Page 83 of Claiming Charlotte

It’s been six months since Rowan had been gone and not one day went by where I didn’t think about our last conversation. I should have known something was wrong, I should have said I love you again. So much time we lost, and now we would never know the future. They didn't just take away my fiancé, or my bodyguard; they took a part of my soul, and with that ruthlessness set in, and I stayed true to my word. They haven't gotten a day of rest since that day.

Every day gunshots rang through the air, more Walkers were interrogated; sales and auctions ruined. As I promised, no rest would come to them, not until I was satisfied. Not until I took what they took from me. It's like having an insatiable hunger that will never be satisfied.

After everything settled down Joshua attempted to pull back, going into hiding like a coward. I packed everything and moved into our home, alone. The bedroom still smelled like him, and I knew it wouldn't stay like that forever, so for now, I only left it when I had too, like today.

I asked the Davies brothers to meet me here today for an official transfer. I would be running the organization from the sidelines for a bit, while they would be the face of it. I sipped on my tea as they walked through the screen door quietly, saying hello, as if they were going to wake someone. I liked the silence these days and appreciated their respect for my home. Each taking a seat across I pushed the papers toward them without saying a word.

“Charlotte, are you sure about this, we could really use your perspective on things, Rowan wouldn't have wanted you to be like this,” Thomas said.

“You have no idea what he would have wanted, what we wanted, and I would like to live that in peace,”? I snapped, rubbing my forehead. “Do you want it or not?”

They both nodded, sorrow etched across their faces. I didn't need anyone's pity, nor did I want it.

“I'm just stepping back for a few years. You know I am always here if you need me, or that fresh perspective, I trust you both with all of my heart to keep the sanctity of the family intact, plus you have more men put together than I could have in a lifetime.”

“And as promised, your account will reflect the agreement at all times, you won’t have to worry about anything. We have your back Lottie.”

I sighed, playing with the silver chain that hung loosely on my neck. “I should have made him stay with me.”

That sentence echoed in my head until the floodgates opened, I couldn't help it. “He's the only man I have ever loved.”

They each took a hand and I squeezed for dear life. “Wh–oo’s g–g-oing to lo-v–ve me like h-he did?” I asked through the sobs.

Rowan

I held the file in my hand. As far as I was concerned, the world thought I was dead. I had been gone too long, but I'd been safe this whole time, holed up at a rusty motel, whose wall I littered with the information of every Walker I'd ever come across. When I wasn’t doing that, I was watching Lottie closely through the cameras, watching, as she slowly turned cold, and ruthless. It broke my heart to see her lying in our bed clutching my shirts, torturing people in the home I built for us, or taking her anger out on the furniture. I had heard her conversations and the nights she cried herself to sleep. This was the only way I could give her the life she deserved, but I got lucky, the fucking idiot grazed me just enough to do some damage, but nothing life threatening. Still packed a punch though, then I had to finish myself off with the paralytic.

She couldn't know, the less she knew, the safer she was; and I hoped she didn't hate me when I came home. After this I would never leave again. I held the file in the air allowing it to catch fire and reduce to ash. I whipped around hearing leaves crunch behind me.

“What are you doing here?”

“I was told you died, then I thought well if he did, the fucking devil would be sending him back anytime now,” he laughed.

“That wasn't an invitation to come back.” I said gruffly.

I walked toward the edge of the cliff and laughed. “You know my dad said there was one more, and I didn't put two and two until recently.”? I laughed, gently. “What's your name?”

“You know my?—”

“You're real name!”? He walked up next to me, and my fists clenched at my sides as he spoke the truth.

“Jason Walker.”

“Sorry, what?”

“Jason.”

He didn't finish because in a second, I had him on the ground punching him repeatedly. I didn't want to hurt anyone anymore, but what was one more deserving person? I laid into him all of my anger and frustration, until he was a bleeding mess.

Picking up the smooth rock next to me I raised my hand above my head, but I just stared at him, the rock shaking viciously in my hand. I couldn't do it.?Why can’t I do it?

“Do it Rowan,” he said. “Finish it.”

I set the rock down. No. He was going to live with the pain and suffering he caused.

“Just let me explain.”

“No, it's time for me to go home.”

---