"Am I supposed to be grateful,
to have survived this?"

***************

Chase's POV

I raked my hands over the top of my head, frantic, "Fuck," I swore, dragging them down and scrubbing my face, trying to clear my vision.

Anger clashed with the immense worry surging through my veins, it tightened my chest in its harsh grip and eluded my control. I went back inside, searching for the others and wishing for any good news. Noah's eyes fell on me from a distance and he rushed forward, "I couldn't find her anywhere," I grated out at the questioning look in his eyes.

Fuck, I couldn't make sense of what suddenly happened.

She was here. I went to our house to get something, I came back and she was just...gone.

"Me neither," He answered while panting, the genuine worry evident in his eyes as he helplessly looked around us, "Where the hell did you disappear into, Lilly," He hissed under his breath and he rushed a hand over his face.

"Chase," Conner's urgent voice had us both turning around as he halted to stop by my side. He extended his hand forward, a phone laying in his hand- her phone, "I found this outside on the ground," He said, lines etching his eyebrows, just as worried and confused as the rest of us. I snatched the phone out of his grip, staring at it as I tired to make sense of the situation, my mind played tricks, showing me the worst scenarios as the anger consumed me whole.

"Why did she go outside, I told her I will look for Max myself!" Noah exclaimed, angrily.

I shook my head, my gaze on the phone still, my fingers wrapping over the device so tight, I was seconds away from hurling it across the room, "She didn't, she was so scared, she would've not went outside on her own," I said, my tone tight as I searched for control, recalling her earlier panicked state, "Something must've happened."

Something...someone must've gotten to her someway.

My jaw tightened so hard, almost ticking under the force of my rage, I could see red only, purposely letting the anger overpower my worry because I could feel it deep down, trembling, my heart beating so fucking hard as it tried to think of her in that scared panicked state, all alone.

I should've not left her side.

My gaze drifted to Noah, "You were the one who saw her last, what the hell happened?" I shot out, barely able to contain myself from smashing his head for being so damn useless.

He shot me a glare, his eyebrow raising and not liking my tone, "We were searching for Max, I told her I'll look for him outside and for her to stay in, that's all," He grumbled, "I don't understand what happened after!"

I pushed myself forward, "You should've stayed by her side you dumbass," I grated out through clenched teeth, "Isn't that your fucking job like you claimed," My fist twitched, more than ready to pour out my anger on his face, "Yet I see that every time you are around she goes missing."

His eyebrows pulled closer and he took a threatening step forward, "What the hell are you implying?" He shot out, offended and my eyebrow raised, spitting out the words, "Exactly what you understood."

His jaw ticked, taking a threatening step and ready to make this a fight; Oh I was already dying to make it a fight, "Look here, lover boy, don't make me-"

Before he could continue that sentence, my hand shot to his shirt, fisting my fingers so tight over the fabric as I pushed him backward, my other hand ready to be planted on his face and if it wasn't for Conner coming in between us, I would've done it with pleasure.

Conner pressed his hands over our shoulders, prying us away from each other, "Okay you two, stop this, we have more important things to deal with," He said, shooting me a knowing look to fucking get myself together, "We need to tell them first, and we need to find a way to get Lilly."

I rushed a hand through my hair, gripping at the strands, and trying to keep myself in check. I nodded my head at Conner before I felt gentle fingers reach for my arm, and soothingly rubbing over it. My gaze flickered to my left and met Aylin's, the concern tightened her brows as she softly muttered, "Calm down."

Maybe she was just worried but I was out of it at the moment and already on my nerves, I just didn't want to be touched. I snatched my arm out of her hold, a bit harsher than I should as I nodded my head, dismissing her for the time being as we exited the room.

Before we could say a thing to anyone, loud and somewhat urgent voices came from outside the house. Almost everyone shot up from their seats and headed out there to check. Right outside, many men came from a distance but before I could understand a thing, all of our attention went to the speeding black car that halted to a stop by the entrance, the wheels squeaking and the brakes rattling from the sudden quick stop.

The door was harshly pushed open and Nikolas went down, he strode forward toward them on urgent hurried steps, and it wasn't till then that I understood what's actually happening. One of the men had an unconscious boy in his arms, and even with the darkness of the night, I could clearly see the blood over the kid's shirt and the one dripping down his face.

"Sir, we found him a few miles away from here, on the ground like this," One of them said, his words measured and a bit terrified but Nikolas wasn't hearing anyone as he clutched into his son, taking him into his own arms.

Someone's shoulder brushed with mine as they moved forward so fast. Startled, I turned to see as the boy's mother rushed ahead toward them, tears straining her face and she gasped at the scene playing, "Oh my god, Nathan!"

Small hands clutched into my legs, tugging at my pants. I looked down to see as Maria tried to make her way through the crowd, "Mommy," She said, so weakly, trying to follow her mother. I immediately bent down, stopping her, "Come here," I said as I took her up into my arms. She looked at me, "Chase," She said and tried to look at where her parents are but I placed my hand over her cheek, "Hey sweetie, look at me," I said, gently forcing her to look back at me, the blood was visible still, a scene someone her age shouldn't witness.

"Where is my brother?" She asked, pouting her small lips and on the verge of crying.

My gaze went there one more time, my jaw tightening, unable to comprehend how this is our lives now. The scene playing ahead, adding to the fact that both Lilly and Max are missing at the moment, it shook my heart and weakened every muscle in my being. I looked back at the girl and forced on a small smile, brushing my thumb over her soft cheek, "He is going to be okay," I whispered, hoping for the best.

"Start the damn car!" Nikolas shot out at someone, his voice or the intensity behind it, it had Maria jumping in my arms, a bit startled, her eyes widening and she wanted to look over her shoulder again as she whispered in fear, "Daddy?"

