2×25 “I Now Pronounce You Man & Wife”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Ben Mendhelson (Linus Devonshire) and Susan Lucci (Camilla Devonshire)
Warning: Episode contains violence, language and adult situations.
Theme Song: The Bones- Maren Morris and Hoizer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyD38nsQooc

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Jackson looked out in the crowd as his eyes narrowed at his father. He was so pissed and he couldn’t even show it. He chose today to reveal that he wasn’t Zerick’s father. Whatever happened between Belle and Zerick had prompted all this. Now looking directly at him he was still disgusted. His dad kept this shit a secret for all these years. All the years of knowing your brother raped mom’s sister. Shaking his head he kept hearing Linus pathetic excuses and seeing aunt Camilla all but confirm his other indiscretions. Zerick was even more horrified when he figured out Forbes played him and what the truth was. He actually felt badly for him for the first time because of all the manipulation in his life. God he thought his upbringing was bad but to be literally used as a weapon from birth. For that very reason he knew he wasn’t prepared to face him and see that pain. Dani didn’t know any of this and he had to inform her that everything had completely changed. It was clear Forbes altered the DNA tests or he paid someone to do it. He wanted the world to think Zerick was Lowell’s and Forbes knew his father wouldn’t dispute it and destroy his very own brother. Until it was his neck on the line. He finally cut off his own brother and it was well deserved but this didn’t change much. How could it? He still betrayed mother with that insufferable brat Belle but as she said it wasn’t her fault she was born. Her behavior was another story though. She looked genuinely shaken up though and he didn’t like that Zerick placed his hands on her. God he pitied the man and hated him all at once.

The wedding march shook Jackson out of his thoughts. As the doors opened he saw Zach stepping up and removing Kelsey veil. It was something Merci did as a way for added drama giving each girl a veil and revealing each bridesmaid. Only Merci thought of shit like this and that’s why she was one of the best party planners in the United States. Hell she was going to plan the twins first party. Their little beef was going to end; he always had affinity for Merci and she had outdone herself. Tonight was breathtaking as he looked around; it didn’t even feel like the home he grew up in. As Zach and Kelsey continued to walk, he saw the next couple Mason unveiled Whitney as they walked. His best friend he’d always need Mason Delacroix in his corner. Tears were beginning to burn in his eyes as he forced them back looking at the next couple of Max and Simon. When he unveiled her he laughed seeing his twin so happy and Simon one of his closest confidants. It felt like a parade of love. The next couple was Chauncey and Talia who made everyone laugh walking down the aisle with sunglasses on and Chauncey took them off. Rory and Yasmine were next and they looked so natural together, less forced than he and Aspen. When he saw Aspen nearly leave Randall snatched her down. Braden and Miranda walked as he unveiled her and KC hooted which had the room stitches. The final couple before the ring boy and flower girl was Hunter and Bliss they looked even more radiant and in love as he kissed her before he walked down the aisle. Looking down the aisle of men Zach, Hunter, Simon, Chauncey, Rory, Braden, and Mason his best man. He felt loved looking at them all smiling and happy. Turning his eyes to the women all lined up beautifully with red and gold. Max winked at him and he touched his heart letting her know she was always right there.

Little Miles and Fox charged down the aisle holding their wedding rings making everyone laughed again. Morgan however understood that this was her moment and she took her time dropping each flower. It made him laugh seeing how delicate she was being. His junior groomsmen Dylan and junior bridesmaids Maddie walked holding Donovan and JJ respectively as the doors closed. He knew it was time. It was time. The doors opened as the orchestra began playing the wedding march. His heart felt swollen as he took a deep breath.  Everything was perfect as he saw her he felt weak. Jackson covered his mouth as Hunter held his shoulder because he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to stand. She was everything. She was his world. This time he would get everything right and he knew that their love was eternal. He’d never let their love go to waste and he wanted it all. The family, the wife, the company. He wouldn’t put DGI over his family and he saw it. This was his destiny, this was what he was put on earth to do. He would have so many women in his bed and no matter who he had in bed he was still alone in his mind until he found Dani. When Walter made it to the altar where the pastor stood.

“Who gives this woman away?” The pastor asked, looking at Walter and Dani who was trembling.

Dani had waited in the room and had been irritated as hell when Merci showed up to tell her there was a delay and had shot her the ugliest glance she could, she had meant it the night before party planner or not. She then proceeded to pace the room until her mother showed up and not even her own mother knew what the delay was. She actually hated to be left in the dark especially at her own wedding, not even her father had told her what was going on when he had showed up to get her. She hadn’t expected to get so emotional as her father had led her down the hallway telling her to talk to Jackson about it after the ceremony was over and he could fill her in, he was softer with her than normal and she swore she saw tears in his eyes. He had assured her it was over her and how beautiful she looked and by the time they stood back and she watched everyone else enter she was less apprehensive about the delay, it was still going to happen and if for some reason it didn’t she’d march in there and find out why if she had too. She and Jackson didn’t spend the last year talking about getting married for it to be thrown out the window and her father told her to stop fidgeting, she hadn’t even realized she was doing it till he said so. When she heard the wedding march begin and the doors open though the delay finally left her mind as she saw people stand and turn, it was weird but her eyes were simply on Jackson at the very end.

He looked just as sexy as he did in the mornings covered in joggers and feeding the twins or helping with him as he did in that white and black tuxedo at the end of the aisle. Her eyes met his as she walked not really thinking about the people watching her or not, she’d marry him in the middle of nowhere if that is what he had asked her. She’d probably walk through fire for him and the twins too and that was something she knew would never change. He consumed her right down to her very essence and if that was crazy or insane she didn’t know, what she knew is that she loved him. She’d thought about this moment for months every time that she would step onto that stupid stool and have Val measure and poke her. Everytime that Val would send her a sketch over her email or phone and she knew by the look on his face the payoff was worth it. The dress was everything that she thought represented her to him as his bride and elegance, sexiness with a hint of dangerous in it with the back detailing, just enough skin to please him but not too much for the guests. She wanted to be his forever had been for a while since he wrote their name on a panel in the stables and then the twins were born and she smiled at Maddie and Dylan who were holding them as she handed off her bouquet to Whitney. When the pastor asked who was giving her away she had to shoot a look at her father, no one was giving her away but she’d let him as he kissed her cheek and lifted her veil.

“Her mother and I do.” Walter said beaming at her as he saw her playful glare at him he knew the truth no one told her what she could or couldn’t do but seeing how they were trying to mix it up at the ceremony with traditional and personal elements he got the humor in it.

Jackson took her hand as they stood on the altar with the pastor. When she faced him he felt like the air was leaving his body biting his lip. He leaned in and pulled up her veil so that he finally got a good look at his wife and he clutched his chest which everyone laughed at. He couldn’t help it Dani looked like a Queen regal, sex, sophisticated and all his. He grabbed both her hands nodding at the pastor. He was truly breathless.

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The pastor took Jackson’s and Dani’s hands and wrapped it with the leather binds as he looked at them in their eyes so much love was radiating off of them. “I came to Atlas Falls in 1989 and I watched two very beautiful and strong families at odds. I often wondered how to bring the salt of the earth Fraiser’s together with the high life of the Devonshire clan. It was something that God put in my way but he had a solution. I was introduced to Jackson and Dani a few weeks ago and from the moment I met them I knew they were the solution. I knew that sometimes in the world we have famine, plagues, racial divides and so many other things to divide us. Yet you two found love in the darkest of times. When neither of you had any light and you both placed light in the other life. This is a peace treaty between these two families but it truly is so much more. It’s the beginning of two souls finding each other for eternity. Time will bring trials and time will bring pain but time will also bring so much joy. Joy I ask you both to remember in the storms because marriage isn’t easy, but when you two open your hearts you will always fly back home to each other. If I can give you one bit of advice, no lies and all truth. Don’t go to bed angry. Remember how full you feel at this very moment. How satisfied and complete both of you are. Jackson she completes you doesn’t she?” Pastor Frank laughed as the young man eagerly nodded. “Dani he completes you doesn’t he?” When she nodded he smiled.

Pastor Frank looked around at all the smiling faces and happiness. “Everyone please stand and join hands while we all pray over their union. Now some people in here prayers aren’t always of the lord. But the lord hears all and nothing against you will stand. Dear heavenly father please I ask you for the rest of their lives together bless and protect these two. Love like theirs only happens once in life I feel the rhythm of their heart beats father. I know that these two are love your love and I ask you to bless and protect them. Protect them from the darkness that creeps into people’s hearts and keep their hearts just as open as today. Make sure the love is kept strong and all these people the maid of honor, the best man, the fathers, mother, brothers, and sisters all keep them on their path together and strong. Lord keep these two the highest of the high and Lord keep them in your arms with their beautiful children. Amen.”

“Amen.” Jackson said looking up at Dani who was smiling so brightly at him. He mouthed that he loved her. As he squeezed her hand.

“Now Jackson and Dani have some written vows for each other before we also say the traditional vows. Jackson please go first and tell your bride what she has to hear before marrying you.”

Jackson took a deep breath, his hands tied together with hers. He didn’t understand the tradition but he knew he’d be using that leather later tonight when they landed in Isla De Cruces. “I used to think the love of my life was drugs. I used to believe that I couldn’t get higher than a drug until I actually felt love. I researched and I found out love releases drugs in your brain to make you happy. You actually feel better when you are in love, and I found a drug that was so much stronger than anything else. I found you when I was broken and I can’t help think that we fixed each other. Your mind was made up to not love again but I appreciate that your heart had so many other plans. I can’t say that I’m going to be the best husband ever but I can tell you every day I’m going to grow. I can tell you that I’m not afraid of the storms and I want to go through them all with you because I know we together will sail through. I promise never to cheat, I promise not to hurt our children as we have, and I promise to put our family above everything else. You have no idea how I got so lucky but Dani Grace Fraiser you are everything to me. Right with Donovan and Jolene they are my world and as long as I have you three and any others that come then I’ll be full. I’m so full of love and life and no woman, no drug, and no job will ever come before you three. I vow to be the best I can be and I thank you for making me a better man. I also promise not to interrupt you when you’re gossiping with the girls or when you’re watching those awful reality shows you love. I love you.” Jackson had tears running down his face as he looked at her leaning his head on hers.

“Very good TV is a big fight nowadays. Dani please tell Jackson your vows to him. Then we will conclude with the traditional vows and I’ll release your binds to sign the marriage certificate.”

Dani had to let out a laugh at the TV comment Pastor Frank had always been nice to her as a child when she was younger and they had met with him a few times before the ceremony. She didn’t even know if she was blushing when he wrapped the cord around their wrists and hands she probably was seeing the gleam Jackson gave her about it. Handfasting was a thing in her family a tradition she knew about and she had let Jackson pick out what they would use. She couldn’t help but tear up as he spoke to her and for a moment had a hard time even wondering how or if she could remember it all and she saw Whitney reach for a piece of paper before she shook her head no at it.

