Twenty-Eight - River
Nothing says get the fuck out of your house faster than a text letting you know your stalker heard every single fucking thing you did in your bedroom.
Everything.
The moans. The buzzing. My fucking pleasure.
He stole it from me by listening through my own camera system. The very same security that’s in place to keep me safe.
Fuck.
I heave a shuddering sigh, staring up at the white ceiling above me. One that isn’t my own. After getting that bullshit text, I threw on some pants and scurried to my brothers’ house with fear running rampant through my damn veins. I didn’t even grab a fucking bra in my panic. Let alone underwear.
My first thought was seeking sanctuary with Carter. He’s Veritas, after all.
I didn’t have time for anything. My mind went into overdrive, shoving me out the door before I had time to process what the hell happened. He heard me. He listened in on my most intimate moment. It was different when the boys watched me through the window. I wanted them to see what they had missed out on. But this stalker? He can fuck right off.
My privacy is officially blown. According to Carter, who collected my messy ass at the front door last night, he’s escalated everything in terms of my safety.
“I’ll fucking figure this out. Understand? Don’t you fucking fret over this shit. That’s what me and Liv are for. Now, go the fuck to bed and stop freaking out. I’m going to tap into your camera and track down every goddamn IP address attached to your files. I’ll track that bitch. He can’t hide from me.”
I swallow hard when my phone buzzes on the nightstand next to me. Flashes of the messages my stalker sent me race through my mind.
Is it him again? Is he somehow watching my every move?
My eyes dart around the room. No. There are no cameras in here. I’m secure. This entire mansion is behind a thick fence and beefed-up security. After their scare with the crazy cult years ago, they’ve never let their guard down. It’s half the reason Carter went into Veritas.
Fuck. My stomach somersaults, and my adrenaline spikes. It’s not him…
Asher
I’m bringing breakfast for Lyric. Hope that’s okay?
If not…it’s okay…just wanted to see her this morning before school…
I can stop by…say hi, and then leave…
Fuck, I sound like a stalker…
Stalker. I squeeze my eyes shut, blowing out a big breath. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. They don’t even know I’ve been dealing with this for so damn long. When will I tell them? When it escalates too much? My skin crawls, begging me to scratch through it and relieve the persistent itch just out of reach.
What the fuck am I supposed to say? Stay the fuck away? You ruined my damn life? Fuck you, Asher Montgomery? I should say all those things and more. But I can’t. Asher isn’t stepping into my life for me. He’s here for Ly and genuinely putting forth the effort like a good father should.
I’m so damn torn. He’s the cause of all my problems. The man who put everything in motion. I hate him. But yet, I don’t. Not really. Why can’t I? Because I get it. His reasoning, that is. But it doesn’t excuse his behavior. Not one bit.
They left me behind because he was a coward. And now, he’s putting forth actual effort toward forgiveness.
My damn head throbs as I make my way out of the bedroom. Coffee, small whispers, and food greet my senses. Coffee. I need all the damn coffee in the world to make it through today like nothing happened last night. Or maybe it’s time to reveal to the boys what’s been going on. It’s not just my safety that’s at stake. It’s Ly’s and theirs, too. That maniac has only ramped up since they’ve come into the picture. Who knows what he’ll do to them?
Fuckkk. My head pounds even harder. Why is being an adult so damn hard?
Me
Breakfast is fine. But we aren’t home right now… Maybe in an hour? We can meet you there.
Asher
An hour is perfect…gives me time to make some stops… And coffee? Your usual?
My cheeks heat. Fuck. He’d really go to creepy Nathan, the ever-smiling barista with a knack for staring at me with lust-filled eyes, all for my perfect cup of coffee?
Me
If you insist.
Like fuck am I going to stop him. If this is Asher’s way of buttering me up in hopes of a sliver of forgiveness. Then so be it. But let it be known; I’m not persuaded by coffee, enticing words, or damn tattoos… Nope. I need something concrete to cling to before I even think about forgiving them for their transgressions. If I ever do.
