Violent Ends

by Sam Crescent

  “Yes, I want to date you. To show you what it could mean to be with someone who cares. I care about you, Emma. I don’t want you to leave without you knowing what it feels like falling for someone.”

  She stopped, and he refused to let her hand go.

  “Gideon, I know you mean well. I see past the act that you give to everyone else, and I get it. It’s hard to put yourself out like that, but I can’t do this.”

  His heart shattered.

  “Why not?” he asked.

  He wasn’t going to cry in front of her. He never cried. Tears glistened in her eyes though. He hated seeing them there.

  “We talked about this, Gideon. You’re going to meet a woman and fall in love, and everything is going to be amazing. What about me? I get to watch you walk away. There’s only so much pain I can handle, and I don’t want to do that.”

  “You’re worried I’m going to fall for someone else?”

  “The legacy thing says you are.”

  “Damn it, Emma, you are my legacy.”

  Another long pause.

  “What?”

  “You’re the woman I’m destined to be with.” He placed her hand right over his chest. “This is not how I wanted to do this, but I can see I don’t have much choice. I want you. Only you.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  “It is.”

  “But we’ve known each other for so long. You’ve never even shown an interest until now.”

  “I’ve been fighting it. It’s you. I’m not lying to you. It’s you that I love. You that I want.” He hated this feeling right now.

  This wasn’t part of the plan, and it was falling all around him.

  Just as he was going to try to rectify it somehow, his cell phone buzzed. Gritting his teeth, he pulled it out of his pocket and answered.

  “You’re seriously taking a phone call right now?”

  “I’ve got no choice.” It was part of the Denton agreement from now on. Everyone answered their cell. No one went radio silent.

  “Hello,” he said.

  “Gideon, you need to come home now.”

  “What? Why?” He was shocked that Jacob was calling him.

  “Sarah’s been killed in a car crash in England. We just got the call. Landon’s losing his shit. You need to come home.”

  “Holy shit,” Gideon said.

  “What?” Emma asked. “What is it?”

  “I’ll be there as quick as I can.” He hung up before his brother could ask any more.

  Chapter Four

  They had no choice but to give Landon a sedative to knock him out for the night. The doctor didn’t look hopeful.

  Emma sat on the sofa in the main sitting room as most of the Dentons were in residence, even Gabriel. Her brother hadn’t looked at her though since she walked in with Gideon.

  Sipping at her water, she saw the concern in Maddox’s eyes as he stared at the retreating doctor’s back.

  “What are we going to do?” Charlotte asked. She was Maddox’s wife, Gideon’s mother, and from what Emma recalled, a force to be reckoned with. Right now, she didn’t look the part. If anything, Charlotte looked broken.

  “There’s nothing we can do.”

  “Haven’t you heard of anything like this?”

  “If I’d heard of something like this, don’t you think I’d have fucking told you?” Maddox growled the words as he paced the length of the sitting room.

  “Don’t be an asshole.” Charlotte stormed out of the room, and Emma saw Maddox watch her go.

  “Dad, this has never happened before?” Jacob asked.

  “You mean one of our women just dying like that? Being killed? No. It hasn’t.” Maddox ran a hand down his face.

  “Landon’s going to blame himself,” Gideon said.

  “We don’t need you being a wiseass,” Gabriel said.

  “You’ve been a Denton for two minutes. You’ve not spent nearly enough time to have a vote at this fucking table. Keep your mouth shut,” Gideon said.

  “I have every right to speak.”

  “Shut up, Gabriel,” Emma said. She didn’t want to hear her brother right about now.

  “You were on a date with him?” Gabriel turned his glare to her.

  “Don’t even look at her like that.”

