12. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Calista

Pulling up to the Wicklow’s cabin, I turn the car off and rest my head against the seat for a few minutes to collect my thoughts. I hate that I can’t go to Rune right now, but I know it would destroy everything we’ve spent the past six months working towards. After our disagreement earlier, I went to the bar and drowned my sorrows. I don’t know why it has to be like this. Everything has been going so well for us, but a small argument over a wedding date sends me spiraling. My heart was crushed when he said he thought we should wait another year.

I open the car door and flip through my keys to find the one that unlocks the cabin. Finding the right key, I’m about to put it in the keyhole when the door flies open.

“Karrion!” I squeal, jumping back a step. “Oh my god, you scared the shit out of me.” He doesn’t say anything, just continues to stare at me with a blank look in his eyes. FUCK “Is everything alright, K?” He still doesn’t make a sound. “Okay, I’m going to go meet Rune, it was good seeing you.” I smile and take a few steps before turning around and running to my car. He’s not in control right now so it’s not safe to be here. When his head gets fuzzy like this, he’s unpredictable and savage.

I rush to the driver's side door, fling it open, and jump inside, making sure to lock it behind me. After starting the car, I glance over at the door and see that he’s no longer standing there. I quickly put the car in reverse, but slam the brakes when I see him standing behind me. I turn the wheel and pull forward, trying to find a way to get turned around, but there’s nowhere to go, I’m surrounded by trees, and the turn around spot is where Karrion is currently standing. Putting the car in reverse again, I back up until I’m only inches away from him. He slams his hands on my trunk before disappearing. Quickly sliding my phone from my pocket, I click Rune’s name and press the call button, placing it on speaker phone so I can get the hell out of here.

“Come on baby, please pick up.” I plead to the empty car as I get turned around and start back down the path. Before I make it more than a few yards, the window next to my face shatters and something hits me in the face and rolls down onto the floor. Panicking, I step on the gas pedal, but it doesn’t move. Leaning forward, I feel the large rock that’s lodged under the pedal, preventing me from stomping so hard. I pull it free just as his hand wraps through my hair, pulling me back against the seat. His other hand quickly grabs my keys, pulling them from the ignition. He gives me a sick smile as he unlocks the door and releases my hair. I scramble to the passenger seat and push the door open.

“Hey, it’s Rune, you know what to do,” comes from my phone, but I don’t have time to find it right now. As soon as my feet hit the dirt, I make a run for the cabin, slamming the door closed behind me and flicking the locks into place. Grabbing the land line from the wall, I dial Runes' number again and hold the phone to my ear. This time it goes to voicemail immediately. I end the call and quickly punch in Alaric’s number, hoping and praying that he answers.

“Karrion?” The voice on the other end says.

“No, it’s Cali, he’s going to kill me. Please help me.” I rush out, just as glass breaks somewhere behind me. I scream, “Oh god, please hurry!”

“Cali, it’s Silas. Alaric and I are about ten minutes away, you have to get out of there now.”

“He’s crawling in the window, I’m running outside.” I yell as I drop the phone and unlock the front door. I pull it open, stomp twice and slam the door closed, quietly locking it again. I watch as his foot retreats from the window and I hear him running around the front of the house. Grabbing the phone from the floor, I put it to my ear, hoping Silas is still there. “Silas?” I whisper into the receiver.

“I’m still here, Cali. Where are you?” He asks, the panic clear in his voice.

“I’m in the kitchen. I’m going to hide in the cupboard.” I whisper, opening the small door and climbing in next to the cleaning supplies. The phone clicks and the line goes dead. My heart sinks in my chest when I hear footsteps coming up the porch. A second later, the door is kicked open and he stomps through the kitchen to the stairs. Once I’m sure he won’t hear me, I quietly push the cupboard door open and begin to crawl out, my heart racing in my chest. A boot stomps on my hand and I scream trying to push it away, but he rotates his foot back and forth, crushing my hand into the floor. “Please stop!” I scream, slapping at his legs. “You’re my best friend, why are you doing this to me?” Snot and tears stream down my face as I look up at him. “You’re my best friend, Karrion! I love you, please don’t do this.” I plead.

He doesn’t show any signs of humanity as he reaches over and grabs a knife from the block on the counter. He admires the blade for just a second before plunging it into my chest. I don’t feel anything at all as he pulls the knife free and drags me into the living room. From here, I can see out the door, and a little bit of hope blooms in my chest when I notice headlights peeking through the trees. I try rolling to my side to pull myself closer to the door, but he kicks me in the face, and my head slams off the ground.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune. That sentence replays in my head every time Karrion plunges the knife into my chest.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.

Maybe we’re just not meant to get married, Rune.