Asher
Are…you guys okay?
I lick my lips, silently going through the list of shit they did to me and convincing myself that I shouldn’t fall for their traps again. Nope. Never will I jump headfirst into the deep end named Whispered Words. Not gonna happen.
Liar.
Me
I’ve been better…
Looks like we’re having a talk later, after all. Fuck being an adult.
Huffing a breath, I waltz down the stairs and into the sparse kitchen filled to the brim with children and half-naked men.
“Oh God, my eyes,” I hiss, playfully covering them as Kaycee snickers in her seat. “Put some clothes on!”
“Shut it,” Seger quips, rubbing at his stomach when I finally open my eyes. “You’re in our domain. And in this house, we don’t wear shirts.”
This isn’t the first or last time I’ve seen my brothers and their husband-in-laws—as Chase makes me say—half naked. It’s always in the morning when I’ve stayed over after drinking just a little too much wine on girls' nights. Sometimes, like before, they happily drive me home. Or Liv and I crash in the bedroom upstairs.
“Good morning to you, too.” Chase grins as he flips over a pancake, humming a tune. His shaggy blond hair flaps around as he dances along to the music playing on his phone. “Want some pancakes?”
“They’re pretty good,” Zepp says, taking a large bite.
“See! I told you I could cook, Grumpy,” Chase gripes, glaring at Carter, who scoffs in his direction, not even bothering to make a response.
“Morning. I need lots of coffee, and then Ly and I have to head home…” I trail off at the thought of going home. Dread builds in the pits of my stomach. Home. Am I safe there anymore? Will the same thing keep happening until this asshole has enough and takes me as his own? Shit. I suck in a breath and squeeze my eyes shut. This is the second meltdown I’ve had this morning. Understandably so. I guess. Fuck. I need to pull myself together, so Ly doesn’t sense anything really being wrong.
“Ah, you’re getting pancakes from the douchebags living across the street, aren’t you?” Seger asks, settling on a stool with a plate loaded with food in front of him. “I’m shocked you haven’t murdered them yet.”
I wrinkle my nose, falling down the rabbit hole of what-ifs and my family’s safety. “They’re being punished,” I grumble, swallowing the razor blades in my throat.
Carter’s eyes dart to mine with suspicion. He nods his head to the side, clearing his throat. “A word?”
I nod, licking my lips, following behind. As I pass Kaycee, she gently hands me a piping hot cup of coffee without a word. Bless her soul.
“You look like you’re fucking terrified,” Carter remarks, eyeing me as he leans against the wall. He crosses his arms over his chest.
“You think, Sherlock?” I grumble, taking a sip of my coffee.
Ah, the sweet nectar of the Gods. It’ll perk me right out of this shitty funk. Soon, I’ll be ready to face my stalker head-on. Just give me thirty minutes and more coffee.
“I’ll forgive you for that. I was just stating the fucking obvious. You’re terrified to go home.”
“As I should be, right? That asshole listened to me…me…” I trail off, my cheeks heating.
“Oh, well, that ought to be fucking good. Want to enlighten me on what you were doing?” He grins wide with a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes.
“Fuck off. Nope. No way.” I’m definitely not telling him I was getting myself off as my former boyfriends watched and listened, begging to come inside.
“On a serious note, Little West. We’ve been working all night to secure your camera system. No one else can view it. We scoured the damn server looking for whoever was in there too and booted them. Unfortunately, we couldn’t track them to their location. Only the security company you hired. But we were able to make sure no one else but Veritas has access now.”
I swallow hard. Someone was using my cameras to look at me. Hear me. Fucking watched me. And my child. My poor fucking baby has had someone’s strange eyes set on her. My stomach drops. How could someone do that? Who even knows how? This is absolutely ridiculous. Our safety is my number one priority. I’m just so damn fed up with watching my back and over my shoulder. I want my safe space back.
“Thanks for looking out for us. Um… Is it safe to go back home?” Despite the intrusion, I want to sink into my bed and never get up. That place was built just for me and Ly. It’s my damn sanctuary. I won’t allow some desperate asshole to take over my life.
