70. Delaney
CHAPTER 70
Delaney
I hiccup as I hold onto Stryker’s arm. His masked face glows as he leads me up the porch steps to my cabin. “I think you and Callie partied a bit too hard tonight.”
I giggle, missing my masked man so damn much. I drank more, hoping it would dull the ache. Fat fucking chance of that.
But it did give me the illusion of being happy and silly. For that, I’m grateful.
“We just had a few drinks.” I slap my hand against his chest. “Thank you for not ratting me out.”
Stryker’s sarcastic laugh lifts the drunken veil slightly. “If you think your masked man doesn’t know everything you’ve been up to, you’re delusional.”
“Ugh. Let’s sit on the porch for a minute. I’m feeling hot.”
Stryker guides me to one of the cushioned seats. “Stay right here and don’t move. I’ll grab you some water.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
As Stryker heads toward the door, my buoyant mood fades. The cool, late October air feels good against my overheated skin. I feel nostalgic as I stare at the darkness, lost in memories.
A few days ago, I woke up in bed, the dream lingering. In it, Zayne was holding me in his arms. His face was blurry, but I distinctly heard his voice saying, “I love you so fucking much, my lil minx.”
I lay there for a few minutes, wallowing in confusion. Why did I hear his voice so damn clearly?
What’s strange is the masked man left me his sweatshirt neatly folded on top of my dresser. A cold chill washed down my spine when I saw it. Zayne had given me his sweatshirt to wear while we were in high school.
Was it a coincidence or a hint as to the masked man’s identity?
No, it can’t be Zayne. He’s in California. And he despised me and proved it when he moved on, kissing that woman in the bar.
My phone beeps, pulling me from my thoughts. I retrieve it from the bodice of my witch’s costume. Even though my thoughts are in turmoil, I smile when I see his name.
MM: You drank too goddamn much. What the hell were you thinking?
ME: I was having fun. It’s almost Halloween.
MM: Having fun? Yeah right.
ME: Stop trying to ruin my buzz. Prick.
ME: What have you been doing?
MM: Being an insufferable prick, as usual.
I snort, a laugh coming from my lips. At least he’s honest.
A loud noise from inside my house draws my attention.
ME: I heard a noise in my house. brB.
I shoot to my feet, and a wave of dizziness washes over me. I hold my arm out for balance, hearing my phone beep, but ignore it.
I need to find Stryker and see what’s going on. Maybe he fell or something.
After another deep breath, my vision clears. I steadily walk across the porch and open the door, stepping inside.
Nothing could have prepared me for the sight in front of me.
A man is straddling an unmoving Stryker lying on the floor. His arm is raised, about to plunge the knife into him.
I don’t think, I simply react.
I rush him, and the man turns right as I tackle him. His eyes widen in shock, and the knife falls from his hand, sliding across the floor.
Scrambling away, my eyes are on the knife when he grabs my leg, pulling me back. I turn and kick at his face. He grunts as I scramble away, climbing to my feet.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Daniel?”
He’s on his feet, wiping a hand beneath his bloody nose. “Hello, Delaney. It seems your boyfriend has been making a mess of things.”
I glance at Stryker, lying on the floor. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“I’m not talking about him. I’m talking about the one who wears a Michael Myers mask. The one who kidnapped Aidan and Tim and is causing all kinds of issues for Dad and me.”
My face pales. I know the masked man took Tim, but Aidan, too? My mind whirls. Why would he want Aidan? Unless ? —
The anger in Daniel’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “You should’ve answered our texts and phone calls, Delaney. We tried to meet with you to warn you away. But you refused.”
“Why the hell would I wanna talk, let alone meet you abusive bastards? Our jackass father refused to let me see mom?—”
“Don’t worry about that traitorous bitch.” He shakes his head, a maniacal look in his eyes. “You’re the same as her. An ungrateful brat who refuses to fall in line. She tried leaving Dad twice, not realizing how good she had it. And you…” His lips curl into a sneer. “You were in love with a worthless deadbeat. His brother was a druggie, and his parents were dirt poor. What the hell kind of life could he have given you?”
Anger rolls through me like a volcano about to erupt. My eyes are on him, but my attention is on the knife in my peripheral vision, wondering if I can distract him and get to it before he attacks me. “A life full of happiness and love. Two things you and our father aren’t capable of feeling.”
He snarls at me before lunging. I sidestep him, kicking him in the knee. I head toward the knife, but he grabs my hair and pulls me back against him.
“We’re not stupid, Delaney. Zayne hiding behind the Michael Myers mask didn’t fool us. We’re also aware you’re involved with him again.” His vile laugh rings through my ears, making me wince. “He’s wreaked havoc on us and our operations.” His hand moves to my throat and squeezes. “Now, I’m going to create all kinds of problems for him.”