“I swore off men after getting my heart stomped on over and over again with all of them, lies, cheating to name a few and then I went out for drinks one night with some friends and my world literally stopped and tilted on its axis. Suddenly I had someone in my life that knew what it was like to be like looking at my own reflection, someone who I used to think about a lot when I was younger and that someone was you. I ran at first from it the intensity that you gave me that you looked past my level of insecurity and crazy until you calmed me and then opened me up like no one ever had. Everyday I’m grateful for what we have, for the love that I have for you and the love that you have for me. Everyone tried to bet against us and we said, no we get to chose our own destinies and we chose each other over and over again. I probably won’t be the perfect wife for you, I’ll say something wrong and make a ton of mistakes along the way but I won’t make the mistake of not letting you know everyday that you’re everything to me. I wake up everyday and ask how lucky I am that of all the women in the world you decided it was me you were going to give your heart and soul too. I never felt like I was ever good enough for that until you walked into my life and even when it get tough between us we always seem to find a way to make it work or work it out. You gave me a world to look forward too with with twins and our life together and I will love you forever. I’d walk to the ends of the world with you just to have you Jackson Andrew Devonshire as mine for the rest of our lives.” Dani said looking at him realizing she had finally broke down with the tears that she had been reserving all day only for him and him alone. Tears that were from her heart and tears she’d only ever let him wipe away for her ever again.

“Wow those are beautiful words to live by and believe me God was watching and he heard your words. Jackson will thy have this woman as thy wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you apart.”

“I do.” Jackson said to Dani.

“Dani will thy have this man as thy wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you apart.”

“I do.” Dani said looking at him smiling at their tied hands and then over at Pastor Frank for them to exchange the rings.

**********

“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife you may kiss your bride.” Pastor Frank said as he clapped motioning them to pull their hands back as the knot was tied and stepping back and Jackson snatched his bride like a wolf ready to eat a piggy. He kissed her passionately and heard a thunderous round of applause as he watched the junior groomsmen and junior bridesmaid walk down the aisle, and the pairs each began to walk down the aisle. Then he noticed Jackson and Dani walking together down the aisle. The right side of the aisle were throwing rose petals while the left were blowing a steady stream of bubbles at the newly weds.

Jackson looked at Dani and smiled brightly. “You’re all mine now, no getting rid of me you have to wash my clothes, and deal with all my super annoying habits I hid from you now. Like I bite my toenails.” He joked as they walked out the grand ballroom hand and hand. “Loving you was never hard and I thank-you for giving me him and her.” He approached Dylan rubbing his head and he looked at him like he was ready to fight. “My bad dog.” Maddie shot him a look like uncle that was so uncool. “So we don’t use that lingo anymore. Damn two years and all of the sudden I’m not the cool uncle anymore.” He handed Donovan to Dani who was reaching for his mother. Unfortunately like him Donovan was momma’s boy which meant they would have some tension eventually. He looked down at JJ and smiled his princess wouldn’t ever fight with him. As he saw people clearing out of the ballroom. Going into the tents in the back of the mansion. His mother and Merci had done an exceptional job. Once everyone was out of the ballroom they’d take pictures with the family then they’d go party.

Taking Dani’s hand he quickly explained why half of the wedding party was missing and what Lowell did. Her face pretty much was everyone’s face after they found out the truth. “I think we should find Linus before Zerick does because my cousin both ways will not take this shit lying down. He set all our lives on fire and I just want to talk to him. I want him to know that him being pulled a million different ways isn’t what we wanted to happen.” He saw Dru standing alone looking around. Where was he? “Chauncey!” Jackson yelled as he saw his father standing alone with Tony and Walter. “Have you seen Zerick? I just don’t want him to do something stupid after all this shit.”

Dani had been so caught up in the moment he kissed her to when they walked out and when he finally told her what happened to delay the ceremony she was actually irritated at Lowell. She also really felt bad for Zerick and what he was going through learning your entire life had been a lie had to have been very hard. She had taken Donovan from her nephew and smiled at him he was wide awake and looked handsome in his designer baby attire for the wedding just like his sister. She watched as Merci began moving all the guests out of the ballroom for the pictures mainly just the wedding party and themselves were left meaning Zerick wasn’t in the room from what she could tell. She got that Jackson wanted to find him and that he could lash out but today was also about their wedding they had an entire agenda that Merci had went through. “Good thing I like you and said I do for forever then isn’t it?” Dani said looking at him and then around the room as he yelled for Chauncey.

“Yelling is not going to make Zerick suddenly appear babe, he’s upset maybe he went home for the night or maybe he’s somewhere drinking it off. I mean if I found out my entire life had been a lie I’d probably bottle myself in a room with a good bottle from the Pub maybe he is the same way, maybe he doesn’t want to be distrubed while he processes everything Jackson.” Dani said seeing the photographer starting to gather everyone as Chauncey did finally start to make his way over to them shaking his head no. Her eyes darted around the room for Zerick and she didn’t see him and as much as Jackson wanted to run off and find him they did need to get the photos done now before they headed into the reception. “Would you please tell your brother aka my husband to not worry about Zerick at this exact moment?”

Chauncey was actually happy that the ceremony went off without a hitch it was one less thing that they all had to worry about now that the truth was out. His mother had been beside herself through it and he had to remember they hadn’t had a good old Devonshire wedding since Max married Hunter. He hadn’t missed Greer’s arrival with Brock Fraiser though while he was standing up there or the way Natasha had looked at Greer, Greer looked amazing and he knew the truth was that eventually she would return to him. Natasha would just have to learn to accept that he had been leading out Blythe and her date to the tents when he heard his brother ask about Zerick he hadn’t seen Zerick even at the ceremony. He didn’t even know if he was still at the mansion in truth none of them knew Zerick very well that was his fault. When he finally reached Jackson and Dani he looked at them both.

“Dani is right I haven’t seen him since the office Jackson I don’t even know if he was at the ceremony my eyes were up there watching you tie yourself to one woman for the rest of your life. You rush out of here to chase him down mom is going to have your head if she doesn’t your new mother in law will.” Chuancey said trying his best to not lead to more drama at the wedding and to let his brother actually relax at his wedding and enjoy the event. Normally he would have been selfish and let Jackson run off to make a fool of himself but after what their dad pulled right before the ceremony it felt wrong to let that happen. “Enjoy your wedding and everything that goes with it. Besides the sooner pictures and all the traditional stuff is done the sooner you can leave for the honeymoon. If it makes you feel better I can ask Michael to see if he can locate Zerick instead of you running off.”

Jackson grabbed Dani by her waist and nodded knowing that they were right. This was their celebration and he sadly hated to see this all unravel before his wedding. He didn’t want her to leave so he wouldn’t be leaving her. It felt bad to have his cousin’s life played with like a yo-yo every couple of months he was this person’s son and now this one. It was disgusting as he felt his stomach clutching fearing what Zerick would do. He actually felt like an ass for being so jealous of him. As he touched a stray curl of Dani’s hair he saw her smiling at him. As he looked at her kissing her passionately. “I am the luckiest man on earth to be married to you. Come on we have to take some pictures and be the most stunning couple in Atlas Falls. I’m sorry Chauncey you and Natasha just don’t stand a chance.” He held onto Dani by her side. “I’m sorry that this is all happening right now. You know but let’s have fun.”

As he walked into the grand ballroom with Dani he looked at her with a wide smile. “You can’t stop smiling. So I can’t stop smiling.” He spun her around in his arms, while Merci had the camera man already snapping them. “I can’t believe that I am married to you. You are mine Dani Devonshire. Oh shit I love that name, say it with me. Dani Devonshire.” They said it together and both laughed. “Was our wedding everything you ever dreamed it would be?” He walked back in looking at Dani. “It was perfect to me and I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to walk away but mom and all of this.”

Bliss approached them with a smile on her face as she held Hunter’s hand. “Tell me does your wedding feel like how ours did which was magical my dear brother and my beautiful new sister. Omg we are family now Dani! I’m so happy and this is exactly what I want for Fox. Fox is going to have his cousins and I have to buy him a horse because they ride them on the island. Plus the horses were a super adorable touch bro I’m going to have to get my husband to step on up.” She laughed, slapping Hunter’s chest. “This is amazing and I’m so sorry about the whole Zerick thing it was a lot and I just felt sick.”

Dani was happy to see him relax when he pulled her to him and she wrapped her arm around his waist in return she honestly never wanted to leave his side. There were certain things they could control at the wedding and certain things they couldn’t, Zerick’s emotions were one of the things they couldn’t. She kissed him back as they moved on from Chauncey and she did say her name with a smile on her face and laughed with him. “I love the ring it has to it finally Dani Devonshire.” She said softly, leaning up to kiss him pulling back when asked about the wedding. “It was perfect even if it was delayed a bit. You there us finally saying I do was everything I ever dreamed about. I know you weren’t, you were just worried about your cousin, it’s one of the reasons I love you so much how concerned you are for your family.” She finished kissing him softly again and smiled at him seeing the cameramen start to take the impromptu pictures and when Hunter and Bliss approached them she smiled. “So far it’s been amazing but I’m looking forward to all the days after way more.” Dani said hugging Bliss and then looking at Hunter.

Hunter had been happy to stand up with Jackson at the altar as he married Dani and was honestly really happy for one of his best friends once it was all done. He’d never seen Jackson as happy as he was with Dani and the way they looked at each other during the ceremony he wished them nothing but the best in their future. “Yeah what was up with the horses thing you couldn’t give something more intimate than massive horses? Means I have to step it up with Bliss once we pick out a house and since she’s insisting on horses I should probably get her one or a few. You should tell Bliss and I who you guys used to find your house or property at least.” Hunter said slightly teasing Jackson at the gesture he had went big when it came to his grand gift to Dani and she had seemed to love it according to what Mason had told him. He was silent for a moment as Bliss spoke about Zerick she had told him after the ceremony what was going on and did actually feel awful for him. “Yeah it’s awful but we decided that today is just about celebrating I’m sure that everyone can deal with what happened tomorrow you know?”

Jackson nodded as he looked at his wife. “You thinking too small Hunter you should have had that house already bought but knowing my little sister she’d kill you because she really loves designing. You know I was considering your lifestyle brand for DGI Bliss why wouldn’t we push that? You and Max have been fashionable so why wouldn’t you two try?” He asked as he looked at his Dani staring at him. Dani was looking at him with the look of if you don’t stop working she was going to kick his ass. “Okay ok I’m going to stop! But babe we are going to be gone for two weeks. That is a lot of time and I just want to make sure everything is perfect okay for when we are gone.” He kissed his wife and looked at her. “I think I can concentrate on partying and having fun when I’m able to actually do those things. I’m anxious for everyone to see us and to celebrate with our families and friends.” He looked around and saw JJ and Donovan trying to get Fox, Miles, and Morgan. They were already trying to explore the world.

Bliss looked around smiling at Hunter as she looked at her older brother. “This is why I think he’ll be CEO his mind is always thinking of DGI and Dani. If it’s not Dani it’s DGI or the twins. I’m not thinking of anything but my husband and starting a family. That’s why you or Chauncey are perfect for the CEO and I want you both to know that I’m taking myself out the running. I don’t want DGI and for the record all I want is what two have. I know Hunter has accepted Fox as his son but I also know he wants a child of his own.” She smiled at Hunter, Dani, and Jackson. “So can we all go take these pictures? So we can actually go partying? I want to dance all night long before you guys leave. I’m jealous I do love the Island and one day I want to take Fox to his homeland but not now. I miss so many of the people of the island and send my regards to Jolly. She’s the castle estate planner. She’s incredible and often patched me up.”

