*** TRIGGER WARNING ***

This book features graphic violence, sexual assault, abuse, sexism and misogyny, torture, and death.

Prologue

UNKNOWN

He sits in the back of the diner watching them. No one notices him, no one ever does. He is always the one who sits at the back of the classroom fading into the background. You couldn't even call him the weird, loner kid. That would mean someone would notice him. He is just ordinary. A face in the crowd that fades quicky from every person's memory. But he sees all. All the fake smiles and shallow conversations. All the plotting and planning. All the schemes to target one person and tear them down. It makes him sick. He would ignore all of it. All the bullshit of high school unless it was aimed at one particular person. Her. Kasey Watkins. He has been watching her for years from a distance. Following her. Always on the edges of her world. Today he was paying extra attention. Someone had posted a photo of her taken in the change rooms with some degrading comments. It had made her sad. He hated that. She deserves to be happy.

He watches as her fake friends all try to tell her it will all be ok. Telling her all the fake things people say to make it better. But nothing will. It is out there now. It always will be. She pretends to smile, but he can see the pain in her eyes. He clenches his fist so hard his knuckles crack. He looks at her best friend, Skye. Hate blazing in his eyes. He has never liked her fake cheerleading ass. He knows Kasey deserves better than that. People like that should be grovelling at her feet, begging for a minute of her time. It is only that they have been friends since they were young that she is friends with Kasey. And her so called best friend would ditch her as soon as she can't use her anymore. Unfortunately, high school is full of these types of people. Thank God it is almost over with graduation just around the corner.

The girls stand up and hug, slowly breaking apart. All are trying to be sympathetic but have no idea what she is going through, just glad it didn't happen to them. The group slowly move towards the door and gather outside. The best friend hangs back taking a call. He slowly moves closer getting ready to follow too but holds back pretending to look in his bag for something. Outside the girls are chatting about all the graduation parties they could go to. Kasey doesn't seem to be really listening or paying attention. They group slowly dwindles as one by one they leave. Kasey lingers waiting to walk with Skye as the live in the same area. By the time Skye comes out of the diner everyone has left and Kasey is standing all alone.

"Sorry, Tommy called. I didn't mean to take so long. You ready?" Skye asked.

"Yeah, I suppose." Kasey replied flatly. 

They walked toward the shortcut to their neighbourhood. Kasey looked up to the top of the trees of the small forest and took a deep breath.

"Oh, Hun. You need to forget about it. It will be old news by the end of the weekend." Skye said in an overly sugary voice. He followed at a short distance and rolled his eyes at the fakery. "Besides, with Tommy's party this weekend, everyone will be focusing on that and not care about some dumb post online."

"Can we just talk about something else." Kasey pleaded.

"Sure, I was just trying to help you process it. We should try to find out who did it. I mean someone had to take the picture, right?" Skye continued

"Skye, please. I don't want to talk about it." He could tell she was trying to hold her emotions in check. Skye didn't seem to notice, or she didn't care. Which honestly was more likely.

"What did the principal say? You saw him, right?" she looks at Kasey "I mean this happened at school, it is his responsibility to find them, right?" she continued not letting Kasey answer. 

He could see the tears starting to run down her cheek. He felt his anger spiking. How could a so-called friend be so self-absorbed not to notice how painful it is for her to talk about. But of course, he knew the answer. She didn't care. Not one bit.

Skye continued to prattle on the entire time until they came to a fork in the path. They stopped and turned to each other. 

Skye hugged Kasey saying "try not to think about it all. And if you need to, give me a call, ok? I am here for you."

 Kasey just nodded and told her she will see her at school tomorrow. They split, Kasey going right toward her house. He watched her walk away before turning to follow Skye towards her house.

Skye continued through the trees, totally oblivious to him behind her. She was too absorbed in her chat with who-knows to even look where she was going. He let his anger rise as he followed. He waited until they were far enough away to not draw attention before he snuck up behind her and grabbed her around the neck and covering her mouth dragging her off the path and into the dense forest. She was struggling but it was no use. His hold on her was too strong. She had hurt Kasey enough, she had to be stopped. Keeping his hand over her mouth he shoved her to the dirt and straddled her. He glared down at her burning her with his hate. 

"You don't deserve her" he growled at her. She stared back with a mixture of fear and confusion. "I see everything. I know what you did. You are nothing but a plastic whore." He whisper-yelled at her just centimetres from her face. 

Recognition flashed in her face. Whether it was for him or what she did he didn't know. 

"You cause so much pain I think it is time you get some back." 

He ripped open her top before pulling down her underwear. She started to cry. 

"Really, now you are sorry huh? Too little too late" he said as he shoved her undies into her mouth and continued to strip her holding her down by the throat. He used her belt to tie her hands above her head.

"No, no, no, no, please." She pleaded through her gag. He just stared at her with disgust.

"No use begging. How many lives have you made hell? Karma is a bitch." He sneered at her squeezing her throat. "You are getting nothing worse than you handed out, only it is not publicized like you like to do" he watched her eyes bulge as he squeezed. 

