6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

-Jared-

On the eve of reckoning, I meticulously arranged my arsenal, each weapon a silent promise of justice. As the sun dipped below the horizon and midnight approached, I embarked on my mission to track down Alison. Patience had been my virtue, and now it was time to act.

Clutching one of Vince's knives, I reflected on its significance—the first gift from a trusted ally. How many nights had it been my silent guardian, nestled beneath my pillow or gripped tightly in my hand? The familiarity of its presence offered reassurance, reminiscent of the security I once sought in my own home. But now, fear had been replaced by determination. Tonight, I would not hesitate to wield it if trouble arose.

Setting the knife aside, I turned my attention to the muted TV, the flickering images of a movie providing a backdrop of action and intensity, mirroring the tumultuous emotions brewing within me. Despite the anticipation of the impending confrontation, a strange calm settled over me.

Unnoticed, a smile tugged at my lips until a knock at the door shattered the tranquility, wiping it away in an instant.

I rose from the couch and made my way to the bedroom door, pulling it open to reveal Astrid standing outside, her expression one of mild surprise.

"What's the matter?" I asked, sensing something amiss.

"I just didn't expect to find you here," she clarified, her gaze lingering on me.

"Where else would I be? Tonight, at midnight, I'm out of here," I replied, a touch of impatience in my tone.

"Yes, I suppose I thought you might be too restless to remain confined to your room," she explained.

"I'm preparing," I stated firmly, feeling a surge of annoyance at the interruption.

Astrid peeked inside, her eyes landing on the array of weapons laid out further in the room.

"I see you're bringing quite the arsenal," she teased lightly.

"Is there something you needed, or can I get back to work?" I asked, hoping to cut the conversation short. Her chuckle only added to my agitation, intensifying the desire to focus on anything but the fear gnawing at my heart.

"I just wanted to check on you," she revealed, her tone softening.

"Check on me?" I echoed.

"I can imagine today might be difficult for you."

"Today is the day I finally get my revenge," I reminded her sharply. "Why would it be difficult? I can't wait to tear your cousins apart."

Astrid's expression shifted, a mixture of concern and understanding flickering across her features.

"Remember what that dirty talk does to me," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes that I found unsettling.

"Astrid, I'm really not in the mood."

"Right, you need to stay focused," she acknowledged, her tone shifting to a more serious note.

"I do, so why are you here?" I questioned.

"I told you. I wanted to check on you," she reiterated, her explanation sounding too rehearsed.

I could sense a hidden agenda behind her words, a calculated motive lurking behind those sinister eyes. Despite my intuition, I struggled to discern her true intentions.

"No, you're not just checking on me. Are you keeping an eye on me?"

"Well, I did worry about your eagerness."

"Are you scared I'll make a premature move?" I challenged, sensing her unease.

"I can't afford to take any chances."

"Why not? Your time is running out. In just a few hours, I'll be out there," I asserted, a note of defiance in my tone.

"I know," she conceded.

I scrutinized her, noting how her smile remained unwavering. Without hesitation, I seized her arm firmly, eliciting a gasp from her as I pulled her closer. Despite my intensity, her smile persisted, unnervingly serene.

"What are you up to?" I growled, bringing my face inches from hers.

She tilted her head slightly, as if inviting intimacy, but I had no intention of sharing anything with her willingly. Even the debt I owed her was paid solely out of obligation, nothing more.

"I'm just checking in on you," she whispered, her voice almost a purr.

"I don't believe you. Tell me what you're planning," I demanded, my grip tightening on her arm.

"I'm not planning anything," she insisted, her tone betraying nothing.

"You're lying. I can see it," I snarled.

"You do seem quite perceptive," she taunted.

"Astrid, if you're trying to sabotage tonight—"

"Why would I do that? If you encounter my cousins or even my father, you'll be handling a significant problem for me," she pointed out calmly.

"No, you have something up your sleeve," I countered, applying more pressure to her arm until she winced in pain.

"Hey, be careful. I'm carrying precious cargo," she reminded me sharply.

"That's why I went for the arm," I retorted.

"Well, excessive blood loss isn't ideal for the baby either."

"I haven't gone that far yet," I countered, refusing to relent.