Dani shot Jackson a look to stop talking so much about work and working at the wedding, he was going to that she’d take his laptop away too on the honeymoon. They both needed the break from drama and DGI to recenter, refocus before they came back and if he was glued to DGI that wouldn’t happen. When Bliss mentioned finally taking the pictures and actually moving them along she smiled and nodded her head. “I’ll say hello to her for you if we see her. I am sure DGI will be fine for two weeks and you think you’re working while we are there it’s not happening. I want you all to myself and to the twins.” Dani said looking at him daring him to test her she’d do it and she knew he’d relax more if he wasn’t so amped up and worried about DGI when she saw the photographer calling for the family over and she about froze when he motioned Lowell over to them. “Play nice just until the photos are over you don’t even have to talk to him.” She said looking at him.

Lowell walked over to Dani and Jackson as he saw the photographer motioning for Lauren and Jackie also. As he walked over to his son and new daughter-in-law. He felt Jackson’s rage and he understood it but he chose to do something different. Instead of poking the lion, he went to the protective lioness. “Dani I welcome you into my family although I doubt you believe or trust a word I say. I’ve tried to break you two up. I’ve tried to hurt you both because of a petty rivalry I had in me. I don’t have any more hate in me or lies. I can tell you that I’m sorry and how proud I am to have you in my family. Someone who will check and challenge me and my children’s morals. I do hope you two will take this.” Lowell pulled out an envelope and handed it to Dani. Inside of the envelope it was an obscene amount of money. “Son you will be a better husband than I ever could be. That’s not for you two I’m sure your salaries are satisfactory at DGI so that is for my grandchildren. Chauncey will receive his tomorrow for Maddie and his children. Each one of my grandchildren will have a thirty million dollar trust. That’s JJ’s and Donovan’s and any other of your children will also inherit that. If you have my bloodline then you shall never want.”

Jackson saw Dani taking the envelope and was actually impressed with what his father did. “I appreciate that, I do believe that the twins will appreciate this.” He smiled as they took pictures. “I do however stand on what I said yesterday do you understand the pain you put us all through for a promise to a dead man who hurt you and made you the monster underneath my bed. Focus on what I am about to say at this very moment I’m happy and nothing you will do today will ruin that. I just hope your games against Zerick right along with Forbes haven’t broken a man who already is broken.” Jackson looked at his father disgusted and saw his mother and Lauren’s shocked looks.

Lowell smiled at Jackson and patted his back. “Go to hell son.” Turning around he walked away from Jackson and left as the photographer called him back.

Walter had been on his way over when he saw what appeared to be Jackson and Lowell exchange words and he beat him to the punch. Grabbing him mid walking away and walking back towards the photographers. “I don’t think so old friend you will stop and take it. I warned you about playing this game and you will not embarrass my daughter on her wedding day to your son.” Walter whispered as they got in line again seeing Lowell wanting to run again he looked at him. “Now force a goddamned smile so we can move on.” He finished turning around and taking his place.

**********

They had finally finished with the couple and family pictures, Merci had separated the men and the women to get their pictures done on opposite sides of the room. Dani was actually ready for the pictures to be over if she was honest, she wanted some food, to go share a dance with her husband and then to wrap up the wedding reception. Call her eager to escape Atlas Falls but she honestly wanted to get away from all the drama that Lowell had caused her and Jackson, more importantly her husband for him. He was riled up, angry at his father and all the deceit and the sooner that they left the sooner that he could decompress with her and work through all of it together. She saw the rest of her bridesmaids making their way over to her and Maddie who was holding JJ and Dylan who had Donovan while they snapped a few pictures. She looked at her mother and father as they approached they had already gotten pictures with her side of the family earlier and now the photographer insisted just her and her parents and then her bridal party. Hugging her mom she smiled at her despite all her objections about the wedding being too much her mom and Jackie had done a fantastic job.

“Thank you so much for helping Jackie with all of this. I was so busy with the pregnancy and the twins after they were born and so was Jackson. Then we started working again and you have been so helpful with them and even helping us find Dru.” Dani said looking at her mother, she was really glad for all the help even if she was still nervous as hell about having a nanny but she was willing to give it a try when they got back from the honeymoon. Jackson had assured her that Dru would be vetted and her mother had reinforced that Dru was quite nice and she trusted her so she was going to do her best to actually warm to the idea of a nanny. “I just worry you know after what happened with Scarlett and Vicki, I know I was being unreasonable at first with it so thanks for talking to me about Dru and easing those fears that you think she will be good for the job. Jackson and I both trust your judgement and thank you for making this the best wedding I could have imagined mom.” Dani said looking at her mother and smiling at her knowing that today was the only time her mother would see a daughter off to be married was special to them both.

Lauren smiled as she ran her hands over her dress as she touched Dani’s hair. “You are so beautiful my daughter. I have a daughter that is a Devonshire that’s mind blowing. You two deserve all this and more Dani. You two have a love that evolved and fixed years worth of pain so to help you two get married. That was easy and Dru fell into my lap. We were just lucky to find that girl. I hope she’s alright with Zerick. I saw them charge out as soon as the wedding was over. I heard what Lowell did. If it isn’t Miles, Whitney, and Skye now it’s Lowell and Zerick that’s too much and I don’t want you to worry about all of that. It was everything I needed and when I’m old and can’t remember I’ll remember this. In here.” Lauren said pointing to her daughter. “Only thing would have made it better was if your little sister was here. You’re the only girl I’ll get to walk down the aisle so I thank-you for sharing your day with me. Thank-you.” Sniffling wiping her eyes.

“I’m so sorry I’ve been thinking of Victoria so much lately that I am sure its gotten on you and Braden nerves. It’s just how different would our lives be if she survived but no sorrow. I’m grateful that I have you and Braden. Now I have my grandchildren and one day I’ll be reunited with her. But tonight is a party and let me tell you your mother knows how to party honey. You only saw a droplet of me last night oh baby I forgot what dancing felt like. I forgot what it was like to be happy because I’m learning again and you have helped that. You and Jackson have been healing me one way or another and letting me talk about the child that I loss has been major. On top of letting me plan your wedding so thank-you my baby girl. You maybe a mother now but you’re always going to be my little girl. I can see those brown curls chasing after Devin, Jon, KC, and Braden. You refused to change into a dress one day when your father had a meeting with the old mayor Langford Williams. It’s crazy how you’ve changed and I used to think Lucy and Victoria were going to rule the world. Now we don’t have either one of them. Well Lucy can at least come home.” Wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry it’s just that damn Lowell placed a energy over this place.”

Lowell certainly had and Dani tried to not let that get to her as she looked at her mother when was enough going to be enough for the great Lowell Devonshire, when was he going to give her husband an ounce of peace? Instead he had went out of his way to drop a bombshell minutes before she was going to walk down the aisle and really throw off the mood of the first part of the wedding. She bit her lip at the Victoria talk it wasn’t that she didn’t miss her sister she did and she was happy to listen to her mother about it, but she was gone. There was no bringing back her little sister that night and for some reason it was constantly on her mother’s mind, she knew Braden was irritated by it and she had tried not to be for her mom’s sake. She didn’t know Dru all that well but she had heard about what Zerick had done and she did feel bad for him, Belle and Dru Lowell not so much. She knew she’d eventually have to get to know her she was afterall watching the two most precious things to her and Jackson with the twins. She was still every bit a Fraiser as she was a Devonshire even though she was legally changing her last name and she didn’t want her mother to think otherwise.

“I’m still every bit a Fraiser mom even if I am taking on the Devonshire last name, deep down I’m always going to remember who I am no matter what and Jackson loves that part of me. The part that you and dad gave me.” Dani said softly seeing her father approach them too and thought over that day she remembered it she had been twelve or so and had refused to put on a dress her father had gotten so sad and the compromise was she wore a skirt. She only really started to wear dresses in college and when she went to work for Charles was really where in her mother’s eyes her beauty really bloomed she was a tomboy up until that point but knew once she was in the public eye it was a game changer even more so now that she had married Jackson. “Lucy is going to get out and get her life back in order I know she will and I was really sad she couldn’t be here but like I told Kelsey can you see her fighting about a bridesmaid dress? I’m stubborn but she is a whole other level of stubborn that likes to run in our family.” Dani said to her mother and then looking at her father. “So did you actually come to see me at DGI or did Lowell send you there to do his dirty work? Weren’t you guys not talking or associating unless it was for the twins?”

Walter had been talking to Braden and Hunter about what happened earlier with all the women and then the conversation turned to the Scottswood area while the photographer got them all settled. Honestly his daughter had looked gorgeous on her wedding day and he was emotional about it, it was just Dani that he had now, the only girl he’d get to see walk down the aisle and it didn’t even hurt that bad seeing her marrying the man she really loved. Her vows to him and Jackson’s vows to her had been enough for him to really see it, he thought he had when the twins were born but seeing  them handfasted with Pastor Frank sitting next to his mother and brother, his mother gripping his hand to nod her head with tears in her eyes that was true love. It was a story his mother liked to tell how his parents had been handfasted he didn’t have the same upbringing that Lowell did his father just liked the whiskey and bourbon a little too much but he never laid hands on him, his siblings or his mother. He leaned in kissing her cheek.

“Can’t it just be for once both? I went to see you and I’m glad I did, you and Jackson would have overbid on those wind turbine contracts when you pitched it and you looked stunning in my old office. Plus I did need to ask your permission to bring Brenda as my date I’m not that callous to your feelings.” Walter said looking at Lauen she had brought Randall he had brought Brenda it was awkward to explain to his mother when she had asked where Lauren was at his side with Brenda and he gently had to remind her they were divorced. He had then let Helen and Brandon escort her into the reception where Brenda had went too so he could get the photos out of the way and he looked at his daughter and at Lauren. “Lowell asked to run another sample I know he couldn’t get close enough to get one. I wanted the matter settled for him and for you and Jackson before he died. I had no idea the results would be streamlined and I actually asked him to wait till after the wedding to reveal the results.” He looked at her seeing that she was barely believing him and he had to chuckle and then looked at Lauren. “Even when I am honest with her she still gives me that look you used to give me when you thought I was lying. We made out quite well I’d say between her and Braden and down the line Donovan.”

Kelsey was holding Jolene in her arms and instantly got irritated as she heard Walter’s sexiest and old notions. She almost wanted to punch him from excluding the women in this damn family. She was a fucking lesbian doctor who had went through medical school to be one of the best pediatric surgeons in Pennslyvania was he insane to just ignore the strength of the Fraiser women? “I’ll have you know that I’m freaking holding the first female whatever the fuck she wants to be. Jolene Jacqueline aka JJ is just as important to the legacy of the Fraiser and Devonshire’s as Donovan. Not only that it’s your sexist views that kept my sister from being herself. She wasn’t a lesbian she just was tough as hell and maybe if we welcome different we’ll get different results. JJ is the future just as much as Donovan and I suggest you never forget that.”

Lauren smiled at Kelsey and Dani; she missed Lucy also and her fierce declaration for independence. She was correct JJ was just as vital to the bigger picture as Donovan. “I’m here for Kelsey, the women of this family have been placed in a small box for far too long. We are just as important to the future of the years. Dylan, Donovan and JJ are the future do you understand that? It’s sad that the young girls aren’t pushed to the levels that the men are. But your daughter fought for a seat at the table and she has it in spades along with a happy marriage, something we couldn’t accomplish so I think the Fraiser women are doing way better than the Fraiser men. I mean if we are here to push them all right? Boy or girl we are here for the betterment of them all.”

