Chapter 18

A fter the guys left, chaos ensued. Grandmother started to get nervous, saying that if something happened and the guys were compromised, the Academy would become a target.

She sent a lot of her students on a field trip to Disney World, and the ones that had been sent to her under court order, she relocated to another monastery. I guess she's had a plan in place for weeks now. Permission slips were already signed, and travel has been paid for by The Society's pursestrings.

As for me, my kids, and Rome, we are now heading deep into the tunnels.

It's been quiet, for the most part, and the silence is affecting me. It gives me too much time to think.

"Thank you. I'm not sure I've ever told you that. Even though at times it was brutal, coming here is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Grandmother stops walking and turns to face me.

"Chastity, I want you to know, dear, that I am proud of you. There are a lot of regrets in my life, but my biggest is not saving you from that man and woman."

"Jacob said those exact words to me last night. I don't blame anyone. Without the pain I endured and the obstacles I overcame, I never would have found the strength to become the woman I am today."

Grandmother sighs and holds Charity closer to her, gently rocking her as we continue down deeper into the tunnels.

"You never should have had obstacles to overcome. I wanted a different kind of life for you."

"I love my life, Grandmother. I have four men that adore me, and three beautiful children."

My heart aches as I think about the one who's missing, but I know deep down that I will find her someday.

The walls are lit by sconces, and I'm a little surprised that my grandmother knows the way to the ceremony room.

Jacob and some of the pledges have turned it into a safe haven. There are beds and toys for the kids, as well as baby gates set around the water.

Sister Anna places Rome into a play yard, and he runs right over to some toy trucks, making a "vroom" sound as he plays with them.

Eli wiggles in my arms, and I put him in there to play too.

I face my grandmother and take my daughter from her while we continue our conversation.

"If you had saved me then, I never would have known the true evil that lies hidden in the shadows. It may have been a blessing, but then I wouldn't be able to advocate for the ones trapped in the darkness," I mutter, thinking about the last words my dad, Snake, said to me.

Hope. I must find hope.

He also wished things were different, but as much as I've been broken, hurt, and beaten, I don't.

I never would have had my Angel, or met my guys, and known what true, undeniable love is.

"I know, dear, and that is what makes you so much stronger than me. I was weak and fell into temptation… I was an Eve, just like your mother and you. I didn't want this life for you, Chastity."

My lips purse, and I can't find the words to reply.

Her? My God fearing, habit wearing, redemption whipping grandmother was an Eve?

"Oh please, child, I was young once too. I had male callers that wanted my attention."

Okay, the shock is gone, now I feel a little ill.

"Why didn't you ever tell me? When I first moved here, I was marked as an Eve."

"The Society has rules that we all must abide by, Chastity. Even though your brother is the leader, and your men are Elders, there is always a higher power watching."

I nod, because I know she's right. Some days, I wonder if The Society is a part of Isabella's trafficking ring.

"Can you tell me more about the higher power?"

Grandmother shakes her head, then takes a seat on one of the chairs. I follow her but my phone rings, cutting off our conversation.

I don't know the number, and they hang up before I can hit accept, or maybe there's a problem with the signal.

I hand Charity to Sister Anna and wave to the door.

"I'll be right back. It might be the guys," I mutter, and grandmother nods. She seems lost in the memories of her past.

Walking along the tunnels, I find Jacob's office and listen to the voicemail that's now waiting for me.

My blood runs cold and my heart stops at the voice screaming for me to help her.

"Angel."

JACOB

Entering the bar that hides the darkness beneath it, I walk through the bodies and gore, right to a hidden door that's open and waiting for us.

Bastian groans, covering his nose.

"This is worse than we imagined," Jonas mutters, and I have to nod in agreement. The stench alone is enough to stop anyone from walking further down these steps into the dark unknown.

Team One radioed that it was clear for us to enter, but I sense something isn't right.

I know that the other guys agree with me. It was almost too easy to get in here.

Team One took out all of the grunts, and we have a few high-profile government officials in custody, but I know we are missing something.

Nixon and Isabella haven't been spotted yet, but that's okay. We will find them. We aren't leaving until we do.

As we reach the bottom step, we immediately see cells. So many women and children who have pushed themselves into the back corner, scared.

"Jonas, Levi, Team One, if you are done, start moving these people up to the ground floor," I bark into the radio, then move toward one of the cells.

"Hey, I know this is scary right now, and it doesn't help that we are all dressed in tactical gear, but I promise, we are here to help you," I coo to some of the children. A woman in the back faints and I sigh.

This may be harder than I thought. They are all covered in filth, and my heart breaks. I can't imagine people being so heartless and cruel that they are willing to profit off innocents like this.

My eyes water and I curse my emotions. A little boy waddles over, dragging a dirty, ratty bear behind him.

