Twisted Wrath (Twisted Fate Book 2)

by Ashley Jade

  “I don't even have the words right now Tristan,” she says as she clutches her hand to her chest.

  “I know baby. I don't expect you to. If this is too much, please tell me and I'll stop.”

  “No keep going Tristan, please. I want to know everything.”

  She then puts her hand to her mouth as her eyes open wide.

  “You. You were the brother they were talking about.”

  It's not a question, and I'm not exactly sure what she's asking me, but I nod my head anyway.

  Maybe that's what she overheard when Diego and Alex took her?

  We're on dangerous territory right now and I really have to tread lightly.

  “Your father found you at some point, didn't he?”

  “Yes. Your father rescued me though.”

  “How?”

  I decide to use Duncan's exact words...because it's the truth.

  “He made a deal with the devil. He negotiated a contract with the mob on behalf of me. He basically signed me on to become a hitman for the mob. He also negotiated a contract between my father and the mob..." I hesitate briefly.

  Should I actually tell her that my father was the head of the Cartel?

  With a deep breath I decide to continue.

  “A ten year contract. On one end, the mob wanted to have someone from my fathers side on their side. I was good collateral for them to hold over my father's head in case he didn't stick to his end of the deal. On the other end, my father wanted to...um, distribute his services, within the mob territory. It was a lucrative business deal for both ends."

  Except mine.

  I look up as she gives me a look that I've never seen from her before.

  Then, the questions roll in.

  “You were a hitman? You killed people? You worked for the mob? What kind of services Tristan? So why did you keep my father's last name all this time?"

  I decide to be honest. “Yes I was a hitman. I killed people...lots of people and I hate myself for it. I never, ever wanted to be a killer. I promised my mother on her deathbed that I would never turn into my father and I did. I was forced to become him. I wanted a normal life. I had goals, dreams, and aspirations that I was forced to put on hold to become what I hate. I kept your fathers last name because I fucking hate my own father, Hector Martinez. I don't particularly care for your father either, but I'd rather have his last name then my actual father's last name.”

  She stares at me wide-eyed. “Tristan, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry that my family did this to you. I'm so sorry about everything.”

  She can't be serious right now.

  Is she forgetting the part where I told her that my father murdered her mother? Or the part where my brothers held her hostage and one tried to rape her?

  Not to mention the current circumstance she's in.

  That's Dev though...always so caring and innocent. Always putting other people's feelings and needs above her own.

  Just like her mother.

  “Baby don't apologize, please. This situation was so fucked right from the start. You were never supposed to be a part of it. You were supposed to be protected...always."

  Then she asks the question that I've been dreading.

  “So, why wasn't I then? I mean, I don't have the money that they stole, and they supposedly kept me in hiding to protect me. So, what happened?"

  I start to pull out the file and I decide against it.

  It's better that she hear it from me, rather then read it on a piece of paper.

  “Your parents ended up putting all the money in a trust fund for you that you officially had access to on your last birthday.”

  She opens her mouth to say something then stops herself. Then, rage like I've never seen before flashes across her face.

  “My parents purposely put me in danger. They weren't protecting me. I mean, obviously your father is a dangerous man. My parents used me as their scapegoat. That's why you took me away...your father is after me now...isn't he? My own parents are the reason that I'm in some kind of danger right now isn't it?"

  I should tell her the truth.

  I should tell her that I killed my father and kept my promise to Alex.

  I should tell her that her parents loved her and really did try to protect her the best that they could.

  I should...but I can't.

  Her heart just won't let her believe the truth when it comes to Alex...and that's exactly what's going to get her killed.

  I have to protect her. This is the only way.

  I say a silent prayer that Camilla forgives me before I nod my head.

  “Yes baby. I'm so sorry. You're in danger because of them.”

  She looks down at the floor as another tear rolls down her cheek.

  “How much money are we talking about Tristan? I mean, can't I just give it back to them. I sure as hell don't want it.”

  Here comes the part I've really been dreading.

  “50 million dollars Dev. And yeah, you can try to give the money back to them, and they'll gladly accept it...along with your headless body.”

  She looks up at me horrified and I almost want to laugh at her innocence.

  Technically what I'm saying isn't wrong. Under different circumstances, the Cartel would do just that to her...if Duncan didn't strike that deal with my father.

  She stands up and I can see the blood has rushed from her head because she looks like she's about to faint.

  I stand up and ease her back down on the bed before I gently rub her back.

  “50 million dollars?” she pants.

  I nod, I don't want to say anything else that could upset her right now.

  After a few moments her breathing becomes regulated and I can see the wheels turning in her head again.

  My stomach drops to the floor because I know whats coming.

  “What kind of people are after me Tristan?”

  “They're apart of an association that produce and distribute illegal products all over the United States as well as other countries.”

  I decide to go with the text book version. It's definitely less scary.