The engine roared to life and Nikolas got inside, Nathan still in his arms. Maria's mother looked around, searching for her little girl, she found her in my arms and rushed closer, "She is with me, don't worry," I immediately said, pressing my hand over the back of the girl's head, preventing her from witnessing all that's happening.

Natalie's throat bobbed heavily, tears filling her eyes by the second and she gave me an appreciative nod before she got inside the car to her injured son and they quickly took off to the hospital after.

"Chase," I whirled around at my father's worried tone, "Where is Lilly?" He asked, his eyebrows pulling closer in pure confusion and concern, the phone pressed to his ear as he talked with someone.

I shook my head, "We don't know," I answered, the words scratching at my throat. Seeing Nathan in that state is messing with my brain, because if someone is willing to hurt a young kid this way, he would...he would do anything to her, "We think someone took her," I added, refusing to believe in all that negativity and Noah interfered, "We found her phone on the ground outside and she is no where to be found."

Dad's eyes grew wide at the news, worry twitched his face before he informed who I think is Alex on the other side of the call. He listened to him, his expression shifting from worried to enraged, the muscles of his jaw working before he looked around at Emma and ushered her to come closer, "Okay, we'll be there as quick as we can."

He ended the call after and Emma stepped closer, just as stressed as the rest of us, "What's wrong?"

"Louis has Max and Lilly," He informed, "We need backup."

Something like a wildfire spread beneath the surface of my skin at his words.The fucking shit, how was he able to get to her with all of us in here? Something is not adding up for god's sake.

"On it," Emma said and I looked around me for someone. I walked toward to my mother, leaned forward and handed her the little girl. Flustered, she took Maria from me and into her arms, hugging her but confused at my gesture as I said, "Keep her with you."

"Where are you going?" She asked but I wasn't planning to answer, expecting her reaction already as I turned around, heading toward my car. There is no way I am going to sit around as all of this happens. I am already one second away from losing my damn mind.

My father's hand curled over my forearm, pausing my steps, his gaze hard and pinning me down, "You're not going anywhere," He grated out, warning.

My jaw ticked as my mother joined him, "Chase, baby, please, just stay here," She requested and I turned off her voice as I snatched my arm from his grip, sometimes I hate how overprotective they get, as if I am still a little kid, "You can't stop me," I stated the fucking obvious, giving him the same look he was giving me before I walked forward as Emma gathered some of the men around, all ready to take off.

"See what your genes made!" I heard my mother whining, "What the hell did I do?" Dad said, frustrated and annoyed at the situation and her sudden accusation.

She pushed at dad's arm, glaring at him, "Stay by his side, and if something happens to either of you, I swear to god I will kill you!"

I got into the car and so did he, joining me in the passenger seat, "Are you happy now, I got scolded because of you," He said with a low sigh, shutting the door behind him and looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

I turned to him, still unable to understand the mess of emotions brimming at my chest, my fingers tightened over the steering wheel, trying to keep it all in, "I can't just sit around when I don't even know where she is," I said, helplessly shaking my head and he nodded in understatement.

"I know," He placed his hand over my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze, "They will be fine," He added, pushing me to think positively but the out-of-place situation was getting me so uncomfortable by every passing second, "She will be fine, Chase," He assured me, "We won't let anything happen to her."

I nodded, believing in that as I roared the engine to life and followed the rest of the cars.

Midway through our ride toward Alex's location, the phone buzzed in my pocket, but it wasn't mine. Anxious, I pulled Lilly's phone out and without thinking twice, I opened up the message she just received.

I stared at it for a long second. Anger burned deep in my spirit, a feeling I despised, but the only one that felt fitting at the name I saw over the screen. Opening up the location found in the message's content, I noticed it's all the way behind us, far from where we are actually headed. Lines etched my forehead, too many thoughts fought inside my head as I stared at the rest of the cars in front of us, trying to analyze the whole situation.

I knew there was something that's just not adding up. I fucking felt it.

"What's wrong?" Dad asked, confused as he noticed the shift in my expression and mood.

I clenched my jaw tight, my eyes went to the side mirror. Noticing the clear road behind me, I placed the car in gear, pulled back and turned around, going into the opposite direction of where everyone else is heading to at the moment.

"Chase, what are you doing?" My father shot out and I only focused my attention on the new location, speeding off as fast as I can to catch up on the missed distance.

"Chase," My father stressed out again.

Without looking at his side, I simply answered, "I am going to get Lilly back."

****************

Nikolas's POV

I thought I knew what it feels like to see your life flash in front of your own eyes, to see it fade away into nothingness, to feel yourself slipping down that endless infinite darkness. I thought I knew what it feels like to stare death in the eye and have him almost win.

I thought I knew pain; how many times I've tasted all of it's colorful types? Plenty.

I thought I knew agony and suffering.

But, no.

I knew nothing.

Nothing.

Because as I gazed down at my son's face, his closed eyes, at his unconscious injured body, his weak vulnerable state...the pain that shook my whole being was agonizing, excruciating and tormenting in ways I've never felt or seen before.

The severe hit of what my eyes were witnessing froze me in my seat, static and immobile. My face expressionless, unable to reflect the intensity of what was breaking down inside of me, my eyes focused on him and him only. I wrapped his body up in my jacket, he must be cold. I didn't want him to be cold.

I didn't want him to feel any pain, but I am already too late for that.

My arm tightened around his frail body, pulling him even closer to my chest, needing to feel his heart beating still. It was beating and with every thud, I breathed. The one single thing keeping me from unraveling at the seams. My other hand pressed against his wound and tried to stop the blood from spurring forward, taking with it bits and pieces of his young life.

