Sins of Chaos : A Dark Past/Part Two by scongrove |
Previously... After Sebastian refuses to hand over his son to Lucifer, he becomes trapped in a state of unconsciousness and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. But before Lucifer unleashes his wraith, he rips into Sebastian’s throat as Eve watches helplessly. Meanwhile, the guard calls for help and Sebastian is taken from the mental institute and transferred to a nearby hospital where Dr. Helen Carrington cares for his injuries. While Helen is successful at stabilizing Sebastian, for some unexplainable reason, even after he’s administered Breedline blood, he remains unconscious. As Helen informs the institute’s guards of Sebastian condition and that he will be moved to the intensive care unit where he will be monitored twenty-four seven, she is confronted by a young woman named Anna, claiming to be Sebastian’s long lost sister. While engaging in conversation, Anna explains to Helen Sebastian is not actually blood related, only that her mother raised Sebastian, but she considers him to be her brother nonetheless. As Sebastian continues to suffer Lucifer’s torture, Helen explains to Anna the reason why Sebastian was placed into the mental institute, and of his crimes against the Breedline. **** Now that Abbey finally put an end to the ruthless scientist who killed her father, and kept her prisoner for years, torturing her with endless lab experiments, she had to warn her beloved Steven that he was in danger. Before Dr. Autenburg had met his end, he was hired by Valkin Steele—a billionaire client that funded his research—to locate an Adalwolf with the power to heal his dying mistress. And Steven was the target. As Steven and Abbey finally reunite, she is introduced to the others in the Covenant. Later that night, Abbey suffered a horrific nightmare from her past that triggered the she-wolf within her. Continued... Eve entered Sebastian’s hospital room and sat down in a chair next to his bedside where he lay in a coma, seemingly peaceful. But she knew underneath it all, something evil lurked, keeping him trapped in some kind of hell. Sebastian struggled from the dense fog that enveloped him like a blanket. He desperately wanted to open his eyes, but Lucifer’s tight hold kept him weighed down, making it impossible. He grappled with his memory, trying to piece together anything that made sense. And then, a gentle voice broke through the horror of his thoughts. “Sebastian ... it’s me, Eve. I’m here, my beloved. Please,” she pleaded with tears in her eyes. “Come back to me.” Suddenly, bits and pieces of Sebastian’s memory came back like random photos flashing on a video screen. At first, it had been happy. He saw Eve and remembered the first time she told him she loved him. No words could simply replace the way she looked at him, the way she touched him, the way she loved him like there was no one else in the world for her. He would never forget that moment. And then, the memory suddenly vanished from his mind and was replaced, turning into a nightmare. As the past came back, it was hard to control the rage that mounted in Sebastian’s head. Everything seemed to click together at light speed: The memory of his sister’s pain at the hands of his step-father, and the secret he’d kept for her. Panic raced up his spine. Chill bumps rose and fanned out, prickling over his skin like tiny razors. Sebastian used all his strength to try and break away from that dreadful day. Oh please, no, Sebastian thought painfully. Please, not this one. I don’t want to relive this memory. When he turned to walk away, Lucifer grabbed him by the arm and held him firm. “You will watch.” And just as quickly, Sebastian’s face crumbled, begging Lucifer to spare him of this particular memory. “I beg you,” Sebastian pleaded, shaking his head. “Don’t make me do this.” Lucifer smirked, releasing Sebastian. “Give me your son, and I’ll spare you from all this misery.” Even though Sebastian tended to view the world as black and white, here and now he understood the pull between right and wrong. He didn’t like it. But he didn’t have any other choice at the moment. Giving up his son was not an option. He’d relive all the nightmares of his past a million times before he’d hand over Arius. “No,” Sebastian said in a brave voice that trembled. “I will not give you Arius.” Lucifer frowned and leaned forward. “Have it your way.” As Sebastian stood back helplessly like a ghost in the shadows, his sister suddenly came into view. She was huddled in a dark corner outside his step-father’s bedroom with her knees tucked into her chest and her arms wrapped tightly around them. He watched her as she rocked back and forth quietly sobbing. A hushed little voice alerted her attention. “Sissy.” Anna looked up and met her little brother’s concerned gaze. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in a gasp of surprise. She rubbed her face and hastily pushed her hair behind her ears, then put her hands down on the floor. “Go back to bed, Sebastian,” she whispered, motioning him away. He rushed to her side and knelt down. “What’s wrong, Sissy?” A spasm of grief crossed her face. “Nothing,” she said softly. “Please, Sebastian. Go back to bed before you wake Mr. Montgomery.” At the age of five, Sebastian might not be that intuitive when it came to adults, but when he saw blood on his sister’s nightgown, he knew she’d been hurt. Sebastian had a bad feeling deep down in his tummy. He reached for her hand. “Did Mr. Montgomery hurt you, Sissy?” Anna remained still and not to outwardly react, but her face lost all color, and her expression seemed blank. It was like watching day turn into night as some of the light went out, and shadows stretched like storm clouds through her eyes. “Please don’t tell Mama,” she begged him as tears slipped down her cheeks. Sebastian’s eyes were glassy as he watched the younger version of himself reach up and wipe the tears from his sister’s face. He felt trapped in time. Locked in his past, reliving it with each breath. And he hated how painful it was to witness this memory once again. Right now, he wanted to die. Damn it, he knew that his step-father had been the one who raped Anna. Now, it all had made sense why he’d murdered the son of a bitch years ago. Sebastian knew there was plenty he had done in his life to be condemned for, but not this. Mr. Montgomery had gotten what he deserved. Anna pulled her little brother into her arms and pressed her lips to the top of his head. Sebastian squeezed her lightly and rubbed his little hand up and down her back to offer her the comfort she needed. She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Will you promise not to tell Mama?” As Sebastian stared into her gaze, he was torn. Slowly he nodded and whispered, “Okay, Sissy. I won’t tell Mama.” His gentle voice broke through the horror of her anxiety and gave her comfort. Anna blinked, and more tears fell down her cheeks. Sebastian was staring wearily at her, his brow furrowed as if he were trying to hold back tears. Anna cupped his chin with a tender grasp. “Don’t worry little brother. Everything will be all right.” He nodded, but the weariness in his eyes had yet to fade. Sebastian was afraid for his sister and fearful of Mr. Montgomery. “Let’s get you back to bed before Mama awakens,” she said gently. “Would you like a piece of candy before bed? I have a chocolate bar saved on my dresser.” “K’,” Sebastian said as he stood, reaching his hand down to help Anna to her feet. After Sebastian finished his half of the chocolate bar and brushed his teeth, it wasn’t long before he fell asleep. As Anna watched him, his brow was creased even in slumber, his expression tense as though he were indeed in pain. She caressed his forehead, running her hand gently across his brow. He stirred beneath her touch and slightly opened his eyes. They were clouded with exhaustion. “I love you, Sissy,” he whispered in a drowsy mumble. Anna smiled. “I love you too, Sebastian.” **** When Abbey heard the door close, she scrambled out of the bathroom and through the bedroom toward the door that led to the outside hallway. She slowly opened it just a crack and peeked out to see Steven heading downstairs toward the kitchen to meet everyone for breakfast. She’d told him to go ahead without her while she took a quick shower. Abbey would have to move fast if she was going to slip out before anyone noticed. She might very well be making the biggest mistake of her life. Maybe Tim Ross had a good idea when he suggested moving her and Steven to the guest house. Having guards with tranquilizer guns posted outside their door may keep the Covenant safe if she turned again, but it wouldn’t protect Steven. And that was a risk she wasn’t willing to take. Considering what had happened earlier, Abbey knew Steven was no match up against her she-wolf. Abbey went back into the bathroom and packed only the essential toiletries. Using her hands, she smoothed her hair back, clipping it on top of her head, and placed a ball cap on. As she went back into the bedroom, she opened the dresser and hauled out a few changes of clothing and stuffed them into her bag. And then her gaze caught sight of a note lying on top of her pillow. She paused and then went over to the bed and picked up the piece of paper. It was from Steven. I’m so happy to have you back, Abbey. Don’t worry, everything will work out. I love you. Tears gathered in her eyes. There was a part of her that hated leaving him behind. Maybe they had a chance for a normal relationship, but when her Lupa had attacked Steven and Jace, it had shaken her confidence enough that she knew she couldn’t stay here. She was terrified to go back on the run, but she had no other choice. She picked up a pen on the nightstand and turned Steven’s note over. How was she going to explain to him why she left? She scribbled a quick note and pressed it to her lips before she laid it back on the bed next to his pillow. By the time she made it outside the back door and climbed over the gate, making sure she wasn’t seen by the guards, Abbey looked back at the Breedline Covenant. Her chest ached to leave Steven—a man whom she loved deeply. A man who understood her past and all the demons she fought. Concerned over what was taking Abbey so long, Steven excused himself before he left the kitchen. But on the other hand, she may have been too exhausted to eat and decided to get some rest. After everything they’d been through, Steven couldn’t afford to assume anything. When he came to their bedroom and opened the door, it was quiet inside, which meant Abbey was probably asleep. Still, he found himself quietly moving through the small living room that led to the bedroom. He just wanted to check in on her. As Steven cracked open the bedroom door, something inside