Reminisce With Me

Chapter 31: Welcome Back

From the corner of my eye, the grey panel doors that lined both sides of the hallway blurred by as I ran. A stretch of red carpeting made my stomach churn as realization gradually fell over me. When I turned a corner, as expected, I stared out the window that overlooked the Manhattan bridge. The sun was beginning to set and the view I used to admire for days became an abstract painting.

Black Onyx never appeared eerie until today.

The sudden sound of footsteps sent me running towards the bench near the wooden columns. My entire body wouldn't stop shaking as two built men in suits emerged from the set of stairs.

"She's not here," a blonde man sneered, looking around the empty lounge.

The long-haired brunette buried himself on the couch, sighing loudly. "She's a Van Alen. We shouldn't be holding her captive. She's one of us."

"Theo, Ryder knows what he's doing," the other man mumbled, leaning against wall. "She has what he needs. We both know it doesn't matter if you are a member. Our lives are so minuscule in the partners eyes. "

I didn't know whether to feel sorry for them or to be scared. The two men were well aware of the inner workings of Black Onyx. Their lives were not theirs - it was owned by Black Onyx's.

"I don't doubt that," the one named Theo countered, rubbing the side of his head. "I just don't think it's her fault. She didn't know her family history for seventeen years."

The blonde boy shrugged. "Probably, but fate had a different plan in mind for her."

Theo laughed. "It sure did. I don't know why I care."

"You shouldn't. She will die and it's okay."

I gulped past the lump in my throat. My mind continued to turn, thinking of plan A to Z.

"Peter, who's sweater is on the bench?" Theo suddenly asked and my body went numb. I glanced over as the hood of my sweater rested on the bench cushion.

Do something, Aubrey, my mind screamed as I frantically searched my surroundings. As if the Gods heard my cries, I spotted a silver gun behind the pillar. Perhaps God didn't hear my cries, but the universe sure did.

As gentle footsteps approached me, I quickly grabbed the gun from the ground and stood up to face the men. Theo and Peter watched me in utter shock, not expecting the confidence or the gun. Amelia's words swam through my head: Do not show weakness.

Theo held his hands up, as if surrendering. "You must be Ms. Van Alen," he said after a moment.

I continued to watch them, afraid my voice would expose how scared I truly was. Peter smiled, sending a shiver down my spine. "Come on, love," he whispered. "Why don't you put that gun away. We won't hurt you."

I shook my head.

Theo and Peter exchanged glanced. "Is she going to shoot, or what?" Theo asked.

I locked the gun, which made the two men take a step back.

"What's going on here?" A new voice said from the elevator doors.

Collin stepped out, looking at us as though he didn't just set me free. His eyes screamed run and as I was about to bolt the other way, Peter's hands were in my hair.

I screamed, smashing the barrel of the gun against Peter's head. He grunted, loosening his grip on me. I shoved him aside and began crawling away. But, Theo's glare was enough for me to stop and stare.

"Don't bother," he said and I quickly turned around, crawling towards the opposite direction. "Why are you even trying?"

I was waiting for him to grab my legs, my hair, my arm, but to my surprise, he didn't take any action. "Because I don't give up," I found myself saying under my breath.