CALEB
Tick tock… time’s running out, motherfucker.
Wrenching my steel gaze away from the maritime clock on the far wall, it’s steady tick echoes around me. A warning from the devil himself. Each second cuts deeper, a firm reminder of the odds stacked against me. Odds I should have mastered. Odds I should be holding in the palm of my fucking hand. The thought provokes me. Gnawing at my insides, pushing me further away, outside my comfort zone.
Slow and steady… creeping in like a silent assassin, intent on taking a deadly hit; killing what’s left of my depleting composure.
Jaw clenched, my teeth grind together in frustration as I continue to fight an impossible battle. An endless internal struggle raging deep within me. Fighting against every fiber of my being. Locked in a deadly stalemate. Going against everything nature intended. Struggling to contain the ferocious beast lurking beneath the surface.
A monster most people have no business seeing.
Yet the Devil’s words continue to ring loud and clear in my mind. He’s gone and fucked everything up. Messing up my plans in the process. Right now, there’s not a lot I can do about it—except sit back and wait.
If only.
He knows better than anyone that calm and composed isn’t my style. It’s been a few hours and I can already feel my body breaking under the impending restrictions he’s trying to put in place.
The room suffocates me. The air thick and heavy as the built-up tension crushes my lungs while trying to resist the primal need to lash out. Refusing to give in and succumb to the darkness clawing at the edges of my mind. Each shallow breath is forced, keeping my heavy legs somewhat steady. My mind is as close as it can get to being level-headed. Preventing the chaos around me as it threatens to attack, wreaking havoc and unsalvageable damage on everything around me.
I breathe in deep, raising my hand and cup the back of my neck, allowing my fingers to trace the knots of tension building there before rubbing in slow deliberate circles, waiting for a relief which never comes.
Each painful throb echoes deep inside my skull, pulsating in perfect unison with the relentless clock hand on the wall and the irony isn’t lost on me.
Taking a much-needed moment to collect myself, desperate to silence the racing thoughts in my mind, I allow my eyes to scan the room before me. The only light comes from the antique lamp in the corner and the moonlight as it seeps through the large Gothic window in our living area, casting elongated shadows across the polished tiles beneath my feet.
Blunts, loose bud and empty beer bottles decorate the granite table, a perfect caption of Dane’s whereabouts today. But is the son of a bitch here now? Like fuck he is. When I need him, my good for nothing stepbrother is nowhere to be found.
I called him hours ago, telling him we needed to meet up and discuss the current events. The son of a bitch agreed to meet me here at the Manor House. The only place in Stonebrooke that truly belongs to us and no one else. No other students are allowed here, unless one of us personally invites someone over and that doesn’t happen all too often.
I called him and asked him to meet me here, knowing we’d be able to talk without being disturbed by prying eyes and hushed whispers. By guys who want to be us and girls who’d do anything to fuck us. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad position to be in but there’s a time and a place, and right now isn’t the time or the place. But as usual the bastard has done a disappearing act. He’s gone off radar.
Pinching my nose, I turn to face the solitary figure leaning back on the plush leather sofa, hidden deep within the shadows before the embers of his joint light up and illuminate his face as he takes a long pull, before exhaling and blowing the cloud in my direction.
Cameron: My youngest stepbrother. Still wild. Still all kinds of fucked up, but more on the quiet side, unlike his big brother. Cameron has made his feelings known many times. He wants in on the family business. Dane’s all for it, but me; I’m still undecided.
Matteo, he won’t hear a fucking word on it. Personally, I agree with him. As tough as he is, I don’t think he’s ready. Some people are born for the life, and some people can’t handle being thrown in at the deep end. They need to adjust. Climatize. Take baby steps, and Cameron, he’s some people.
I’ll admit, recently he’s become quite the silent observer, which isn’t always a bad thing. Cameron’s problem is he knows how to piss me off and get right under my skin. A habit both him and Dane can’t seem to break.
“Wanna talk about it?” he asks, finally breaking the stoic silence before popping the cap off his beer.
“What, with you?” I raise my brows, suspicion heavy on my tongue.
“Why the fuck not?” Cam doesn’t sound offended, more amused. “You’re the one who told me that a problem shared means less to worry about.”
“Thanks, Cam. I appreciate it, but I think I’ll pass.”
I know he means well. Cameron always does. Where Dane is all psychotic, Cameron actually has a brain and a heart. One of the main reasons why I don’t want him getting caught up in the shitstorm swirling around us. Right now, it’s best he stays out of it. The less he knows the better and regardless of what Dane has to say, I know Matteo will back me up on that front.
