The Dark Prince (The Dark Prince Trilogy #1)

by Autumn Winchester

  Carter drove, with Asher in the passenger seat, Chase and Summer sat in the back, a black SUV in front and one behind them. Summer was lost in thought, or more like just there in person, than anything else. She'd shut down. Chase tried to talk her into taking a Xanax, but Summer refused. She refused pretty much everything. She hardly talked, and only ate to make Chase happy. And that was only a few small bites.

  He considered leaving her home with one of the most trusted men, or with Kayla, but couldn’t part with her for that long. He was worried about her, so he had brought her with him. Maybe if she saw that nothing would happened, she would get back to how she was just a couple days ago. He had this under control, but Summer refused to listen.

  Chase knew that with him refusing her advances didn’t help, but she wasn’t in the right frame of mind, and he wouldn’t dare do that to her. He’d never force himself on her, nor let her do something she would likely regret later. Even if she did say she loved him. He knew she did, but questioned her motive and words because of how she mentally shut down after the news of her father.

  So, on the way to the hotel, he pulled her to his side, hoping to calm her fears. His heart was heavy in worry. He hated feeling like this, knowing there was nothing he could do to help pull his wife out of her depths of depression once more.

  Pulling to the Mission Point Resort, his men checked around, making sure no snipers were posted nearby. When the okay was given, Chase helped Summer out of the car and straight into the hotel, and checking in.

  Before long they were in their room, Summer sitting in a chair in front of a blank TV, waiting. She wasn’t sure what she was waiting for. All she knew was that she was in another grand hotel that was more than she needed. It was much too big, which didn't help with her panic. She wanted to hide away and never see anyone from her past again, but knew it wasn’t possible.

  The huge bed was made, with a dark cream feather down comforter on it, matching pillows upon pillows stacked up at the head of the bed. The eat-in kitchen was a waste of space, and so was the seating area that had two couches and chairs. They were only an hour away from home. Clare was staying the night with Zinna, and Summer left a letter to her sister, fearful that she wouldn’t make it past tonight, leaving it under her pillow so Clare would be able to see it when she returned home.

  Chase, not sure what to do, went in search of Carter, wanting an update. For some reason, Chase had no idea on how to get his wife out the funk she was in. He was sure space was the least thing she needed. He had never seen her like this, so totally unresponsive. Sure, she had been depressed, but this was not depression. It was something different all together.

  Heck, he’d turn around and go straight home if he could. He’d do just about anything to make up for his wife to be happy again.

  He had two of his men check out the restaurant that he planned to take his wife to after the meeting, as she looked amazing. She was dressed simply, yet stylishly. It was perfect, fitting her personality that had shown through, but also fit into her new life. She wore a white button up shirt over a tight fitting black tank top, and a long black skirt with boots that had a low heel. Her hair was left down around her face and shoulders.

  Chase found Carter just outside their door, and before he shut the door, they began talking. Chase knew what he was doing, and who was close by. He had everything set up for the perfect moment.

  “It’s all clear. But our guy called in,” Carter answered Chase’s questions. His voice was low, but carried around the room reaching Summer’s ears where she sat on the edge of the chair. “Jason has things set up to kill you tonight. If he can’t get a clear shot of you, he plans to take his daughter and bring you out by doing so.”

  She didn’t hear Chase’s reply, as the two stepped out further into the hallway, closing the door behind them. That was all Summer needed to hear. She knew in her heart that she was in love with her husband and didn’t want to see him hurt. Her mind raced with questions on what would happen if Chase was killed. She had no idea, as he never said anything about it. But he was the Prince, and had plans in place to make the world a better place.

  Summer knew that Chase had most of the holding compounds for others taken down, and none had been replaced. Many women and children were returned home, safe and sound. No one would know where they were now, given new lives, new names.

  She knew she could have been one of them at one point, but now that was not an option. Now, she was stuck loving the Prince, and forced to be a Princess she never planned to be. Chase had explained to her a few days before this that he knew she had been to many homes, and not treated well in any of them. He made sure to reassure her more and more each day that she would never have to be forced back into that sort of life.

  Before she knew it, Chase was kneeling in front of her, trying to get her attention. Although her eyes were watery with tears, none fell as she blinked him into focus.

  “I’m going my meeting now,” he said gently, cupping her face in his hands. “It’s just down in the private consulting room. I’ll have my phone on, so call, or text, if you need me at all. Carter will be with me, along with a number of other men. You will be safe here. I promise my life on that.” He promised her, but she knew she wasn’t safe. She wouldn’t be until Jason was dead, his heart no longer beating. Or if she was dead. She’d be fine either way.

  “I have Asher and Peter patrolling the hallways so no one can to get you,” he went on quietly. Peter would also know if she left the room for anything. “I love you Summer,” Chase said before kissing the top of her head before standing up. He gave her one last longing look, wishing he could take her worries away, before shutting the door behind him and making his way to the boring meeting that was to deal with how to handle new inventory that would help families out better than drugs and weapons.