  “Enough!” This was Jacob. “I’ve had about enough of the arguing. Screaming and shouting is not going to solve anything. Right now, our brother, our baby brother, has just had his entire world turned upside down. Imagine losing our women, think about that. You know what it’s like to be with them. Abel, Damian, and Oliver, imagine your woman being run down. You remember what it was like to find them. To finally feel their love wrapped around you. Take it all away, and what are you left with? Nothing. Landon is left with nothing. His very reason for living, for being anything, is gone, and we’re bickering. Dad, go and deal with Mom. You know you want to.”

  Emma watched as Maddox didn’t even question his son. He just turned on his heel and left.

  “This is bad,” Oliver said. “Landon has always been … unpredictable. He’s not going to take it well.”

  “I want him on suicide watch,” Jacob said.

  “Don’t you think that’s a bit drastic? He’s a young boy,” Emma said. All their eyes turned toward her.

  “You don’t have any idea what it’s like to find the one destined to be yours. To be in love, to feel that love with every single fiber of your being. We do. We’ve felt it. It’s not something you just switch on and off. It’s a feeling. It’s intense and scary. You wait for your woman to enter a room, and when she does, it’s like you can finally breathe because she’s part of your world. It consumes you. Drives your need to do better, to be better.”

  Silence met his words, and her own little world was reeling right now.

  Grabbing the tray of drinks, she made her excuses.

  Gideon had told her that she was his woman.

  Did he see her like that?

  Did he want her like that?

  He knew she wanted out of this life. She didn’t know what to do. Entering the kitchen, she saw it was empty, which she was pleased about. Bumping into Maddox and Charlotte was not high on her priority list right now.

  “I figured you needed a hand,” Gideon said, entering the kitchen seconds later.

  “It’s fine. I’ve got it. I can handle a few drinks.” She hated how bitchy she sounded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.”

  “I know what you meant. You don’t have to keep apologizing.”

  She put the cup down and turned toward him. “Do you feel that way with me? Is that what brought you in here, to see me?” All of her life she’d felt overlooked, like no one would ever notice her, and now, here was a man who may finally see her.

  “Yes. I can see you’re freaked out about all of this.”

  “I don’t know what else to be right now, Gideon. I want to talk about it, but it doesn’t feel like the right time or place.”

  “It’s not. I’ve got to be here for Landon.”

  “Will it really be as bad as … suicide?”

  “I honestly don’t know. None of us have ever faced this. We’ve always been told that as soon as we know the woman that is destined to be ours, to make sure she’s protected.”

  “Poor Landon,” she said.

  “Why are you annoyed with Gabriel?”

  His question startled her.

  “I’m not.”

  “I saw the way you looked at him. You’re angry with him, why?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “It is.”

  She turned to the sink, looking out of the window at the yard. Everything looked normal in the yard. The grass always grew, flowers bloomed. The perfect cycle of weather and garden. They didn’t have to have a complicated life.

  “He’s different,” she said. “He doesn’t come around anymore. Unlike us, he’s been given a free pass because of his DNA. Me, Owen, and Wyatt, we don’t get that. We
don’t get to have a second chance. Our life is linked to that of being a Colton, and I hate it.” She grabbed a towel, drying her hands. “Can I go home?”

  “No. I’ve already called your brothers. They know you’re staying here with us.”

  “I don’t get a say in this?”

  “No. There’s a room made up for you. I’ll take you—”

  “No, that’s fine. I know how to find my room. It’s the same one Charlotte always does for me, right?” She moved around him, trying not to touch him as she left the kitchen. Whatever she said must have worked because he didn’t try to follow her, which was more than fine with her. She just needed space away from him.

  Leaving the kitchen, she rounded the corner, and there stood Gabriel. Her big brother. The man who, as far as she was concerned, had abandoned her. He’d moved on.

  “What are you waiting for? Are you listening to our conversation when you have no right to?” She felt anger and rage crawl within her. She didn’t like Gabriel being this close to her.

  “I’m still your brother, Emma. You can’t change that.”