  “What? Give it to me straight Tristan.”

  “The Mexican Drug Cartel.”

  She stands up again.. “The...fucking...the cart..the Cartel?” she stutters, before she passes out cold.

  Chapter 6 (Dev)

  When I finally come to, Tristan is peering over me gently rubbing my face.

  All my life I've wanted to know my parents. I've wanted a family.

  I wanted to know why they gave me up in the first place.

  I used to toss so many different scenarios around in my head I would exhaust myself.

  This however, was never even a blip on my radar. It never came close.

  I can honestly say now- I hate my parents...and I never even got a chance to know them before I hated them.

  They screwed me up as well as screwed me over.

  My suspicions were right. They did hate me...right from the very start.

  I was nothing more then a hiding spot for them. I was their freaking fall guy.

  What kind of people do that?

  I don't have time to go through all the emotions like normal people who are finding out about their birth parents for the first time do.

  I have to figure out a way to stay alive and keep my head above water.

  Oh shit.

  I can't believe I didn't realize it earlier.

  I spring up from the bed. “Tristan. Your father is the head of the drug Cartel....correct?”

  He looks at the floor and nods.

  “So, if he's your father and Diego was your brother...and I killed him...”

  I can't even finish the sentence.

  Tristan's right...there is no point in attempting to give the money back.

  He puts his hand on my shoulder to steady me. “Baby no. I don't think Hector even know 's about what happened between you and Diego. I mean, how can he…right?"

  Alex. I close my eyes. God, how I wish
he was still here.

  Now, I know what he meant all those years ago. He really did think I was innocent. He was going to try and talk to his father for me and keep me safe.

  I mean, who better to talk to the head of the drug cartel then his very own son?

  Then, the truth of the situation rears it's ugly head.

  Alex really did risk his life for me when he let me go.

  If Hector could do what he did to Tristan- imagine what Hector would have done to Alex if he ever found out that he fell in love with me.

  Shit. Imagine what he would have done to Alex if he ever found out that he had me and let me go.

  Then I realize.

  “Tristan...if Hector doesn't know about what happened between Alex, Diego and I...then how do you?”

  His eyes open wide and I swear I see his face turn pale.

  He swallows hard before he answers. “Because you told me Dev, remember?”

  I shrug. I guess that makes sense. But then again...I never used their names when I told him my story.

  “How did you know I was in danger though? I mean, obviously you don't speak to your father much, if at all. How were you able to piece everything together?"

  “The art gallery Dev. The check was a warning. I didn't let you see it because I didn't want to frighten you. They were coming for you.”

  I nod my head...until I remember.

  “Yeah, but Tristan. You were talking about going away with me before we went to the art gallery. Why?”

  He swallows hard and stands up.

  “Because I wanted to go on vacation with you Dev. Jesus Christ. You know, I'm putting myself in harms way trying to help you and protect you...and all you want to do is fucking question me," he screams.

  I don't even have a chance to say anything else because he storms out of the room two seconds later.

  Which of course, makes me feel like absolute shit.

  He's right. He's literally risking his own life just to keep me hidden.

  He's proven his loyalty to me, I have no reason to suspect otherwise.

  He really does love me.

  I laugh at the morbid irony. The head of the freaking drug Cartel has not one, but two out of three son's who are willing to risk their own life for me.

  Hell...one of them already did.

  Chapter 7 (Tristan)

  I shouldn't have blown up like that.

  She didn't deserve it...not one bit.

  She was just too close. She almost figured it out, all because I can't keep myself from lying to her.

  I hate that my lie only further caused her to think that Alex was some type of martyr.

  She didn't say it out loud...but I know her. I felt it.

  I can't help the insane amount of jealousy flowing through my veins currently.

  It makes me never want to tell her the truth about Alex.

  Besides, once I kill him, it won't matter anyway.

  “So how did everything go? She pull a gun on you again?” Moe asks as I sink down on a chair in the office.

  Moe used to work for the mob as well.

  He decided he wanted out, so I hired him to be my security guard after I got out.

  He's been by my side for the last 3 years.

  He's also the only person in the world that I consider a friend.

  He doesn't talk much and does whatever I ask without question, which is why we get along so well.

  “No, I didn't tell her about him though. So just make sure you don't slip up. As far as she knows, Hector is the one after her.”

  He nods his head in understanding.

  “Gotcha boss. If you need me I'll be downstairs.”

  I rub my face and lean back in my chair.

  My thoughts drift back to that day over 6 months ago.

  *********************

  “I can't believe you kept your promise,” Alex said as he stared at me in astonishment.

  The guilt hits me hard. I almost didn't. I spent my first 2 years out of the mob trying to get my life together and focus on my own goals.

  I was really beginning to establish myself in the financing industry.

  Then, Hector kept summoning me to come to Mexico to learn the ropes of the family business.

