by J. L. Beck
The look of horror on her face told me she knew better. It told me she understood that this was her fault. I was protecting and defending what was mine, even if I didn’t claim it. I didn’t have to claim Noelle for her to be mine. It was ingrained in me. When her heart was beating, mine was too. When she cried, I felt her pain. She was mine because I wanted her to be mine, and now this fucker had to pay for touching what was mine.
I rolled my shoulders, sending her a look of detest. I would deal with her later because right now all I wanted to do was kick the fuck out of this guy for touching something as precious as Noelle. I was the only disgraceful fuck that could touch her because I knew her worth, and I knew that she deserved better than someone like me. This guy didn’t, and he wouldn’t care that he ripped her to pieces. I bent down on my haunches waiting for the fucker to get up. I was ready, so fucking ready. I was defending what was mine, and showing everyone else here what happened when they fucked with Noelle.
“You wanted a fight. Well here I am, asshole, let’s go.” I shot up to my full stature, bouncing from foot to foot as I watched Dom continue to roll around in the grass.
What a pussy.
The crowd around us grew, the circle becoming wider as hushed whispers filled the air. I extended my hand out to Noelle for her to grab so that I could help her back to her feet. My hand hung there for a moment suspended in the air. The fear and shock that reflected back at me was astounding, and for a second I felt bad for being the cause of that single look. That was until I remembered this whole thing was on her. She made the choice to come here, to let him wrap his arm around her. I didn’t care if she was just being friendly, or if she was trying to get with him. Nothing mattered to me but her safety.
The princess herself brought all of this on herself, and I would be the first to remind her of that once this was all over.
“I told you I was dangerous. I warned you, Noelle, and now someone has to pay the consequences. Maybe you’ll listen better next time after you see what I do to this fuck head,” I whispered into her as she gripped my hand, finally allowing me to help her to her feet. There was something inside of me forming, cracking and coming to the surface.
As soon as she got her footing I pushed her behind me, ready to get down to business. My icy glare turned straight to the asshole that was about to have his life ruined by my rage.
Number one way to piss Royal off: touch or take something that doesn’t belong to you. I was territorial, and I didn’t care if it looked like I was pissing a circle around Noelle. This wasn’t about anything but proving to these people that provoking me came with grave consequences.
“You all came here tonight expecting a fight, and while it may have gotten delayed it hasn’t been forgotten,” I shouted, making sure everyone within hearing distance could hear what it was that I was saying.
“So who here is ready to watch me drain this fucker of his blood?” I questioned. Feeling the distinct building of adrenaline in my veins.
I could hear the chants and howls of excitement from the crowd, which only continued to increase my need for blood. Looking down at Dom, who was still laying on the grassy covered ground like a piece of discarded trash, I asked, “You ready to fight or are you just going to continue to lay on the ground like a little bitch too scared to get up?”
I taunted.
Watching.
Waiting.
For the perfect time to strike.
“You’re the little bitch,” Dom spat with a groan. That was all that was needed to set me off. I was like a rocket boosting into the dark blue sky. My next destination, the moon.
Without thought, I lifted my booted foot into the air and landed it against Dom’s rib cage, and a slew of curse words fell from his lips.
A sick and twisted smile formed on my face as the pain encompassed him. This was exactly what I needed, and I wasn’t even started yet. Noelle awoke the beast inside of me the man that wanted to claim her and wring her neck all at the same time.
Someone had to pay for the rage that was stirring deep inside of me.
Someone had to pay for fucking with me, and I couldn’t let it be her because I would never forgive myself if I hurt her.
Chapter Twelve
-Noelle
I was buzzed, but I wasn’t buzzed to the point that I couldn’t notice that Royal was about to do something he would only regret. My fingers dug into the flesh of my hand, nervous knots forming in my belly as my eyes shifted between Dom and Royal. I was shocked, flabbergasted that he just came out of nowhere and hit him.
