Page 70 of Jackson

My heart breaks in two.

"When I was twelve, he wanted me to join the club and start learning the ropes. My mother wouldn't allow it. She had managed to keep me away from him for most of my life and did everything to keep it that way. He came over and beat her so badly that she ended up on life support. She didn't make it."

I press a hand to my mouth, overwhelmed with pain so familiar, I want to wrap my arms around him.

"I got out of there, stayed away from him, did everything I could to free myself from the monster who sired me. When he got locked away, I finally felt free enough to live my life. I got into trouble, I was so messed up, and then when he got out and tracked me down, I thought maybe I could use him to help me out of that trouble. Then I met you."

A tear rolls down my cheek. "You don't have to do this for me."

"I'm doing it for both of us. Prison is a holiday compared to the life I'll have to live if Hound survives."

I know he's right.

I've been here before.

I open my mouth to speak, but the door swings open, and Hound steps in.

This is it.

Life or death.

A choice is about to be made.

25 – Serenity

Idon't know why, but I step closer to Walker, as if that could protect him from what’s about to happen. Hound is clueless about his son’s plan; it’s obvious from his face. His eyes shift from Gerard to Walker, who is holding a gun, and the realization starts to dawn on him.

But not entirely.

"What did you do?" Hound barks. "Why is he dead?"

Walker squeezes my hand briefly, then lets go and steps forward, raising the gun and pointing it at Hound. His father, who thought he had everything under control, stares in shock. His eyes widen, confusion crosses his face before the familiar mask of malice returns.

"What do you think you’re doing?" Hound growls, but it's clear he’s nervous. He came unarmed, never expecting to need a weapon.

"I'm doing what's right," Walker says calmly. "I can't let you hurt her or tear her family apart."

Hound's eyes blaze with anger, pushing me back a step. Things are about to get ugly, and I don't want to be caught in the middle.

"You kill me, and you'll regret it," Hound threatens coldly.

Walker chuckles. "We both know you have no allies left, father. Your club is finished. You're trying to take hers to recreate what you once had, but it’s not going to happen. I won’t let it."

"You'll end up in prison. No one will protect you. Prison is brutal. I can help you. Put the gun down, and I'll make it all disappear. You can be free."

Walker snorts. "Seeing you off balance is satisfying. You have no way out, but I do. I'd rather spend my life in prison than spend it being your son."

Hound growls, "You don't have the guts to kill me. You need me."

"I don’t need you. I never did. I should have done this a long time ago, but I was lost then. I'm a man now, and I see clearly for the first time."

"Save your pathetic stories. You're as weak as your mother."

Walker growls, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "Don’t you ever mention her again."

Hound steps closer, eyes flashing. "She was weak and useless like you. Ending her life was a favor."

Walker’s finger tightens on the trigger. "I wanted her. I needed her. Ending your life will be a favor to the world."

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