Hate me

Knox

After cleaning the floors and counters in the kitchen, I haul the trays of cupcakes Aspen made to the garbage outside. 

Rage simmers in my gut as I toss everything into the bin. 

I turn to walk away…but stop. 

Reaching back into the bin, I pick up one of the cupcakes and bring it to my mouth. 

The moist sweetness hits my tongue and all I can think is… 

Fuck him. 

Reaching into my pocket for my keys, I walk out to my jeep. 

I need something to clear my head. 

Something to tame the beast. 

Something to make me forget. 

Something to dull the pain. 

“You should keep a better eye on your sister,” my father’s voice calls out behind me. “Make sure she follows the rules.” 

I snort. “Sure thing.” 

Convincing Aspen to follow his rules is like trying to tame a wild horse. 

Sure, they can eventually be trained…but it takes a hell of a lot of time and effort. 

“Excuse me?” 

I turn to face him. “Yes, sir.” 

He scratches his chin, chuckling to himself. “She’s got quite a mouth on her.” His smile falters and his dark eyes sharpen. “I don’t like it.” 

“Right.” 

He eyes the keys in my hand. “Going somewhere?” 

I tuck them back into the pocket of my jeans. “No.” 

Whistling, he walks to his car. “I have to run a few errands before the party tonight. You’re welcome to join me.” 

Ice flows through my veins. “No. Thank you. Sir.” 

When he reaches his car, he stills, holding my stare. “It’s the strangest thing. I’ve been sneezing a lot lately and I have no idea why.” 

I grit my teeth as he gets into the driver’s seat, starts the engine, and backs out. 

After he’s gone, I trek to the back of the house. 

A metallic smell hits my nostrils the second I enter the basement. 

My stomach sours and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention as I take in the trail of blood on the floor. 

No.

Acid works up my throat as I round the small corner to my bed. 

I inhale a sharp breath when I find Whiskers on the floor in front of my bed. 

With her throat slashed.  

I clench my fists, my chest recoiling as I stare at the mutilated kitten.

This was a warning. 

And if she’s not careful…it will only get worse.