him twisted just a little tighter, and he frowned, worried about what his gut was trying to tell him. Noticing the empty bed, he went inside and stood outside the bathroom door. “Abbey?” Steven opened the door and peeked inside, calling out to her. When there was no answer, he turned toward the bed and noticed the note he’d left her had been moved. It was lying next to his pillow. He picked it up and saw that she had written on the backside. I’m sorry Steven. But I can’t take the risk of hurting anyone in the Covenant, especially you. Please don’t come after me. I will always love you. What? Panic hit him in the stomach like a baseball bat. Steven tossed the note aside and rushed out of the room and headed downstairs. “Damn it, damn it,” he cursed over and over as he took off. Where the hell was Abbey going? And how the hell could he protect her from Valkin Steele and all his hired trackers? Damn it. He’d just got her back. He should have never left her alone, thinking she wouldn’t run after what had happened earlier. Christ, he was the biggest idiot, and he hated feeling like a dumbass. It was a messed-up scenario no matter how he looked at it. All Steven knew was that somehow, he was going to find Abbey and drag her back, if that’s what it took. Then he would do a better job of convincing her she belonged with him no matter the circumstances. They would figure out a way to deal with her she-wolf. As Steven shot through the kitchen door, he braced himself for what he was about to say. “We have a problem,” he said, allowing the frustration to leak into his tone. “Abbey is gone.” Everyone sitting at the kitchen table had all donned serious what-the-hell looks. And then their expression turned to ones of sympathy. They were all looking at Steven with weary eyes. Roman quickly rose to his feet, his expression dark. “What do you mean she’s gone?” “She left me a note. She’s afraid if she turns again, she’ll hurt someone.” Lawrence’s hand palmed the back of his neck, and he blew out a deep breath. “Damn it, she’ll be a target. If Cole Decker finds her, he’ll use her as a pawn to get to you, Steven.” Steven knew Lawrence was right. The same thing reflected in every single person in the room. Tessa briefly closed her eyes and sighed. “This is awful. What are we going to do? We can’t just leave her on her own. It’s not safe. She belongs here. Abbey is part of this family now.” Seeing the anxiety etched in her expression, Jace put his arm around her and squeezed reassuringly. “Where would she go?” he asked. “I don’t know.” Steven shook his head. He was barely managing to keep it together. He was worried and scared for Abbey. He was more frightened than when they’d been separated years before. “Steady,” Jem said, putting his hand on his shoulder as if sensing the turmoil of Steven’s thoughts. “It’s going to be all right, Steven. We’ll find her.” He hoped the hell he was right. Steven hadn’t even realized he’d bobbled. His knees went to jelly, and he had to grasp the back of a chair to keep from dropping to his knees. Drakon rose from his chair and reached out to Steven. “You okay, buddy?” Steven inhaled deeply and nodded. “We’ve got to find her before Decker does,” Steven said hoarsely. “I’ll gladly give myself over to Valkin Steele. It’s me he’s looking for. If he wants his beloved healed, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them away from Abbey.” Roman turned to Steven in surprise, his brows furrowed. He was pissed, all right, but it didn’t seem to be reflected at Steven. In fact, no one looked anything, but ... worried. “Let’s not overreact just yet,” Roman said. “If Steele gets his hands on you, healing Natasha won’t be the end. He’s not just going to let you walk away. Valkin Steele isn’t that kind of man. He’d make a deal with the devil if it came down to it.” “If we don’t find her soon, I’ll do whatever it takes to get Abbey back safe,” Steven bit out. “I don’t give a shit about me.” Alexander rose from his chair and moved next to Steven. “We’ll find her,” he said firmly. “Hell yeah, we’ll get your girl back, Steven,” Kyle chimed in. “I’ll go take a look at the outside surveillance footage,” Drakon offered. “At least we’ll get an idea of what direction she took off to.” Near to his exploding point, Tim checked his watch, noticing how the hours had quickly passed. Frustration frayed his already worn patience. He didn’t have time for this. “Look, she couldn’t have gotten far.” He turned around and looked Roman square in the eyes. “Lieutenant Colonel Deshazo and his men should be here any minute. Give them a heads-up. We’ll need a chopper for this. They can search in the air while we head out on the road.” Roman nodded and pulled out his phone. Tessa got out of her chair and walked over to Steven. “I promise, Steven,” she said placing her hand on his arm. “We’ll do everything we can to bring her back.” Steven grimaced and then took her hand, squeezing lightly. He couldn’t even form a response. He was utterly bewildered. First, that Abbey would just take off like that, and second, that she had to run away, worried she’d hurt someone. He didn’t care what she thought. She belonged to this family. She belonged with him. To save Abbey from the slime-ball predators like Valkin Steele and Cole Decker, he’d take anyone down by any means necessary that got in his way. To be continued...
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