Page 38 of Pushing Styxx
“Telling you now, Hope, you speak to anyone about this, she’s dead, do you hear me?”
“I hear you,” I answer weakly.
“Good, you have twenty minutes.”
Uncle Ron hangs up before I can protest and ask for more time. It’ll take me more than twenty minutes to get to Dogwood Park. I don’t even get to ask him where to find them when I get there. It’s not a little park. It’s huge. There’s a span of a field you could play on and trails to hike through. Places to picnic. I won’t know where to find them without knowing.
My heart thumps against my chest as I clutch the phone tightly in my hand, my knuckles turning white. Staring at thescreen won’t give me the answers I need. I don’t even know for sure he has her, but I can’t risk that chance.
I glance back at the clubhouse door. The women inside are laughing, sharing stories, and building me up to trust Styxx and his brothers. But Styxx isn’t here. He’d run out of here earlier, and I don’t know when he’ll be back.
Making the decision, I rush to Styxx’s truck, knowing the keys were still in it, and hop in behind the wheel. I start the truck, throw it in drive, and floor it. The gate was still open, which is strange in itself. Why would they leave that open when they never do?
Maybe the prospect just forgot to close it, regardless, it didn’t matter right now. All that matters is getting to Promise and praying that my uncle doesn’t do something stupid when I do.
Flooring the gas, I fly down the road faster than I should. When I get close to Dogwood Park, I pull up Styxx’s contact and use my voice to text mode to send him a message. He at least needs to know what’s going on, even if he doesn’t see it until he has a chance.
The entrance to the park comes into view, and I turn in, slowing down with only two minutes to spare. Please, please let my sister be okay.
I make it to the middle of the park and spot my uncle’s car on the other side of the field near the picnic area. He wasn’t alone, but I also don’t see my sister with him.
Making it to where he’s parked, I know instantly this was a mistake. A complete and utter mistake.
CHAPTER 19
STYXX
“What’s going on?” Promise asks the moment we step outside the school.
“You see anyone that shouldn’t be here? Anyone approach you?” I ask, relieved that she was safe, but my gut was still twisted up inside.
“No,” she answers with a shake of her head. “Why? Did something else happen?”
“Just needed to make sure you’re safe,” I tell her as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance around to see Reaper is on his phone, so are Tombstone and Hellhound. Angel was looking at his.
“Brother,” Scythe grunts.
I yank my phone out and find a message from Hope. I pull it up and step away from Promise, seeing that it’s a voice text. My chest tightens as I hit play.
“Hey, I’m so sorry to do this, but he’s got Promise. I didn’t think anything of it. I had to go. I just wanted to let you know. It’s at Dogwood Park. I’m not sure what I was thinking notcalling you first, but she’s my sister. You know I’ll do anything for her. Love you, Styxx. Please know that.”
I lower my phone as I glance over at my brothers to see them surrounding me. All except for Azrael, who is standing guard with Promise.
“Son of a bitch,” I snarl and shake my head, shoving the damn phone in my pocket.
“Azrael, take Promise to the clubhouse. Keep her there,” Reaper orders.
The man jerks his chin and starts to guide Promise toward his bike. I stalk in their direction and pull her in for a tight hug.
“It’s all gonna be good, stick to Azrael and stay at the clubhouse. Watch over Eabha for me,” I tell her, trying to be reassuring without telling her what’s happening.
Promise lets out a whimper and nods without words.
Fuck. I’ve never known Promise not to have something to say about what’s happening around her.
“I’ll make things right,” I say and let her go.
I don’t bother looking in my brothers’ direction as I head to my bike. They know where I’m heading, and they’ll have my back on this.
