Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“I'm glad you liked it. I believe I'm getting more familiar with your favorite word.” He nodded against me and I sighed as I looked around the room. “I'm sorry about the damage.”
“Don't be. You kicked ass, babe. You saved us. You promised if he started shit, we'd end it, and you did.”
“I will always keep my promises to you.”
“I know you will,” he replied with a smile.
“I'm surprised none of your neighbors heard the commotion.”
“Oh, I'm sure they did. But in the city, it's best to mind your own business. We should try and get everything taken care of before the landlord finds out, though.”
“You have my word. We'll find help first thing tomorrow. For tonight, we need to take care of that.” I nodded towards my father's body.
“What are we going to do with him?”
“I know just where to put him.”
We got dressed and Skyler retrieved a bag from the kitchen to place the body into, so I could carry it less conspicuously. I had to fold it in unnatural positions and break several bones to fit it inside, and had no qualms about doing so.
I stored the bag in the trunk of Skyler's car while he drove through town, stopping at the gates of the cemetery where I was buried for so long.
Night had fallen and the graveyard was abandoned. The heavy iron lock was threaded between the rods of the gate, but it would not keep us out. I took the sack in one hand and wrapped my other arm around Skyler before hurdling over the fence.
We strolled across the grounds until we came to an all too familiar spot. It was just as we left it, with the dirt slightly unsettled. There were no fresh footprints or signs that anyone had noticed the disturbance.
“I'm going to grab that excavator,” Skyler announced, pointing to the machinery which was much closer than last time. “I love that thing.”
I watched with a smile as he drove the vehicle back over to where I stood, and removed the dirt from the plot. He was skilled, and seemed to enjoy it very much; the grin never left his face, and he kept looking over to make sure I was watching. He never had to worry about that; I'd never take my eyes from him.
When the scoop of his machine hit the wooden box, Skyler stopped the engine and climbed out. “I'm sorry, I don't think I can get that coffin out without breaking it.”
“That's quite alright. Thank you for your help. You're very talented with it.”
“It's fun as hell.” He raised his eyebrows and poked me in the side with his elbow. “Maybe you can get me one for my next birthday.”
I nodded, making a mental note to ask Remy where I could purchase one. Of course, Skyler couldn't use it at the apartment. Perhaps I'd have to buy him a house with a yard to go with it.
Once I had his gift built in my head, realization rained over me and made my heart drop. I turned to face Skyler and took both of his hands. “Beloved, I apologize profusely; we did not celebrate your birthday.”
He smirked and replied, “It's okay, babe; we had a lot going on with the whole ‘escaping death and bonding forever’ things.”
His understanding and grace made me feel worse. “I have no excuse. I vow to make it up to you. I promise none of your desires will go unfulfilled.”
Skyler shook his head as he squeezed my hands. “You've already given me more than I could ever ask for. I get to spend the rest of time with the man of my dreams; a man who protects me, respects me, and loves me exactly as I am. You are my forever birthday gift.”
His sweet words swept me off of my feet. I leaned down and took his lips in a slow, deep kiss. When I pulled away, he smirked again and added, “Though I won't say no to stopping at the store on the way home for a cake.”
“I shall buy you one of every flavor.” Skyler beamed and nodded his agreement. “But first, I must take care of this.” I motioned to the bag resting by my feet. My mate nodded again and stepped back, giving me space to work.
I gripped the sack and jumped down into the hole Skyler dug. I ran my fingers across the wooden box it held, thinking of all the time I spent inside. If it was necessary to meet Skyler, I would do it a hundred times over.
The lid was split where I punched my way free after my mate removed the chains, so I shifted the pieces until the empty coffin was exposed. I placed my father's remains inside and replaced the lid.
Silver links were scattered throughout the dirt. Skyler had freed me in more ways than one; he broke the chains of my father's oppression and released me from a lifetime of uncertainty and loneliness.