Page 50 of Rage's Solace

As soon as the words leave my mouth a look crosses Ashton’s face and is gone so fast, I think at first that I imagined it, but it’s one that almost makes my heart freeze over. If I ever wondered what pure evil looks like then I have my answer, I’m sitting across the dinner table from it. I have to get out of here, I have to get me and Mia safe from these people.

Ashton’s face is blank as he says, “My brother ended up with something he didn’t deserve when he married you. You were supposed to be mine.”

“I don’t want this.”

Ashton leans forward.” You will do as you’re told. Becoming my wife will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Wait and see.”

The finality in his tone scares me. Looking from one angry face to another around the dinner table drives home the fact that I’m not easily getting out of this one. These people are not going to stop until I have Ashton’s ring on my finger. Something about that chills me to the bone.

Chapter 19

Rage

I’m huddled up in our club meeting room with a couple dozen of my club brothers. We’re brainstorming possible hotels that rich people would select in our small hometown, and we send a few brothers to scope out two. They have images of her parents’ vehicle, and our hope is that they find it in one of the parking lots.

Ven is set up in the middle of town, hoping to catch images on his drone. So far, he’s got nothing.

My phone jingles and I assume one of my club brothers found something. I pull it out to find that I’ve gotten a text from Mia.

My knees start to buckle underneath me when I read it.

Mia: I need you, Mommy needs you. I don’t feel safe here. They took Mommy’s cellphone but didn’t know I had one.

“Hold up everyone. I’m getting text from Mia. She’s in danger,” I shout.

The room goes utterly silent as I quickly type a message out.

Me: Where are you, sweetheart? Tell me and I’ll come get you.

Mia: I’m scared. Mommy said you’re my real daddy, is this right?

Me: Yep, I’m your daddy. Tell me where you are so I can come and get you.

Mia: I’m at a big scary house. I don’t know where.

Me: That’s fine. Turn your location on and share it with me. You know how to do that?

I wait for a minute and then her location shows up.

Me: Alright, sweetheart. It looks like you’re on the outskirts of Las Salinas. Does that sound about right?

Mia: Yes, we left town in a black car.

Me: “I’m on my way, right now. Tell me what’s scaring you there.

Mia: Conrad’s brother is scary. His dad is really angry and everyone’s saying my mom has to marry Uncle Ashton.

I let out a long string of curse words under my breath.

Me: I’ll put a stop to that the minute I get there. Did they give you a room?

Mia: Yes. Me and mom are sharing a room. I asked to be excused from the table to go to the bathroom.

Me: I want you and your mom to go to your room. Go into the ensuite bathroom and don’t come out until you hear my voice. Lock the door, okay?”

Mia: You’re really coming for us?

Me: Of course.