His hand drifted down to grab her breast. He squeezed hard making her cry out in pain. 

"Such a shame. Such a pretty package for such a horrible soul." 

His hand returned to her neck while the other moved to his pants. She started to cry louder. 

"I'd advise you to shut up." He growled as he tore open a condom. 

She started to fight and scream. He slapped her across the face. 

"Shut up whore" he growled before hitting her again. 

She tried to free her hands, struggling with all her might. 

"What are you fighting for? I thought you liked it rough?"

"Fuck you!" she spat through the gag.

"About to." He smirked back at her. 

She screamed again. This time he punches her hard enough to daze her. 

"Better." He said as he lined himself with her opening. "I'm just treating you like the whore you are! Now take it cunt!" he slammed into her causing a scream. 

He was relentless. Punishing her for every sin he had witnessed her do. From degrading and destroying other girls to fucking other people's boyfriends. And especially for pretending to care about others before stabbing them in the back. She started crying in earnest, struggling even harder, kicking, punching, trying to break free. He was getting more violent as his anger swelled. 

"You are a fucking shallow piece of shit. You deserve to be treated as such, you vile, backstabbing cunt" 

Skye started to scream realizing the dire situation she was in. She could tell this was escalating. Her hands felt around the ground for something she could use finding a rock. Without thinking she picked it up and swung hard at his head. She heard him swear before she felt his fist hit her again and again. She whimpered in pain as his hands surrounded her throat and squeezed. He was yelling something at her, but she couldn't hear over the sound of her blood pumping in her ears. He started shaking her by her neck as stars started to fill her vision. She clawed at his hands trying to loosen his grip, but he didn't. He kept squeezing as he railed her over and over. His hips jack-knifed into her again and again until he let out a roar, expelling all his anger along with his cum. His hips spasmed in aftershocks as he stared up at the tree canopy. He withdrew, tying off the condom and putting it in his pocket. Only then did he look down at her. She had bruises on her face from his hits, and a bruised ring from his hands around her neck. Her eyes were staring blankly at the sky and were slightly bloodshot. 

"Well damn. I wanted to have a bit more fun with you." He sighed. "Oh well." 

He started rummaging through her pockets and bag, taking her phone, money and then taking her jewellery. He then stands up and glares down at her, grunting as he kicks some dirt on her before walking away, leaving her laying exposed in the open like the trash she is.

Chapter 1

I slowly make my way down the corridor to my locker trying to ignore the looks and whispers. The last three weeks have been hell for me. First there was the post that was anonymously posted to the schools' social website and then just a few days later my best friend, Skye, vanishes from the face of the earth. At first, we thought her, and her boyfriend Tommy had run off together, but then last week he came back to school without her. Apparently, there was an emergency in the family, or some BS and he had no idea Skye was even missing. Last week they started searching for her. I have been questioned a couple of times as I was apparently the last to see her, which is not scary at all! So now I can't tell whether people are talking about me possibly being a slut thanks to the post or if they think I had something to do with Skye's disappearance. Needless to say, I am pretty much keeping to myself. Thank God there are only a few weeks left before I am done with this school.

I am in the second period of the day (English – bleh) when we were interrupted by a knock at the door. The teacher walked over and had a brief conversation with the school councillor. I had a knot in my stomach as Miss Turner walked toward me.

"Kasey, Mr. Thornton would like to have a word with you."

"Okay." I said softly, standing. My legs felt numb as I walked outside to talk to Mr. Thornton.

"Kasey," Mr. Thornton started with a look of sympathy in his eyes, "I don't know how to say this, but they found Skye. We thought you and Tommy should know first."

"Oh my god, really? Is she ok?" I ask swallowing over the lump in my throat.

"I'm afraid not. I'm so sorry Kasey."

"No, tell me it isn't true. Please."

I start crying as my legs give out. I vaguely feel arms around me supporting me. I am led to a small meeting room and sat in a chair. Tears continue to stream down my face. I can't seem to stop them. How can she be gone? My oldest friend who I have known since I was 4. I feel like I can't breathe.

The rest of the day was a blur. I stayed in that room for about an hour or two before my mother was able to get off work to collect me. After that I sort of checked out for a few days. I didn't leave my room, hell I didn't leave my bed, unless to go to the toilet. I didn't eat. I barely slept. I kept remembering that last day, going over and over it again and again thinking I missed something. Was I so absorbed in my own drama that I missed something? Was I somehow to blame? How could someone be there talking and laughing about school and an upcoming party on minute and not even exist the next. On the third day I managed to have a shower. People had stopped trying to call me after the second day, so I felt completely isolated. I knew I needed to get back to it, to life. I had to go back to school. I had to finish and graduate so I can go to college and start a new life away from all this endless cycle of shit. I love my mom, but I need to get away from this town. This year has just gone from bad to worse. I can't wait to leave. Tomorrow, I decide, I will go to school.