My eyes followed the trail of dry blood going from his bruised temple down to his cheek and every nerve in my being shook with so much fear and terror. I've never been this much terrified before.

I lowered my head down, pressing my lips against his forehead, my eyelids dropping down as I took into his familiar scent. My heart that was too tired of breaking and unbreaking, over and over again, it fell apart at the moment, detaching from its origin; a hurricane rocked its inner walls, slamming the locked door open and releasing something that was harbored inside for so many years.

My messed-up mind showed me the worst scenarios, and darkness rushed behind my closed eyes. It felt like he could slip away from me any second now and I won't be able to do anything to stop it. The thought alone ruined me beyond measures.

My eyes glided open, and the feeling that took over me was long-overdue; the monster I've been harboring behind secure doors for years, the one I tied up and silenced, the one always lurking in the furthest corner of my soul, that same one was slowly creeping its way into my blood and bones, settling down, taking control and drawing creative fucked-up thoughts in my head.

He was back and I needed him. He caused all of this, he messed up big time and only he can fix this now.

Natalie was mumbling something, talking with me or maybe whispering something to Nathan, I didn't know, I didn't listen. I didn't want to listen. I couldn't look her in the eyes after I held our injured bleeding boy in my arms, I couldn't face her yet. Beside me, she ran her hand over his hair, smoothing it back as she sniffled, trying to keep up the strong act but miserably failing.

"Nikolas, who did this," She said over a whisper and my gaze didn't for once waver, it didn't leave Nathan's face and no words made it out of my constricted throat, "What's happening?" She added, the fear tightening her tone and proving what I always knew and believed in. She was better off in a life that didn't include me.

But I guess this is what happens when you build your marriage over a lie.

"Nikolas, answer me, say something!" She added, the frustration seeping within her words, mixing with the sob that erupted from her aching chest.

"Nate," Ronald said from the driver seat, his tone urging her to calm down for now, to let it pass just till we make sure Nathan is safe and taken care of.

For the first time since I held my boy, I let my gaze drift away, leaving him for a few seconds and lifting up to meet Ronald's in the rearview mirror, "You got something you'd like to add?" I couldn't recognize my own voice as it tumbled out, so emotionless and detached.

His jaw clenched and he averted his gaze back to the road, his grip tightening over the steering wheel before the rage overcame him and he slammed his hand, cursing under his breath but I still heard his whispered promise, "I will fucking kill him."

He should've stayed dead. The people that I kill should fucking stay dead forever. 

We arrived to the hospital and everything from there happened in a haze, I still felt so away and detached from this reality as they took him from me, urgently wheeling him inside the operating theatre. The door closed behind them and I halted to a stop, unable to cross that boundary even when I desperately didn't want to leave his side.

My life continued crumbling as my eyes fell down at my white shirt, but...but it wasn't white anymore. The crimson red had wrapped itself around the fabric like a second color.

I raised my hands, staring at them and I've never hated the sight of blood till this very second. My inside trembled as I gazed down at the inside of my palms...my own son's blood. My little boy, what's his fault?

The fingers reaching for my face were so soft and gentle, she pressed her hand over my cheek, turning my face around to look at hers. I pressed my eyes shut, my jaw tightening as I felt her get closer, "Nikolas, please, look at me," She urged over chocked-up words and I only shook my head, unable to do that yet.

She got closer till she became all that I can breathe, she rested both of her hands over my face, caging me within everything she is, "Nikolas," My name left her mouth with so much anguish, that it pushed me right off that edge, letting go of the one string keeping my control. I felt her thumb brush that one single tear that escaped my closed eyes.

I opened them up, preparing myself for the devastation in hers and allowing her to see the tangled-up mess in mine.

"Who did this?" She asked as the tears swam, the waves clashing together in her ocean blue eyes.

When I didn't answer, she offered the answer herself, "Is it..." She couldn't say it even without losing her breath, "Is it Nat...is it my...my brother?"

I only nodded in return, and before she could allow herself to digest the thought, her phone started ringing, it almost made her jump, startling her. She pulled away from me, sniffling as she took it out of her pocket and answered.

I patted my pockets, looking for my phone but couldn't find it. In the haze of everything that happened, I must've dropped it somewhere. Natalie's shocked gaze met mine as she heard whatever was being said over on her phone. Her throat bobbed heavily and without muttering anything, she extended her hand forward, handing me her phone.

I took it and looked at the screen to see Emma's name, I placed it to my ear and heard her explain what else was going on. In a span of seconds only and all of my emotions got sucked back inside. There is no time for me to break down over this.

I gave him the wheel, all of the control and the first thing he did was cover up that trembling feeling. An acrid taste rushed up my throat as I shot my words at her, "You come here, I am going there," I ordered, venom dripping in my tone as I imagined how satisfying it will be to take his life, "It's my fight and I am ending it tonight."

Pushing the phone into Natalie's hand, I didn't listen to her calling my name, fishing for more information. I didn't mutter a single word as I whirled around and walked away, my shoulder brushing Ronald's on my way out as I exited the hospital, "Where are you going?" He asked, confused as he followed me.

"To bring you your brother's corpse," I answered casually as I opened the car's door, ready to get in when Ronald's hand landed over my shoulder, "Hold on, you are just gonna leave Nathan and go?"

I shrugged his hand off and got inside, ignoring him, "Seriously, Nikolas!" He shot out, not satisfied; I am still amazed how I haven't killed him yet over the years, the whole brother-in-law bullshit, "You'd rather go kill him than be at your son's side at this time?"

"Killing him won't take a second, I will be back before Nathan makes it out of the operation," I stated, calling him out on his bullshit. He thinks he can hold me back as he figures out how his little brother's story ends. It ends tonight when I snap his neck off. No more, no less.