He was being barbaric; an alpha when he didn’t have to be, nor did he have a right to be. I wasn’t his. If anything, he did nothing but warn me to stay away from him. So why was he now acting like I belong to him or like he has to protect me.
It’s all for you. The conscious part of my brain knew that, but the part that wanted to protect him from everything bad didn’t want to admit it.
“Royal, this is uncalled for…” I started but froze mid-sentence. He narrowed his eyes at me in rage, the look alone terrifying me and rooting me in place.
“Noelle.” There was a warning to the way he said my name; it was like he wasn’t the same person anymore. The pale blue color of his eyes growing so dark that they looked almost black. I couldn’t swallow past the lump that formed in my throat. Did I even want to answer him? I knew I went against what he wanted, but I was an adult and just because he told me not to go somewhere didn’t mean I couldn’t.
“God. What a fucking douche bag,” Dom groaned, one of his buddies helping him up off the ground. I wanted to tell him to stay down because it would be less of a fall for him, but didn’t knowing if I spoke directly to Dom that Royal’s switch would flip.
“Me the douche bag?” Royal cackled, the sinister laugh echoing throughout the backyard. Everyone stopped dancing, talking, and drinking to see what it was that we were doing. All the attention was on us, and it made my skin crawl with anxiety.
“I’m pretty sure I’m not the one that attacked someone from behind so yeah…” Dom held his side like he was hurting, and I was sure after the kicks Royal landed on him that he was.
“Don’t. Fucking. Touch. Her. Ever again, and you will never have to deal with me again.” Royal cracked his knuckles, clearly ready to uppercut Dom straight in the jaw. There was no way I could let him fight someone over me, someone that wasn’t his, or over something that had nothing to do with him.
“I don’t belong to you, therefore you’re out of line. This whole fucking thing is out of line,” I piped in, forcing my voice not to wobble. You could hear the audible gasps filling the air as everyone waited to see what Royal would do about me disobeying him.
Royal turned his black orbs to me. He flexed his neck back and forth, the bones cracking loudly. This wasn’t happening. We had already gotten in more trouble than needed, and I refused to let Royal take another black mark to his record just to prove his point to all these people; just to prove that I belonged to him.
“You heard her…” Dom snickered, laughter in his eyes. He laughed like he already won the fight. Air filled my lungs but refused to escape. I reached forward to stop Royal from his next move but knew there was no point in even trying. I couldn’t even take a step forward or mumble the word no before his fists were landing against Dom’s face. Blood splattering everywhere as bone hit bone, the distinct sound of said bone cracking as it resonated throughout the air. A shudder ran through me as fear threatened to consume me.
Their bodies clashed and tumbled to the ground, fists being thrown in every direction. Royal was on top, his knuckles slamming against Dom’s cheek, all while Dom tried to push him off. They were nothing but a mass of bodies, with blood flying around them.
“I. Told. You!” Royal screamed the words, his voice menacing. You could feel the pure rage rippling from deep within him.
“You. Don’t. Fuck. With. What. Is. Mine.” Each word spoken was met with a punch to the face. It was like someone
or something possessed Royal’s body. Taking the fragile rough man I had gotten to know and turning him into the monster he always claimed to be. He was out of his mind.
His sole focus was on destroying the person beneath him and causing as much damage as possible. Dom tried to fight against Royal, but there was just no point in trying. Royal kept swinging, each hit landing with a deafening blow to Dom’s face, body, and head. Nothing seemed to be off limits to the living, breathing monster inside of him.
I cringed knowing no matter how many times Dom tried to get control, Royal was always going to be quicker making him better at avoiding the hits that came his way. Royal was far stronger, much more aggressive in his movements, and clearly way more motivated for a taste of blood.
“Enough!” Sasha screamed, breaking up the crowd that formed around the two of them. For the first time in my life I had to agree with her. Enough was enough. Royal caused far more damage to Dom than I thought he was capable of, and I was relieved that Sasha was finally putting an end to it all. I couldn’t find the words to tell him that enough was enough, not without wondering what kind of backlash would come back on me.