"Just a reminder, you need to be cautious with me. I'm in a delicate condition. Or perhaps you're unaware that most miscarriages occur in the early stages of pregnancy?" she cautioned.

"I wouldn't mind that outcome," I taunted, closing the distance between us further, earning a glare from her.

"If this baby doesn't make it, you'll never lay eyes on Alison," she warned.

"I doubt you can threaten me with that. If I find her first, you won't get near her," I threatened in return.

"Do you truly wish harm upon your own child?" she asked incredulously.

"But Astrid, it's not my child. It's yours. I have no attachment to it. I couldn't care less if it lives or dies," I declared coldly.

"You should care, because without it, our fates will forever be intertwined. You know I'll never release my hold on you if I can't have this child," she warned, her tone grave.

Our confrontation intensified as the gravity of her threat hung in the air. I tightened my grip on her arm, eliciting a pained groan and the sensation of her nails digging into my skin. But then, with deliberate force, I released her, allowing space to form between us.

"Astrid, don't play games with me tonight," I warned sternly. "If you attempt to interfere or hinder me in any way, I won't hesitate to retaliate."

"Yes, I'm well aware," she affirmed evenly.

"Then cease whatever schemes you have in mind," I demanded.

"I'm not plotting anything."

"I don't trust your assurances, but let me make it abundantly clear: if you cross me, expect consequences," I cautioned, my gaze unwavering.

"You really know how to charm a girl," she retorted dryly, crossing her arms in defiance. "But cut the threats. I have no intention of disrupting your plans. Go ahead and pursue your vendettas. I couldn't care less. I genuinely just wanted to check in on you."

"No, you didn't, but I'll overlook it for now," I conceded, my resolve unwavering. "Just don't disturb me for the next 24 hours. I have preparations to attend to."

"Did you manage to gain entry?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, through the front door," I replied curtly, ending the exchange as I turned my attention back to my preparations.

"Jared, the moment you step in, they'll sense your presence. Not even your mask can shield you," she warned.

"I don't intend to conceal myself. I want them to see me," I asserted.

"But there will be security," she reminded me.

"Excellent."

"You aim to create chaos," she observed.

"Indeed, plenty of it."

She nodded slightly, showing tentative approval, then shrugged. "Just make sure you make it through tonight."

"Are you concerned?" I teased.

"We've already established that the air you breathe is of utmost importance to me. So, don't you dare die," she insisted.

"I assure you, I won't."

We locked eyes for a brief moment before Astrid turned and walked away. Despite my lingering suspicions, I had more pressing matters to attend to tonight. Those wolves had better provide the answers I seek, or they'll face an even more agonizing fate.

I was fully prepared, my attire completely black, as the clock struck midnight. A sinister grin played on my lips as I seized my mask and bag, descending the stairs with purpose. Despite the eerie quietude enveloping me, my heart thrummed with anticipation as I embarked on my journey toward the city, just beginning to stir from its slumber.

Locating the club proved effortless. Its familiar fa?ade greeted me as I parked in the desolate lot adjacent to the seemingly nondescript building. Yet within those unassuming walls, a world of intrigue awaited. Armed with only two guns and a knife from my extensive arsenal, I strode toward the entrance concealed within a shadowy alley.

Rapping on the iron door, it swung open, revealing a vigilant guard. Presenting the membership card provided by Astrid, I gained admittance, my mask concealing my face. However, upon crossing the threshold, I spied a camera perched ominously in the corner. Though uncertain if the cousins were surveilling, I remained vigilant, knowing that any sign of suspicion would trigger a swift response from security.

As the guard moved closer for inspection, I swiftly retrieved the hidden knife concealed beneath my jacket. In a deft motion, I dug the knife into him, the sound of his choking gasps filling the air as crimson pooled beneath him. Discarding the lifeless body outside, I momentarily revealed my face to the camera, a silent challenge to those who dared underestimate me.

Yet, to my disdain, no immediate response followed. The pulsating beat of the music continued unabated, a testament to their ignorance. Their failure to react only fueled my resolve. They would pay for their arrogance with their lives.

Mask securely in place once more, I clutched the bloodied knife. Tonight, the crimson hue of the walls and floors would be further accentuated by their spilled blood.