  Needless to say, I knew I only had one option.

  I never thought that he would actually keep Alex chained up in the cellar all this time.

  I should have known better.

  “I'm sorry I didn't come sooner Alex.”

  He shakes his head. “It's okay Hermano. I never expected you to come at all to be honest. On the bright side, the business is all yours now."

  I took a step back from him. “No. I don't want it. I'll let it all go to hell before I ever get my hands dirty again.”

  He gave me a look that would send chills up the spine of a lesser man.

  The iris's of his eyes turned coal black and the corner of his lips turned up in a snarl.

  That's when I see it. With the exception of the eye color...the resemblance to our father was uncanny.

  “I'm taking it over,” he said definitively, his eyes daring me to protest.

  I want to protest, but not nearly as much as I don't want to be involved in any of this shit anymore.

  “Do what you have to Alex. I want no part of it. I'm out of the mob. I'm out of this life, period.”

  “I understand. The least I can do is respect your wishes. Since you kept your promise to me and all.”

  I nod my head. “I wish you the best Alex. Be a better man then he was.”

  “I will...trust me,” he said coldly.

  I was hoping he would take my statement in the context of 'not turning into the vile piece of shit our father was'. Not, as some type of challenge to rise to his level of danger and corruption.

  All the more reason to just get the hell out of there.

  I turned around to leave, until his voice leaves me frozen.

  “I have to find her.”

  If the ice in his voice wasn't chilling me to the bone, I might have laughed.

  He really wasn't kidding all those years ago when it came to seeking vengeance against the girl.

  “Sorry Alex, not my problem...” I start to say.

  “She deserves to pay. I will make sure she does...if it's the last thing I do. I will make her suffer. I will stop at nothing to get my revenge."

  “Look, like I said, you do what you have to Alex. I want no part in it. Have a nice life.”

  Then, I walk right out the door and back to my own life.

  Little did I know at the time, that the girl who caused him to feel so much wrath...would end up being the very same girl that stole my heart.

  *********************

  My thoughts were soon disrupted by a knock on the office door.

  I turn my head and face the most beautiful woman in the world.

  She's just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.

  She gives me a tentative smile as she takes a step forward.

  Before she can even speak, I stand up and walk over to her.

  “I'm sorry baby. I was wrong.”

  I pull her into an embrace, but I feel her entire body tense up.

  That was sure as fuck unsettling.

  “I actually came in here to apologize to you. I know you're only trying to help me Tristan. I can't help but feel horrible about it though. I want you to be safe. I think maybe it's best that I just leave and try and deal with them on my own...come what may."

  I squeeze her tighter.

  Over my dead body will she leave and try to tackle the Cartel on her own.

  “Not happening Dev. You're safe here, and here you will stay.”

  She tries to pull away, but I don't let her.

  “What if they find us here? I don't want anything to happen to you. I care about you.”

  I don't know which hurts worse. The fact that she just summed up her feelings for me so simply...almost as if she was talking about a friend. Or the fact that I st
ill feel her trying to pull away from me.

  I lean back and tilt her chin.

  “You have no idea how much I love you...do you?”

  She closes her eyes and nods. “I do Tristan. I love you too, but I just...” she pauses.

  “What? What is it baby? Talk to me.”

  “I just need some time alone right now. I only came in here to apologize to you for before.”

  I cup her cheek and skim my lips across hers, but she pulls back.

  “Please Tristan. I just need some time to think.”

  I release my hold on her, and she hurries out the door.

  I can't even imagine what she must be feeling and going through right now, but I never expected her to pull away from me like this.

  What is going on with her?

  Chapter 8 (Dev)

  As if all these feelings about my current situation aren't enough...I have one more to add to the mix.

  I feel like a dirty slut.

  There I said it.

  I've only loved two people in my life...and they both happen to be brothers.

  I feel like I'm disrespecting Alex's memory.

  I feel guilty, ashamed, and at odds with myself.

  I mean, neither of us knew that our past's where so intertwined with one another when we fell in love.

  I know, what I feel for Tristan is something that is way beyond my control...but I still can't help but feel like I'm doing something wrong.

  I really need to get a grip and refocus my thoughts.

  The freaking Cartel is on a manhunt for me and I'm worrying about my feelings.

  In the end, none of it will matter anyway...I'll be dead.

  I can't hide in Alaska forever. They will find me.

  They will find Tristan. I need to figure out how I can get him out of this mess.

  I can't let him die. I can't let him face the same fate that Alex did.

  I love him too much. Way too much.

  I need to make this right. If the Cartel wants me, then I'll hand myself over...in exchange for Tristan's life.

  It's the only way to keep him safe.

  Problem is...how the hell do I get in touch with the Cartel from here? It's not like we're facebook friends or anything. It's not like I can just dial them up and offer to meet them for lunch.