“I will always love you, Tarron. I will be here if you change your mind and I’ll always take you back,” her voice echoed in his mind as she turned and walked away from him. It was the last time he had ever spoken to her, and it was the last time he had allowed himself to feel anything but anger until now.

Tarron woke with a start as sweat dripped down his brow and across his back. His breathing was rapid as the fresh memories of Lucy flooded his mind and the pain that always followed wracked his muscles. Even after her death, the thought of her could evoke pain in him. He hated her and yet he loved her still.

He pulled the picture he had taken from Cassie’s house out of his pocket and stared down at the blonde beauty that so closely resembled his Lucy. He rubbed a finger across it gently as if he were caressing her precious skin. “You will be mine, and this time you will choose life. This time I won’t let you go.”