“You’re good to go home. Just know, I’ll be keeping an eye on you. So, keep your clothes on.” He raises a brow, smirking when I flip him off.
“You’re an asshole. I don’t know how my angel sister-in-law puts up with you,” I scoff, faking my anger as he laughs.
“She tamed me,” he whispers with affection, eyeing the space near the entrance of the kitchen where Kaycee walks around, kissing her children on the head and handing them their breakfast.
“Okay, well… I’ll be heading out then. Anything else I need to know?”
“Keep vigilant. Carry your damn knife… Or that gun Liv gave you a year ago for protection. You remember how to shoot it, don’t you?”
“Yes. She forces me to go to the range at least once a month. I’ll never forget how to shoot,” I grumble into my coffee, taking another long swig.
“I know you don’t like it. But knowing how to point, aim, and shoot will be useful if you’re ever in a situation with that deranged fuckhead. Got it?” His tone brokers no room for argument. Much like a damn dad’s voice.
“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll dig it out from my closet and?—”
“Load it, River. Load it the fuck up. Put the safety on and put it beside your fucking girly toys in your drawer. Have it available. If he was watching through the fucking cameras… What’s stopping him from jumping through your windows? Set your fucking alarm. Load your gun and protect yourself,” he growls, inching closer to me. A tic forms in his jaw as his eyes assess the fear on my face and paling skin. Blowing out a breath, he wipes a hand down his face. “I’m not trying to fucking scare you. I’m trying to make you understand. Right now, you’re safe. We’re doing everything in our power to prevent this from escalating. I have some agents surveying your property and watching for anything serious.”
“Okay,” I say, swallowing hard again. “Thanks, Carter.”
“You’re in safe hands, Little West. You just gotta take the fucking precautions yourself, too. That’s all.”
With that, I finish my coffee slowly, preparing myself for the inevitable. My skin crawls when Ly and I climb into my car. As I buckle her in, I kiss her cheek as she waves to all her cousins, watching us go.
“Are you ready to go home? Your Daddy Asher promised breakfast again.” My voice croaks at the word home, but I shake it off. Carter assured me we were safe. There are agents wandering around my property. And Asher is going to meet us there.
We’re in good damn hands. I just can’t shake this nagging feeling something is about to pop up and throw me off my axis.
Lyric grins. Everything about her lights the fuck up at the mention of them bringing her breakfast.
“Pancakes?” she whispers with big, pleading eyes. She had a few an hour ago, but my child is always down to eat.
I shrug, watching the light in her eyes sparkle brighter. My heart pounds. This is so damn new for us. Slick sweat coats my palms as I slide into the driver’s seat, giving one last wave to my family. All the shitty what-ifs bounce around my skull like an unpleasant smell. What if they leave again? What if they break her heart? Or yours?
No.
Scratch that last one. River’s barely mended heart is currently locked beneath thick steel and razor blades. It’s impenetrable. Maybe bulletproof. More importantly, Whispered Words proof. They can show up as dads. That’s it. Nothing less. Nothing more.
Keep telling yourself that.
“He didn’t specify,” I murmur, driving away from the only family that has ever given a shit about me.
It’s odd. Years ago, I hated Seger and Zeppelin for what they had. Dad’s love. His money. Everything under the sun while I barely survived on food stamps, two jobs, and a dream. It wasn’t until they came to me that I understood what they didn’t have either. They may have had a swimming pool with a cave and waterfall, money galore, and twenty cars, but they didn’t have love either. They only had each other. Well, and Kaycee, Chase, and Carter, too. They made their own family. Just like I did.
Not until we formed our own bond. I mean, the twenty-million dollars helped out a lot. But money can only buy so many things.
“I hope it’s pancakes! Or French toast!” She giggles behind her hands, watching out the window as we drive past all the familiar spots on our way home.
“I should have named you Maple,” I quip when she wiggles in her seat with an excited giggle.
