“I’m gonna teach you a little lesson,” he whispers.
CHAPTER 30
“Stop it!” I demand.
I press my free hand into his chest, trying to push him away, but it has no effect.
“I’m not stopping.” Wreck smiles, pulling me closer. “So what are you gonna do about it?”
I try to yank my arm back and pull away from him, but nothing is working. My heart rate accelerates and I start shaking again, although I don’t really feel scared. I’m just confused and stunned. His sudden change of behavior caught me off guard.
Still gripping my wrist, he releases my hair and wraps an arm around me. I scream.
“Good,” he whispers. “Scream all you want. It increases the adrenaline level in your blood. Makes you stronger, less sensitive to pain. Now fight!”
I stare right into his glossy eyes, and all I can think to do is run. But I can’t run, can’t even pull myself away. My body is rigid.
“Is that all you got?” He laughs. “I can’t believe it. C’mon Kora, do something! Defend yourself!”
I reach for my knife, but my pocket is empty.
“Too late,” Wreck grins, holding up my blade.
I look at him in shock, my thoughts racing. When did he steal my knife? I didn’t feel him searching my pockets.
“Give it back!” I yell.
Wreck hurls the knife at the nearby tree and the blade sticks deeply into the trunk. He winks and begins dragging me toward the shack. My panic increases. I don’t want to go there, although I still don’t believe he’ll really hurt me. Could I be wrong? I scream again, swinging my free arm around at his head. He slips my awkward punch, shoves me inside the house and shuts the door behind. I turn to face him.
He folds his arms across his chest and says harshly, “Well, I’m killing you. What the hell was all that squirming? I know you can do better than that.”
I glare at him. “I couldn’t do anything. You’re too strong.”
He rolls his eyes, “You killed a chimera. Do you realize how strong that thing was?”
I give him a hard look, smooth my hair and head toward the door. Wreck steps in front of me, blocking my way.
“I don’t think so. You’re not going anywhere.”
I feel cornered. I hurl myself into him, trying to knock him away, but he only laughs. He grabs me by the shoulders, dragging me further into the room.
“Get your hands off me!” I yell. “I don’t want to be here!”
“I don’t care what you want,” he sneers. “I’m a sick crazy maniac, all right? I’m not gonna listen. So you’d better stop joking around and do something about it!”
He pushes me against a wall and grips my wrist tightly, placing his other hand on my shoulder. I can feel his hot breath on my face. I shut my eyes, turning away.
“Please stop,” I gasp.
“Make me stop. You can do it. I believe in you.”
I open my eyes. He’s grinning. I think of headbutting him, but can’t bring myself to do it. How can you hurt someone who’s supposed to be your friend? How can you fight against someone who made you feel safe?
“I can’t,” I whimper.
“Oh yes, you can. You’re strong and tough. Come on, Kora! I’m attacking you!”
I feel like I’m two different people at the same time. The servant in me wants to give up and submit. But the girl who killed those two guards along with Gabriel craves violence. I don’t know which person is the real me.
“Concentrate,” he whispers. “Look at what position I’ve put myself. My entire body is open. Think about it.”
I bare my teeth, growling, pushing him hard into his chest. He leans in, chuckling, and wraps his hands around my neck. He doesn’t squeeze, his fingers lightly brushing my skin, but I shudder. My blood starts boiling. I’m back in the basement, and Gabriel is choking me again! I scream and claw at his face, poking his eye with my thumb.
He instantly lets go and staggers back. For a moment I feel frightened that he’ll become angry, but he flashes a big smile, “Well done! That’s what I’m talking about!”
His joyful voice angers me. I yell and lunge at him, hitting him with my balled up fists and kicking his leg. He covers, blocking my attacks and backing off.
“Excellent!” he laughs. “Yeah, Kora! Come on! Do it!”
I can’t stop or control myself. I kick and punch at him until my hands start hurting and I become dizzy. He doesn’t hit back, just covering himself and grinning. I think of all those people who’ve hurt or threatened me. I see all of them in his face. He’s the roamer who held a knife against my throat. He’s Gabriel who killed Amy. He is Ace, Logan and Samuel. He is Samantha and her mocking friends. I’ve been carrying this suppressed hatred and anger inside for so long. I need a release.
“I hate you!” I shout. “Hate you! Hate you!”
I drive him into a corner. I grab his hoodie and pin him against a wall, growling like a dog. My head is spinning. I close my eyes, leaning into him, and press my face into his shoulder. We stand unmoving, both breathing heavily, and I can almost hear his heartbeat. My hatred vanishes as I relax, feeling cleansed and lightheaded.
Wreck doesn’t attempt to hold me or touch me in any way, keeping his arms at his sides.
“See how fierce you can be?” he whispers. “You’re not weak. You just need some training.”
I finally catch my breath and take a step back, smiling.
“I really liked how you eye-gouged me,” Wreck says. “You should target the
