The Ties of Darkness (Book Two of the Hidden Secrets Trilogy)

Chapter Ten

My mouth went dry.

"How do you know that?" I asked, trying not to show any more fear.

"Because of this," he said, grabbing my hand and showing me the ring. "You got engaged too early for someone your age love. What would your parents say if they found out that you got engaged at seventeen?" Erebus asked darkly. Tears pricked in my eyes as I looked up at Erebus with hate.

"I love Liam! Why does it matter to you?" I asked angrily.

"It does! Now he's ruined my fun!" Erebus roared. I felt my canines lengthen as anger pulsed through me. "I wouldn't even try," he said carelessly. I let out an angered cry and stomped off to the room Erebus had given me.

I got to my room and slammed the door shut and sat on my bed. I laid on my back and covered my eyes wanting to block out the whole world. A soft knock sounded at my door and I thought it was Erebus when Liam's voice called out.

"Anna, it's us," he said. I quickly got up and yanked open the door, running to Liam's arms.

"They didn't hurt you did they?" I asked him worried.

"No, but it was a bit rough getting out of the car," he answered. A smile quirked on my mouth, but I bit my lower lip to hide it. I shifted my gaze over to Jacob, who stood quietly. I pulled away from Liam and approached Jacob.

"How are you, Jacob?" I asked.

"Fine as always little flower," he answered not meeting my eyes.

"Um, Liam, can you give us a minute?" I asked. He nodded and left us. I took Jacob's hand and led him into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me, then I turned to Jacob.

"So, I haven't seen you in a while, what have you been up to?" I asked him, curious. He sighed.

"Why does it concern you?" he shot back, his tone rough and callous.

"Jacob I just want to help-," I started. He had his back to me but spun swiftly and grabbed both of my arms in a harsh grip making me wince.

"I...don't need...help! You can't fix what he's done to me," he growled.

"Erebus hurt you?" I said, my voice rising. He scoffed and shook his head.

"See, nothing that matters," he said. Then in a swift movement, he lifted his head and pressed his lips to mine.

I was caught off guard and inhaled air, letting it out in a sigh. His grip on my arms loosened as the kiss steadied.

The door suddenly burst open and an infuriated Liam rushed into the room, tearing Jacob away from me, before throwing a punch to his face.

"Are you serious?!" Liam yelled. Jacob chortled in a tone that was so different from his own. He rubbed his jaw with his hand and looked Liam in the eye.

"What? Can't a guy have some fun?" he asked, laughing. Liam started to come to me when Jacob sidestepped him.

"Come now brother, I just want to talk," Jacob said.

"Erebus's done something to him!" I blurted.

"Yeah, I can see that," Liam grated. Jacob looked from me to Liam and back to me.

"Something you want to tell me, brother?" Jacob asked, his tone skeptic. The door opened again and Erebus with his two men entered. He surveyed the scene and smiled.

"How is it going with these two Jacob?" he asked.

"Troublesome," Jacob answered. Erebus nodded and pursed his lips, motioning his two cronies forward.