Dane though, that motherfucker should know better. He had one job… one fucking job and his lack of show and tell lets me know all I need to know. Confirming all of my suspicions with his non-existent actions.
Fuck, when Matteo gets wind of this, which he will because even though he’s not here, he doesn’t miss a thing. That motherfucker has ears and eyes everywhere. Matteo is going to lose his shit and Dane best be ready when that moment arrives.
He knows the drill. He’s more than aware of what’s expected of him, yet he still finds a way to fuck up time and time again. I’ve always made sure to keep him at arm’s length for that reason alone. Only telling him snippets. Little and often. Sure, he might be my brother but keeping him on a need-to-know basis was the best decision I ever made.
Trust no one. My past taught me that. Something my demon’s keep reminding me of.
In the blink of an eye our lives have been turned upside down. Changed drastically in the past twenty-four hours. Now, unexpectedly my mission—my end game has pivoted. Taking a complete 360.
Fury purges through my veins as I try to compose myself. Showing weakness isn’t my style. Never has been, and I’m sure as hell not going to change that now. It’s going to be hard as fuck, but I need to keep my head straight, remaining focused. Usually that isn’t a problem, but Dane’s lack of fucks has me seething.
What could be more important than this?
No doubt, knowing Dane as well as I do, he’s probably fucking his way through the first years, torturing them with his sharp, shiny metal toys.
Psychotic and out of control. Where my life is built on one thing; revenge; Dane’s is built on chaos, beer, weapons and pussy. The son of a bitch loves getting his dick wet, but don’t we all? However, the way this seems to be playing out is I’m the one all hands-on deck and he’s resting easy.
I’m having to battle with myself, all the while the unstable beast inside me continues to prowl, threatening to attack at any given opportunity.
The door opens and I snap my head to the side, watching through narrowed eyes as Dane’s large frame comes into view.
“Where the fuck have you been?” I demand, my hands balling into fists at my side, and my jaw clenches as I resist the urge to smack the smug look from his face.
“Whoa… who died?” He laughs as he strides straight passed me before throwing himself down next to his brother on the sofa.
“That will be you if you don’t sort your shit out.” I warn, earning me a snicker from Cameron. “What, do you find this funny?” I turn, directing my anger towards Cam and he shakes his head, his smile still in place.
“Chill out, Caleb.” Dane retorts before taking the joint from Cameron’s offered hand. His blue eyes lock with mine as he brings it to his lips as he takes a hit. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Yeah… about two hours fucking late.”
“I had a little problem which needed my attention.” Throwing his head back, he sinks deeper into the sofa. Zero fucks to give.
I decide against arguing with him. Dane’s a stubborn son of a bitch. “I’m happy to hear you’ve got your priorities in order.” I say, getting straight to the point. “Because our plans have changed.”
“What plans?” Cameron asks, his interest piqued. Ears pricking up like a dog in heat. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to speak to Dane sooner. Before Cameron had a chance to listen in. When Dane doesn’t say anything, I narrow my eyes at him, letting him know I’d appreciate a little back up when it comes to Cameron and his involvement in our business.
He turns his head up, cold blue eyes locking with mine. “Do you wanna tell him, or should I?” Dane asks as he reaches out and grabs a beer—completely bypassing me as usual.
“There’s nothing to tell.” I grit out as a knot of frustration builds in my chest. If Matteo were here there’s no way Dane would be acting like this. “Not to you, anyway.” I add, speaking directly to Cameron.
“Are you being serious?” Cameron complains. “You’re still holding out on me and keeping me in the dark?”
The pain in his eyes is evident but I still stand my ground. “It’s for the best, kid.”
“Best for who?” He exclaims. “Best for you or me?” Cameron hates being left in the dark. I‘d hate it too, but I’m quick to remind myself that what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him, and for now that has to be enough.
“For all of us.” I confess.
“Bullshit.” Dane spits back, slapping his brother on the shoulder. “Have you seen him? This guy’s old enough and ugly enough to handle anything thrown his way. It’s time Caleb, and you fucking know it.”
“Come on. Let me in, man.” Cameron’s brown eyes widen, pleading with me to jump on board, but the harsh truth is, it’s too much of a fucking risk. One I’m not comfortable taking. “I’m not a pussy.”
A faint smile pulls at the edges of Dane’s mouth and right in this moment I’m reminded of all the similarities between us. Not through blood, but through our choices. It doesn’t matter how much we grate on each other; we’ll always be pulled back—whether we like it or not.
