any of my characters and all, but I hate Jacques. I cannot even put it into words. I hate him oh so much. He is necessary to the plot and all, but sometimes, I want to blow him up, you know?

With like a dinosaur shaped meteor.

Anyways, let me know what you thought about this. I finished my last exams yesterday, and I can confidently say we have entered the Dark Wolfe era! 🥳 More updates, more frequently. 

See you soon, luvs.

Lulu.