Violent Ends

“I know what you meant. You don’t have to keep apologizing.”

She put the cup down and turned toward him. “Do you feel that way with me? Is that what brought you in here, to see me?” All of her life she’d felt overlooked, like no one would ever notice her, and now, here was a man who may finally see her.

“Yes. I can see you’re freaked out about all of this.”

“I don’t know what else to be right now, Gideon. I want to talk about it, but it doesn’t feel like the right time or place.”

“It’s not. I’ve got to be here for Landon.”

“Will it really be as bad as … suicide?”

“I honestly don’t know. None of us have ever faced this. We’ve always been told that as soon as we know the woman that is destined to be ours, to make sure she’s protected.”

“Poor Landon,” she said.

“Why are you annoyed with Gabriel?”

His question startled her.

“I’m not.”

“I saw the way you looked at him. You’re angry with him, why?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It is.”

She turned to the sink, looking out of the window at the yard. Everything looked normal in the yard. The grass always grew, flowers bloomed. The perfect cycle of weather and garden. They didn’t have to have a complicated life.

“He’s different,” she said. “He doesn’t come around anymore. Unlike us, he’s been given a free pass because of his DNA. Me, Owen, and Wyatt, we don’t get that. We don’t get to have a second chance. Our life is linked to that of being a Colton, and I hate it.” She grabbed a towel, drying her hands. “Can I go home?”

“No. I’ve already called your brothers. They know you’re staying here with us.”

“I don’t get a say in this?”

“No. There’s a room made up for you. I’ll take you—”

“No, that’s fine. I know how to find my room. It’s the same one Charlotte always does for me, right?” She moved around him, trying not to touch him as she left the kitchen. Whatever she said must have worked because he didn’t try to follow her, which was more than fine with her. She just needed space away from him.

Leaving the kitchen, she rounded the corner, and there stood Gabriel. Her big brother. The man who, as far as she was concerned, had abandoned her. He’d moved on.

“What are you waiting for? Are you listening to our conversation when you have no right to?” She felt anger and rage crawl within her. She didn’t like Gabriel being this close to her.

“I’m still your brother, Emma. You can’t change that.”

“Last time I checked, you were more interested in being a Denton. I don’t need a babysitter, and I don’t want one.” Brushing past him, she made her way to her bedroom for the night. Closing the door, she leaned back against it, taking a deep breath. “Calm down, Emma, calm.”

Everything seemed to be moving so fast, and she couldn’t focus at all. One minute she was all alone, and then there went Gideon, telling her that he believed she belonged to him. When did her life become so complicated?

Seconds passed, maybe even minutes before she finally got up, went to the bathroom, stripped down, and had a shower. She had to clear her head, and it was the only thing she could think to do.

Pushing all of her thoughts to the back of her mind, she climbed beneath the water, turning it to cold. She wouldn’t think of Gideon, not yet.

Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and basked in the cold. Part of her liked the fact she belonged to Gideon, even if she didn’t have the first clue what it meant.

****

“You’re going to stay the fuck away from my sister,” Gabriel said.

Gideon turned toward Emma’s brother and smirked. “I should have known you were eavesdropping.”

“Leave her alone.”

“Can’t do that.”

Gideon rolled his eyes as Gabriel pinned him against the fridge, one hand around his neck and the other holding a gun to his head.

“Seriously?” Gideon asked.

“You will stay away from my sister, or brother or not, I will fucking end you.”

“Kill me now, Gabriel. You’d be surprised what kind of shit you’d start. You may be a Denton, but so am I. You think because you’re older there won’t be consequences? There will be.” Gideon smirked. “My brothers would tear you apart just for the fun of it. Don’t for a second think you can come between me and Emma.”

“You’re no good for her.”

“I’m the best thing for her.”

“I know what you’re capable of.”

Gideon sighed. “Have you looked in the mirror lately, Gabriel? You’re not a good guy either. In fact, I’d say you’re just as bad as me, if not worse.”

“She can do better than you.”

“Are you going to continue to try and choke me or shoot me? Why don’t you let me go? I’m the best thing for her, and you know it kills you.”