“I’ll think about it.” I say, lying effortlessly as I try to pacify him, hoping to buy myself more time. I run a weary hand along my jaw as I snap my narrowed gaze back toward Dane, finally acknowledging the elephant in the room. “Right now, though, I want to know what you’ve been doing. I’d love to hear what could have been more important than meeting up with me.”
My body coils, resisting the urge to lash out. Desperate to release my anger as it fuels the fire raging deep in my chest, but another more practical part of my mind urges restraint. Instead of confrontation, I glare at him, my eyes narrowed with warning, allowing my stoic mood to speak for itself.
Amused by my silence, Dane’s smirk grows wider. “Just passing the time. Places to go, people to see. You know how it is.”
“More like pussy’s to stroke and holes to fill.” Cameron adds, laughing by his brothers side.
Dane doesn’t say anything. He just glares back at me, his angular face cast into the shadows but I can sense him laughing at me too. Like this is all some kind of joke to him. I refuse to back down and hold his gaze while a multitude of emotions rush through my body. Despite my initial resistance, I’m quickly reminded that his constant need to provoke me is fast becoming a familiar pattern.
“Fucking everything you see isn’t going to fix our current problem.” I remind him.
“You’re right.” He leans back on the sofa, getting comfortable, the way he always does. “But you have to admit, life’s a whole lot sweeter when you’re dicks wet.”
“No shit,” I growl back, taking his bait like he knew I would. “What am I, some kind of dry guy?” Despite my foul mood, a reluctant smile plays on my lips, reminding me that no matter our differences, we’re bound together. Bound through a mutual understanding and family ties. Bound through no fucking fault of our own. A fact neither of us can change.
Brothers ‘til the end.
When we’re good, we’re really good. The perfect dream team, but when the shit hits the fan, things have a nasty habit of turning ugly, and fast.
“I’m still fucking waiting…” I remind him, not letting him off the hook so easily.
“Waiting for what?”
The motherfucker tries to play dumb but I’m not buying it. “I’m waiting for you to tell me what you’ve been doing.” If he thinks I’m going to back down then he can think again. Our problems just got a whole lot bigger. We don’t have time to fuck around. Not anymore.
“Don’t you mean who he’s been doing?” Cameron adds.
Dane rolls his eyes. “Just hanging around.” He muses, refusing to give me an inch. “Fuck, Caleb. I remember when you used to be fun.!
Exasperated I release a heavy sigh. Dealing with Dane is a challenge in itself. “Yeah, and I remember when you weren’t around, yet here we are.”
My words carry the weight of the truth, like acid on my tongue but I won’t apologize for it. It’s a low blow, for sure. But it’s also warranted. Thoroughly deserved.
“Ouch, man. Like a knife straight through my fucking heart.” Dane palms his chest before pushing himself forward, his blue eyes wide and glazed. “What the fuck man. Why would you go and cut me so deep?”
“Get a fucking grip, dickweed.” Reaching out I take the joint from his hand and bring it to my lips. It hits hard, and I lose myself, numbing my mind and shutting out the noise for a moment. My reprieve doesn’t last all too long though.
“He’s been playing with the new girl.” Cameron confesses when Dane refuses to budge, catching me off guard.
“The new girl?” My brows furrow in confusion and Dane snaps his head toward his brother. No one answers me, and my palms grow cold and clammy. “What fucking new girl?” I demand, slamming my fist into the granite table, unable to hold my composure.
Cameron is the first to open his mouth, Dane suddenly mute. “How the fuck would I know? You two don’t tell me shit.” I allow him the dig because it’s warranted, but I still want answers and I’m not moving until I have them.
“Bullshit.”
“I’m telling you the truth. I heard Dane talking about some new girl at dinner and next thing I knew he’d disappeared.”
“Is that true?” I demand, my body shaking violently. Refusing to believe this son of a bitch could be so fucking stupid.
Dane remains silent as he takes another pull on his beer, refusing to meet my glare. Guilty son of a bitch. He’s gone behind my fucking back. I don’t know what’s more stupid, the fact he had the balls to go there, or him foolishly thinking I wouldn’t find out.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I seethe. “You better tell me it isn’t who I think it is.” I know the answer before he’s opened his mouth. Of course it’s her. It has to be her. Matteo’s call and her sudden appearance can’t be a coincidence.
I wait, and not so patiently for Dane to speak but he doesn’t say shit.
“Will one of you tell me what’s happening here?” Cameron demands, growing tired of the riddles, but Dane and I continue our silent standoff.