No one should be this cheerful in the morning. I need to siphon off some of her energy.
“I like syrup, Mommy,” she murmurs, plastering her little face against the glass, leaving marks behind as we pull through the gate of our driveway.
My eyes pass over the guard, sitting at attention in the hut. He eyes me with concern but waves me on. From the looks of it, he’s on high alert after last night’s incident. I’m sure Carter and his crew filled him in on what fuckery could be on the horizon.
As I pull into the driveway, my brows furrow. There, standing with a tray of coffee in his hand and a large plastic bag, is Asher. His back is turned to me as he stares off toward the house.
“Weird,” I mumble, throwing the car into park and turning to look at Lyric, who is scrambling to undo her seat belt. I jump when Asher’s worried expression peers through the window as he taps. “What’s up?” I ask, raising a brow when I roll the window down.
His eyes dart to Ly in the backseat. “Um, could I talk to you outside? Leave her in here,” he whispers.
“Ly, stay here for a second. Daddy needs a word. Okay?” I raise a brow when she crosses her arms and throws herself back into her booster seat.
“Fine,” she grumbles dramatically.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping out of the car after rolling up the window so Lyric can’t spy on us like she loves to do. Sometimes I think my kid is way too observant for her own damn good.
“I don’t want to freak you out?—”
“You’re already freaking me out.” My heart pounds out of control when he swallows hard, looking over his shoulder.
“There’s a package for you on the porch. And it’s—covered in what looks like blood.”
I blink rapidly. My breath catches in my damn throat, closing in on me.
“What?” I croak.
“Let’s just go through the back and go inside, okay? Then we can look at it. I just want to make sure Ly doesn’t see it.” I nod without thinking, letting Evil Ash take control of the situation.
My mind doesn’t allow me to peek at the porch when he ushers us in through the back sliding glass door.
Once we’re inside, he sets the coffee and food down on the counter, spreading it out as a distraction, and puts it onto plates.
“You did bring pancakes, Daddy! I love them!” Lyric squeals in delight as she shoves a piece of sausage link, smothered in syrup, into her mouth with a hum of delight.
“Let me look, okay?” His hand clamps down on my shoulder, drawing my attention to his deeply concerned hazel eyes.
Like hell. “I’m coming with you,” I say, lifting my chin. If this is something my stalker did, then I’m going to face it head-on. Fuck his games.
“Your hard-headedness hasn’t changed a fucking bit,” he grumbles, shaking his head. “Let’s look then.”
I quickly type out a text to Carter as we walk through the house. My heartbeat echoes in my ears as we slowly make our way toward the front door.
Me
I got a package this morning… It’s on my porch…
Carter
What the hell? Don’t touch it! I’ll be over soon! Fucking incompetent agents…
Asher puts a hand across my chest when he swings the door open and nearly gags, stumbling back.
“Don’t fucking look…”
Again. Like fuck.
I peek over his shoulder, almost wishing I hadn’t. My heart sinks into my ass. All the blood runs from my face as I stare, transfixed by the red mess on my porch. Blood. It’s fucking blood. Pooling. Dripping. Smeared over every surface of the concrete, staining it. It wasn’t just a box like we thought from the driveway. It’s a plethora of pictures and crushed fucking flowers.
Mine.
It says mine amongst the carnage. Photos scattered around of my face. My naked body. My privacy soiled. Fucking again! It’s bad enough he heard me through my cameras last night, but this seals the fucking deal.
“Lyric, I want you to look at me right now!” Asher demands, turning around at the sound of her frantic screams coming from right behind us.
Lyric shivers. I’m fucking glued to the ground, listening to my child’s cries of horror.
“What the hell?” Callum’s voice booms through the house, knocking me out of my stupor. He collects Lyric into his arms, bringing her face against his bare chest. Her sobs echo through the living room.
Where the fuck did he come from? A breeze wafts through the house, coming from the sliding glass doors we came through. Eyeing Callum, he’s in his running shorts, dripping sweat from head to toe, panting like he just ran a mile. Fuck.