I roared the engine to life and sped off so fast, trying to gain speed and reach there before anyone else. I want to be the one doing it, I won't accept it any other way.

The wind rushed from the window as I exceeded all the speed limits, it tangled through the strands of my hair and whipped at my face, it allowed some oxygen to finally be sucked into my aching lungs. I didn't let myself think back to what I drove away from. My gaze flickered to my hands for a mere second. I will cover this blood with his. It only makes sense to do so.

Finally reaching the church, I halted the car to a stop, the wheels screaming in agony, trailing smoke and burnt rubber filled the air as I went down. I sensed the other cars coming from behind me but I didn't wait for anyone. I pulled my gun out, clicking the safety off as I strode forward, my eyes searching for my sweet prey.

And there he was.

Pointing my gun, I fired at his weapon-yeilding hand, getting rid of any inconveniences. A groan rumbled from his throat as the gun fell to the floor with a loud clang that echoed all around us in the abandoned church. I moved forward, my eyes seeing no one but him, hearing no one but his pleasant pained groan.

Before he could make sense of what was happening, my fingers wrapped around his neck, squeezing at his flesh as I effortlessly pushed his body backward, slamming it against the big cross standing at the church's nave.

Felt fitting, to sacrifice him at god's altar. A little bit too poetic.

He struggled to breathe and I tightened my grip harder, my nails digging into his skin and drawing blood, I was desperately waiting to twist my hand the other way and snap his neck off but I took full pleasure staring at his hazel eyes, needing to watch the life slowly tumble out of him, in bits and pieces.

Alex was saying something...words about Lilly, and her not being here but I didn't listen. I didn't want to listen. Does he know that I just left my injured boy behind so I can do this, end this. I don't want to stop. I am not stopping.

I squeezed harder and the color of his face started to change, seconds only separating me from such a blissful feeling. Seconds. Tick, tock. Tick-

Alex's hand pushed at my arm, rather harshly, "Nikolas!" He shot out in bewilderment but...but I didn't want to stop yet.

You should. A voice in my head whispered.

You can have more fun with him. I guess I can.

I loosened my grip, my gaze on him as his upper body went forward, sucking in the needed oxygen to relief his suffocating lungs. He straightened himself, recovering too quickly, his gaze drifted up to me, a small psychotic smile lifting his lips up. Unconquerable eyes held mine, just like his...father before him. Always smug, even when at his own demise.

You didn't win Nikolas, I did. His words rang in my head, loud and clear. Years, and he still hunts my consciousness still. You will live your whole life repenting and recalling this exact moment...

I inched my head closer to his, hissing at his face, "I guess I will have to make it a slow-death then," I couldn't have it slow with Isaac, I can compensate with this one; his smaller little version.

***************

Alex's POV

He had officially lost his mind.

I can see it in his eyes, very clear. A wire had snapped off in his brain. He looked like Nikolas still, but he talked differently, he acted differently.

If I didn't push him away, he would've killed him, even when I loudly stated that him dying meant Lilly being in danger too. He didn't listen. He didn't look like he cared. The Nikolas I know would never take a risk when it comes to Lilly's life.

I shook my head, ignoring him for the time being. I rushed back toward Max's side as many men walked inside the church and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. A little too late, isn't it?

They helped me snap the handcuffs from over Max's wrist, freeing him before they went to Nikolas's side, containing Louis for the time being. I helped Max get up, my hand on his shoulder, as my other one went to his head, inspecting his bruises, my finger wiping at the dry blood covering them and he slightly winced, turning his head away from my reach.

I swallowed down that acrid taste in my mouth as my eyes fell into his devastated green ones; maybe he inherited those from Nikolas, but I never though he'd inherit that same broken look too. My pulse accelerated and my hand tightened over his shoulder, I didn't want to let him out of my sight again, I wanted to wrap him up and shield him far away from all of this, "Are you okay?" I asked, but I knew that mentally, he can never be okay. Not after that little shit's meaningless words.

Max nodded his head, his jaw tightening, "Yeah," He nodded again, rubbing a hand over his neck, "I am," He added, "We need to go and find Lilly."

I nodded, my mind unable to grasp the thought that I have no idea where she is now, with whom, if she is okay or not. What the hell am I supposed to do to prevent this? Lock them in the house far away from everyone in this goddamn universe?

"Dad," Max whispered as we headed outside, his words so uncertain, filled with so many insecurities and doubts, "Why...why didn't you just pick Lilly?"

A low breath pushed out of my lungs and I paused in my step, facing him. I shook my head, "You might not understand this now, because you are not a father yet," I said, "But when you do become one, you will understand how it's impossible for a parent to pick between his kids," I said the only truth I knew, "I'd rather die, Max, than lose any of you."

My words were supposed to heal that look in his eyes but on the contrary, it felt like it broke him more, like he didn't feel worthy of all that. He startled me when he pushed himself forward, his arms going around me, desperately needing to lean into someone and I took him into my arms, wrapping them around his frail tired body so very tight, my hand cradled the back of his head as he buried his face into my shoulder, and I felt his silent tears dripping down.

I tightened my grip over his neck, hoping that he'd understand. That he'd get rid of all those doubts and understand that he is only my son, that I would never turn my back on him, I would never leave or abandon him. Fuck the biology of it, he is a part of my soul, just as much as Lilly is, "I will never...never turn my back and leave you behind, Max," I whispered the words to him, "Never."

He pulled away and nodded his head, understanding that. He sniffled and I squeezed at his shoulder, "Now, let's go and get your sister back, okay?"

