Chapter 6

CHASE

Isaw the smoke from the road as I drove down it, pulling up to realize someone was having a fire in their backyard. It wasn't until I approached the house that I realized it was her. I decided to check out the yard first, assuming it was her as I saw her parents leave moments ago. Probably to check on my mom. They have been close recently, and honestly, I'm thankful for it. My mom needs someone right now and both my father and I aren't capable of giving her that.

Instead of finding my princess, I find ash and smoke. Remnants of her life smoldering in a trash can. I hate that she's going through this. I know she's strong, but I expected my girl to come back to me. Instead, I found a shell of the girl I used to know. I need to be there for her, to help her through this. If I have to help her find every one of those scumbags, I will, but I can't do that while she's fighting me.

This family is ridiculous; they always leave their patio doors unlocked but then Asheville is hardly known for its crime rates. I walk through the house calmly in search of her, not knowing what condition I will find her in. I head upstairs, hearing a shower, before I find myself in her room. It's been trashed, all the photos ripped from the walls, there's stuff out of place, missing…my gifts…the fire…she's burned my gifts. I'll buy her whatever she wants, of course, but some of those were from the heart. A boy sharing his love with his girl through the simplicity of a flower. I've truly fucked up, and I'm not sure how to come back from this.

Suddenly, this hellcat runs at me with a canister of some sort. I quickly knock it away, pinning her against me, and well, my plan to check in on her goes up in smoke.

Now, here I am, walking back to my car with her words running around and around in my mind. I'll never want you again. That hurts me more than anything else. All I wanted to do was hold her and tell her it will be okay. I consider coming clean to her for a second. A lot of stuff has happened since that night she left the hospital, and she doesn't know, but I can't. It's too dangerous. If she knew what I did, what we all did, she would go in half-cocked and probably never forgive me.

Instead, I walked away, warning her that she's mine. I snapped. I was angry. She blames me for my brother's shooting. She isn't wrong. That day will haunt me until I die, but having her blame me is harder to deal with than my own guilt.

My own anger is now boiling over into an unfiltered rage. Fine, she doesn't want me, but I'll be damned if anyone else will have her. She thinks this is goodbye, but really, she just invited me to make her life hell. Oh, she's mine, all right, and if soft words and touches won't do it, then okay. She'll find out the lengths I'm willing to go to, and I'll make sure she and everyone else know she belongs to me.

I take my phone from my back pocket and dial a number for something else than I normally would.

"Hey, man. We're throwing a party tonight, but I need a change of location. Can we do it at your house?"

"Sure, but you know, at my house, it's my rules."

"I know." A cruel smile dances over my lips. "I need it as depraved as it can get. I'm bringing Brooke."

The voice over the phone laughs. "Sure, that's my specialty, you know."

"I have one rule…"

"Let me guess, no one touches your girl?"

"You got it. She's off-limits to everyone. Spread the word. If anyone touches or looks at her in any way I don't like, there will be consequences."

"I'll tell my brothers to spread the word, but you know the punishment is what we choose."

"I do, your house, your rules."

"Good." He hangs up without another word, and I text the guys that the party tonight is now with the Twisted Brothers.

Jax

You sure that's a good idea? I don't think the girls should be near those guys.

I'm sure.

Asher

I'm down. See you there.

Text everyone you invited and tell them it's going to be held at their place.

I turn my phone off as I open my car door, slamming it shut before I start my car up. That smile is still on my face.

Tonight is going to be fun, I think. I've shielded her from my world long enough. She thinks she's grown up, ready to handle it then I'll give it to her, on my terms only.

I've known the Twisted Brothers for years. I trust them, which is a crazy idea considering how fucked up they truly are, but I know she's safe with them. Even when I'm not with her, they'll have eyes on her. And if anyone gets any ideas, I'll know about it within seconds. She thinks I'm joking about her being mine, but I'm not. I won't let her get away; I won't let her pull back. She's mine and she needs reminding of that.

I look up at the window that her bedroom is in. Seeing her shadow as she paces the room. I have one more call to make. After all, I can't go to a party alone. I need a date, and I know exactly who I'm calling.