He reminds me so much of Romeo, I have to take a step back and blink a few times. My son's face disappears as Bastian pushes me to the side to scoop him up.

The little boy clutches Bast with his tiny fists, but doesn't make a sound.

None of these children are crying or even making a sound.

A loud bang from down the hall alerts us that there are more of Isabella's lackeys coming our way.

"Team Two, you're with me. Team One, get these people out of here," I roar, then I rush down the hall, hoping to cut them off so that Team One has enough time to empty those cells.

Patience, Rooke, Kian, and Levi follow me.

"Lord, keep us safe, and let's finally end this," I pray, as the others say, "Amen".

My phone rings, but I'm kinda busy at the moment. Bast goes down after being slammed in the temple by the butt of a scumbag's gun. He has tattoos covering his whole face."Malachai, get him to the van," I shout out to one of the new Initiates.

He did well during the trials, so he and his group are here helping us today, but I know they are getting overwhelmed.

"On it, Dragon," he replies, before scooping up an unconscious Bastian and taking him back to the upper level.

"Stay alert," Levi roars as my phone starts to ring again. Jonas takes down the man who hurt Bast, and I let him take his anger out on his tattooed face for the moment. We are down to just a few lackeys, and Rooke is getting impatient.

He's pissed about how Bast talked to his woman, and I don't blame him. It was uncalled for. It's not her fault that Jonas was almost shot. Jonas has always been a protector, just like Ash.

He will always risk his life to save someone else.

"We're all clear and ready to begin tracking down Nixen Reynolds and Isabella Andrews," someone radios and I nod.

"Fuck, my phone is going crazy. Watch my six while I answer," I shout to Levi and he nods. I check my phone then swear.

I've missed another call from Otto, so I quickly dial him back.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Chastity is gone. I was helping David get the students on the buses, and when I went down to the chamber, Grandma Cross was freaking out."

"What do you mean she's gone? Gone where?"

"No one knows, Jacob! She had a phone call then just disappeared. I hate to even suggest this but, is she with you?"

Bile fills my throat. "No, but I think I know who has her. I knew something wasn't right about this."

"Oh, God." Otto begins to pray over the phone and Levi moves up behind me. He has a little girl holding his hand, and she's telling him all about Isa and where she likes to hide. I'd recognize her anywhere.

"Don't worry, I will bring her home safe, and baby, how do you feel about adoption?"

I look into the eyes of my new daughter and give her a smile. She's on the verge of tears as she releases Levi's hand and comes barreling toward me.

"Really? Well, you're going to have to marry me first," Otto sasses and I shake my head, then hang up on him.

Even in a time of crisis, he brings up marriage. I know he's ready for the next step, and frankly, so am I, but I think we have a few more things to work out before he's ready to walk down the aisle to me.

Mainly Tempest and their feelings for each other.

"Jacob. You came for me," Kara sobs, holding me so tight.

Levi is looking between us and his eyebrows are furrowed.

"Kara, as in…"

"Yes, my daughter." Kara gasps and looks up at me with wide eyes that match my own.

"I will explain later, but for now, I need you to go to the van with the other kids. They are so scared, and you're doing such a good job helping to look after them," I gently tell her and she nods. Wiping her eyes, she takes a deep breath and straightens her shoulders before marching over to Malachai and his team, barking orders.

"Isabella has Chastity," I tell Levi as soon as Kara is out of hearing distance.

"What the fuck?!" Levi roars, stepping right into my face. "Why are you just now telling me this?!"

I shove him back and walk through the rubble to the stairs where the others are waiting.

"That's why Otto called, and forgive me for being a little unprepared to see Kara here after a year of no contact. So I'm telling you now, and we need to come up with a plan fast."

"What's going on?" Patience asks, wiping the blood from one of her blades. She looks like some kind of viking in her leather and braids.

"Isabella has Chastity. Something happened after we left, and now she's here somewhere. I think I know where. Kara mentioned that Isa has secret tunnels leading from her office. I say we start there," Levi mutters, moving down the halls, but Patience takes off ahead of him, ignoring our shouts for her to wait for us.

Her men trail after her, but they aren't equipped for this.

"Patience, stop! You can't protect the innocents on your own!" Rooke shouts, chasing after her.

She doesn't listen, and soon she's too far ahead for us to stop what happens next.

PATIENCE

Running down the hall, I look around for where Chastity and Tempest could be. I can't believe Rooke said that I can't protect the innocents alone. I fucking know I'm not perfect, but I have to get to them.

Chastity has been through enough with The Society, and I owe it to Jacob and Ash, after they helped me get out of this hellhole that Isabella runs.

I can't let another horrible thing happen, not when I can stop it.

A scream echoes through this godforsaken underground building, and Rooke points to the direction it came from.

"It's coming from there," he yells, pointing to a door in the distance.

