Forbidden (Blood Ties #7)

“Move back in line,” the guard called Walker commanded.

My arms trembled as I slowly pushed upward. I didn’t think my body would hold my weight, but it did as I turned and slowly made my way back into line. The woman I’d shoved aside didn’t even glare at me, just stepped aside, allowing me to pass.

That wasn’t right.

I knew that.

Still, I was helpless as I took my place along with the others, feeling every set of eyes from the edge of the room.

Who are you?

The words resounded.

Who the hell are you?

MINE.

OWNED.

RELEASE.

DAUGHTER.

No one. That’s who I was…

I was no one.

Not anymore.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Riven

“That…whatyou did today was…goddamn impressive.”

I slowly lifted my gaze from the edge of the large command center desk in front of me and met Coulter’s ugly fucking stare. His eyes sparkled, glinting with the hunger men like him come to a place like this for.

Destruction.

He waited while the room fell silent around us, a tiny scowl the only indication that I needed to speak.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” I answered.

My tone was hollow, so fucking hollow I felt numb, like I existed in a drum of depravity. Thoughts of violence played out inside my head. My palm ached for the feel of a gun, or a knife…or anything, for that matter. I wanted to hack and claw and shoot my way through this room, killing everyone and everything.

Then I wanted to burn this entire place to the ground.

And all the fucking cruel things I’d done here.

Then me along with it.

I am your blade now, Daughter. The honed edge of the razor you crave.

…and the drug you can never escape.

Never. Escape.

I’d shattered her mind.