Dani had looked at her father he wasn’t going to be that way to JJ if he was he could just forget about them repairing everything, she was not going to subject her daughter to that. She was not going to have a repeat of that with JJ when it came her self confidence or acceptance. Lucy was like her in a lot of ways when it came to tomboy behaviour but in other ways she was even more wild than she ever was, Lucy was such a roaming free spirit and her dad did frown on that growing up. “Seeing how JJ’s parents are successful despite other’s best efforts to kick them while they were down or to try and make them into someone they were not, I think JJ will be just fine and can be anything that she or her twin brother want.” She said looking pointedly at her father as the photographer called them in for a photo and she did her best smile, she really did hope that for everyone’s sake he was really trying to change, she adjusted the bouquet for a moment and then the photographer took a break going back to the men. “I would like to think that you are trying to do your best now or I swear I’ll be forced to choose a side and it will be with Jackson on this. I assure you that is something that we talked about a long time how we were going to parent.”

Walter swore they were all ganging up on him and he supposed he did deserve it he wasn’t the kindest parent when ti came to Dani growing up he was very hard on her he could blame a lot of her choices on him. He had meant what he said to Jackson the night before he had made many mistakes as a parent when it came to his marriage and at one point he through the girl, that turned into a woman his daughter was one of them, he was at peace with that now. “I was simply making an observation I should have included JJ in that of course. I was well warned the night before and I frankly believe him.” Walter said looking at her he did believe Jackson’s threats, he took a breath for the moment looking at Dani and Kelsey. Lauren was right for much of what she said he did believe that Dani and Jackson could make it, Jackson never resented the twins and he could have. “I think your marriage has started off the right way Dani, your mother and I were not the best example how to do that and I take full responsibility for it. But perhaps we are better grandparents at this point so that is an improvement we all can welcome.”

Lauren walked to the waiters who had the hard liquor and the Fraiser bourbon. “I’ll cheers to that. We will be way better grandparents than we were parents because lord knows you were horrible.” She said underneath her breath handing him a glass. “This is nice having you here I think and I think that we are all here for our family. We might even be friends.” Lauren said as she looked him dead in the eyes. “Just keep that bitch out my face.”

**********

Max had done her sisterly and bridesmaid duty taking pictures with both her family and then the bride and groom, then the rest of the bridesmaids and trying her best to smile though it all. Honestly she was annoyed that Sebastian had to leave right before the wedding and rehearsal dinner and the rest of the festivities. Granted she normally wasn’t all that concerned when a man fluttered in and out of her life, who was she kidding she was the one fluttering most of the time but it did annoy her. He had proposed to her and she would have liked to announce it at least to Jackson to let him know of course not before he said I do, but she really wanted to let her twin know that she had taken his advice and was actually happy with Sebastian and moving on from the drama with Hunter and Philip. She had went to make her way out to the tents  and to call Sebastian for an update on when he would be back. Only instead she saw Devin Thompson and Jon Harrison exit the security room and honestly she had to give it to him he had balls to show up here even if he looked like a scrub.

“Here I thought we were done with poor Harrison petty drama for the rest of the week who knew you had the balls to actually show your face here though? On the other hand it’s a done deal now they already said I do so if you were hoping to live out the letter fantasy I have news for you, it won’t happen.” Max said the rehearsal dinner had been a living nightmare for her brother and Dani how Jon was at it, drunk and ranting about things that should have been kept private. She had no idea if Jon was jealous that Jackson was with Dani or not, nor did she care Dani was her brother’s wife now plain and simple and he’d learn his place at the table. She had to snicker at him a little in his jeans and his t-shirt. “You know though if you’re going to wedding crash stay classy with the look. Jeans and t-shirt nice, really nice. I think they’re off somewhere taking pictures or alone if you’re looking to congratulate them, then again I doubt either of them want to see you ever again after the other night.”

“Damnit shut up Max.” Jon said looking at the woman before him. “Max, where is Selina, Tamara, and Bliss? We have to find them. Dimitri Kavanaugh escaped last night and from what we just found, he’s on the property. He’s on the grounds of the mansion Max and I’m here to find him but I’m not here to break up the wedding. In fact I could honestly care less if your brother and Dani are married; two people never deserved each other more.” He said with enough sarcasm that he saw Max was amused. “Either way my letter fantasy is better than Alice in wonderland vomited on a wedding. I really missed something special huh? Either way I don’t have time for you so unless you can help us find Tamara, Selina, and everyone to warn them including your sister or are you mad she has your ex-husband?” Jon bit back as he looked at Devin looking at him. It was no law on checking a spoiled little bitch.

“Matter of fact Max where is your date? You alone? The great Max Devonshire has nobody on her arm. Wow, so you are boring because you are still the same vapid pointless little whore you were in high school. While everyone else grows up around you. Let’s take a look at your greatest hits shall we when you banged a teacher and then he vanished. Not you which was irony because usually the kid has to go away but poof no jail time and no more hot teacher. Then you stole Hunter and when he decided you didn’t want him you screwed Philip. Don’t you dare judge my letters you wish your ledger was as simple as my written letters Max. But we all know what a disgusting virus you truly are infecting every man you touch. I’m presuming your latin lover got the drift and got away from you. I wish them all the hell that comes with being a part of your family so yeah congratulations. I don’t give a damn about them just finding this psycho before he hurts another woman or any other person in Atlas Falls. Go that?”

Max had looked at him so testy at times she could see why that might appeal to a woman now and then but with her she had to shake her head at him if he thought his words really hurt her. She was a cold hearted bitch half the time that took what she wanted without remorse or thought but her mind had went to one thing when he mentioned Dimitri had escaped, it meant that Bliss was in danger and so was Selina, along with Tamara. A chill went down her spine that she refused to show to him her father had the best security money could by they had spared no expense when it came to security after Forbes came back to town or after Bliss was attacked the first time. Jon wanted to be vicious though he was going to learn not to tangle with a viper that was set on devouring anything that stood in her way and she looked at him. She smiled at Jon as sweetly and as kindly as she could playing nice for reporters and nosey people that liked to gossip.

“Testy but since you want to compare ledgers I think Dani was after something a little more than written words on paper, hence why she’s been in my brother’s bed since that first night you couldn’t even get to second base with her. Oh I’m sorry did that hurt?” Max said looking at his face at the comment she honestly didn’t know what was actually in those letters or if Dani read them all she knew was that her brother had won this time. Dani wasn’t Skye Morgan. “Or maybe you thought Dani was Skye and had her confused about going between you both? You’re so noble aren’t you Jon? I actually care very much about Bliss you asshole and for that alone I’m going to relish when you never get custody of your son especially after that little outburst at the rehearsal dinner. But you know you’re right let’s not talk about all that mess I’d hate to tarnish your fucking nobel record with the depeartment publicly. I actually don’t need a man at my side he’s away on business if you must know.” Max spat at him and then looking at him was he really that daft it was a wedding all the women were guests or in the wedding party. “Oh gee detective Harrison I have no idea where the women that Dimitri might be maybe they all went home? Are you daft? They’re outside in the tents waiting on my brother and Dani to start their part of the reception.”

Jon turned away and was listening to the head of security in his earpiece. “Thanks Max you’re a peach. Listen you know nothing about the ending of my story just like I don’t know about yours. I hope you have a good rest of your party and.” He paused as he turned around. “Max we don’t have eyes on Tamara and I’m just trying to see where else could she go? Okay they’ve found everyone else.” He looked at her feeling his stomach drop. “It’s Tamara, we can’t find Tamara. Alright I need everyone to find all the blindspots and go to them. We need to locate Ms. Wright as soon as possible. Look what I did at that rehearsal dinner wasn’t acceptable and to be honest I’m in so much pain Max I can’t see straight. My son is all I ever wanted Max and to lose him it feels so empty so that was a low blow. But I understand Max you never will love something more than yourself. Please don’t think because I’m noble I have to shut my mouth. I’m a cop and I don’t want your family to end my career so I’ll stop now but understand you aren’t better than me. You all are quite sad.” Looking at Devin he saw him walking up with Merci.

“They can’t find Tamara.” He said looking at his partner. “I think it’s time to alert Bliss and Selina. If he’s targeting Tamara then he’s targeting them also and if we can find him before he hurts the women. Max is there anywhere that the cameras wouldn’t find in the mansion? Any thing we don’t know about this fucking museum?” Jon said looking at her. “Max this is serious we need to try to figure out where he could be hiding on the grounds. The security aren’t locating him.”

Max looked at Jon her head tilted to the side as he revealed that apparently security was inept at their jobs at a wedding. Weren’t there teams at all the tents, granted it was a pretty big guest list from what she knew over two hundred at one time so there was a lot of people there. She didn’t know how much Jon or the rest of the police department knew about the foundation of the mansion her great great grandparents had it in the civil war, it eventually went to the bank and it sat there until her father had rebought the house after DGI first started making money and renovated it. She and her siblings knew about the tunnels because their father used to show them and they actually used them for partying, sneaking in and out and playing hide and seek when they were younger. She looked at Devin and then at Jon wondering if that is where Dimitri would have gone and if he did then they want to call in some extra hands. She was glad to hear that Bliss and Selina were safe though and if they stayed near people or around the party they would remain that way.

“So back in the day on my dad’s side they used to own this back in the civil war days, there’s tunnels around and under the mansion. It’s not like everyone knows about them though and when my parents bought and remodeled them I know my dad kept the entrances open and there’s ways to enter them outside and from inside the house.” Max said looking at Jon she really didn’t think Dimitri knew about them though hell Bliss didn’t, she hadn’t used the tunnels in years either. Not to mention if you got lost in them you could go or end up really anywhere that was unsafe. “Listen no one has used them in years and not a lot of people know about them. I think my dad may have a map of them in his study if that is what you are asking. There are other spots too like at the guest house and around some of the outer buildings, it’s not like he wanted to get caught on camera back in the day with his mistresses around my mom.” Max finished wondering if that is the answer that Jon wanted or not.

“Thank-you. You said a map was in the study?” Dimitri Kavanaugh had an abundance of resources at his disposal at one point and he could know about the history of the Devonshire family. It was amazing to hear they were actually a part of something so good. Jon nodded to Devin to get him to come with him as he charged up the stairs he saw Jackson and Dani with the twins. Taking a picture he could swore he saw Dani looking back at him. A chill ran down his spine because she really did it. He was proud and hurt all at once. He was ashamed at how he acted but he wouldn’t and couldn’t apologize. It wouldn’t change anything because as Max had stated he would never get his son. Jon looked at Max and touched her hand briefly as he turned around. “Max don’t ruin their day okay. Don’t tell them I’m here or what’s going on with Dimitri. We’re going to catch him tonight.” ”

Jon nodded at Devin as he walked away. Turning his head he looked at his friend. “You need to call Braden and see if he has Tamara tucked away. If we can’t locate her then this could get really bad. I suggest you tell him now. If Dimitri is targeting these women I don’t think this is going to end peacefully.” Feeling his stomach drop the shit he said to Braden and Dani and Tamara could be fighting for her life. For some reason he felt truly uneasy walking up the stairs. He’d been in the mansion quite enough questioning Lowell and Jackson. Looking at the walls he felt his heart stiffen.