  She wanted to say she loved him too, but knew her voice would break in sobs if she dared to whisper the simple words. She had been on edge for hours now and her mind was swimming. Even with the Xanax in her system, it didn’t help her anxiety.

  She knew what needed to be done. There was no choice. Summer didn’t think. She couldn’t or she wouldn’t go through with it. Her mind ran a million miles a minute, even with Chase’s promised and tender words. He promised to keep her safe, but at what cost to him?

  Sneaking out of the high priced hotel room, Summer snuck down the hallway after checking that there was no one watching her every move from the doorway. She was surprised that no one was standing guard at her door, knowing that her father was so close. Closer than she ever wanted.

  She had heard Chase’s whispered words about the plan, about how Jason was waiting to take her husband down once and for all. She would never question her father, knowing he was more than capable of killing her husband, no matter how much protection he had around him. She couldn’t allow that to happen. Not when she just figured out her feelings for the man. She’d happily die trying to protect him, it was the least she could do.

  Chase had spent years trying to protect his Princess to the best of his abilities, and now it was her turn to protect her Prince.

  So without a second thought, Summer tiptoed, praying her cute trendy boots wouldn’t make a sound as she walked hurriedly down the hallway to the stairs that would lead her down a level to grab an elevator to the main floor.

  Once she made it to the next level, Summer tossed her black leather coat on that was still a size too big, but too comfortable to exchange for a smaller size, as she stepped into the elevator. Summer noticed her reflection in the shiny silver door, and saw her red rimmed eyes, filled with determination. It was more emotion than she had had for days. Her soft reddish brown hair only added to her resolve to get this done.

  Clare had helped with her make-up, covering the evidence that she hadn’t had a good night's sleep. It was a close copy of how Zinna had applied it, and Summer was happy that Clare had someone to look up to. It was one less thing she would have to worry about.

&nbs
p; Before she knew it, the elevator reached the lobby floor, and she breathed a sigh of relief, seeing none of the guards that she knew following her, or stopping her. It was only a matter of time before one of them popped up as it was. Surely, she wouldn’t be missing long before a search party was sent out for her.

  Summer knew that Chase would be horribly upset with her once he found out, but she didn’t care. It was worth it.

  Stepping out of the hotel, she noticed that the weather had changed drastically from when Chase had brought her in earlier that morning. Then, it had been warm and sunny. But now, the temperature had dropped, and the storm clouds began to form above the big city. It was just days after Thanksgiving, so snow was expected to begin to fall and the temperatures to be colder.

  She couldn’t believe how fast time had gone the last few months. It wasn’t like she expected, and yet everything she once knew was a distant memory.

  Reaching the corner, she quickly dashed around it and blended in with the people that went about their business. Summer wasn’t sure where she was going exactly, as she hadn’t explored on her own, ever. But she would find what she needed easily enough. She thought about stopping to ask someone where to go, but before she could, she was dragged into an ally, a warm hand over her mouth to stop her screams that would surely alert the people on the sidewalk.

  Her heart jumped in rhythm as her breaths turned into frightened pants. She didn’t know how to fight back, and her hope of keeping Chase safe dashed from her thoughts.

  “Don’t scream, please,” spoke a quiet voice in her ear. A voice she knew all too well. At her nod, the man released her, stepping back just one single step. Summer’s eyes landed on Peter, who didn’t look happy about seeing the Princess out and about without protection.

  “You think you can handle this on your own?” Peter asked, already knowing why Summer was here, why she snuck out. He had followed her all the way from her hotel room, to here. He was good at what he did, and no one knew he was following his subject of choice until it was too late. That was how he got assigned to Chase to keep him safe.

  “I have to,” she whispered as tears once more gathered. “I love him.”

  “I know you do, sug,” he said quietly, his eyes soft, shoulders dropping. “I can see it.”

  He paused, looking at the girl up and down. Even though she was young, she knew how to handle herself. She was strong, and Chase always knew that. He couldn’t wait to see how strong she would prove to the world. She’d be tougher than even Chase even, maybe.

  “I’ll be behind you the entire way, but here, take this,” Peter said after a moment, handing her the smallest of his hidden guns he had hidden in his leather jacket. “Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.”

  Summer took the cold black gun in her outstretched hand, feeling the weight of it. Her eyes widened, as she hadn’t thought of how she was going to take the man that threatened her husband out. Now, she wasn’t so sure she could do this. Maybe Summer shouldn’t have even considered it.

  “You can do it, sweets,” Peter drawled out with a pat on her stiff shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Chase would kill me, after he finished Meads off, of course.”

  “I don’t know where to go,” Summer said, still holding the gun, but kept it down at her side. Her eyes watered once more, now doubting herself and her actions. Could she really do this? Kill her father?

  “First, put the gun in your pocket, right inside by your ribs,” Peter said, helping Summer get it situated, telling her to keep her hand on it for easy access, knowing she didn’t have fast reflexes. Then he moved her other arm so it wrapped around herself, hiding her weapon. No one would ever expect her, let alone what she would do, if she went through with it.

