Page 74 of Colton
“Consider it done,” Jasper replies, and the line goes dead.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my heart pounding in my chest. This is it. I’m going to war against my father, and I have no idea what the outcome will be. But I know one thing for sure: I can’t let him have Luella. I won’t let him break her like he broke me.
And break her he will. Knowing him how I do, he will destroy her body first, then her mind.
I can’t entertain the thought of either, and if he does...
The voices return, sharp and loud.
This is all your fault you know. You could have told someone years ago, saved all those women. And now you want to play hero? You’re pathetic, just like him.
I grit my teeth, pushing the voices back. “Shut up,” I growl. I can’t change the past, but I can sure as hell try to change the future. And that future includes Luella—safe, alive, and by my side.
You don’t deserve her. Anything that happens to her tonight is your fault.
I close my eyes, trying to block them out, but then they change...
You should kill them all. Jasper too.
My eyes snap open, and I shake my head.
I’m fucking crazy.
Kill everyone. Then you and Luella have everything. All the money.
“Fuck the money,” I snarl, turning down the dark dirt track that leads to the old mill.
They fall silent as the old mill looms ahead, a dark silhouette against the night sky. I pull off the road, my car bouncing over the rough terrain as I make my way towards the meeting point. I watch the convoy of vehicles approaching—heavy black SUVs, their headlights cutting through the night as they roll up one by one. Jasper’s men pour out, dressed in black, armed and ready. They’ve come in force, three vehicles deep, fully prepared for the war they’re about to start. I can’t help but appreciate the sight—Jasper doesn’t do things halfway.
I step out of the car, the cold night air biting at my skin. I watch as the vehicles pull up, armed men pouring out like ants from a nest. Jasper steps forward, his tall, muscular frame silhouetted against the headlights.
“Blackwood,” he greets, extending a hand. I take it, his grip firm and strong. “We’re ready when you are.”
I nod, my eyes scanning the assembled men. They’re a decent looking crew, dressed in black, armed to the teeth. They look like they’ve seen their fair share of battles, and that’s exactly what I need.
“Alright,” I say, turning to face them. “Here’s the plan. We’re going to hit Blackwood Manor hard and fast. Our objective is to extract a prisoner and get out.”
A murmur of agreement ripples through the group, and I can feel the tension rising. They’re ready for this. They live for this.
“I’ll lead the main team into the house,” I continue, my voice steady and commanding. “Jasper, I need you to take a group and secure the perimeter. Take out any guards you see, and make sure no reinforcements get in. We need to be in and out before they know what hit them.”
Jasper nods, a grim smile on his face. “Consider it done.”
“Good,” I remark, turning back to the men. “We’re here to get in, get the girl, and get out. But if things go south, be prepared to fight. These men are trained killers, and they won’t hesitate to put you down. So don’t hesitate either."
The men nod, their faces set in determined expressions. They know what they’re up against, and they’re ready for it.
“Alright,” I say, taking a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
I give the signal, and we all pile back into our respective cars, the SUVs taking the lead. I follow behind, my heart hammering in my chest. As the convoy snakes through the dark streets, I can feel the tension building, the anticipation of what’s coming next.
As we speed towards Blackwood Manor, the voices in my head start to scream.
Everyone is going to die tonight.
Who are you going to kill, Colton? Your father? What for, for killing your mother or stealing your woman?
“Shut up!” I hiss, knowing shouting at your own fucking mind is a sure sign of crazy. But fuck it, who cares? I’m already about to lose everything if I don’t get in there and save the woman that’s mine.
