I recline back in my chair and steeple my fingers together. I wince at the pain in my hand, but it’s not enough to deter me from churning theories, possibilities.
The authorities are asking for witnesses…revealing the killer got away. For how long, is the question. I mean, it is the city. Ericson very well could’ve been a victim of a mugging. He also kept company with very unsavory types. Maybe one of them put him down.
Only, that’s not what my instincts are screaming.
Ericson Daverns was at the top of a revenge list of one very dedicated justice dealer.
A thrill courses my system as I imagine her furious and wild, eyes as vibrant as the sea, a harbinger of justice as she attacks. She’s the most beautiful vision like this, so full of passion.
What could drive an individual with shallow affect, with no past violent tendencies, to suddenly lose control and commit murder?
I know the answer—but does she?
Her drive to balance the scales and deliver retribution is a part of her nature. It’s why she chose her occupation. Why she’s so good at reaping vengeance for her clients.
And Ericson Daverns was unfinished business.
But then there’s the darker side of her nature, the part of Blakely that enjoyed causing pain, suffering. It’s why she wanted to take the job to the extreme to truly make Ericson suffer for his sins.
Oh, Blakely, what has my little monster done?
I pull back a section of bandage and examine the burned flesh of my hand. Damaged but my body is already generating new cells to heal the skin. We adapt. We recover. We grow stronger.
Blakely is like those damaged cells; her brain generating new growth to repair and replace the scorched memories. Coding over the old data, learning and adapting to her new emotions.
I did not fail. I knew I could not fail…not with her.
The treatment is a success.
Pulling my desk drawer open, I remove the one object I was able to save from the fire before it took the cabin. The journal of subject 6. I page through the entries to find the drawing of Blakely I sketched in the park.
My fingers trace her features reverently. The hard expression she wore when she believed no one was watching. The delicate curve of her lips, the way she bit her lip so enticingly.
She swore she was not like me—she vowed she’d never be a killer. She refused to take my life, and I witnessed her confliction over that choice. Yet, she seemingly murdered her target.
Why take one life and not the other?
What sets me apart from Ericson?
Maybe the answer will be in new brain scans. Or a whole new emotional map. Or maybe it’s something I can’t quantify with data.
Some look for love in flowers and sweet professions of adoration and devotion. Ours is not sweet. Ours is not naïve. Ours is a sick and cruel love born in a lab. Violence and obsession are only a measure away from passion, and our depraved passion owns us wholly.
Blakely belongs with me.
She is my proof. My cure is out there right now, wandering the world, a fledgling in her own right. She’s going to need protection, guidance. She’s going to need her maker to help her transition. Blakely is going to need me as much as I need her.
Soon, little monster. We will be together soon.
Blakely and Alex’s story continues in Malady: A Necrosis of the Mind Duet: Two, coming soon. Pre-order Malady here. Keep flipping the pages for a special sneak peek at the cover…
Malady coming 2021 - Pre-order now
Also by Trisha Wolfe
Darkly, Madly Duet
Born, Darkly
Born, Madly
Broken Bonds Series
With Visions of Red
With Ties that Bind
Derision
Standalone Novels
Cellar Door
Five of Cups
Lotus Effect
Living Heartwood Novels
The Darkest Part
Losing Track
Fading Out
A Necrosis of the Mind Duet
Cruel
Malady
About the Author
From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fictional worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fictional worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. Get updates on future releases at http://www.trishawolfe.com/
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to:
My amazingly talented critique partner and friend, P.T. Michelle, for reading so quickly, giving me much needed pep talks and advice, wonderful notes, and for your friendship.
My super human beta readers, who read on the fly and offer so much encouragement. Melissa & Michell (My M&M’s), and Debbie for reading quickly to give me helpful insight as always. All the girls in the Lair for reading the ARC and offering their help and support to shape this book. I really can’t express how much you girls mean to me—just know that I couldn’t do this without you.
To all the authors out there, my kindred, who share and give shouts outs. You know who you are, and you are amazing.
To my family. My son, Blue, who is my inspiration, thank you for being you. I love you. And my husband, Daniel (my turtle), for your support and owning your title as “the husband” at every book event. To my parents, Debbie and Al, for the emotional support, chocolate, and unconditional love.
Najla Qamber of Najla Qamber Designs, thank you so much for not just creating all my stunning, take-my-breath-away covers, but for also rocking so hard! You are so much fun to worth with, and I cannot wait to work with you again on future projects.
Special thank you to Harley, my super repair tech (at my other job!), for the crazy idea for the Musou black dark room. I’m glad you watch really weird YouTubes, bro!
To my PA, Meagan, who, in just a short time, has become my go-to girl to get shit done. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us!
There are many, oh, so many people who I have to thank, who have been right beside me during this journey, and who will continue to be there, but I know I can’t thank everyone here, the list would go on and on. So just know that I love you dearly. You know who you are, and I wouldn’t be here without your support. Thank you so much.
To my readers, you have no idea how much I value and love each and every one of you. If it wasn’t for you, none of this would be possible. As cliché as that sounds, I mean it from the bottom of my black heart. I adore you, and hope to always publish books that make you feel.
I owe everything to God, thank you for everything.