He nodded, determination in his gaze as we both left the church. Nikolas was by Louis's side, his hand tight over the guy's arm, who was thankfully handcuffed now, blood still dripping down his injured hand.

Nikolas didn't seem like he is planning to let Louis out of his sight for a mere second even as he pushed him toward the big black SUV. Max and me moved forward, getting into the same car as well. I needed to know where the hell he is keeping Lilly.

Nikolas pushed him inside so carelessly that his head collided with the inside of the seat's window, "Easy, dude," Louis grumbled, annoyed at the way he's being treated as he tried to straighten himself. Nikolas, who still haven't looked my side since he arrived got inside as well, sitting right beside him. I followed, Max on my side as we settled on the opposing seat of them before they closed the door and the driver took off.

Nikolas kept one hand over the guy's arm, the other hand busy holding the gun, ready to fire at any inconvenience. I ignored him like he was ignoring me for some reason and turned to Louis, "Where is she?" I asked.

His eyebrow raised, "And why would I tell you?" He questioned with a scoff, "So you can kill me right away."

I clenched my jaw, controlling myself from jumping forward at him. His eyes flickered from me and fell on Max, he sent him a wink, being all casual, as if he didn't hold him at gunpoint seconds ago. Max's jaw ticked, glaring at him with pure rage. I placed my arm around his shoulder, pulling him to me and trying to keep his attention away from this psychotic fucker.

I pressed my lips to the side of his head, my eyelids gliding down as I thought how close I was to lose him again, "Aww, you two are so cute," Louis commented, tilting his head in pure affection and fishing for his death I think, "You remind me of me and my father," He turned to Nikolas, smiling ever so warmly, "Doesn't this remind you of our father, big brother?"

Oh, he wants to die alright.

If Nikolas's face could get any more murderous, it just did. He brought the gun up pressing it against Louis's throat, harshly pinning his head up against the car's window, "Measure your fucking words!"

I leaned forward, on alert in case Nikolas loses it and kills him, I will have to stop him before it reaches there.

Louis chuckled, "Okay, chill, not even one humorous bone in your body," He said and Nikolas retreated his hand back, his whole being vibrating with hostility and hot pure anger, "And don't forget, anything that happens to me, it happens to your...first daughter," His eyebrow raised in pure mockery, apparently triggering him on purpose, "Isn't that what she is to you?"

"How about I kill you and we see what happens then," Nikolas shot back, his finger on the trigger, more than ready to do it.

Louis's eyebrow raised, "And risk little beautiful Lilly's life?"

"I could care less at the moment."

I wanted to believe that he is just pretending, but something about him is not...right. I wanted to fucking punch him at the moment and shake him out of whatever the hell this is.

Louis shrugged, turning his head away from Nikolas and staring out of the window, "I could always do more creative things to her," He added, so casually addressing the matter and my blood started to boil; breathe in, Alex, breathe out, "I could take a lesson or two from what you did," He turned his head toward Nikolas, "You know, the thing that made him," He added the last part while pointing at Max and I couldn't hold it anymore.

"You son of a bitch, dare and touch her!" Max shot out and almost jumped at him but I pulled him back and moved forward, my hands tightening over the fucker's shirt, slamming him against the seat, "Where is she?!" I bellowed, my voice enveloping the whole car.

"You could be bluffing," I grated out, pinning him down with my gaze, "You probably don't even know where she is, what proof do you have?"

His eyebrow raised, "Untie me and I will show you."

Don't kill him Alex, not yet. Just wait till you hear back from Ashton, just wait and you could rip that smug smile from over his face with your bare hands.

I let go of him, harshly pushing him against the door, his head bumping into the window once again and he grumbled some words under his breath, "You two really have some issues," He said and I decided to just ignore him, he is doing all of this on purpose to set us off.

My eyes flickered to Nikolas as I backed into my seat. I lightly kicked his feet with mine, wanting him to fucking face me already, "How is Nathan?" I asked, my voice taking a much lower tone.

He didn't answer, he still had his gaze drifting between Louis and the window, focused on his target. The only response he gave me was the tightening of his grip over the gun. I let out a loud sigh, and here I thought he couldn't possibly get more annoying.

A few moments of silence passed us, I kept checking my phone with every passing minute, waiting for any news, Max beside me sensed something is off but kept silent due to the other presences in the car. Louis moved a bit, tossing as he inched his handcuffed hands to his pocket, trying to fish something out, even with his injury, he was moving around so freely.

Nikolas immediately paused his movements, "Hold on, here it is," Louis said ever so innocently, a cigarette dangling out of his pocket and he managed to take it between his fingers.

He struggled as he tried to pull his handcuffed hands up to his mouth. He sighed and tried to lower his head down to capture the cigarette but again failed. His shoulders slumped down before he turned to Nikolas, "Can you place it in my mouth?" He asked, ever so sweetly and Nikolas stared back at him in utter disbelief.

Louis's lips spread into a big polite smile, "Please?"

Nikolas looked at him for a long second, very stunned, his lips parted and the words left him over a whisper, "You're insane," He said and lines etched between Louis's eyebrows, "Ouch, okay I don't want it anymore, jesus, no need for insults," He said, ever so offended.

Oh god, what is this guy made of?

Nikolas finally looked at me. He extended his hand forward, "Take it or I am going to kill him," He said, exhaustion in his words, meaning it and I took the gun from him.

Louis chuckled, leaned back into his seat, getting comfortable and he looked between the three of us, "This is nice," He said, "You know, the whole family bonding, I miss this," He added as if he is a member of it, this crazy son of a bitch. He settled his gaze on Max, his eyebrows pulling closer, questioning as he turned to Nikolas, "What would he be to me? Not a nephew, right?"

