Eclipse of Vengeance

18.Too Good to be True

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

I broke free from Silas' arms, holding myself up against the brick wall of the alley behind the motel. My free hand was clutched over my stomach that nauseously twisted. The stench of rotting food from the dumper next to a restaurant's back door only aggravated my already sensitive stomach. Blinking down at the pavement, the bile that singed my throat threatened to appear. My head spun dizzying loops, each spiral made me feel as if I were about to topple over onto the concrete.

"You are never giving me a ride again," I huffed, out of breath while shaking my head.

"Oh come on never say never," he husked from behind me.

I straightened my posture, feeling the nausea slowly receding. "How in the hell do you not get sick every time?"

"Probably because I was born to do it," he returned, stifling back a chuckle.

I ran my hand across my face, still dazed by his speed. I swallowed back the effects and began walking down the dimly lit alley. I needed to give him the location of the safe house I had-well Cain had. The one we were all supposed to be at right now.

Rounding the corner of the one story retro motel, the glow from the green neon sign enveloped us. My body ached and my pace was sluggish-but with the excitement and relief rushing through my veins I could manage the pain.

Once the door opened I made my way to my duffel beside the table and pulled out my notebook. I ripped off a piece of paper and grabbed a pen from the duffel's side pocket. My hand eagerly jotted down the coordinates I had memorized. The numbers I'd repeat in my head during punishments as a reminder that I would not fail them too. With every number I scribbled down my heart soared higher. It was finally over. Tara would no longer have anything to hold over my head-and I was no longer that scared teenage girl. So if she retaliated I could fight back-and if she killed me there would be no real loss.

"Here," I said as I extended the piece of paper out to him.

"Coordinates?" His eyebrow arched, staring down at the paper. His eyes cautiously slid up to meet mine. "Have you ever been here?"

I shook my head as that familiar yet crushing pang radiated through my chest. I never got the chance.

"How do you know it's safe then?" A valid question really, but there is no way Cain would take his siblings somewhere that would endanger them.

"Because he said it was," I replied, not even needing to say his name.

Silas slowly nodded.

"I can't believe it... can't believe that I'll be..." I stammered, my eyes blinking down at the laminated green floor. This was all so surreal... it felt too good to be true.

"Free, you'll be free Astrid," he finished my trailing thought, causing me to lock my eyes with his. He folded the paper up as something glistened within his gaze-something I couldn't quite register.

"Well after I help you," I retorted with a snort, but I didn't mind it. He's helped me beyond our deal, so it was the least I could do-and I as much as I wanted to deny it, I didn't completely loathe his company.

"No... you'll be free," he avowed as he tucked the paper into the pocket of his pants.

I couldn't help the confusion that sprouted across my face that bloomed through every inch of me. After everything he's done to help me... he doesn't want me to honor my side of the deal?

I tried to speak but nothing came out. My eyes wandered across his face attempting to piece him together. "We made a deal," I forced out with a tiny head shake.