Goose bumps covered my body as I watched three guys come over and pull Royal off of Dom’s somewhat lifeless body. Everywhere my eyes looked there was blood.
“Please….” I begged, not even sure what it was that I wanted to say. I was just so terrified for him. “Let him go… Please?” It wasn’t like he deserved mercy from anyone here, but I still couldn’t picture him having to kick anyone else’s ass.
Their eyes all turned to mine, contemplating what would happen next I’m sure. I licked my dry lips, hoping they would let him go. Relief soared within me as they released Royal with a shove. He stumbled for a second before coming to his full height, a frightening look in his eyes.
I watched as he lifted his blood-covered hands, swiping them across his face and smearing the blood that had dripped from his nose and down his cheeks. He looked like a warrior— a very pissed off warrior. Covered in blood and sweat with a look of pure rage still plastered on his bruised and slightly swollen face.
He was wearing the blood of his enemies as if to prove a point. Fuck with what is mine and you will pay in blood.
“You almost killed him, Royal.” Sasha punched Royal in the arm, forcing him to turn his fury on her. Even I knew how stupid of a mistake that was. Royal was still pumped up from the fight, and hitting him was the last thing I would ever think to do.
“DO. NOT. TOUCH. ME!” Royal roared right into Sasha’s face, causing her to take a giant step back. There was an obvious fear etched into the features of her face.
With wide eyes she spoke, her voice shaking. “I… I…. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch you…” Her voice trailed off. I could tell the person she knew him as was gone; hell, the person I knew him as was gone. In its place was a cold, scary as hell man.
“Good and as for almost killing him… he will remember next time that when I tell him to do something I mean every single fucking word,” he scoffed, brushing her away so he could rip off his shirt that was now covered with grass stains, blood, and smudges of dirt.
I stood there awestruck with terror of the things I had just seen and what would happen next because something was going to happen… I could feel it in the air.
Then as if on cue, the darkness in his eyes turned on me forcing my fight or flight instincts to kick in. The air was thick with tension, so much so that it felt as if I couldn’t take in my next breath. I knew there was only one thing that I could do, which was to get as far away from him and as quickly as possible.
I knew I couldn’t let him get his hands on me because I didn’t know what he would do to me once he did.
So I ran. I hauled ass to my Jeep, my legs moving as fast as possible, bypassing Jordan and everyone else. I could see people watching me, but I didn’t care. At one point I was pretty sure I could hear Jordan calling out for me and asking me to stop, but I couldn’t. Fear was forcing me onward. She would be okay. It was me who wouldn’t be if I didn’t get the hell out of here right this second.
My breaths came out in pants as I continued running, the distinct burning in my muscles starting to form. My Jeep was within sight. If only I could make it there. My heart dropped into my stomach as soon as the sound of heavy footfalls behind me met my ears. Still I couldn’t risk stopping, not even for a second to look and see who it was that was following me.
“Go ahead run from me, Noelle. I knew eventually you would. It was just a matter of time. What, you can’t handle seeing me in the raw, seeing the dark side of me?” Hearing Royal screaming so close from behind me caused my fear to jump into my throat.
Deep breaths. He won’t hurt you.
“Just know that you can run now, but when you get home I’ll be there waiting for you.” I finally stopped, my body landing hard against the hood of my Jeep; panic still claiming my body in a tight vice. I shoved my shaking hand into the front pocket of my shorts trying desperately to grab my keys. I shouldn’t have chosen to wear the tightest pair of shorts I had. What the fuck was I thinking?
“Come on, princess, I thought you wanted to see me at my worst…” His voice was closer now, taunting me. The icy tone of it sending shivers down my spine and making my insides curl. You can do this. My heart threatened to jump out of my chest.
Just as my fingers finally gripped the cold metal of my key ring, I felt his hot breath at the back of my neck.