Asher invades my home with his authority, quickly shutting the fucking door in our faces. Fuck. Blood. It seeps into my mind. It’s everywhere all at once.
“It’s okay,” Asher murmurs, pulling me against his chest. His warm embrace soothes the ache pulling at my lungs. “I have you, River. Okay?” His deep voice rattles through my brain, dragging me from the deep fog surrounding my stupor.
“Little Star?” Callum whispers, putting a hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing until my mind flips back online.
“I have to see it again,” I murmur, reluctantly pushing away from Asher. Why did he have to feel so damn good in a moment of crisis?
I shake my head, barely opening the front door again. Photos. Blood. Mine. My eyes dart around the disgusting display.
“You need to come to River’s now. Wake up Rad, and get your asses… This isn’t for me. This is for River. Something… You’re a real dick right now, which I’ll let slide. Fucking idiot.”
They say when someone dies, you grieve in steps. Denial. Bargaining. Depression. In my case, no one has died. Not yet, at least. But I’m jumping from completely shocked to straight-up rage. It boils through my veins like lava bubbling, ready to spew. I’m so fucking tired of letting this asshole run in the shadows. It’s time to bring him out into the sunlight and let him burn.
“The audacity of this motherfucker,” I hiss, slamming the door shut. My teeth grind to dust as I march through the house with purpose, only stopping when the incessant sound of my phone dinging nonstop hits my ears.
“What the hell is happening? What’s that shit?” Kieran’s deep, confused voice travels down the hall, rising above the sound of my phone, getting louder and louder as I step into my room.
“Pretty Girl.” Warm arms wrap around me, pulling my back into his chest.
“I need to call Olivia,” I mutter, reaching for my phone.
Carter
I’m on the way... Stay the fuck put.
“What’s happening?” Rad murmurs, looking over my shoulder. His entire body stiffens against mine, pulling me impossibly closer.
As I look down at my phone, several more messages come through, displaying the same thing the bloody carnage from outside does.
You’re mine.
YOU’RE MINE!
You’re mine, River West.
No one else’s.
Make them leave.
Or I will!
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Rad murmurs, holding my shivering body.
“Olivia,” I croak into the phone, ignoring the constant messages coming through.
“You never call me…” she trails off in a soft voice.
“My stalker left me some presents. More than pictures…more than…” My voice croaks to a dead stop when the images return, running through my brain at top speed.
“Fucking stalker?” Asher hisses from behind us. He blinks several times, processing my words, and scowls when I turn my back to him and shake Rad’s embrace off.
“There are more pictures...and blood, lots of blood.” I swallow hard as the images flashes behind my eyelids in rapid-fire succession. “Lots of fucking blood,” I murmur again, squeezing my eyes shut. Red. It’s everywhere. Infecting me. Invading my damn senses.
“Hold the fuck up, River. You said blood? Are you—” she trails off, emotions building in her always professional tone.
“Not hurt. It’s on the porch with some questionable pictures. Every few seconds, I’m getting messages. It’s?—”
“Escalated to the point of no return. Get the fuck out of that house. Don’t touch anything. Get to your boy toys’ house and?—”
“I’m fucking here!” Carter growls, slamming through the front door with gritted teeth.
“Oh good, he’s there,” Olivia says, blowing out a breath. “Get. Out. Riv. Leave.” She grunts as the sound of fabric rustles. “I’m on my way. Go across the damn street. Protect yourself and my godchild!” I blow out a breath when Olivia hangs up on me, and I stare at the lit-up screen.
“Do what she fucking says,” Carter grunts, pacing the tiny space of my living room, looking around at every little corner. “We’ll have a lot to discuss.”
When I turn around, a wall of men greets me with frowns. Callum clings to Lyric, who’s still in his arms, holding onto him as she sniffles.
“Seems like we have a few things to talk about,” Kieran growls, crossing his arms.
Fuck. Yeah. Seems like we do.