Page 21 of Darkness Falls

I watch the members of Rogue pouring into the compound and gathering around the main building in the center. The last time Rogue had a gathering of this grandeur was the funeral that was held for the Stone family.

Parents, children, and families that I've never seen before are all here to celebrate the marriage of their leader's daughter. Everyone looks happy, even excited. They're dressed in fancy dresses and ready to have the time of their lives. Everyone is happy except me. This feels more like a funeral than a wedding. The end of life as I know it.

Soren and the guys were supposed to get me out of here before the ceremony, but it inches closer and closer, and I’m still here. I'm all dolled up, ready to play the part my father has been longing for me to play for years. If they don’t get me out, I won't make it through the wedding night. Damien getting me alone with no restrictions is the worst possible outcome for me. He will try his best to break me in every way imaginable just for his own amusement.

The door opens, pulling me from my thoughts, and I look over my shoulder to see my mom step inside. She looks beautiful in a lilac ankle-length dress. The top has a sweetheart neckline with a mesh lace fabric over the top of it, covering her chest and shoulders. The sheer sleeves come down just above her elbow and are covered in a beautiful floral pattern. I smile over at her before I see my father trail in behind her. Instantly, my face falls at the sight of him.

"Don't be so dramatic, Callie. This is the best day of your life. Happy wedding day, daughter." A smug grin spreads across his face as he makes his way over to the chair in the corner and sits in it.

It takes everything in me to keep up the act so he doesn't suspect anything. The guys can still make it in time. I have to keep reminding myself not to show any hint of me having hope. I won't risk the guys' lives like that.

"Thank you, Father," I say to appease him.

My mother looks over at my father, silently asking for permission to speak with me, and I see a subtle nod from him. She walks over, stopping right in front of me to reach out and take my hands in hers. Her eyes meet mine, and I can see the pain in them. She hates that I'm in this situation. She doesn't know the Monroe brothers are coming for me, us. I won't leave her behind this time.

"You look so beautiful, LeeLee"

Tears well up in my eyes. She hasn't called me that in a long time, but all the feelings come rushing right back. It's her own special name for me. One that has always been only for her. When I was younger, she tried to teach me how to say my name, and all I managed to say was LeeLee.

"Thank you, Momma." I smile, and she leans down to place a kiss on each of my cheeks before I pull her into a hug.

She is about six inches taller than me, so she is able to whisper in my ear. "Be brave today. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

I want to tell her that we will both be getting out of here soon, but that rotten bastard is still sitting over in the corner. I can't risk him hearing. I simply squeeze her tighter so she knows I heard her.

When she lets go, we cross the room, hand in hand, to where my dress is hanging in the corner. It's nothing I would have picked for myself if I had the choice, but Damien took that from me, too. He said, "You will be my wife, so you will wear what I want you to wear.”

Damien chose a mermaid-style gown that is tight and hugs the entire top half of my body, putting everything on display for the whole society. It has a plunging neckline with sheer mesh holding the two sides together. The straps are each about one inch thick and sit on my shoulders, with the back fully open down to the base of my spine. There is a leafy design across the mesh overlay with beads here and there and a small train. It’s beautiful, but it's definitely not my style.

My father clears his throat from his chair and looks at my mom. "You have five minutes to get her dressed and downstairs. If she isn't ready, I'll come up to drag her out myself, and she will get married in whatever she's wearing."

My mother nods at him. "Of course, sir. I will have her to you on time."

"We all know what happened the last time the two of you were alone. Don't make me regret stepping out."

Neither of us says anything. We just stand there, watching as he gives us one last glance before walking out of the room.

"Come on, LeeLee, let's get you dressed."

My mother grabs the dress from the hanger and holds it out in front of her. "Mom, I'm so sorry I left you here with him." I say as I take off my robe and step into the dress.

"You didn't know. Besides, if you stayed, you would have never gotten a chance at a life outside of this. It was the life that you were supposed to have." She shakes her head, and I don't understand what she means by that. "I never wanted this for you. You were the miracle I could never have, and look where it all ended up." She pulls up the zipper in the back to secure the dress in place.

"You're not making any sense right now." My brow creases as I try to piece together whatever she's trying to tell me.

"I know. When we have more time, I promise I'll tell you everything."

"Momma, we're getting out. The men I was with before Damien brought me back here are hitmen. I kind of fell for them. Soren told me they're coming for me today, and I'm not leaving you behind. I need you to be ready when they come."

"LeeLee, it's too dangerous."

"No, I don't want to hear it. You're coming with me this time. I saw some of the shit he put you through. You're getting out with me, and I will make it my life’s mission to make sure he never lays a finger on you again."

Her hand reaches down to stroke the side of my face, and I lean into it. "You have the purest heart, Callie, but I’m sure you know that sometimes you can't escape the darkness of the world."

She doesn't believe me. She doesn't think that we can both get out of here, but I'll prove her wrong.

"Come on, sweetie, let's get this over with." Her hand reaches out to grab mine to lead me toward the door where my heels are waiting for me.

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