Monsters' Gift (Crude Hill High 2)

“We don’t want rules or charts, Em. I don’t want to start putting dates down on a calendar of who can get you when. That’s not going to work. We all want you.”

“And if you want me at the same time?”

“I had no problem watching you with Gael. I like to watch.”

Her frown deepened. “And when it no longer works?”

I moved a little closer so I could tuck a stray curl behind her ear. “It’s going to work.”

“But what if it doesn’t?”

“It won’t not work, purely because you’ve got all of us working together. We’re going to make this happen, Em.”

She licked her lips. “I’m sorry. You’ve probably got more important information to deal with, don’t you?”

“I don’t mind. It’s nice not thinking about all the other stuff.”

Emily took my hand, locking our fingers together. “Everyone looks to you, don’t they? You can’t take a step back.”

“I wouldn’t want to. Every empire needs a leader. That’s me. I know how to listen to my friends.”

She nodded. “You can’t find your fathers.”

“No.” I blew out a breath. “I don’t know where to fucking look. It pisses me off. I’ve tried all the motels and hotels. They’re going to want somewhere comfortable to gain their strength back.”

“What if you’ve got that wrong?” she asked.

“How do you mean?” I knew our parents. They were used to a life of luxury. It was why our punishment was so fucking perfect. We took everything away from them that they ever loved. It was cruel but fun. I enjoyed every second of it, knowing they were never going to know a moment’s peace. However, I hadn’t foreseen them getting out. Drake had. He’d warned us that permanently keeping them alive came with risks.

I figured we’d taken care of all of our dads’ allies. I hadn’t expected Olivia to betray us. I already had men capturing her and bringing her back here to face the consequences.

“Your dads know you all better than anyone, so they will also know what you’d do next. What if they’re in places you wouldn’t expect them? I don’t know, rundown apartments. Did they have any places in their estate? Maybe places that you wouldn’t think to look.”

I frowned. “They’re going to want comfort.”

“Not if it’s going to lead you all to them. They want to take over, right? They’re your enemy now. They’re going to try and take you out, one by one.”

I got to my feet, rushing from her room.

All I wanted tonight was to hold her. I wasn’t going to lie, getting my dick wet would have been even better, but I’d settle for holding her.

With what Emily said, it made sense.

“Caleb?” she asked, following behind me.

I went straight to my office. Emily closed the door as I pulled the painting off the wall and revealed my safe. After putting in the code, I opened it up and pulled out a my father’s portfolio. My dad was the one who kept all the necessary details of land, buildings, and stocks the Monsters had required. I thought I’d been through all of this, but it had been a few years. Flicking the file open, I saw the deeds to the main houses they possessed. They even owned the land the school was built on. That wasn’t a surprise to me. The school helped to shape soldiers and the next generation.

There were land purchases all over the country, warehouses, and I came to a stop at an apartment building.

It was on the edge of town, surrounded by a woodland. I pointed my finger at it, handing it over to Emily. “There!”

“You’re sure?”

“I overlooked it. It’s a piece-of-shit apartment building. It wasn’t finished due to some subsidence, I think. I can’t remember all the details. I just recall it being useless. They’ve got to be there. Everywhere else, I’ve got eyes and ears.” I laughed. Cupping Emily’s face, I pulled her close. “You’re a genius.”

“Caleb, they might not be there.”

“I don’t care.” I kissed her again. “I’ve got to get the boys up.”

“Caleb, don’t go tonight.”

“Not happening. I’m going to handle this now. I’m not having you afraid.”

“But I’m not afraid and you’re tired.”

“Trust me.”

I left the office and went to Gael’s, Vadik’s, and River’s rooms, waking them up.

Emily was still following me around. I got changed in my room, grabbing my favorite guns and putting them within easy reach.

“I don’t like this,” Emily said.

My friends were waiting at the front door as I came downstairs. Drake was there. “You stay with her. Keep her here, do you understand me?”

He nodded. “I don’t like this.”

“I know that’s where they’re going to be.”

“Then send soldiers to do some recon. We don’t know what kind of backup your fathers have. We don’t know their power.”

“They don’t have any because we’ve taken it all.” Caleb laughed. “This ends tonight and as soon as it does, we’ll be able to handle Valentine. I’m doing this for you, Emily.”