His eyes grew wide in fake-shock, "Oh, talking about nephews," He said in absolute delight, "How is small little Nathan?"

There was no stopping as Nikolas wrapped his fingers around the back of Louis's head and slammed it against the window...and I wasn't even planning to stop him. The guy is clinically insane.

The hit must've been so bad, it left a big spot of blood over the window's glass, dripping down into the seat and Louis's eyes pressed shut at the impact, suppressing his pain and his jaw ticked as the ache ate him up from the inside.

He pulled away, the expression on his face shifting, "Now, that wasn't very nice," He said and a strained cough raced up his throat. I noticed how his hand curled into a fist, as if restraining himself before he moved his head and rested it against the seat. Taking another breath in to suppress the pain, "Now, you're making me angry," he grated out, "And when I get angry, bad things happen."

He turned his head, his gaze unbreakable and he inched his face toward Nikolas, so close, not the least threatened, "When I get angry, I tend to stab people and toss them off a cliff," He added, "Maybe next time, it will be Maria down that hill, but I don't think her small little body would handle the fall-"

Nikolas growled, moving forward and hovered over him, interrupting the rest of his words and cutting off his air when his fingers wrapped tight around his neck, his other hand going to Louis's injured one and he squeezed at it so hard, crushed it in his grip, letting the blood furiously spur forward, "I am not ending your life right now, not because of Lilly," He spat in his face, "But because I want to enjoy every fucking second of it."

"For every drop of blood that left his body, you will bleed a thousand more, I will fucking drain you, bleed you dry till there is nothing left in you," With the venomous voice and the bloodshot murderous look in his eyes, he added, "But my biggest regret would be that...your father -" He snickered at that term, "-wouldn't be here to witness me rip you limb from limb."

Nikolas let go of his neck, but the stupid shit didn't learn his lesson, he kept on talking, he is really asking to be killed now, "God, it must really suck to be in your head, doesn't it?" He said, his voice low as he stared up at him, "All these years, all these damn years and you still can't get over the fact that...daddy didn't love you," He added in mockery, fake pity in his tone.

"A little pathetic, don't you think?"

"I will show you pathetic later," Nikolas didn't attack him again for some reason.

Louis nodded, smiling, "I know you will, and to be honest, I am kind of waiting for it," He said, smug idiot, "I am desperately waiting to see you ruin your life by your very own hands."

**************

Lilly's POV

"I want to call my father," I said, more like demanded as I shot a glare at Christian who is sitting on the couch right across from mine.

He just ignored me. 

After he caught me and said whatever bullshit he said, he dragged me into the house again. How am I supposed to believe him when he is keeping me captive.

"You left my knife outside on the ground," I said with an annoyed tone, "I want it."

He was going through his phone, totally ignoring me but at that sentence, his lips twitched, fighting his smile, "It's not funny, I want to stab you with it," I said and he lifted his face from his phone, looking at me in amusement, "You don't have the bone for it."

I shot him a glare, how dare he?

"Did you forget that I already did," I recalled back the first time he fucking kidnapped me and I ended up doing that when he hurt Noah.

He nodded, "Oh yeah, you hurt my feelings by doing that by the way," He said, casually addressing it and went back to look at his phone.

I wanted to hurt something more precious of his at the moment.

"I want to talk with my dad," I whined again, "You say you are not kidnapping me but saving me, so let me talk with him, I have that right."

I groaned at his lack of response, "Ugh, how else will they know I am safe?!"

"I left a message to your uncle," he stated, ever so casually.

"My uncle is probably busy with his missing son, I need to talk with my dad and make sure Max is okay," I requested again and Christian let out a loud annoyed sigh before he tossed the phone at me, "Make it quick," He said before he got up to his feet and headed to the next room.

My eyes widened as I caught the phone, flustered at his reaction, I didn't expect him to hand it even with all the whining, wow, does he actually trust me? Before I could dial dad's number, I did the only thing that felt logical at the moment. I went to his messages, found my name and sent my current location there, ever so quickly before he notices me clicking over his phone. I immediately dialed the number and pressed it to my ear as Christian came back, walking toward me.

I heard the ring and waited for dad to pick up. If he would ask me about my current place, I have no idea where I am, I won't be able to explain it, so I would just tell him to check my phone, they will get the location and find me fast and Christian won't even notice it.

Unfortunately though, he didn't answer. Stunned, I looked back at the phone's screen, making sure I typed his number correctly. It was correct. Where could he be? What would he be doing? Oh god, I hope everyone is okay.

I was about to dial again when the phone got snatched from my grip. Gaping, I looked at Christian as he pushed the phone into his pocket, "You can try calling him later," He simply said before he sat down.

I shot him a glare and got up to my feet, walking away, "Where do you think you're going?" He asked.

I whirled around, my arms crossed over my chest, "To the bathroom," I shot out angrily at his interference, "Wanna join me?"

His eyebrow raised before the side of his lip lifted into a small smirk, "Oh, it does bring back good old memories," He said, the hint of teasing in his tone had me fuming at the insinuation behind his words. It didn't help too that his gaze raked from my head down to my toe and up my body again, probably recalling back some intimate moments we once shared.

Looking around me, for something, anything, I grabbed a book from the shelf and threw it at him. He ducked away and his chest vibrated with a low chuckle. I let out a low groan before I took one of the candles and stormed off to the bathroom. I wish I still had my knife.

After I was done, I made a detour to the kitchen, searching for something sharp but found none. Did he hide them on purpose? Groaning in frustration, I walked back inside, my eyes searching my surroundings for any type of weapon that could help my case. The frames that caught my eyes before, they beckoned me forward and I stepped toward them, lifting the candle up to have a clear of view of the pictures they were displaying.