Raven had on a glamorous Versace red gown with a fur wrapped around her arms.Rubies dangled from her ears to her wrist. “Max Devonshire.” She called out to the woman before her. “The level of devastation you must truly be going through to not know where Sebastian Navarro is truly at. I just returned from Florida and this may mean absolutely nothing to you but I came here to warn you that Gia will be killing your lover very soon. Now I never thought I’d be here before I go see my boss but I’ve been having her watched mainly because of Hector Castillo. He is sadistic and from what I hear he has your man. Now I’m going to Ronan but you need to get your police friends or someone to get to the warehouse seventy five on the pier. You might be able to save him and I need you to do that fast. I have to go now.” Raven said as she began to turn around and slink away hoping Max wouldn’t cause a scene.

Max watched as Jon and Devin went up the stairs and turned into her father’s study hopefully they could find the plans in there. She wasn’t sure if she should bust in and tell Jackson and Dani that Dmitri was gone or really alert them that the security at lost Tamara, the estate was really big and it seemed that the police department had people on it. She also didn’t want to have the guest in mass hysteria either when it came to what was going on people running for the exits at full speed could cause a lot of unneeded chaos. Bliss was safe outside as well as Selina so maybe the police would search just for Tamara and be done with it. She had turned around to make sure the rest of the wedding reception was on track when she heard Raven calling to her. She had no idea hat Ronan’s lawyer wanted with her. Her interest was peaked when she said that Gia has Sebastian, that was odd seeing how she had texts that stated that he was in Spain on family business for the winery. She turned to Raven wondering how she even got in it’s not like her mother would have extended an invite to Ronan or his organization.

“Sebastian is in Spain with his brother they had an emergency at the vineyard, the crazy bitch was threatening it and well he was needed at home to deal with it. I already have tangoed with Gia she knows her place and well Sebastian would tell me if Gia had taken him or he was with her.” Max said seeing the other women stop in her tracks as she did so, she was going to get to the bottom of this she already knew that Gia was pressuring Sebastian into trying to be a part of the family business something that he assured her he was done with. She wasn’t opposed to the idea she had to work with Ronan on the casino so it wouldn’t be the first time the Devonshire’s had to tango with the wrong side or morality but he didn’t want too. She walked up slowly to Raven as she took a glass of champagne toasting to the waiter as she did someone was bound to see that Raven was not on the invite list and report it to Merci but she wanted to know what Raven as talking about. “Sadly I think the police are other occupied at the moment and if there is something happening at the pier shouldn’t Ronan be down there handling it himself? Sebastian has been texting me the last few days he’s in Spain so perhaps you have your information wrong?” She finished as she passed her the extra glass in her hand.

“I don’t have the wrong information you vapid little girl.” Snapping her fingers in her face. “When was the last time you saw Sebastian, Max? Let me explain something our information isn’t wrong sweetie. Hector Castillo was at the Backwood bar drunk bragging about kidnapping a vineyard owner. Now I am putting one plus one and that makes two. I bet you’ve been getting text regularly but you haven’t spoken to Sebastian. Is that strange I’ve heard he’s quite the talker and romantic does that sound like him? You’re deluded and I heard you were smart. I’m giving you facts now whether you take them or not isn’t my concern. But when your lover is dead and I mean gone forever this isn’t a new purse or bag it’s a life. Your lover had a horrible relationship in the past with Gia. She needs a new transport from Europe to America and unfortunately for Sebastian he fell in too and I can’t imagine what’s happening to him. Now do what you want with what I’m telling you. But I can assure you Sebastian is good as dead if you don’t get some assistance to save him. I was never one to spill too much tea Ms. Devonshire but I can’t stand this bitch and I feel like she pumped holes in Thor and almost killed my best friend Ronan so no love lost. I’m telling you what I know you’ll regret this. I have to go find Ronan now Ms. Devonshire do what you want with this.” Raven said as she turned around then looked back.

“Ms. Devonshire he proposed to you. She purposely took him when he proposed it’s sick and you stood up to her. Sweetheart wake up and go find the authorities and get to him. Or else you won’t have him.” Raven grabbed Max’s hand and looked at her. “He’s involved with the mob Max. He isn’t racketeering or transporting humans or doing anything like that. But he slept with this psycho. I got a little information on her and she’s not on the up and up Max. Listen to me. I’m not going to repeat myself because I shouldn’t be here. This could blow up in Ronan’s face, I’m here because you nor Sebastian deserve this. I have to go as I said take it or leave it.”

Max had listened to her ramble on about Ronan and really didn’t care what kind of trouble he was in she did care about Gia though going after Sebastian. For that that seemed like something that could have happened the woman kept bothering him in while he was in town. Ronan was simply a nuisance to her many ways she had to work with him at the casino it wasn’t like they were cozy and he did let Kendrick give her twin brother drugs back in the day too. “Are we sure it’s Gia’s distribution that is compromised or it your bosses? How do you sleep at night defending all the bad shit he does, didn’t his accountant go missing early last year before all the stuff witn Kendrick went down? I’m not telling you how to run your house but yet you come here and call me vapid? I appreciate you coming by but I really do need to get back into the party.” Max said looking at her one last time before turning around and taking the rest of her champagne down. For now she wanted to wish her brother and Dani a happy rest of the evening, make sure the police were on the case of a missing and deranged prince, that her sister was safe and then she was going to head down to the pier and see for herself if Raven was right or not. Until then though she took another glass of champagne from the passing waiter and took a sip to steel her nerves before she walked back into the tents to enjoy the party a bit longer.

**********

Tamara saw Braden laughing with Brock and surprisingly Chauncey. The wedding had everyone on their best behavior. She did feel tension between the men the moment that french pitbull Greer walked into the room. As she stepped out on the terrace she felt warmth from the heaters the festivities were in these tents that Merci had built. Say what you want about her and she was a raging deranged bitch but she was amazing. This didn’t look like the mansion they all saw every day on the way to work. This was something else that made it feel fantastical and magical even. She rubbed her belly as she looked out at the night sky. The ground was covered in petals from what had to be thousand if not millions of flowers. She escaped this for a moment earlier she swore she saw him. She just wanted it to stop. That feeling and aching of him haunting her every step. It was warm out here but it’s a winter night. The snow fall flickered in the wind but it didn’t make it to them due to the warmth of the heaters.

Walking to the window she could see Maddie, Wyatt, Dylan all dancing and playing with the kids. How did she get a kid so amazing? Here he was not doing drugs or acting out and he had every right to be furious. Rubbing her belly she smiled. “That’s your big brother Dylan in there. He’s amazing and your daddy Braden’s schmoozing with people but I just like it when it’s just us. I want to protect you from the world baby you hear me? I’m sorry you’ve had so much violence around you recently. That bad man is gone and I assure you I’m not going to think of him anymore. I promise.” When she heard a noise Tamara turned around. “Hello?” She said turning around looking at the darkness. As she turned around her she slowly strutted to the window again hearing another noise. “Hello?” Tamara called out looking around.

It was easy enough to get in once he had left the motel and he made his way through the tunnels and the hallways he saw all three of them chatting it up earlier like they were best friends. Dumb bitches and then he had seen Bliss’s hand in the light and he had to remember to remain calm in the shadows all of them would pay but especially her when it came to everything that she had done. He had watched coming out at different moments he even had watched the ceremony from the shadows to then sink back into the walls. The police were searching for him to bad for them they didn’t know about the tunnels or the fact that one of them ran right by the security room and he could hear through the walls. He knew what he was going to do when he had his opportunity and as soon as the bitch had stepped outside the safety of the security on the tents to wander the estate he knew it was his opportunity. He followed behind her silently and when she began to call out he made sure to stay in the shadows until she was close enough her back turned him and he grabbed her from behind seeing her stuffen as he pointed the handgun in his hand at her stomach.

“Screaming won’t help you, you dumb bitch did you really think that I was going to just let you go? After everything you did to me?” Dimitri said pressing the gun into her bulging stomach and seeing her trembling he pressed her against the building he could do it fuck her again if he wanted. But she was pregnant with someone else’s child and that thought just didn’t do it for him instead he leaned in smelling her hair feeling her tremble as he inhaled and exhaled. “Now I’m going to tell you to walk and you’re going to go and if you scream or make a sound, well I won’t miss you. Think about the child inside of you such a shame it could have been mine, you’re the first you know? The first I’ve really wanted since Bliss and yet you threw it all away with your lies about what happened that night in New York.”

“Lies? You keep saying that I’m lying about you raping me Dimitri you attacked me. You viciously beat me and left me there. Don’t make it to be something it wasn’t to be. I could never want to be with you now or then. I will go with you because I’m pregnant. Tell me why won’t you just leave? You know that whatever you are doing you won’t get away with it. I promise it okay so just leave Dimitri. This wasn’t some romanticized relationship. I just was friendly once and you thought I wanted you. Why me? Why are you stalking me and doing this to me? Bliss doesn’t want you, Selina is done and I’m pregnant not with your baby okay. This isn’t your baby and I’m sorry for shooting you but tonight you can’t do this. You can’t be here, people are going to come for me. Just leave me alone and let me go.” Tamara said, wrapping her arms around her belly stepping back.

“Please you terrorize me. I see you in my dreams, every shadow, and I just wanted to make it stop. Please just let me go.” Tamara whimpered as she looked at him. “My son is right there, how are you going to get me past them? Huh? Everyone will see Dimitri, this truly insane. I will get off I’m a pregnant rape survivor so whatever you’re thinking about stop. Just go and leave Bliss and Fox alone. You know deep down that they are going to be better without you. You know what you’ve done to people and you truly know that if Fox turns out anything like you he’s a monster. We want our children to be better than us Dimitri. I promise I’m sorry and if you go now I won’t say a word. I’ll just get my son and family and go. Please just leave now.”

Dimitri looked at her and let out a maniacal laugh. Did she really think speaking to him like this was going to sway his mind? That he would simply let her go when she had ruined everything for them and him? All she had to do was shower and move the fuck on with her life but instead no she had called the police or her sister had that was his next stop. Called the police and got the entire story mixed up. She wanted him that night and had wanted him in Philip’s office too when they talked about Dylan and Fox and yet she had betrayed him. She would pay for that with her life if needed; it would just be sad and tragic to take the child to or maybe not in his mind. “You’re lying Tamara always lying like Bliss would when we would argue and tussle at the castle. She’d play those games so with me too comfort me and talk to me, want me then play coy afterwards. I’ve seen all this before and to think I was going to give you the world that night and instead you fought me. For something that deep down you know you wanted because the other man in your life can never love you completely, too much history there with Selina Delacroix.”

He waved the gun in front of him motioning her to walk and when she refused he walked up to her pointing it at her chest pressing the tip in so she felt the steel against her skin. “Now I’m not going to ask nicely again to start walking. You see we have a party of our own we need to get to and I’d hate to be late to it.” He said leaning into her ear as he kissed her cheek feeling her recoil from his touch and he pressed the gun in more. “Walk like you are enjoying the stroll you see no one can see you or hear you on this side of the estate Lowell didn’t exactly install security cameras at this angle he liked it to be his secret fucking place back in the day and well that was his mistake. His mistake to hide Bliss and my son in this house from me and unfortunately for you and your unborn child, well that is still to play out.” He finished shoving her for good measure to take a few steps he really did want her to comply and if she didn’t he had no problems dragging her himself to where they needed to go until he had to go get their other guests.

