Cruel War (The Gilded Sovereign 1)

“Come with me,” I tell her in a hushed whisper.

“What?” She gasps when I tug harder, causing her to whimper.

“Ares, I’m not waiting a minute longer. End the Milton girl, or I’ll do it. And when I do, you’ll watch her bleed out all over that pretty white dress.”

“If you don’t come with me, you’ll be dead by morning.” The promise is in my eyes, I know she can see it because her own pretty glare widens. Those blue orbs that hold me, hostage, now tell me of the fear that’s so clear in her expression.

“Why are you choosing me?” Her question is warranted. I made her life hell, and yet, here I am, making sure she survives this.

“Because I didn’t expect to fall in love,” I respond.

Dahlia’s soft, surprised intake of breath is evidence that she wasn’t expecting it, neither was I. Releasing Dahlia, I offer her my hand, praying with all I have she’ll take it.

When she accepts it, I pull her to her feet. Her beautiful dress is filthy, but I tug her along behind me. We head up the garden, back to the house. I know this can go either way, so I keep Dahlia in front of me, and my father behind. If he tries anything, it will be me he kills.

“I won’t let you walk out of here.” Abner’s voice is loud and clear, and the click and cock of a gun has me stalling all movement. We’re stopped in the living room with Billy, Mrs. Durand, and Philipe, standing there watching us.

I wonder what the hell my brother was thinking supporting a man like this. Shaking my head, I can’t help but grin at the stupid lies I’ve believed all these years.

Granted, he’s our father, our family, but I can’t justify his evil deeds anymore. He’s fucked with too many lives, and it’s time that comes to an end. I turn my body fully toward him, pushing Dahlia behind me. I don’t want her hurt.

“Do it.” He glares at me for a long while, too long. He raises the 9mm toward me, aiming directly for my heart. The place where I used to have hate is no longer beating with revenge, it’s thudding with emotion that’s so foreign to me—love. And it’s due to the woman who made me feel.

“You’re willing to die for her?”

“Take the shot and see,” I challenge. I no longer have fear ruling me. I don’t even feel as if this is real. Perhaps, I’m dreaming, and my father isn’t holding a gun at me. “I’m your son, I’ll never be anything else. But remember this, once you pull that trigger, the Sovereign falls apart. You’re no longer head of the table.”

I shouldn’t poke the sleeping bear.

I shouldn’t challenge the man who holds my life in his hands.

“Ares, what are you doing?” Dahlia’s sweet, earnest whisper filters into my ear and I can’t help but smile. As much as we fight, I know she cares.

“Tonight, the Sovereign will lose a new member.” My father’s voice bounces from the walls as Billy walks out, his face impassive, but his eyes hold the I told you, so I was expecting. I knew the danger, and I’m prepared.

A shot rings out. A blur of people, bodies moving, and then I’m crumpling to my knees. The next few seconds spill free so quickly that I don’t register the pain until I’m on the floor. Until I feel Dahlia’s hands on mine, her voice screaming loudly.

There’s movement all around me. But the searing agony that’s burning through my chest is unbearable. Dahlia’s worried gaze, then Tarian’s pair of blue eyes, along with the dark brown of Etienne’s all appear before me.

“I…” My throat is dry, painful. I want to say something, but they’re telling me to be quiet. Dahlia presses something on my chest, heavily putting all her weight on it, which isn’t much.

My mind is blank.

My eyelids feel heavy, and as much as I try to fight the sleepiness, I can’t.

And soon, everything is black.

31

Dahlia

The next few seconds pass by in a blur. Tears stream from my face, mud cakes every inch of my dress, and there’s blood all over my hands. I’m dragged from Ares’ body by a stronghold on my arms. And even as I scream and attempt to fight off the strength of the stranger, I know, I won’t be able to.

My glare pins Abner to the spot, but all he can do is smirk. The asshole shot his own son, and he’s smiling. Evil burns in his eyes, and I realize there’s no more hope left. I’m almost certain he killed my father.

“You are mine,” he sneers, meeting my gaze, ignoring the tears rolling over my cheeks. The man who’s holding me back isn’t someone I know or someone I’ve ever seen before. There’s a reason he’s here: to aide Abner Lancaster in destroying everything I hold dear.