Chapter 309 – Taming My Bullies (Emma & Rowan) Novel Free Online

“You all should’ve let me fucking die because, without her, I might as well be dead.”

I don’t interrupt again. He needs this. And while I might be raging inside at having to constantly keep it together while just about everyone around me gets to fall apart-now isn’t the time.

Karl pulls something from his pocket, and before I can react, he has the tip of one of his blades pressed into the flesh of his wrist.

“O! What the fuck are you doing, man? Put the fucking knife away,” I snap, springing from my computer chair. I slowly approach him, not wanting my sudden movements to cause him to slice any deeper.

Red-rimmed eyes aim in my direction, but it’s almost as if he’s looking through me.”I fought through hell, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing she was here waiting for me,” he professes.

“I can’t pretend to know what you’ve been through, but I know Emma wouldn’t want this,” I whisper as I grip his wrist. “She wouldn’t want to be the reason you hurt yourself, O.” It’s like reasoning with someone who’s physically present but mentally somewhere else. I’m not sure he’s even registering anything I’m saying until he speaks.

“It’s too loud,” he murmurs, letting me take the knife from his hand.

“What?” I ask, examining his arm. Luckily the cut is superficial and barely bleeding.

Karl’s focus lasers in on the cut. “She always quieted the noise.”

Spinning, I look for the first-aid kit, spotting it across the room. By the time I reach it, I hear the room’s door click.

I’m alone.

Both Karl and his knife are gone.

I drop in my chair, the pounding in my head rushes back to the forefront now that the adrenaline has worn off. The weight of what’s at stake grips me by the throat and squeezes.

What if I can’t fix this?

Crippling self-doubt freezes me in place.

What if we actually have to marry Samantha?

Sweat trickles down the back of my neck.

What if we have to let her go forever?

I’m not ready for the maelstrom of emotions I’ve buried deep, with no intention of unpacking anytime soon, to burst free. The onslaught forcing my eyes closed as if that will ward off the anchor of inadequacy and guilt.

Gasping for air, I pull at the invisible chain around my neck-my nails digging into the flesh of my throat, scraping across my Adam’s apple. It feels like hands are yanking the metal tight, the links compressing my airway. Spots begin to dance in my vision as I struggle with my grip on reality.

I haven’t let myself process, incapable of showing even a moment of weakness-to be vulnerable and admit the crater-sized hole in my chest is from the loss of the first person I’ve had touch me without feeling like a million ants were crawling all over my skin.

Emma entered Calloway like wildfire, engulfing everyone and everything in her wake but not seeking to destroy. Instead, she blazed a path for rebirth. Like a fucking phoenix.

Staccato breaths hit my ears, and I know I’m losing my battle with consciousness. My last thought before my world blinks black summing up the totality of the situation.

Another area I’ve failed.

ROWAN

“When we agreed to turn over the reins of the Fraternitas, you gave us certain assurances. The Council was supposed to solidify the power through the union of the five original bloodlines for the first time in history,” a woman’s stern voice chastises.

We sit and watch from the wall of TV monitors in Liam’s room as the Council meets with a group of people we’ve never seen before.

“How the hell did you get cameras in there?” Sebastian asks.

“I have my ways” is the only answer Liam provides.

He’s been more focused in the days leading up to the engagement announcement party-more withdrawn than usual. He’s always been more inclined to hang back, but this level of isolation is unusual for him, especially since he showed up with red claw marks down his throat. Yet another thing he’s been tight-lipped about. It caused an argument that almost came to blows until Sebastian stepped in and reminded everyone there was no way Liam would let another woman that was not Emma touch him, much less mark his skin.

“We have things under control,” my father replies to the woman sitting across from him. Her umber complexion is flawless against her cream suit. She’s stunning, but it’s the level of deference I’ve never seen my father award anyone before that has my attention. “Senator Baker and his sister are a problem that we will have in hand in due time.”

My focus cuts from the screen to see if anyone else notices the Council’s demeanor toward this group.

“Who are these people?” Karl questions.

I hear fingers clicking against keys, and I know Liam is already investigating.

My attention returns to the screen as the woman arches her onyx brow in my father’s direction as she narrows her smoked-honey gaze. “Donald, you and the Fraternitas have until the Tribunal. The Novus Ordo Seclorum has been patient enough,” she seethes, then stands, making everyone follow suit.

“We understand. Please relay our gratitude to the Princeps and assure them everything is still on track,” my father explains.

“See that you do. Otherwise, we’ll send a team to clean up your mess-you and the Council included.” With that, the meeting ends, and the group makes their exit.

It’s quiet for a moment before my father speaks. “Now you all know what’s at stake.” We wait for him to continue, thinking he’s about to impart more information. Instead, their chairs turn and they look up. “We have less than a year.” Then, the signal in the room cuts out.

“They fucking knew,” August snarls, looking at Liam. “Did you know?”

Liam’s nostrils flare. “Of course, I didn’t. I had signal blockers on and a looped feed while I planted the damn device. I’m not an idiot. This isn’t my first rodeo.”