Why did the Devonshire mansion have tunnels inside of it? Tamara lips quivered as he poked her in the back with the gun. She saw that she would pass by the children without them even seeing her. Gasping Tamara picked up her dress she slowly began to walk to the tunnels as she exhaled. Placing her hand on her chest she slowly entered the dirty dark tunnels and felt herself cold. As she touched her belly she felt the fear with a fear eating at her. “You still don’t get it. Women aren’t property Dimitri. We aren’t just fighting with you as if this is a simple tussle. This is our body that you are violating and you are disrespecting us. Please listen to me this is insane that you are kidnapping your rape victim. Please stop.” She yelped as he poked her with the gun rougher. “I am telling you that I didn’t want you. I didn’t and if you can’t understand that then you are insane. Men aren’t this blind and inept when it comes to consent. I said no and I meant that. You violated me and my body. I haven’t been the same I can barely touch my husband or hug my son. You don’t get it! I am damaged now. You have damaged me!” She shrieked hoping someone would hear her. She saw a brick and doubled over in pain as if she was cramping. “My baby.” She cried taking the brick as he snatched her up and pushed her to continue walking.

“Where are you taking me, it’s getting so cold? Where are we going? It’s dark and I don’t want to be attacked again. So if you’re going to rape me just do it here. If you are going to kill me then do it here. I’m not moving anymore! I’m not going any further with you. So do what you must against me.” Tamara declared as she turned around throwing the brick at Dimitri trying to run away. Screaming for help as she heard the music and voices growing more and more distant. “Please someone help me!” She cried out slamming her hand into the walls. “Please someone!” Tamara screamed not knowing where she was going or where to go to get help.

Dimitri looked at her so scared like a little rabbit going down a rabbit hole it was actually Lowell’s fault never put cameras up in this building according to the architect that is where he would take his mistresses too. You couldn’t very well have them on camera and he had to laugh at that even he knew that much and well the palace never ahd cameras for that reason among many. He didn’t care that it was cold or wet as they trudged in through the outside building and into a wall and down a pair of stairs to the underground tunnels. He almost felt bad for her as she clutched her stomach and bent against the wall only to instead jab her again with the gun he was on a schedule. Take her, Selina and Bliss make sure they all paid for betraying him and then flee with Bliss and Fox. They were returning home to Isla Del Cruces or somewhere that he wouldn’t be extradited and then he would take out his brother and Atticus for the crown.

“No one can hear you.” Dimitri said looking at her as he shoved her into the wall and then he saw the object in her hand and moved out of the way as she threw it if she wanted something to use she should have still had her gun. He pressed her body against the wall wrapping his hand around her neck as he placed the gun against her belly, she was shaking again in fear and he couldn’t help the rush that gave him. “You are such a stupid bitch at times and here I thought you could remain free in all this or at least unharmed.” He finished releasing her neck as he shoved her down the hall watching as she tripped and braced her fall. He let her keep running as the music got quieter and quieter behind them until he shoved her down the hallway and then walked up behind her hitting her in the back of the head with the gun, catching her body as he came to the room that he had marked. “Such a shame as I really was going to give you everything no matter, others will join us now too.” Dragging her limp body down the hall he disappeared down another tunnel towards his intended target he had more to collect.

**********

Jackson was in the first tent which looked absolutely like what Merci, his mother Jackie, his mother-in-law Lauren, and Dani had wanted. He just felt excited to see it all. Looking at Dani standing with all the girls and people surrounding her. It was exciting to see her so much the new Ms. Devonshire. He winked at her as she looked at her and he saw Atticus approaching him. He walked up to him and shook his hand. Looking at Brooke speaking with Rory and Jamal he smiled. “You know they’ve been best friends since they were all kids. It’s actually funny to me how they have kept their connections much like me, Mason and Hunter.” He patted Atticus on the back. “I appreciate you believing in my initiative and we can’t wait to stay at the castle. I will make sure your country is on the verge of change and I’m happy to help with Isla De Cruces change and honestly I am honored because my family legacy is being passed to us at this very moment and I want you to know I take it in your legacy just as serious.” He picked up a champagne glass as he looked at Atticus.

“I want to do some fun stuff and tell me what we should do. Brooke and you are heading down in the next week we should have some fun. I want to enjoy my kids and wife. Hell I know the panels are being put up after we leave but you’ll be there and I’ll be sending Simon or Talia for the ribbon cutting. I just want to tell you I appreciate everything you have done for not just DGI but my sister also. Dani and Bliss have gotten really close and Fox is really a special kid. He’s both our nephew and we have to protect him.” Jackson declared looking at him. “So tell me when we are attending the royal affair I hear it’ll put my wedding to shame.”

Atticus had sat in the back with Brooke for the wedding it was a very beautiful ceremony and it had put some ideas in his head that he wanted a bigger and better wedding. Not better per say, he and Brooke were not Jackson and Dani but a wedding on Isla Del Cruces would look much different than one here in America in Atlas Falls. There would not be so much personal elements to it now that he thought about it and it would be sanctioned by the bishop in Isla Del Cruces, a lot of show and crowns, jewels and formality that most guests would probably sleep through. He was of course happy to pioneer the solar panels when it came to DGI, it was good press and would truly transform the island. He was happy to be on the project when Bliss had suggested it earlier in the year and his father had approved of it. He thought about some different things that Jackson and his new wife could do on the island in his head he of course was happy to have them as guests for their honeymoon but he did think it was odd to bring their children.

“As we have previously discussed I have a nursery set up at the castle for your children and the full time nanny that has been checked off personally by myself to help with them during your stay. I would recommend of course visiting the stables we have lovely horses and facilities. Art museums as well, we have local wine making that I am sure your wife would appreciate seeing her roots. There is of curse a roaring fireplace in every room of the castle for those cold winter nights.” Atticus said looking at Jackson with a smile he hoped that they did enjoy that part of their stay even bringing the children he was looking forward to that with Brooke, the honeymoon where he could perhaps start on his own heir. He didn’t know that it was wise to talk about work so much at Jackson’s wedding and there would be plenty of time for that now that they were in business together with the panels and he hoped other ventures. “We also have a hot springs with a private getaway on the island owned by just he castle perfect for an evening or two alone, swimsuits optional of course. I also want to assure you that the staff know of discretion and if anything happens you simply have to let me know. I think a royal wedding will be much different than yours too many politicians falling asleep, but hopefully in a year at most I just have to narrow down a date with Brooke and the bishop. Fox is always welcome as is Bliss and Hunter.”

“Thank-you Atticus I can’t wait to enjoy the island and see what we are about to do together. I know that my sister will be safe in Ilsa De Cruces when it’s time to go back. Fox has a lineage there and we want him to know it. Look, I’ve heard Bliss and Dani talking. She’s not trying to take him from your family at all, she’s trying to figure out how to do it. I do know that, it’s painful to go back to that island. It’s so painful to relive all that damage on her soul. So please don’t charge it to her heart okay because she’s always loved you. She’s spoken so highly of you and I’ve seen that you are an upstanding man. I feel so badly you have to contend with cleaning up Dimitri’s mess but we aren’t here to talk to that. I do believe that Brooke deserves a huge wedding. She’s always been a good girl and now a good woman. I’m glad that you two made it. I know Ronan and he’s not a good guy and you are. She deserves that and a happy ending.” Jackson patted Atticus’s shoulder.

Jackson dug into his pocket and pulled the pen from the guestbook. Quickly jotting down all the stuff that Atticus said he smiled. “I just want to have fun, man. You’ll know this feeling when you feel it. You want to explore life so much with the woman you’ve committed your life to. I used to wonder what life I’d have. Oftentimes drugs and flings were what I had nothing solid you know? No foundation you know if she’s the one you know? You feel like you’re on solid ground and float all at once. I know this is crazy coming from me. With my past reputation I’m not the best person to take advice from. But if you and Brooke are happy and in love true love then everything next year will go just as crazy as my wedding. Just go with it. She’ll be scared, but she’ll face it with you. Any storm and any pain you two have to be ready for it. Just a little advice from a married guy now. Only thirty minutes married but you know the old saying happy wife, happy life.”

Atticus had no idea that Ronan’s reputation preceded him even into the walls of the Devonshire estate but it seemed that it had and he was grateful for that. He was confident of course he was with Brooke now but knowing that the elite of Atlas Falls hated Ronan made him even more confident. Ronan Madden was a criminal that brought pain and destruction everywhere he went minus raping women there wasn’t a huge difference to him between someone like Ronan who lived for the drugs, the power and the money over someone as demented as his brother. “I actually don’t believe that Bliss is trying to take him from the crown or my family. I know that castle probably holds nightmares for her which is why I extended the invitation to you to show you that it has changed and that Fox and Bliss are always welcome there now. Some might actually say that I’m trying to take power from my nephew when my father disowning Dimitri and getting ready to name me the king, I am already crown prince.” Atticus said looking at Jackson the papers were already afloat with that idea that he and Brooke were taking away from his nephew’s legacy. “I am simply running things and teaching Fox along the way until he turns eighteen and can become crown prince.”

“Dimitri is no longer my brother or a part of the crown therefore we can no longer discuss him I am tired of cleaning up after him as is my father. As for Brooke and I am glad we found our way back to one another I made many mistakes along the way namely with your recent half sister Belle but Brooke found it in ehr to give us another chance for my foolishness. Speaking of happy wife and happy life.” Atticus said smiling at Dani as she approached them and then kissing her hand as he saw Brooke approaching them as well. The optics was something that in all the doom and gloom he hoped would rise Isla Del Cruces closer to the energy revolution that it needed and but his country back on the map as something other then the country that bred the serial rapist in it’s own backyard. “Mrs. Devonshire it’s a lovely reception and party Brooke and I do appreciate the invitation to be here.”

Dani had kindly and graciously exited after shaking the fifth persons hand who was some far off business partner that she had no idea about with Lowell back in the day, eventually spotting Jackson with Atticus. She really had meant it earlier he was not talking about business all night, they were not going to do that today or the next two weeks. She was awful at small talk with strangers and had left that with Jackie to handle. She could learn everyone after when they got back and sent out thank you notes, she had found the idea of a registry fun when they did it if anything but impractical they could always donate what they received. Even more so she really hoped they were not standing around and talking about Dimitri they already had the Zerick reveal and Dimitri was in custody, plus she didn’t want it to upset Bliss anymore she was finally happy with Hunter and starting her life over in a good place finally.

“Of course we’re actually honored that you and Brooke decided to come. Thank you as well for offering us to go to the island, I don’t think either of us has ever been before and it will be nice to see it before everything goes up. The pictures are very stunning that Bliss showed us and I’d like to see it in winter and summer or spring even.” Dani said looking at him and then at Jackson she was glad they went into business with Atticus and Isla Del Cruces it was a stepping stone to the larger scale things they wanted to do. It never would have happened if Bliss hadn’t been working with them and suggested it, they of course had the Scottswood part but this put them on the map internationally which was big news for DGI and the CEO position and she wasn’t blind to that. “I do hope you two aren’t over here talking business more and are instead looking forward to the cutting of cake, dancing and the rest of the evening.”

