The Ritual

I’ve known my father was a Lord since Ryat brought me back, but I never expected to see him in action. Is this what he wanted to talk to me about in the office? Prepare me for what he had planned on doing? Maybe he didn’t want me to be here either.

She sobs, her body shaking. “He killed her.”

“Valerie!” Matt snaps. “Shut the fuck up, you stupid bitch!”

Ryat walks over to him and yanks something out of his back pocket. It’s a black ball gag. He shoves the rubber ball into his mouth and then fastens it behind his head. “You’ll have your turn,” he assures him.

“it’s okay,” My father runs his hands over her hair and her body shakes with fear at the single touch. “Keep going.”

She sniffs. “I … I found where you had been talking to LeAnne. You guys wanted to tell Blakely about her …” Her tear-filled eyes meet mine. “I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t …”

Dropping my eyes to the floor, I dismiss her. I honestly thought she was my mother my entire life, and even though I loved her, I can’t get over that she was going to take my babies. That she thought I had failed her so badly, that she wanted a do-over.

“Go on.” My father urges her. His hand still in her hair lovingly, but she’s shaking like a leaf in a tree.

“He was just supposed to scare her. But Matt took it too far.” She cries. “And killed her …”

“You’re correct.” My father takes a step back from her and she sags with relief. Thinking he’s going to reward her for telling the truth. “Matt did take it too far.” He agrees, nodding his head once. “But LeAnne is still very much alive.”

My eyes shoot to Ryat and he’s looking at my father, confusion written all over his face, informing me he was in the dark just as much as I am.

“No.” She shakes her head quickly. “He killed her …”

The sounds of the double doors opening behind me squeak. Everyone in the pews turn around to stare at whoever entered but I can’t. I’m frozen in place. Staring up into the loft at my husband. His already sharp jaw clenches, body going rigid, and eyes darken.

The sound of a pair of high heels on the concrete floor is all you hear as someone—no—some woman walks down it. I wrap my arms around my growing stomach protectively, not knowing what to expect while tears fill my eyes.

“Don’t stop on my account.” A woman’s voice announces to the congregation, making my chest painfully squeeze.

No. No. No. I don’t believe it.

“LeAnne.” My father says the name and smiles. “I thought you’d want to join in on the fun.”

Blinking, tears roll down my face.

Matt thrashes in his restraints while Valerie sobs on her knees.

I see a figure out of the corner of my eye start climbing the stairs to the left. I can’t help but look at it. Long dark hair that flows down her back in big waves. She’s dressed like she’s going to a funeral. Big black hat with a black lace veil covering half her face. A tight-fitting black dress with a long train. Coming to the loft, she turns to face the congregation and I hear the Lord members sitting in the pews gasp at her beauty. The woman screams power and radiates wealth. She’s stunning with sun-kissed skin and big blue eyes. Lips that look to be done—but not overly big—painted fire engine red.

I look just like her.

“I don’t understand.” Ryat is the first one to speak. “I saw you die.”

“No. you saw me laying on the floor. You never checked to see if I was dead.” LeAnne corrects him.

He scratches the back of his neck, taking a step back. The fact that he’s truly bothered by this, makes me even more nervous.

She goes to stand in front of Valerie, her hands on her slim hips. “You put a hit out on me.” The sounds of her slapping her follows. “Because you didn’t want Blakely knowing the truth.” She laughs, gripping her face and shoving her head back forcing Valerie to look up at her. “If it wasn’t for me, you would have never had the chance to be a mom. It’s not my fault you failed.” LeAnne shoves her away.

Valerie sobs, her head falling forward.

“And you,” She walks over to Matt who continues to thrash around. “You wanted to rape me. Men always think their dick gives them power.” She reaches out and grabs him between the legs, making him throw his head back and scream into his gag. “This makes you weak.” She snaps her fingers, and my father walks over to her, a knife in hand. He holds it out to her, and she let’s go of Matt just in time to stab him between his parted legs. The Lords all groan when she yanks it out and blood pours down Matt’s legs to the floor, screaming into his gag. “And let’s make it clear—you pushed me.”