  Peter, with a look in his eyes showing he knew exactly what he was doing, led Summer through the alleyway and a few blocks, to another part of town which was quieter and much dirtier.

  “Around the corner and to your left, is your target. I’ll be right behind you. Do what you need to do,” Peter said, before leaning against the dark brick wall and letting Summer pass him. He’d know when to step in.

  Her steps were slow, but she made her choice the moment she left that hotel room. It was too late to back out now. She could do this. She would do this.

  With a deep breath, Summer finally rounded the corner, seeing Jason Meads and Jackson Hawk talking to one another. It didn’t look like they had any of their own guards or hit men around, but Summer knew they could be hiding in a building with eyes on them in every direction.

  She kept her head down, but her eyesight on the two men as she made her way to them, acting as though she was lost, which she technically was. Jackson noticed her first, his brown eyes widening before he cooled his shocked expression. She wasn’t meant to be here.

  He had been trying to get Jason into the closest hotel, saying they needed to go inside before the rain started, but he had refused. Now as he looked up, seeing his daughter standing there, scared and frightened. His dark expression turned darker as he glared at her, seeing her cower in fear. He was thrilled that a simple look made her fear him.

  Jason hadn’t changed much at all. His dark reddish brown hair was now lined with gray, but his face was still filled with hatred towards the girl he never wanted. His light brown eyes were filled with disgust. He was sick to the stomach just looking at the girl. What had her handler done to her? She looked nothing like he envisioned.

  “Finally lost your leash, pet,” Jason laughed darkly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Did that Marcel boy finally tire of you?” A pause as Jackson switched his feet, on edge, but wisely kept quiet. “I don’t see what he saw in you. All you are is a means to an end. I should have killed you before Emma ever gave birth to you. She had to run off before I could. All you have done is cause me more problems than I needed.”

  Jason looked Summer up and down, seeing ghosts of his past right in front of him. She looked so much like her mother, but also so like his side of the family. Without a word, Summer pulled the gun out faster than she thought she could, pointing it straight at the man who made her life a living Hell.

  Jason’s eyes widened for a moment in surprise as he dropped his arms to his sides, not seeing Peter move in, ready to shoot if need be.

  “Oh, you think you’re a tough bitch now? The Prince finally grew some balls and thought you could handle a gun. Or was he hoping you’d kill yourself. I heard you tried a few months ago, but of course you were to much of a coward to succeed,” Jason spoke bitterly, hatred clouding his voice. “I bet you can’t hit me anyway.” He laughed, his eyes filled with lust for his own daughter, and hatred at the fact that she was his own blood. She was off limits to him, all because of her bitch of a mother.

  “I still can’t believe Marcel even tried to save your sorry ass,” he went on, hiding his fear with his hateful words. “My brother wants you just as much as I would love to have my wicked way with you. You were never meant to live, your worthless piece of shit!”

  “Here, let me help you aim,” Jackson laughed, moving towards the girl after a few moments. He saw how her hands shook and how her hold was entirely wrong. He took fast, measured steps, stopping behind her. His body heat helped to warm Summer as his hands wrapped around hers. He told her how to hold the gun, aiming it at the man.

  "I bet you won't have the guts to even pull that trigger, filthy dog,” Jason spat out, glaring at the gun. “But I would love to see you try. Your mother always did put up a fight when I took her, so I wonder how you would be if I got my hands on you.”

  Her hands shook, which made the gun unsteady as Jackson helped her line it up to aim at the man that was goading her. He had a look of pure thrilled lust on his face as he shifted his feet. His words were confusing, jumping from one thing to the next. As much as his mixed emotions. Was he by chance bipolar?

  Of course Jason thought Jackson was just trying to trick her to get his hands on the gun. Jackson then whi
spered in her ear so only she could hear. “I want him to suffer as much you, so please, trust me. I’ll be happy to explain after everything, so please, Summer.” His voice was sad, but determined. He had so much he wanted to tell the girl he saw as a sister, but now certainly was not the time to do so.

  Summer gave a small nod, knowing if she spoke, her words would be lost among the breeze. She shivered in fear though, not sure what would happen next.

  “I have your aim set for his stomach, so try not to move too much. We want him surprised,” Jackson whispered once more before stepping back, then spoke louder to the man. “She’s had no training.” He laughed, faking his amusement.

  “Of course she doesn’t. I bet dear old Chase doesn’t even know you are here, does he?” Jason goaded, but was smart enough to not move an inch from his spot. “So what do you think you will accomplish? I mean, you won’t be able to kill me. I have my guys ready for my command to take you out.”

  “Actually,” Summer spoke up, hearing her voice strong with no ounce of fear lacing it. “Chase has taught me how to handle this thing.” She gave the gun a look as she lied through her teeth. She hated guns, but was thrilled to feel the metal in her hands. Right at that moment, she wished she had taken Chase up on learning. Maybe, if she did survive this night, he’d teach her how to properly use one.