“They better not be talking business Dani.” Brooke said slinking over as she hugged Atticus and kissed him. “It’s so much love here that I can’t help but to give you some.” She smiled at Dani. “I am telling you if I don’t get that bouquet today I’m going to cut off someone’s hands. Even though I’m getting married to the man of my dreams there is no way I’m letting someone get it before me.” Teasing as she touched Dani dress and shook her head. “Val is amazing because you look stunning tonight Dani and Jackson you aren’t too bad yourself. I just want to say I appreciate you guys coming to the island. With all the good press you two have gotten it’ll bring all that attention to the island.” Brooke took Atticus hand and smiled at Jackson. “I remember when Rory and I found Jackson passed out on the floor. No this is a good story Jackson, I swear. He made me, Rory, and Jamal promise not to do drugs. Not only that he admonished Jamal for smoking weed. Even when you weren’t in your right mind you’ve always looked out for your siblings and us. I just want to say thank-you and I hope you two spend the rest of your lives happily ever after.” A waiter brought them all champagne flutes. “Ohhh let’s toast.”

Jackson held onto to Dani as he picked up a glass of champagne. He smirked remembering making each of them promise not to do drugs. Jamal at fourteen was already smoking weed and he figured that it was no stopping him. When they were younger he used to see so much of himself in Jamal not Rory. Rory was so put together from the point the kid came out of his mom’s womb. “Alright let’s toast.” He saw Zach, and Mason approaching them. Pointing at them to get a champagne flute. “In my mind I’ve thought of how this would feel. It feels even better than I imagined. After all the laughs we’ve had, and the tears shed I toast to the woman who has changed my life. To Dani Devonshire welcome to my crazy ass family but even more so Dani thank you. Thank-you for making me so much better and I hope I’ve done the same. Cheers to my beautiful wife.”

Zach held his champagne glass in the air afraid of telling them. He looked at Mason who had the same look in his eyes. “I need to speak with you four actually. Congrats cousin you were beyond beautiful but I’m going to go to my car and get my gun.” He saw Jackson, Atticus, Brooke, and Dani eyes bulge. “I need to locate Selina, Mason can’t find her. I don’t want you guys to be alarmed. Devin and Jon are on it and they are searching for him. Earlier this morning Dimitri slit an officer’s throat killing him. Devin just text me saying that Dimitri is on the property we are trying to locate him. I know neither of you are fans of Jon right now and hell I’m not too keen on my friend right now but he’s one of the cops. I didn’t want you two not to know that Dimitri is here. Atticus and Brooke do you two need to leave or something? I don’t want shit to happen to a prince and a supermodel tonight.”

**********

Selina spun around looking at Elliot in the eyes as he moved his hips keeping up with her. She felt magical at this very moment. She appreciated Elliot didn’t question her past and her body. It was her twenty-fifth birthday when Selina found out she was pregnant with Chauncey’s baby. Two weeks later she would double over in pain. Ophelia would go on to tell her she had an ectopic pregnancy and this would later cause her infertility. Maddie and Dylan both carry a big space in her heart because Chauncey and Braden let them have a place in their lives. However since she left Chauncey things were different and it was the same with Braden. They weren’t her children and she understood that. As she touched his chest she looked at him. “Can we talk in private for a moment?” Selina asked as she looked at him taking his hand outside of the tent and she began to walk the grounds of the estate.

“Elliot I know you have a son and I want to tell you if you’re looking for a family and woman to give you more children? I don’t think that I’m the woman for you. I can’t have children and I never could. It’s something I’ve accepted Elliot so if you want that or are looking for someone to help you have more kids. I’m not her. I’m not that woman and that’s why I tensed when Tamara admitted she was pregnant. She was trying to hurt me or not but it did.” She looked at him as her lips quivered. “I fell less than. I didn’t even get to the point  of IVF with Braden. I just want you to know before we start this. Whatever this is.” Selina said sniffled, wiping her eyes.

Elliot didn’t know if he wanted more children or not, his son was enough of course and that was never the reason that his first marriage ever ended. In fact it was their careers and goals they were actually still quite friendly as co parents. He looked as Selina had made her confession and he actually felt for her so many women couldn’t conceive he once had a client that had been made sterile by a doctor once, something that he was sure had happened to others she had couldn’t of been the only one. Unfortunately they had lost the criminal case and had settled out of court and he knew she would never be the same. The last he had heard though she had married and adopted two children and was happy, financially set and he wondered if the burden of no biological children had ever haunted her after adopting. He followed her as she walked and talked asking him if he was alright with what she was saying, he wasn’t opposed to the idea of being with her quite the opposite. He found her very interesting and he wasn’t with her for children or non children and he wouldn’t ask that of her if that is what she was asking of him unless she wanted it.

“I’m looking for a woman that is smart, kind, generous, funny, doesn’t need a man to tell her what to do or what to think. She needs to be able to be kind and good to my son when he visits if I decide to make a long term commitment to her, all of which I know you are. I honestly didn’t think that I would ever want more children other than him, but with the right woman and if it happened again Selina I would be elated if it doesn’t that is not a deal breaker for me.” Elliot said with as much honesty as he could give her who knew maybe one day they would get to that point and if she wanted to have a baby he’d do IVF with her if that was what she wanted. It was never discussed with him and his ex wife as she didn’t want more children and neither did he at the time. He didn’t know if that feeling would change over time with her but she was slowly showing him it was ok to dream more and want those things maybe long term again. “I know that right now I’m glad we’re exploring what this is after what that man did to you and I am okay with taking things slow, as slow as you need. One day if we decide that we want to go down that road with you and you want to do IVF or adopt, either option I would be alright with. Another biological child wouldn’t matter to me Selina but if it what you wanted, yeah I’d try my best to make it happen if we were in that place down the line.”

Selina listened and wondered how she got lucky as she did. This was a man here for her and she deserved it. She was still standing after Dimitri, Braden, and Chauncey. She left a marriage because it wasn’t what she thought it would be. Chauncey was a mistake from jump and Dimitri was an act of revenge on Chauncey for firing her from a company she helped build. It hurt and she was over it now but she wasn’t who she used to be anymore. Selina had gone to Jackie plenty of times exhausted with trying to conceive and have a child. She could remember her saying God will give her a family when she least expected it. She could remember her hair falling out when she lost her second baby with Chauncey. It was enough to drive anyone insane because why would God punish her like this? It felt like a punishment at least because she wanted to be a mother more than anything else. She nodded her head as she looked at him; her tears were brimming and threatening to spill down her chocolate skin.

She walked up to Elliot and touched his face with both her hands. “I’ve been through a lot Elliot but you’re making me feel like me again. You’re becoming something that I don’t want to be without. Your friendship and how you’ve been with me.” She knew what she wanted to do and honestly it felt right. This all felt like something she deserved and needed. A man who she didn’t have to share unlike with Braden and Chauncey. Braden never cheated but his heart has always been torn into two. Seeing Tamara and him showed something that he and she never considered his true feelings for Tamara. She was a drug addict in the past but the moment she cleaned herself up she almost felt like a ticking time bomb was going off. The violins and harps were going and she knew it was almost time for them to go inside. Leaning in she kissed his lips and it felt so good she felt the spark. They almost kissed before but she was glad right now was their first kiss. It was special and felt even more tender. “This almost feels like a fairytale. How’d I get so lucky?”

Elliot had listened to her and then before he knew it she had leaned in and kissed him in the mix of violins and what he assumed was a harp he wasn’t quite sure but he instead pulled her closer to him. They had almost kissed at Christmas only to be interrupted by her entire family showing up and he was glad for it, it gave him a perspective on the Delacroix family in Atlas Falls and her to an extent. They had money and they were rich not like the life he had growing up, the life that really had been ripped from him left and right and he always envied that side of the life but for everything he thought he knew he really didn’t know her at all. He knew her brother was a good lawyer and had said awful things to her, he knew that she was at one point at odds with Ophelia but that had changed from what he could see. Had Jamal been some lowly brother ont her street he would have been thrown behind bars for his little escapade with Ronan the previous year but the experienced seemed to have humbled him more than his fake identity did. The real treasure though was watching Selina with all of them how she was and something inside of him had melted for her realizing that in many ways they were very compatible when it came to what they wanted.

He leaned his head to the side as he wrapped his arms around her to pull her close to him and felt her heart beating in her chest and he swore he wanted to take her further. He knew that deep down though she wasn’t quite ready for that after her experience so he would go at her pace let her set the tone for them. Gently pulling back form her before his hands traveled down her body and he wasn’t able to control himself or how much he wanted her he bit her lip looking at her. “Who knew that you’d even consider me seeing what I said to Mason but I do like what this is Selina, the friendship we are forming but I’d like it to be more. When you are ready of course for now I’m just happy to be here with you in this moment.” Elliot said smiling at her before he swore he heard her scream and the last thing he saw was her horrified face before everything went black.

Dimitri had watched them leave the party when did these women get so careless and stupid did they really all think he was just going to stay gone? He could tolerate Bliss’s betrayal. She of course was Fox’s mother but Selina’s? Selina that he helped secure a divorce from her husband back in the states that swore she would help him regain Fox from Bliss fully? She had failed him in ways that were worse than what Amanda did if he thought hard enough and then to spread lies about him to the police and say he assaulted her? She enjoyed it when he had her int hat private balcony at the opera in New York, she had been so thrilled by it she was speechless when it happened. Yet she was upset that he took someone else to bed that night in the women’s dressing rooms, a lovely blonde that was paid handsomely for her services and turned it into some vicious lie that he assaulted her. She saw her starting to run to get away and simply stood in front or her pointing the gun directly at her head. She had a choice she could come with him willingly or unwillingly and if she was lucky she’d make it out alive at the end he hadn’t fully decided in her case yet. Maybe if she retracted her story to the police he would let her live there was no assault that night. There was simply him pleasing his woman in a private balcony at the opera.

“Don’t scream, don’t move, you really thought I would just stay in a hospital forever while you continued to spread lies about me to your ex husband? To the police and then you have the gaul to call me a monster?’ Dimitri said looking at her at one time he thought he could have actually married her if he thought that it would get him back Fox but he knew Tamara was the better option. Tamara wouldn’t be asked questions down the line from his son with the same blonde hair that Fox had. It would have been harder to explain with Selina though the end game was always going to be the same he wanted Bliss back too. They were all simply a means to an end when it came to what he wanted and what he was willing to do to get it. “Don’t worry he’s going to be out a while won’t even notice you are gone. Now we can do this the hard way or the easy way your choice.”

Selina was one second in the arms of the man she wanted to get to know better. The next moment she was face to face with her tormentor. It was his eyes. His eyes had no soul left inside of him. Whatever sanity Dimitri had he clearly had snapped. She wasn’t going to fight him because she didn’t want to be shot and killed or to die at his hands. Exhaling looking at him she shook her head. Holding her stomach because honestly he hadn’t touched her but she felt gutted. She took a deep breath and felt sick. Raising her hands up she nodded. “What do you want? Clap clap you’ve won, is that want to hear? I won’t be recanting anything because I didn’t want you to touch me. I didn’t want you to hurt me and you’ve changed me. I couldn’t even come outside and I got security all over. But you haven’t broken me. Whatever this is my family will notice I’m missing. The Devonshire’s will question where I am so are sure you want to do this Dimitri? You are a smart man we have enough money to get rid of you and hide you for the rest of your life. You want a exit I can give it but if you shoot or kill me. You won’t make it out of this town. Braden, Chauncey, Jon, and Devin will hunt. I know Jamal will go to Ronan and God Mason gay or not he’s a man. He’ll kill you and I am telling you too let me get help for Elliot and let me go. I’ll give you whatever you want.” Selina hands were still up as she looked at him.