“She’s a mouthy bitch.” Dane confesses, finally breaking the silence between us, but his comment doesn’t bring me any kind of closure.
“Which girl are we talking about Dane?”
“Hey, if she’s too much for you guys, I’m more than happy to silence her… with my dick.” I shake my head, Cameron showing his immaturity again. And he wonders why I won’t let him in. He’s still a fucking kid. One who has a lot to learn.
“It is her, isn’t it?” Leaning forward, I push myself into Dane’s space, knowing he’ll eventually crack under pressure. Surprisingly, he doesn’t say anything. All he does is nod once. Confirming what I already know.
“Shit. And you didn’t think to come to me? Something this big. This important? Instead, you did what you usually do… act with your dick, deciding to claim her for yourself.”
He shakes his head, refusing to admit he’s in the wrong. “It wasn’t like that.”
“No?” I tilt my head to the side as I try to get a read on him. “Well why don’t you tell me what it was like then. I’d love to hear what bullshit excuse you’ve got ready and waiting.”
“I didn’t know she was coming. If I did, don’t you think I’d tell you? I would have come to you straight away…”
“But you did. Obviously, you found out who she was at some point. Yet you sit here, trying to pull a fucking fast one.”
“I heard White discussing some new arrival and I’ll admit, I was intrigued. Fresh pussy isn’t something we get often unless it’s the start of a new year, and that timeframe passed weeks ago.”
“There you go again. Thinking with your dick as usual.” I add. Dane works his way through the first years at a rapid pace. He’s usually screwed them all by the first week, so I can understand his interest. But not her. Anyone but her.
“That wasn’t what happened.” He nods to himself, as though he’s trying to convince himself more than me. “I overheard so I thought I’d check her out, stay hidden in the shadows but White called me out. Insisted that I take her to her quarters…”
“You’re un-fucking-believable.”
“I was on my way to tell you, man. I had every intention of bringing her here, to surprise you.”
If he’s trying to impress me then he’s failing—miserably. “So, what the fuck happened between then and now because I can’t see her anywhere. Did you fuck her? Dispose of her in transit?”
“Like I said, the bitch has a smart mouth.” Cameron watches our standoff in silence as he busies himself with rolling another joint. “I didn’t appreciate her attitude.”
“What did you do?” I press, not knowing what kind of answer I’m going to get. Dane is a loose cannon. A deranged fucking psycho. If she’s gotten under his skin, pressed his buttons, fuck… I wouldn’t’ be surprised if he had his fun with her and then left her to bleed out somewhere.
“Maybe you don’t want to know.” Cameron offers, lighting up his joint and leaning back, settling in for the show.
“I’m asking, aren’t I?”
Dane hangs his head before looking up at me through his lashes, a mix of danger and excitement blazing, darkening his irises. “Do you really want to know? I taught that bitch a lesson. One she won’t forget any time soon. And if she does, I won’t go as easy next time.”
Fire rolls deep in my stomach, my body rigid as my teeth grind together. I don’t know what I’m more pissed at. The fact that the Braxton brat is here or that Dane managed to get to her first. “Where is she now?”
“Cooling down from the heat of her orgasms, while thinking long and hard about her attitude. No doubt she’s desperate for me to go back and fuck her like the dirty slut she is.”
My jaw clenches, Dane finally taking the last of my composure. He’s acting like this is nothing but a joke to him. “I said… where the fuck is she, Dane.” The venom burns like acid.
“What’s the big deal? It’s not like she’s in a position to go running her mouth.” Dane snarls, amusement creeps onto his sadistic face. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. She fucking loved it. The stupid bitch didn’t even put up much of a fight.”
My eyes instantly drop to the fresh scratch marks on his arms, “You sure about that?”
Dane loves foul play. The more they fight; the more they struggle against him, the harder he becomes. He’s like a fucking Pitbull with a bad case of lockjaw.
“Nah… the bitch knew she didn’t stand a chance against me. She liked playing dirty is all. Foreplay for beginners. You know, thinking on it I might keep her. Use her as my own sex pet.” Darkness swoops into his eyes and I know he’s being serious. “I might see if I can tame the stray.”
My shoulders square, the vein throbbing violently at my temple as I listen to my brother’s plans. His plans. Not ours. “You’ve had your fun, Dane.” I warn him, my voice deep and stern. “From now on she’s off limits.” I look between both Dane and Cameron, “and that rule applies to the both of you.”
I try to remain calm. Unaffected, but fuck me, it’s proving harder than I initially thought.