I could see all the kids out front of the school, laughing and playing, and talking about some stupid show they watch the night before or whatever, as I walked up. As soon as people saw me and recognised me though there was nothing but silence and soft whispers. They hadn't released any details yet, so everyone was speculating what happened to her and the rumour mill was in full swing. I stop at the beginning of the path leading to the doors and just stood there for a minute trying to build up my resolve to walk in there.

"Kasey?" I heard a soft male voice calling from behind. I turned in a daze. I looked at him for a few seconds trying to place him.

"Um, hi, Phelan, right?" I ask. 

I always remembered his name because it sounded cool, and I liked the way it was spelled. Of course, he got teased for it for obvious reasons. He shared a few classes with me, but not many.

"Yes," he smiled broadly, surprised I knew it, "Are you ok?" 

I was surprised by the care and concern in his voice and the sincerity in his eyes.

"Um, yeah. I was just taking a moment to build up my courage to go in there." I give him a wry smile.

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Try to cover up how you feel with humour and a fake smile. You are an honest and sincere person. That's what I like about you most." He said and then quickly looked away realizing what he just said. "I can walk in with you if you like." He said with a sweet smile, offering me his arm.

"You will? Thank you so much. I would feel better if I wasn't alone." I smiled at him taking his arm.

"You can have my services as long as you need them, just say the word." He said with a wink and started walking slowly.

I took a moment to look at him. Why have I never talked to him before? He is a really nice guy. He has amazing blue eyes, dark hair, and a dimple in his left cheek. He is tall and by the feel of his arm he is quite fit too. I think about this as we enter through the doors and walk into the corridor. It is loud and busy as everyone gets ready for their day. That is until they notice me. Then slowly, one by one everyone stops what they are doing and turn to stare at me. I gulp, grabbing onto Phelan's arm tighter as he looks down at me. I give him a small nod and we start to walk through the crowd, hearing whispers start as we pass.

Phelan leans down and whispers into my ear "Don't pay them any attention, they aren't worth a second of you time or thoughts."

"Thank you, Phelan." I smile at him with gratitude. As we turn the corner, I come face to face with Tommy.

I stop dead and stare at him not knowing what to say. 

"Hi Tommy." I manage to get out quietly.

"Hi Kasey. Um, how have you been." He replies awkwardly.

"Oh, um, okay, I guess. How are you?"

"Yeah, good. I got to go meet the guys. see ya." He makes a quick exit.

"Well, that wasn't awkward at all." I sigh under my breath. I then feel a squeeze on my hand and look up into the eyes of Phelan.

"You're doing fine. And don't worry. I got your back." He gives me an encouraging smile.

"Thanks." I say again. 

Where did this knight in shining armour come from? We walk a little further when I notice a large group gathered midway down. A few more steps and I realize they are congregated around my locker. I swallow, not having a good feeling about this. I slowly walk closer, making my way through the crowd. I let out a gasp when I see what is freshly sprayed on the door of my locker.

"MURDERING SLUT"

I cover my mouth in horror before running out to the nearby courtyard. I am soon joined by Phelan. He silently takes me into his arms and holds me as I cry. How could someone do this. What have I ever done? I hold onto Phelan's shirt like a lifeline. I hear him quietly murmur into my hair, saying affirming things like 'its ok', 'they're not worth your tears', and 'I'm here, its ok.' Slowly I regain control and look up at Phelan.

He wipes away the remaining tears and says "let's get outta here. School is pretty much done; we are graduating regardless. You need a break."

I let him lead me out to the carpark and to an older, slightly beat up car.

"Wow, is this a Plymouth '71 GTX?" I ask as I look over his car. He looked at me clearly surprised.

"You know cars?" he asks.

"Oh yeah! A little obsession I picked up from my dad before he left. I started liking them wanting to be closer to him but ended up loving it."

"That's cool. And yeah, it's a GTX. I picked it up for a steal a while back. The plan is to fix it up. Just need to find the time you know. Might take a while, you know with college and that." I watch him talk about the car and notice how his eyes light up.

"Well, if you need help, I am willing." I run my hand over the curve of the car.

"Good to know" he answered winking. He opens the door for me and scoot in.

"Where are you going to college?" I ask after he gets in. He starts the car and drives out of the carpark.

"Nowhere special, just the next state over. Just to get out of here really."

"Oh, me too. I am not fussed where I go as long as it isn't here. It's not been the best year for me." I look down at my hands feeling vulnerable. I feel his hand cover mine and gives me a comforting squeeze.

"Maybe we could hang out together sometimes. Now, let's get out of here!" he hits the gas making the tires squeal, I let out a little giggle unexpectedly. It feels strange to laugh. I can't remember the last time I laughed.

"Where are we going?" I ask, the wind blowing my hair through the window.

"Does it matter?" he replied, shooting me a grin.

"No. I suppose it doesn't." I grin back. 

I have a feeling things are going to be better from now on. I feel a big change coming, and it can only be good.