Kace wanted to draw this out. He thrived on the game between us. That was why he didn’t kill me that morning. That was why he wanted Brent here, so he could continue playing. He must have grown bored all those years toying with human lives. He looked forward to the excitement of a battle with me and I disappointed him when I came alone. It would have been too easy for him to kill me now. He wanted the bragging rights to my defeat. Kace was the ultimate narcissist. He required a big story to tell after he finished with me in order to feel good about himself. I refused to give him the satisfaction.
“I won’t do it, Kace,” I shouted at him.
He squeezed the back of my arm harder, and this time I knew he broke skin as the warm, wet droplets trailed down my arm, dripping onto the floor.
“You will. Call him now, Claire,” he commanded.
“Okay, okay,” I resolved. If Brent came, I would be stronger. I could do this because I had seen it in my visions. If Kace wanted a challenge, he would have one.
“Phone, I need a phone,” I said, tripping over my own words.
Kace gripped the front of my shirt, lifting me just off the flo
or, and slammed me into the wall, sending a searing pain through my head. I yelped.
“You stupid human! You don’t deserve the gifts you have. You don’t need a phone. Call him, call him now, Claire,” he ordered.
What was he saying? Panic set in. His jaw clenched firmer. I didn’t know what he meant or how to do what he said. I inhaled sharply trying to focus.
“Do it now,” he roared, causing me to flinch.
I centered my thoughts, calling to Brent in my mind, focusing on my need for him, silently pleading for his rescue. I begged him to somehow hear me. My mind felt light and clear. I heard him, frantic and terrified.
“Claire, oh God baby.”
I opened my eyes wide, searching the room for him, but he wasn’t there. I was still firmly in Kace’s grasp.
“Good girl, you did it,” Kace said in a pleasant encouraging voice. “Tell him where to find you and don’t tell him I’m here.”
“Claire, Claire,” I heard Brent’s panicky voice in my head again. I don’t know why this surprised me with everything that had happened, but it did. It felt so good to hear his voice. Firmly I set my legs under me, causing Kace to release me.
“Brent,” I said breathlessly.
“Claire, God baby. Where are you? Are you okay?” he asked, his voice tainted with worry.
I responded keeping my eyes on Kace, judging his reaction trying to determine if he could hear our conversation in my head.
“I’m at Logan’s loft. Can you come get me, please?” I asked, attempting to keep my voice from breaking.
I heard a muffled growl. “God Claire, you sound terrified. Did he hurt you?
I watched Kace react and had a sinking feeling he could understand what was being said. Kace wouldn’t allow me to tell Brent the truth. I hated the thought of trashing Logan, but it was a lie Brent would believe.
“Logan got really drunk and went crazy. He’s passed out now, but I’m not sure when he’ll wake up. I’m afraid Kace will find me if I leave alone. Please hurry.”
I heard a sharp exhale. “I’m sorry, baby,” he soothed. “I know how much helping him meant to you. I’ll be right there. Don’t go anywhere, please, Claire.” My mind went silent. He was gone.
My heart sank with his plea. The word please meant he didn’t trust I would stay put. I couldn’t blame him for that. I had bailed on him too many times before, a life pattern, always running. In my current situation, I wished I could run.
Logan stirred on the other side of the room and I scrambled to get to him. He was gripping the side of his face and wincing.
“Logan, thank God.”
“Crap…my head hurts,” he groaned, and then his eyes bugged out when he saw me. “Kace, where is he?” he asked.
“Still here,” Kace sang out, waving from a few feet away.
“Claire, you’re bleeding.” He twisted his head and regarded Kace cold and hard. “What did you do to her, you fucking psycho?”