The first picture I saw was of a little boy, maybe five or six years old, sitting by the Christmas tree in this very same house, right by that fireplace, many gifts around him and one big box in his lap as he brightly smiled at the camera. I looked a bit closer and immediately identified who that kid  is. The eyes were a given...it was mini Christian.

My eyes went to the ones beside it, and it was all of him, just in different ages, different stages of his life all taken in this same house but at Christmas only. The one who had a baby him, barely one or two years old wearing a Christmas hat with whipped cream covering his face, it had me involuntarily smiling. His smile in it contagious.

It wasn't till I went through each picture that I understood how none of the smiles Christian had given me, whether in the past or now are genuine. This in the picture is. That innocent sparkle in his eyes, it was probably stolen the second he saw his father's dead body on his doorstep.

Reaching the last picture, I froze, it was of a man with a baby christian in his lap, both were wearing matching Christmas sweater, just in different sizes. Baby him was staring at the camera, and he seemed to be laughing so hard at something, only a couple of teeth showing. He was so cute. The man's eyes were on Christian only, a big warm smile over his lip as he gazed at him.

My father was a terrible man. But he was a good father. Christian's words echoed in my head as I stared at the picture, maybe longer than I should. I still don't know what his father did, but in this picture, he looked like a good father gazing down at his own son with pure adoration.

"What are you doing?"

At his near voice, I gasped, startled and whirled around so fast that the candle shook in my hand and made the hot wax drip into my palm. The stinging feeling had a low whimper escape my lips. Christian snatched the candle and placed it away before he grabbed my hand, picking the hot wax away before it stings me more.

I gulped down and pulled my hand away from his grip, rubbing at it. Why does he do this to me every time, startling me and making me spill things on myself?

His gaze flickered from me to the picture behind me, the exact one I was staring at, it took his attention away from me for a couple of seconds, "He told me my mother took that picture," He said and my eyes shot to him, a bit taken aback that he is telling me that.

His eyes flickered from the picture to me, "That same day, she died," He said, his eyes flickered around us, "In this same house."

My pulse accelerated and I nervously rubbed my hand over where I slightly burned it, "Ho...How?"

A low breath pushed out of his lungs, "Someone attacked," He answered, his tone monotonous, and like I noticed, no sparkle in his eyes, no innocence left, nothing, "She was holding me, protecting me so the bullet hit her." 

Like he told me before, he was so young when she died. Less than a one year old.

My heart hurt so bad and my chest tightened, squeezing the oxygen out of me and I turned my gaze back to the pictures. Realizing something, I couldn't help but ask, I hoped I wasn't trespassing my limit, "Why isn't there a picture of her?"

"There was," He answered, "I took them with me," He added, his eyes on the frames, "But when the asylum burned, they burned too," His eyes fell on mine again, "And now, I don't even remember how she looked like."

My throat ached as I tried to swallow hard, my eyes burned as the emotion rushed to them, "I am sorry," I mumbled, over a whisper, not knowing what else to say.

He shook his head with a somber smile, "It's not your fault."

I tucked my hair behind my ear, my gaze on the floor, nervous to keep looking at him, "Why are you telling me this now?"

"I had lied before about the way my parents died," He said and I nodded, remembering that, back when I had no idea about this underworld that had ruined everyone including my own parents, "You said you don't know the real Christian," He added, inching a bit closer to me, "I am just showing him to you, Lilly,"

I shook my head, staring him in the eye, "But you know, that doesn't change a thing," I stated, sticking him to his limit.

He nodded, understanding that before he lifted his hand to my face, hooking it under my chin, "I know," He said, brushing his thumb over the corner of my mouth, "You are like my forbidden affair," A small smile lifted his lips as he added, "My sweet Juliet."

Glaring at him, I pushed his hand away, "You are no Romeo."

He shrugged, "I know," He said, "I am more handsome."

God, I always knew the dating my professor will end up a disaster. I just never imagined it to be this type of a disaster.

I rolled my eyes at his cockiness and pushed past him, my shoulder brushing his as I walked forward and slumped over the couch, praying to be saved from here as soon as possible before I do something stupid, like believing the words he's saying.

I don't know how many minutes or hours passed, I was growing impatient and more concerned, my eyes focused on the window, watching the dark night as I thought of what everyone might be doing now; if they're okay or not.

I heard Christian's steps as they got closer to me, I turned around to see him place a glass of water in front of me, before he sat down by my side, "Try and rest a bit," He suggested and I shook my head, as if sleep can visit me in this state.

He rested his hand over my arm, "Lilly-" I immediately shrugged it away, "Stop touching me!" I shot out, annoyed at him and his unclear motives behind all of this.

"I told you, once I know it's safe, I am taking you myself back to your house, okay?"

"You think they'd let you go again after you kidnapped me a second time?" I said, raising a challenging eyebrow.

"Well, isn't the fact that I am risking my life to save you means anything?" He challenged back.

I glared at him, so not impressed, "If you dare and say that word, I swear to god-"

"What word?" he asked, ever so innocently, "You mean, L," He said, finding this amusing, "O, V and E."

"Funny," I grumbled in annoyance, "Stop lying and pretending, Christian, your tricks are getting old and rusty."

His eyebrow raised, "I think we can both agree that I am not the one pretending over here."

My lips parted at his underlying accusation, my jaw tightened and I took the closest thing to me which was the glass of water and splashed it on his face, "I am not pretending," I grated out, "I feel nothing toward you but hate!" And maybe some pity. That's all.