"It's locked!" I grunt, trying to get it open. "A little help, please," I groan, stepping aside so Rooke can use his gun to blow off the lock. There's something about a man who knows his way around weapons that just does it for me.

Thank fuck we all trained as hard as we did. This war is the epitome of taking out the trash.

Holding my gun in my hand, once the lock had been blown, I toe open the door, knowing we made too much noise getting in to have any element of surprise now.

Isabella has a knife to Chastity's throat, and is looking over her shoulder as if that'll be enough to stop me. I can feel Kian and Levi behind me, ready to provide backup as needed. It's so nice not to be alone anymore.

Raising my gun, I take my aim and then pull the trigger, making sure it hits Isabella in the leg, and she drops her knife.

Once Isabella has dropped her weapon and the threat level isn't as high, I quickly take a glance around the room.

Tempest is hanging from chains in the corner of the room, and I don't miss the black eye she's sporting.

My heart begins to race and my fists clench when I spot Nixen standing beside her. He looks like shit. His hair's unwashed and it doesn't seem he cares about shaving anymore.

"So this is the real Nixen behind the suits and money," I say with a laugh and he groans.

"Fuck they were supposed to keep you away," he complains.

Before I can give him another smartass remark, he punches Tempest in the stomach with a wicked grin. While Chastity looks exhausted and worried, Tempest looks rough, which isn't a total surprise given they've had her the longest.

"Nixen, I don't think you realize that your reign of terror is over," I growl, walking slowly toward him. I can't wait to serve him the justice he deserves. I wish Cal and Nate were here, but we decided it's better they are not around when I murder their father.

Kian and Levi help to untie Chastity as I kick away Isabella's knife. I need Nixen's blood to flow, the same way Isabella needs to hurt too.

"Little girl, you're nothing. You're playing at being Queen, when you're really just a scared child with nothing to tether you to the present. No family, no real prospects for the future," Nixen snarls.

"Blah, blah, blah," I sigh. Without even a moment's hesitation, I shoot him in the foot.

While I'm distracting Nixen, Rooke has been quietly moving around the room, outside of Nixen's view. Once he's behind him, he quickly wraps his leather belt around Nixen's throat, as he yells at the pain from the gunshot wound.

It won't kill him, but I plan to. Nixen chokes as Rooke tightens the belt, and his noises sound extra sweet as I kick him in the balls.

"I'm tired of your fucking mouth, and the way you think you can move us all like chess pieces," I snarl.

Isabella is being held by Levi and Kian, though she's sagging between them, no doubt from the pain and blood loss. Poor Chastity is leaning against the wall now, her eyes wide as she watches us.

Carefully, I figure out the pulley system on the chains, bringing Tempest down so that Rooke can help me catch her. She's looking really rough, but she sighs as she struggles to stand.

"Thanks for the assist," she says softly. "Leave Isabella for us. I want to fuck her up for what she's done. I still can't believe my mother sold me to her."

"Parents suck," I mutter sympathetically.

Chastity runs over to her with shaky legs, hugging her tightly. I leave them to it as Rooke drags Nixen into the middle of the room.

"I'll watch the hallway," Levi grunts, as Kian takes over guarding Isabella.

Nodding, I look over the torture tools the stupid bitch was using to scare Chas and Tempest. If she and Nixen want to meet a living nightmare, I'll give it to them. I've changed. I'm no longer just a dominatrix. Now I am their worst nightmare.

"Nixen, Nixen… Are you getting enough oxygen there, buddy?" I ask sarcastically. Rooke holds Nixen against him, the leather of the belt biting into his neck as he struggles. "No? Well, it's really too bad that I don't give a shit."

There's a spear on the table, making me smile as I pick it up. I need him to bleed. Testing the sharpness of the tip, I hiss as I see the little bead of blood bubble on my finger.

"Hurt him, not yourself, Pay," Kian teases me as he holds Isabella. Grinning at him, I nod as I drive it into Nixen's side.

Rooke releases the belt to give Nixen the barest breath as he screams, before tightening it again.

Nixon looks like he's about to lose consciousness, and we can't have that can we?

"No, we need you to stay in the present," I say. "No oxygen and pain can be distracting… I think I know exactly what I need to do to keep you here. There's no disassociation, no way for you to avoid the agony I'm about to cause. That's what it was like for me when I was with Isabella. I had no reprieve from Hell. I can't give you the same experience, but I can damn well try."

The first slice of my blade through his flesh is the best. The feeling of watching his blood drip onto the floor as he screams and thrashes is indescribable.

I lose count of how many times I cut into his flesh, telling him how each wound is a reminder of all the pain and suffering he's caused me, my family, and so many innocents.

His screams echo around the room as the blood pool at my feet grows, and his face is almost unrecognizable. He'll never be able to sneer or look down his nose at someone again.