FUCK!
Panic and fear seized me, paralyzing me into place. I stopped wiggling, hell I probably stopped breathing, too. He was so unpredictable, like a house of cards ready to tumble over with the slightest movement. I had no idea what he was going to do to me, or what was going on inside of his head. All I knew was I didn’t want to stick around to find out.
“Please, Royal. Please just let me go. I just want to go home now,” I pleaded with him, my voice shaky as tears started to form in my eyes. I struggled to keep a grip on my keys as my body shook.
“Is it true?” he asked, the calmness in his voice taking me by complete surprise.
“Is what true, Royal?” I asked as I felt his arms curl around my shoulders and begin to twist me around so I was facing him instead of the windshield of my Jeep.
“What you said back there about not being mine?” His voice was so deep it was like jumping into the deepest part of the ocean. The words he spoke danced across my skin, doing strange things to my emotions. He skimmed his lips across the side of my throat, and I swear my whole body threatened to give out on me.
That was the last thing I expected him to ask me, the question catching me completely off guard. A quiver wracked my body as he lowered his hands from my shoulders, gently gliding down my arms and only stopping to rest on my hips as he guided our bodies closer together.
Was this some type of game to him? The push, the pull. The dark and commanding. The sweet and endearing. I didn’t know which side of Royal I was going to see, and that scared me the fuck out of me.
This wasn’t happening, not after everything that we fought against. Not after everything that I just witnessed tonight. He wasn’t seriously asking me this after almost killing someone. Anger stirred inside of me.
“Yes of course it’s fucking true, Royal. You don’t own me. I’m not yours.” The words came out softly, not wanting to hurt him or cause him anymore anger. I could feel the air around us change. It grew hot— electrically charged— like that of the air during a summer night’s thunderstorm right before the lightning struck.
“Don’t lie to me, Noelle,” he growled, one of his fists coming out of nowhere and landing harshly against the car door. His whole body was covering me, crowding me, cornering me. I felt trapped, like I was finally the prey trapped in the snare.
“It’s… It’s not a lie. I’m not yours, Royal. We aren’t…” I was done fighting. I was so overwhelmed by his presence that I couldn’t even finish my sentence.
Everything he did to Dom
tonight was completely unnecessary.
I wasn’t his. To him I was just a spoiled fucking brat. I didn’t know pain. Not like he did. There was a stark difference between us. He put me on the highest pedestal possible all while thinking the worst of himself. I looked into his dark eyes. I was still scared; still completely fucking afraid of what I would find in them, but as our eyes clashed together, I found that I couldn’t look away. The darkness in his eyes ate at the good inside of me, and it was then that I realized I wanted him.
I wanted him so fucking bad.
“You make no sense, Royal. One minute you hate me and think I’m a spoiled brat that broke up your happy little family, and the next you are staking claim to me.” I was so frustrated. “Why? What the hell do you want from me?” I questioned, pushing him, begging him to give me an answer.
I needed air, space, and time.
“I don’t know how to answer that, Noelle. You confuse me, too. One minute I want you and the next I don’t. You make me question every single thing that I have ever said, done, or believed,” he aspirated, raking one of his hands through his hair in frustration.
“I want you bad enough that I would break every fucking law for you. I would put myself in danger just for you. Just to have you. Just to protect you.” His words were harsh.
“I don’t need you to do anything for me…” Royal’s bloody hand shot out, his pointer finger landing against my cold lips, all but telling me to be quiet or else. I could see the danger, it was right there, just like the trigger on a gun waiting to be pulled. If I reached out to touch it, would I get hurt? Would it consume me? Would I let it?
“For you, Noelle, I would do anything… There is no limit to the lengths I would go.” I was once again in a trance, the power he had over me was overwhelming. I wanted to tell him no a million times over. That there was no future, no nothing for either one of us. He was my stepbrother. It was wrong, forbidden, dirty to have feelings for him.