  “Last time I checked, you were more interested in being a Denton. I don’t need a babysitter, and I don’t want one.” Brushing past him, she made her way to her bedroom for the night. Closing the door, she leaned back against it, taking a deep breath. “Calm down, Emma, calm.”

  Everything seemed to be moving so fast, and she couldn’t focus at all. One minute she was all alone, and then there went Gideon, telling her that he believed she belonged to him. When did her life become so complicated?

  Seconds passed, maybe even minutes before she finally got up, went to the bathroom, stripped down, and had a shower. She had to clear her head, and it was the only thing she could think to do.

  Pushing all of her thoughts to the back of her mind, she climbed beneath the water, turning it to cold. She wouldn’t think of Gideon, not yet.

  Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and basked in the cold. Part of her liked the fact she belonged to Gideon, even if she didn’t have the first clue what it meant.

  ****

  “You’re going to stay the fuck away from my sister,” Gabriel said.

  Gideon turned toward Emma’s brother and smirked. “I should have known you were eavesdropping.”

  “Leave her alone.”

  “Can’t do that.”

  Gideon rolled his eyes as Gabriel pinned him against the fridge, one hand around his neck and the other holding a gun to his head.

  “Seriously?” Gideon asked.

  “You will stay away from my sister, or brother or not, I will fucking end you.”

  “Kill me now, Gabriel. You’d be surprised what kind of shit you’d start. You may be a Denton, but so am I. You think because you’re older there won’t be consequences? There will be.” Gideon smirked. “My brothers would tear you apart just for the fun of it. Don’t for a second think you can come between me and Emma.”

  “You’re no good for her.”

  “I’m the best thing for her.”

  “I know what you’re capable of.”

  Gideon sighed. “Have you looked in the mirror lately, Gabriel? You’re not a good guy either. In fact, I’d say you’re just as bad as me, if not worse.”

  “She can do better than you.”

  “Are you going to continue to try and choke me or shoot me? Why don’t you let me go? I’m the best thing for her, and you know it kills you.”

  “I don’t know shit.”

  “She’s mine, Gabriel.” He was done playing around. “I don’t care what you think. I’ll protect her always.”

  “No. I don’t believe it. Your claim is bullshit.” Gabriel released him.

  “And why is that?” It wasn’t lost on Gideon how close their names were. He wondered if his mother had an inkling that Gabriel was Maddox’s son.

  “She deserves better. Always has. Emma can have anyone.”

  Gideon stared at Gabriel. “You don’t have a clue what your sister is trying to do, do you?”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Gabriel asked.

  “She wants out. She doesn’t want this life anymore and is trying to think of a way out where she doesn’t have to deal with any of this.”

  “She’s not allowed out,” Gabriel said, taking a step back.

  He watched Gabriel, seeing the shock in his brother’s face. Half-brother.

  “What happened?” Gabriel asked. “She was happy.”

  “Was she? Or did she fake it?”

  “How can you claim her? You’ve known her for a long time. How can you claim her now?”

  “I’ve been fighting it, giving her time,” Gideon said. “She’s mine. I’m not going to back down.”

  “If she wants out then does that mean you’re leaving?” Gabriel asked.

  “I’d like to know that as well,” Jacob said.

  One by one, he watched his brothers enter the kitchen.

  “Wow, talk about a sudden surge of family love,” he said, gripping the back of his neck.

  “Are you leaving?” Abel asked.

  “It’s not decided yet, and I’m sticking around for Landon. I’m not going to let him face this alone.”

  “How nice of you,” Jacob said. “How could you keep a secret like this?”

  “Easily, none of you gave a fuck about who I wanted. I’m not wanting sympathy or shit. I don’t need it.”

  “You put it off for a long time,” Damian said.

  Gideon shrugged. “Guess I’m strong. Now if you’ll excuse me—”

  “Emma’s not getting out,” Maddox said.

  The appearance of his father shocked him. Usually when his father was making up with his mother, it took all night long. He must be losing his touch in his old age.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Gideon asked.