Slicing up Nixen until he looks like Swiss cheese was fun, until he screamed so much his voice was almost gone, and he can barely keep his head up. Rooke has to hold him up, and I realize it's boring when he's not putting up at least a little bit of fight.

Then I remember I'm not the only one looking for revenge.

"Isabella isn't going anywhere, Kian. Will you hold Nixen up for Rooke? I think he wants to have some fun as well, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do," Rooke growls, emotion and anger dripping from each word. He lived through so much horror before I joined him.

Rearranging ourselves, we attach the belt loop to the hook hanging from the ceiling. This way, Nixen's shiny shoes are barely touching the ground and Kian is able to tie his arms behind his back.

"Have fun," Kian grunts, stepping away with a smirk.

Rooke beats the shit out of Nixen, making his body sway, only for him to come back to meet his fists. Nixen's body is a mass of bruises and cuts, with so much blood running down into a puddle beneath him, as Rooke stands before him, breathing hard.

"You tried to ruin my life!" Rooke screams. "For what? Because your son loves me? You're a fucking bigot!"

Punch, punch, punch.

We all watch in silence, letting Rooke have this moment. The sounds of fists connecting to skin, muscles, and tissue are the only noises in the room as Rooke breaks. He's been trying so hard to keep it together, but it was only a matter of time before this happened.

"It's not enough," Rooke snarls. "Why isn't it enough?!"

"What do you need?" I rasp, swallowing hard as I watch him.

"I need to make him hurt more," he says. Kian loosens Nixen's binds for a moment, causing him to collapse onto the ground, so he won't completely strangle to death. That's too easy a death for him.

"There's pliers, a blowtorch, brands, what do you want?" I ask, turning toward the table full of torture instruments.

"I'll give you anything you want if you stop!" Nixen screams, coughing as he struggles to breathe.

Now the belt is loose, we can see there's a red ring around his neck, and Kian looks disgusted at his words, so he hits the button to snap the belt tighter around Nixen's neck.

Kian slowly raises him so he doesn't snap the man's neck too soon, his feet struggling for purchase, as if it'll help. It won't, but the mind convinces us of crazy things.

"I think fire will help. I want him to burn," Rooke says, his eyes wild.

We'll need to change rooms to torture Isabella, and my gaze meets Kian as he worriedly nods. I don't know if this will help, but we deserve to make Nixen pay for his sins. As the blowtorch turns on, Rooke squats low to the ground, grabbing one of Nixen's feet before stripping it of his shoe and sock.

Nixen makes strangled cries as he attempts to kick him away, but Rooke is a lot stronger than him, now that he's no longer drugged. One of his hands dwarfs Nixen's ankles, holding him still as the other reaches out for the blowtorch.

My hand is completely steady as I give it to him, making me wonder what that says about me.

There's no noises other than Nixen's as Rooke applies the flame to his foot.

Levi, Chastity, and Tempest watch on, but there is no judgment on their faces. I appreciate that.

The skin quickly blackens, the heat destroying his foot.

Isabella must have passed out from the gunshot wound, because she begins to scream as she opens her eyes. The stench of burning flesh must have woken her. Tempest and Chas continue to just stand by watching, silent witnesses to an evil man's punishment.

"You're monsters!" Isabella screams. "Stop! Please. You can't do this to me."

She tries to crawl to the door, but Levi blocks the exit, rolling his eyes.

"Where are you going?" Levi asks, kicking her back inside. "Trust me, you've tortured my family enough. You don't want a piece of me, bitch," he growls, and I can admit, I have a little more respect for him.

When both feet are completely blackened, Rooke stands back to bear witness as Kian takes over. He is enjoying loosening the belt just enough to give Nixen hope, before making it even tighter.

It's like a game of chicken, but with oxygen, which he will ultimately lose. So everyone watches on as Nixen is slowly and violently strangled to death.

Good fucking riddance.

"Enjoy the ride to Hell," I whisper, surprised to find my cheeks wet. It hurt to watch Rooke lose himself to his demons, but he appears lighter now as he hugs me close to him.

"Almost done, baby. Do you want to take care of the bitch?"

"We want to help," Tempest says, stepping forward with Chastity. They are beaten and bruised, but I can see the strength shining in their eyes.

I understand their need for vengeance and closure, and I won't be the one to deny someone that.

"Looks like it's Ladies' Night," I say with a big smile, and Tempest snorts. She seems like the type to get her hands a little dirty. Chastity rolls her eyes but nods, then gives Levi a kiss as he checks that she's really okay to do this.

"Yes, I need to. For me. For Ash. For Angel. For everyone that has a permanent scar from her filth, whether it's on the inside or outside. Her reign of terror is over, and I want her to know that she messed with the wrong family."

Well, damn. Maybe Chastity isn't as innocent as she looks.