The Fighter (Book 1)

Chapter 16

My head was spinning when I woke up on the floor of my small apartment. It felt like I had been hit, knocked unconscious, and fell to the floor. Wouldn’t surprise me. Carmen did that to me all the time.

My eyes settled on a demon, sitting quietly on the couch. Zack. We had first period together. Jesus, he was beautiful.

His cold eyes scaled me and he stood up, pulling me to my feet. “Sit down.”

“O-Okay,” I sat down on the tattered couch. He pulled out a long sword, placing it in my hands.

“Kill her,” he commanded, nodding behind me. I spun around. Carmen was passed out, hair flopped over her and arms splayed about the counter. I shook my head. I couldn’t kill someone. Even if it was just Carmen. “Kill,” he towered over me, “her.”

“I-I can’t,” I could barely lift the sword.

“Then kill me.”

“What?!” I laughed. “Why?!”

“Because if you don’t, I’ll kill you.”

“Zack-”

“Pick!”

“I can’t,” my voice was small as I cowered into the couch. “I’m scared.”

Zack’s fist connected with my jaw, and I heard a snapping of bones. “Pick, Treble.”

I shook my head, unable to hold in the tears from his punch. But he punched me again and again until I felt like I was dying. I’d rather be dead. I could feel blood pouring from my nose and out of my lip and the entirety of my face was bruised.

His claws tore through my stomach, and if I could cry any more, I would’ve. Instead, I only screamed, writhing on the couch.

“Sit still, baby,” he purred in my ear. My ringing ear. “I’m almost done.”

“Wait,” I breathed.

“Are you gonna pick?” he smiled gently. I nodded quickly, coughing up blood into my hand. “I’ll heal you when you’re done.”

“What if I kill you?”

“You won’t,” he smirked, shoving the sword into my hands again. I gulped. Pick. I have to pick. Useless aunt or demon that beat the shit out of me but can heal me?

Shit.

I stumbled off the couch, swaying over to my unconscious aunt. She wouldn’t feel it. She’s asleep. I sobbed again, biting my lip.

“What’s she done for you?”

I looked at the demon, gulping again. He was right. What had Carmen ever done for me? Why shouldn’t I do it? I cringed, nearly dropping the sword when I reared my arms back. The sword dropped and I squeezed my eyes shut.

I screamed, being held back by something. “Let me go!!” I twisted and turned until I thought my wrists would fall off.

“Treble!” someone brushed my hair back, but I refused to open my eyes. “Baby, calm down. You’re okay, Treble.”

Zack.

“Don’t hurt me,” I cried. Ugh. Emotions. Small tears fell from my eyes and into my lap. Zack tilted my chin up, pressing his lips delicately to mine.

“I won’t ever hurt you,” his voice was low. “I swear on my life, T.”

“I didn’t know you.”

“You didn’t?”

I shook my head. “Wipes memories. Some of them, anyway.”

Zack gulped, “The bad ones?”