“None of that fucking matters. The Chosen announcement party starts in five hours and based on what I just saw we need a plan. So, stop all your goddamn bickering, and let’s figure out how to end the sister fucker and get our girl back,” Karl shouts.

The room stills for what feels like forever until Sebastian finally ends the heavy silence. “I have a plan.”

* * *

I close my eyes at the sight of the last words on my page before checking the time. There are only ten minutes before we have to announce our betrayal to the entire town. Ten minutes before the world finds out that the girl we’ve all been openly showing all of our affection to is gone, and in her place is the vilest person I’ve ever encountered.

Samantha Davenport has wormed her way into a place she doesn’t belong. And what’s worse is that she made me the one who had to crush the heart of someone I love.

“Rowan, man.”

I snap my book closed at the sound of Sebastian’s voice.

“What are you doing?” he probes, but I tuck my journal away before he reaches me.

“Nothing,” I retort, peering at my watch. “I still have time.”

“The Council wants to see us,” he explains.

Flexing the muscles in my jaw, I stand and straighten my tuxedo. “Fine.”

We don’t speak as we make our way to my father’s private offices. Samantha wanted the party at the Calloway Estate, but fuck her wants. We’re at the country club. If we’re lucky, she’ll be kidnapped or murdered like the other Selection girls, but I doubt it. Vindictive bitches always live long. It’s like some unspoken deal they have with the devil.

The Council stands as we step inside. “Close the door,” my father instructs.

I do as instructed, and Sebastian and I join Liam, August, and Karl by the bar.

“What happens here tonight is important. You all need to play your part. Senator Baker will be in attendance, but our focus won’t be on him this evening,” my father explains.

I can see the matching looks of rage on each of my brothers’ faces. I know they’re wondering the same thing as I am.

If the Senator will be on our turf, why aren’t we pulling the trigger?

“The mission tonight is to get Jameson,” Karl’s father states, pulling his hands from his tuxedo pants pockets. “Matthew Baker won’t give us shit, and if he goes missing, much like if Samantha does, the chip detonates.”

Unable to mask his anger, August snaps, “And what about the other two?”

“Brittany and Brian are not high enough to have the information we need. Jameson is a key player,” August’s father tells him.

“There will be time to deal with every traitor in our midst,” my father begins.

I snort. “Isn’t that what you said last time?”

“Now isn’t the time for insolence, Rowaniel,” my father admonishes. His pointed glare zeroing on me. “Jameson was a high enough member of the Fraternitas that he had pertinent information, and we need to know what he’s divulged along with what he knows.”

Karl steps away from the bar. “Jameson is mine,” he commands and storms toward the door.

“Wait,” Karl’s father demands, halting his son’s steps. “We can decide who does what once we have him. But, for now, you all need to be the doting and ecstatic fianc?s while our teams work.”

At his words, Thomas enters, relaying the last of the instructions for the night before we make our way to the main hall.

“Where the fuck have you all been?” Samantha’s shriek announces her unwelcome arrival. “We were supposed to be inside greeting guests twenty minutes ago!”

I roll my eyes before slipping on the mask I’ve donned so many times in her presence. “We had to review the rules for this part of the Selection. Sorry to keep you waiting,” I state, trying like hell not to wring her neck as she looks up at me with lovesick eyes.

“You’re all here now, and you know what happens if you fuck this up,” she singsongs.

I subtly shake my head when Karl pulls a knife from the holster attached to his belt. His lips thin, but he puts the blade away.

“Let’s go inside,” I mutter, pulling her inside when she attempts to see what my attention is on.

The hall looks like flowers, glitter, and diamonds had an orgy. Every corner of the room is ostentatiously decorated-a perfect representation of Samantha’s personality-loud and off-putting.

This should have Emma’s touch.

I have to fight the grimace at that thought. She should be walking in on our arm. We should be announcing our engagement.

Cameras shutter as we make our way to the stage, and Samantha smiles, entirely in her element. Her nails digging into my arm-a reminder of what’s at stake. So, I banish thoughts of the girl who’s taken my heart with her and focus on trying to keep her safe.

Before we reach the dais, we’re intercepted. “I wanted to take the time to introduce myself and extend my congratulations to you all officially,” Senator Baker declares, a smarmy smile that only a crooked politician could possess in place.

“Thank you, Senator,” Samantha replies. The annoyed look etched on her face is hard to miss.

“Why, you’re welcome.” He looks from her to us, his eyes tight, barely concealing his frustration.

Trouble in sibling paradise?

Picking up on the air around us, Sebastian says, “Yes, we’re very lucky to have Samantha to ourselves for the rest of our lives. Rowan says she’s wild when the claws come out.”

I watch Samantha’s and Senator Bakers’s faces twist into identical scowls. It’s hilarious that anyone can’t see that these two are related.

Clearing his throat, Matthew tries to mask his fury, but it’s too late. “Well, I wish you all the best in all the years you have left together.” Then he waves and walks off over to fucking Jameson.

I can feel the veins protrude from my neck. His days on this earth are dwindling. I hope the arrogant Judas enjoys what time he has left.

As we ascend the stairs to the stage, my eyes connect with another dead person walking, Brittany. She looks smug, the stupid lemming-such blind loyalty for someone who wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire.

