1. Louis v. The Society #3
"Keith. Don't ," Ian muttered.
"This isn't the first time the Donovans have acted against our rules or killed our Reapers," Alec added, annoyed.
"Innnnnterrrrrrnnsssss," Keith sang.
"Even now, he mocks our most sacred-" Jenna started.
"Oh, please, Jenna!" Keith laughed. "Tell me how I've broken the rules you all seem only to consider when it works in your favor? Because it sure didn't stop you from fucking Alec's brother before you pushed him off a cliff."
The room filled with shocked gasps as Ian groaned and Esme smirked, amused. "This messy bitch," she grinned.
" You what ?!" Alec growled at his wife.
"He's lying!" Jenna snapped.
"Do you usually lie while having the shit fucked out of you?" Keith chuckled. "Because you seemed pretty damn honest when I had you pinned against-"
" Shut up !" Jenna snapped, but Alec was already storming out of the room. "Wait! Darling, wait!" She quickly followed him while everyone murmured.
"Everyone, quiet!" Jakar snapped.
"You fucked Jenna?" Esme whispered to Keith. "I swear you'll fuck anything."
"Anything but you," Keith hummed.
" Keith Donovan! " Jakar snapped. "Haven't you caused enough chaos?"
"Haven't even scratched the surface," Keith smiled.
"Keith. For the love of Roselyn. Shut . Up ," Ian warned, standing to his feet. "There's no need for this. I understand how you all felt about Jax, but he was our brother, and he would not want his fiancée targeted."
"But did she in fact kill him?" Theodosia asked.
"She should face our trial," Sander added.
Keith cackled with amused hysteria. "That is not… what we're asking," Ian said calmly.
"I don't think that's really your call, Ian," Sander said, annoyed.
"Everyone's got a huuuuuuge fucking dick all of a sudden now that big brother Jax isn't here!" Keith cackled, borderline manic. "You pathetic punk-ass motherfuckers!"
"Keith-" Ian started apprehensively.
"Sorry, not sorry for taking out your shitty interns !
Send some more my way, and I'll try to leave their heads attached to their necks so Mommy doesn't have to figure out which body belongs to little Timmy.
Or maybe you can man-the-fuck-up and come at my baby girl yourself so I can rip your fucking spine from the flesh bag holding your wrinkly asses together," Keith cackled maniacally.
"Esme," Ian snapped his fingers. "Get him out."
"He's not even drunk..." Esme sighed. Grabbing Keith by the collar, she dragged him outside.
"I apologize for my brother," Ian said.
"Keith should face discipline-" Stanley started.
"I will deal with him," Ian said politely.
"You Donovans have gotten way too soft. That's why that bitch Deja-" Stanley started when a blade sliced his cheek open and embedded in his chair.
Ian lowered his voice. "...I will deal… with him… after … There is no need to provoke me to kill you because I will not hesitate… One more word about Ms. Louis or my brothers... and I will gladly accept any consequences that come from skinning you alive."
As a hushed silence fell over the crowd, Ian calmly cleared his throat and plastered on a charming smile. "Now… where were we?"
"Ms. Louis! Are you sleeping with the other Donovan brothers?"
"Is it true you stole money from Jax Donovan?!”
"Ms. Louis!"
"Leave her alone, you crazies!" Deja's landlord, Mr. Barr, slammed the building's door. He turned to Deja, who was struggling to hold her groceries. "I've got it," he said, grabbing a bag.
"Thank you," Deja sighed. He helped her carry her things into her apartment. "Thank you so much, Mr. Barr. I'm really sorry about all that."
He looked at her wearily. "...Deja… you know I like you, but… My tenants have been complaining. They can't even get into the building without being harassed."
"I know. And I'm so sorry," Deja said. "I swear this will all blow over soon."
He sighed. "...I'm afraid I cannot renew your lease..."
"Mr. Barr!"
"I'm sorry, Deja. I really am. You're a good person. But… I have to consider the safety of my other tenants, too. I've received complaints about foul odors from your apartment. Like a decaying body. Sounds of someone fighting-"
"I promise that won't happen anymore," Deja pleaded. "Please, Mr. Barr. I just… need time to figure things out. My whole life is here. My lab. My work. It's impossible to get another apartment, especially with what they've been saying about me in the news-"
"I'm sorry, Deja… I really am… End of the month..."
Deja's shoulders fell as he left. Plopping down in a seat, her head fell into her hands. Her chest ached. A knock at the door had her on her feet again, hoping it was her landlord. "Mr. Barr-"
Esme grinned. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"
"...Will I ever go a day without interacting with a killer..." Deja sighed, turning around.
"Does that include yourself? Because last I checked… you are one ," Esme said, closing the door.
Deja looked at Esme wearily. "I'm tired, Esme."
"Yeah, you look it, sweetheart..." Esme sighed. "Don't worry, I'm not staying long. Just wanted to check on you."
"...Ian sent you..."
"What? I can't check on my sinfully attractive friend without some hidden motive?" Esme gasped dramatically. Deja raised a skeptical brow, and Esme smiled. "Of course, he sent me. The man is in love with you."
"I'm surprised he didn't just come bother me himself..." Deja said, grabbing her groceries.
"Well, he would have… but he's currently dealing with The Society," Esme said, following her into the kitchen. "You've caused quite the stir."
"I just want this all to be over," Deja sighed.
"Now… I know I said if you wanted to escape, you'd have to kill Jax yourself.
But I didn't think you'd take that literally.
Otherwise… I would have warned you of the shitstorm you'd kick up," Esme smirked.
"I have to admit… I'm extremely turned on by the fact that you actually murked him. Bad… fucking… ass ."
"It's not like I wanted to..." Deja muttered, leaning over the counter. "...I didn't want to kill anybody… I didn't want this life… I just..."
"...I understand..." Esme approached her. "It's unfortunate that you caught the eye and captured the heart of a man like Jax Donovan..." Deja glanced at Esme, who handed her a bottle of wine. "I got this for you. I'm sure you need it."
Deja stared at the wine before looking at Esme. "...I… I can't..."
Esme looked at her, confused. "What do you mean you can't? Deja, you were practically a fucking alcoholic the way you were downing bottles of wine. What makes you-"
Esme stopped short and looked at Deja wide-eyed.
" ...are you… are you fucking pregnant?!"
"Please don't tell anyone!" Deja said quickly.
" Holy fucking shit! " Esme blurted.