  “You’re a Denton. She’s a Colton. There’s no out for either of you.”

  “Emma doesn’t have any enemies.”

  “She’s a Colton, Gideon. Don’t be fucking stupid. She’s got enemies regardless of if she’s the cause or not. That kind of name. What her father was like, that shit carries for years to come. She’ll never be safe. Do you think you could handle losing her?”

  Just the thought nearly brought him to his knees. He didn’t buckle though. Not in front of his father. Staring at the man who’d been training him for years, he saw the sorrow in Maddox’s eyes. None of them knew what it was like to lose their woman.

  He stared at his father. Something twisted inside him. The battle that he’d have to face.

  There wouldn’t be much choice.

  If his father said no, but Emma wanted out, he knew what he’d have to do.

  “I’m going to see Landon,” he said.

  “He’s out of it for the night.”

  “I’m still going to see my brother.”

  He didn’t linger. He couldn’t.

  Fighting with his father was a big no, and if he allowed himself to let go and pummel the smug bastard’s face, it would be the end for him.

  Leaving the kitchen, he made his way up to Landon’s room. He paused in the doorway as he saw Tamsin sitting on the edge of the bed, Landon’s hand in her lap.

  She looked so sad.

  “Hey, squirt,” he said.

  “He’s so sad.”

  “I know.”

  “Is there nothing we can do?”

  “No. She’s dead, and we can’t bring her back. There’s limits to what we can do.”

  “Don’t be an ass, Gideon. Not right now.”

  “I’m not.” He walked into the room, lowering himself down into a chair. Resting his head on his hand, he watched his brother, who was completely out of it. “Just be pleased that he’s not feeling a thing right now.”

  “How could they let her get run over?” Tamsin asked. “She belonged to Landon.”

  “There’s not a lot we can do, Tam. We can curse, point the finger, but it’s not going to change anything
.”

  “I hate it when you’re so cold.”

  “I’m not cold. I just don’t have any answers for you right now. I’ve got nothing. I’ve got my own problems right now.” He sighed, running a hand down his face. This was not how he wanted his day to go, and it pissed him off to know his father was right. The thing was, he’d do whatever it took for Emma to get what she wanted.

  “I saw Emma go to her room.”

  “You have a way of being everywhere, don’t you?”

  “I’m a girl. No one cares where I am. They always underestimate me. They just want me to be this princess who accepts who they want me to marry.”

  “No, they don’t,” he said, lying.

  He wished it was different for his sister, but the truth was the opposite. Their father would always do what they wanted, regardless of if they liked it or not. At least with their curse or legacy, whichever anyone thought it was, they weren’t forced into a marriage they didn’t want.

  “I’m going to bed,” Tamsin said. “Try to get some rest.” She patted his shoulder and left the room.

  Moving from his chair, he sat where Tamsin had been, looking into his brother’s sleeping face. Right now, he didn’t look troubled, but that was the drugs. There was no way Landon would ever be the same again.

  “I love you, brother, and I wouldn’t wish this on you. I will fight for you though. Don’t do anything rash.”

  He kissed his brother’s knuckles. He loved all of his brothers. They’d been together for so long. They were united as one. The Denton men. He couldn’t turn his back right now.

  “She wants out, and I know if she asks me, I’ll give it to her. I hope I’m strong enough to do it.” Glancing over at the clock, he saw it was late.

  He didn’t know what else to say to his brother, so he got up and left the room. Instead of going to his own room though, he walked to Emma’s.

  Opening the door, he found her in bed, curled up. Removing his clothes, he felt so exhausted that he didn’t want to fight. She knew the truth, and now he needed to hold his woman, to make sure she was all right. He imagined his brothers felt the same way.

  Completely naked, he crawled into bed.

  The moment he lifted the blanket and slid in, Emma, of course, woke up. She gasped, and he caught her underneath him, hands beside her head.