“Good evening,” my father speaks into the mic, quieting the room. “Thank you all for being here. Tonight marks the beginning of a momentous celebration period for our town. The heirs have finally found their Chosen.”

Senator Baker steps to the front, giddy with excitement for what he believes he’s won. But, for our sake, I hope he fails.

My father continues to outline what’s to come, distracting the room long enough for a woman I’ve never seen before to slip into the room and sidle up next to Jameson. She’s wearing a sleek black bodycon dress with a slit nearly to her hip that accentuates the curves of her body. Her obsidian hair falls past her shoulders in blanketed waves. I watch as Jameson lowers his head, and she whispers something in his ears that has him flushing red. Crystal blue eyes that almost appear white lock on mine before she quirks her blood-red lips and winks then pulls our teacher inconspicuously from the ballroom.

“Samantha Davenport.”

My head snaps back toward the podium at the collective gasps from around the room at my father’s announcement of our Chosen.

“You stupid, stupid girl. What the fuck have you done?” Samantha’s mother shouts, and the room breaks into chaos.

Epilogue

AUGUST

“You can’t keep coming here, August. It’s too dangerous.” Aaron says when I step inside the back door.

I always wait for everyone but Emma’s father and her security team to go to sleep before I venture inside. “I’m always safe,” I state. “No one knows where I am.”

He shakes his head, “With everything happening, we can’t keep risking it. If we play our cards right, this will all be over soon, but I can’t keep risking their lives.”

“I won’t be long,” I promise, then climb the stairs, not waiting for his reply.

Slipping into her room, I stop just inside the door and bask in her smell. She looks fucking adorable with her mouth half open and her leg wrapped up in the blanket.

I want to freeze time and stay in this moment until it’s safe to hit play. Instead, I walk across the room and climb into her bed, inching forward until her back is pressed against my chest.

The contented sigh she releases cracks and reseals my heart in the same beat. She should never be anything but happy, and I struggle with how much of this is because we entered her world.

Brushing the hair out of her face, I lean down and whisper, “I’m sorry we couldn’t fix this.”

My eyes shut as I relive the night of the announcement that sealed our fate to someone so vile. Samantha’s mother was carried out by security and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. The only success from that night was that we now have Jameson. But all his revelations have brought me here, fighting to do the most selfless act-one I don’t know if I have the will to fulfill. Not with her in my arms, where she fits like she’s always belonged.

Meanwhile, wedding plans have begun, and stupid invitations have been picked for the farce of an engagement party. Each day I have to see Samantha’s face is another day I’m reminded of what I’ve lost-what we’ve lost. We’re a fractured unit, each of us moving in silos controlled by a puppet master in designer heels with a penchant for lip filler.

Wrapping my arms across Emma’s middle, I tug her even closer, but I know she’ll never feel close enough. I’ll always want her tethered to my soul. “There are so many things I want to tell you. So many things I need to confess,” I say, resting my chin on the top of her head. “I should’ve said all the cliche words. I should’ve professed my love for you on the plane. But I needed you to catch up.”

I smile at the look on her face when I told her she’d be surprised just how long I’d known her.

Almost two years.

I watched her for so long that I could anticipate what she’d do before she did it. I’ll never forget the first time the Council told me to keep an eye on her.

“We need someone who can blend in and ensure she’s safe,” my father instructed.

Taking the file from his hand, I ask, “Don’t we have people for this?”

I was a shit then. So full of anger and discontentment. The Council was riding our asses hard about what was expected of us and that it was time to fulfill our birthright.

“August. It would be best if you listened to me, son. This is important,” my father said from his side of the desk.

Rolling my eyes, I open the file, and everything he’s saying disappears.

She was breathtaking, but then it was just lust. I wanted to fuck her. Even more, because I knew it would probably fuck with whatever the Council had planned. After everything that happened to Liam and Karl and the way Sebastian and Rowan’s fathers treated them, in my mind, the Fraternitas could kiss my ass, both freckled-covered cheeks at a time.

Lust quickly morphed into obsession. Emma was fierce, loyal, and selfless. Fuck, she still is.

“I’m so angry with you, Love. So undeniably furious. But as much as my anger runs through me, my love for you runs deeper. And I don’t know if I’m furious at you or at the impossible situation that was thrust upon us,” I confess.

Looking down at her peaceful face, I can’t resist. I pull my camera from my back pocket and snap a picture. The flash momentarily illuminates her nightstand, and I catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye that stops my heart. Snatching it from its spot, I pocket it for later. If I try to look now, I’ll never do what I must do next.

I reluctantly climb out of the bed, walking around so that I can face her. I count every freckle. There are five more than there used to be. I kiss each new one. A light rap at the door signals my time is up.

Lowering my lips to her soft, plump ones, I kiss her with all the tenderness and love I feel. “I love you.” Then I stand and walk from the room without looking back because my legs would never allow me to move if I did.

I close her door, rest my head against the wood, and choke out the words that have been slowly slicing me open my entire journey here, but I know it’s for the best. She’ll be safer here than in Calloway. My hope is that this is only temporary.

“Goodbye, Love.”

—-The End

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