He rushed his hand in the now-wet strands of his hair, pushing them back from his forehead before he turned to me, something wild in his gaze and all I felt after were his hands on my arm and he pulled me closer to him. My eyes widened and I slapped at his arms, "Leave me!" He didn't budge but effortlessly pulled me toward him and into his lap, his hand wrapped around my wrists, caging me as he stared up at my face, a small smile at his wet lips, "Kiss me," He said and if my hands were free, I'd slap him.

"In your fucking dreams!"

His eyebrow raised, "Then, I will kiss you," He said, "If you do, I will tell everyone you sexually assaulted me, I swear!" I shot out.

My words erased that teasing look in his eyes, they became serious and his jaw tightened, "I would never do that."

"Then don't fucking kiss me!" I snapped.

His jaw clenched, gone all the playfulness from his eyes and he let go of my wrists. Right when I was about to push myself away from him, I gasped when I heard a gunshot being fired before the main door of the cabin suddenly got pushed open, it rattled and hit the wall with a loud bang that I didn't know if I should be finally relieved or more scared.

****************

Chase's POV

My eyes fell into the cabin house, the only one visible in this space, "This has got to be it," I said in realization and my dad moved forward, inspecting our surroundings first. His hand shot to my chest, stopping me, "Let me make sure we are not walking into a trap."

My gaze fell onto the gun in his grip and my eyebrow raised, "You too?" I asked, addressing how apparently everyone in my life has a gun tucked under the pillow.

My dad sighed, not liking the idea very much, "Well, having Nikolas and Alex in my life made this a necessity."

I shook my head and moved forward, my gaze focused on the cabin, trying to look through the windows and check if there is anyone inside. Like he said, we could be walking into a trap. I just saw the location on the phone and acted on instincts. My instinct told me she's here.

My instincts were right.

A very low candle-light illuminated one of the rooms, my gaze fell on him and the anger rushed back in waves, the intensity pushed me forward, ignoring my father's warnings as I snatched the gun from his grip and walked straight up to the door. I pointed it at the knob and shot at it, breaking the lock before I kicked it open with my feet.

I marched inside, going for him right away. My sudden entrance worked to our advantage, startling him for a long second. My fingers curled over his shirt, pulling him up from his seat and I heard no one, saw nothing but red as I vigorously slammed my fist into his face, doing what I wanted to do since way too long.

The gun was still in my fisted hand, so my punch adding to the heavy metal, it pushed him to the ground as an impact. His enraged eyes shot up to me and he wiped at his mouth, "Great, I help and still get punched," He grumbled but I didn't listen to him.

My hand went to Lilly, it wrapped over her arm and I pulled her, maybe harsher than I should, maybe my anger directed at her too because I was out there fucking worried for her life and she was here sitting in his fucking lap. I pushed the thought away as I pushed her behind me and away from him.

He pulled himself up to his feet, coming closer and without thinking, I pressed the gun's barrel to his throat, forcing him backward, not allowing to cross his boundary and come near again.

"Chase!" My father said, shaking me out of this, because god's knows how I wanted to put the gun away and use him as my punching bag, let on his face all the rage brimming at my chest.  The anger tightened its grip over the tubes feeding oxygen to my lungs and I lowered the gun away, turning around when I felt Lilly move away from me and rush toward my father.

He looked at her, up and down, making sure she was fine and he breathed out a sigh of relief, "Where is dad? Where is Max?" She shot her questions at him, "Is Max okay? What happened-"

Dad placed his hands over her arms, stopping her rambling as he nodded his head, "Yes, he is fine, he is with your father now."

"Really?" She said over a choked breath, "You're not lying to me, right?"

"No, I swear, your father got to him in time, they're fine," He said, rubbing his hand over her arm soothingly, "Now let's get you out of here and back home." Lilly heard one thing only, that Max was fine and the relief had her jump forward, wrapping her arms around him, badly needing the reassurance.

I wanted to be the one giving it to her. I wanted to be the one wrapping her in my arms now, whispering in her ears how I will never leave her side and let this happen ever again. I wanted and wanted...but that's the thing with her, I want a hundred different thing that I can't do or say.

My dad tightened his arms around her, pressing his eyes shut and giving her the comfort she needed. When she pulled away, he offered her a warm smile and more reassuring words before he pressed a small kiss to her forehead, "Come on, let's get out of here."

Right at that moment, something happened. Lights flashed from outside and it felt like someone hit pause for a mere second, it was like that feeling you get right before the onset of a hurricane, and then it happened, "Get down!" Christian screamed, he was the closest to me and his hand went to my shoulder, pushing me down with him as a gunshot echoed around us, penetrating through the window, and shattering the glass.

My panicked gaze flickered to my dad and Lilly. They had gotten down in time, dad had his arm around Lilly, shielding her beside him.

"What's happening?" Lilly asked in panic.

"God, you're so stupid," Christian seethed beside me, directing those words at me before his gaze flickered to my dad, "Don't you all get it," He shot out, frustrated, "Louis has men on the inside, probably even living in the same house as you or standing there guarding you all," he explained, enraged at the situation, "And by coming here, you just helped them find her."

He shot me a glare, "I hope you're satisfied, but just invited the wolves into our house."

*************************************

I know that it just keeps getting more messed up, but well, sorry not sorry, the plot must go the way the plot is supposed to go ;)

It was kind of a long chapter, and I updated really fast this time. I hope you enjoyed it!

Don't forget to leave your thoughts and opinions!

Did you see how uncle Nathan didn't shut up even with all the threats, lmao, I swear he feels like Nik's only match, the one to drive him insane with words only xD

Also, Nik is slowly losing it as you can see 🤭

BTW, for those who've been asking that since Christian is Lucas's son, and Lilly was with Nik back then, did ever mini-Christian meet mini-Lilly...I mean you guys either read my mind or just know me so much by now to know this lmao xD

Anyways, see ya later!
Love you!