“Please he could be hurt. Elliot really has been helping me through my pain and I just want to make sure he’s okay. He has a son also. I don’t know what happened with him and his ex-wife. But he is like you and I don’t want him hurt. I don’t want him to be hurt at all. Please just tell me what you want me to do.” Selina said as she looked at Elliot bleeding from his head. “You could have really hurt him.”

Dimitri looked at Elliot lying on the ground blood int he fresh snow around his head and simply shrugged as he walked to Selina with the gun in his hand. Coming to her he simply ran the gun along her face seeing her shaking in fear before he leaned in to her ear. “Should have just said you’d go willingly.” Dimitri said snapping on her and slamming the end of the gun down on her temple catching her as she fell into his arms. He lifted her up in his arms before disappearing into the night towards the tunnels he just had one more to collect now.

**********

Tess walked down the halls of the mansion and hummed to herself as she touched the walls. One day it would be hers. The gold leaf painted on the wall as she looked in the mirror. She was in this mansion almost thirty years ago wishing this was hers. Now she was so close. Lowell didn’t cut her off and that was enough to wiggle in. As she touched her chest tears burned in her eyes as she wondered where Pierre had gone. She had stayed for the wedding but she needed to. She needed to see Bliss and Belle accepted into high society. Taking a deep breath she turned to see Bliss holding her grandson. “Well this must look desperate me coveting what Jacqueline has. I am though. I know that nobody wants me here and me sticking around hiding and sulking in this mansion must make you feel so ashamed of me. He reminds me of your father. Fox has that look in his eyes anyone with the Devonshire blood has it. My entire life Bliss I’ve married and divorced over and over again. I’ve tried to change and become a good person. Lord knows I’ve sinned and lied and betrayed to get here. To this very moment where you can stand with Max and any other his other children. I’ve been every bitch, whore, skank, worthless but it was worth it. Every disparaging word that was snarled at me was so worth it. They love you and Fox it’ll take some time with Belle but they’ll see her shine. You will see her shine because I heard you attacked her viciously at Dani’s party.” Wiping the corners of her eyes she nodded.

“I’m going to ask you to do something that maybe so difficult because you’ve been accepted by the in crowd. Give her a damn shot because it wasn’t long ago you were hated. You spewed your nastiness.” She said in a taunting voice as she took Fox from Bliss arms. “Oh yes big guy your mother wasn’t always sugar and spice and everything nice. Prince Foxworth Mikial Kavanaugh your mother was quite hard on these very same people. But they have somehow learned to love her. You love Jackie more than me. You covet her as your mother so why should I even care what you feel. When you love her more than you love me. I’m heartbroken and I need my daughters by my side. Is this how I wanted to love your father no Bliss but this is what I have. I have him. He’s mine for once and I need you to be happy that I am happy. That I am living my dream and one day I’ll have all of this and you and Fox and Belle will too!” She declared as she kissed his forehead. “You have no idea what I’ve sacrificed for you!”

Bliss looked at her mother and shook her head covering her mouth as tears fell down her face. Shaking her head as she placed one finger up to gather her emotions. “It has taken me years to figure out what you are. I was a child and I needed guidance and love but all you could do was run. You ran from Atlas Falls and your parents, you ran from responsibilities and you’ve ran from looking in a mirror. Mom I need you to see what you are. You are a victim of so many things but the worst is you are a victim of my father. You waited and wasted your life chasing him and marrying man after man so that you can secure a lifestyle that was unwarranted. I didn’t need diamonds and couture what I needed was love and your support. I couldn’t even call you when a man was physically abusing me. You would say just accept that sometimes in a marriage a man will be a man. I couldn’t even express myself to my mother and I think you knew. You knew no matter what excuse you can say mom. You knew he was beating me. You let him because I was a princess.” She gasped as she cried tears soaking her face. Exhaling she shook her head.

Walking to Fox who was visibly upset at his mother and Nana were crying and getting emotional. “Mom I’m going to put Fox in the study and let him sit here while we finish this.” She walked into her father’s study clicking on the light and sitting Fox down and turning on her dads TV. Walking out closing the door slightly she bit her lip and walked to her mother. “You must be so proud of yourself. You stood by dad knowing he wasn’t a rapist. You knew all along and you played it perfect mom. You always said catch a man when they are down because they don’t want you when you’re up. You must forget you trained me on how to be. But I know you knew and I know you were in contact with him. I can’t prove it but the things he says mom. He basically said you asked him for money and whored me out to him. Is that true? I don’t have to hear your answer because I know you.” Her chin quivered a little as she spoke. “You aren’t this altruistic woman, you are a petty power hungry viper who sees the end of the rainbow. You say all of this is for me, Fox and Belle. She has no clue what you are! She has no idea the person you truly are. Mummy this and mummy that. It’s a crock of shit because you are doing all of this to win.” Bliss hissed at her mother. “You don’t love her and you don’t love me. We are a weapon against Jackie and my brothers and sisters. You want to win against them and beat her.” Bliss declared clutching her chest.

“What else do you want? What dream has been deferred? You want this house? Her clothes? Her kids? Do sometimes wish I was a boy so Lowell truly would have had more of an affinity for me? She’s being used both ways and that kid is being set up for years of therapy. Belle is a toy for you and a replacement for them for dad. He wants his family desperately and you are in the way of a dying man’s wishes because he doesn’t want you. Do you see how he looks at her. I’ve never seen him look at you like that mom. It hurts, it’s painful but you need to accept it. You have been a victim of Lowell’s for years and years waiting but mom stop it. Leave with a piece of dignity and show everyone you actually have class leave him. Don’t sit around and be second any longer leave him. Let him see that you don’t want to be less than Jackie. Show me you have a heart and dignity damnit! Show me that you aren’t what everyone says mom. Please!”

Tess stood silent gutted as she shook her head looking at her daughter. She shook as she looked at her taking Fox away from her. It was so much she wanted to say as tears fell down her face as she looked at the woman that was before her. “Bliss I didn’t know everything. I thought it was.” She couldn’t continue as she covered her mouth. “I told him where you were but you hadn’t told me he was abusive you just said it was over. You hadn’t given me all the information but I should have been smarter and stronger for you. I’m sorry because I messed up so badly and I didn’t know how to fix it. I just knew to get him here so you could get Fox. I called him here Bliss and I’m sorry but I knew you needed your boy and I needed some income so it was a win-win I thought. I thought I was doing the right thing. You were with Hunter and I thought my daughter wasn’t going to be like me. I didn’t want everyone to hate you like me. Okay is that enough for you? God I’m not a horrible mother I love you. You hate me because you aren’t fully Jackie’s child. I get it! I understand I’ll never be her but you can’t change your damn DNA! You’re mine Bliss! You’re mine! You hear me and I messed up but I’m here trying to change everything for us. You can believe that or not.” Tess raised her hands and stormed away exhausted running down the hallway to get away from Bliss.

Bliss shrieked as she picked up a champagne flute and threw it at the wall. Gasping as she exhaled holding the walls to give her support. “She knew. I knew it.” She said wiping her eyes as she looked in the very same mirror her mother was reflecting in moments earlier. Bliss quickly wiped her eyes and tousled her hair to not look as if she’d been crying and screaming. Walking back into her father’s study she gasped seeing Fox in Dimitri’s arms. He was letting him literally play with a gun. “Dimitri what are you doing? Put that gun down and Fox needs um to go with my mother. Okay? What are you doing here? You should leave.”

He’d watched through the peepholes in the ballroom walls while they had their pictures taken Bliss draped all over Hunter and his blood boiled Tamara was indisposed of at the moment he had to collect his Queen. He had even got further enraged when Fox had gone so willingly to Hunter with open arms and a smile that was not going to happen some American asshole was not raising his son. When he saw the wedding party leave the room for photos that was when he had made sure that he collected Tamara first when she had stepped outside and it was the perfect escape he had hid in the walls listening to the police from inside the study and knew he would have to act quick. He had then spotted Tess leading Bliss down the hall with Fox and couldn’t help it as he moved into the library silently to wait while mother and daughter had taken to their usual spats and blows. Tess had threatened him when he first came to town after she had called to tell him that Bliss was in town and he remembered the satisfaction that came with that, that Tess had sold her out to him. Once he was sure the door was closed and he couldn’t be seen he had stepped out from the wall holding a finger to his lips at Fox before he sat him on his lap letting him hold the gun. When the door opened and he saw Bliss’s horrified face he felt an odd sense of satisfaction.

“Fox is staying right where he is Bliss with his mother and his real father, I’ve only told you so many times Hutner will never raise my son. Your mother is a whore just like yourself but at least she owns it, I mean think about it the once future Queen of Isla Del Cruces fucking a lowly American and her siser’s leftovers at that. Close the door.” Dimitri said coldly pointing the gun at her and waving it seeing her shaking in fear giving him such a rush that he could feel his own heartbeat pumping rapidly. He saw her move for Fox and pulled him closer to his chest kissing his head seeing Bliss grimace and glare at him. She was so disgusted with him that it was laughable seeing what she had been up too, who was she to judge him. “You always were a dumb bitch when it came to that thing between your legs and now look Bliss you’ve broken apart our family. I know you were fucking the help at the palace, jsut like I knew you had other lovers after including your newest one, saddest thing ever divorced in the court but still mine by God or did you forget about that?” Dimitri said looking at her feeling a small amount of flicker in his eyes as he looked at her. “What sort of example are you setting for our son that you would keep a son from his father? Replace him in the middle of the night.”

Bliss watched Fox playing with the gun as if it was a damn toy. She picked up the bottom of her dress and slowly approached Dimitri and sat down beside him. Looking in Dimitri eyes she tried to not show fear at this moment. Her son could squeeze the trigger at this very moment and end her life. It happened slowly then all of the sudden she looked up she was a poster for domestic abuse. He wanted her and she knew that. That’s why he raped Tamara and attacked her. “I should have had more faith in our relationship.” She said almost vomiting on the words. “I’ve missed you Dimitri.” Raising her trembling hand she touched his face. “You look like we did on our wedding day. You have on the traditional Ilsa De Cruces tuxedo it looks good on you. I messed up Dimitri but we can change that. We both can change what has happened but first.” Bliss reached for Fox hand and he reached out for her. Taking her baby hand she felt safe just touching him. “Please put the gun down and let’s talk. Let’s talk, you want me right? I’m yours again. I’m all yours and nothing can stop this. I see it now, Dimitri we belong together. I’m so sorry. Look at me.” She said staring at her ring knowing Hunter would want her to do anything to survive this.

“I’m yours again but you have to put the gun down and I’ll go and do anything with you. You have to put the gun down and let Fox go. He isn’t apart of this deal Dimitri. We have um let him go. He knows his way around the mansion and I just want him to be with my family right now. I’m what you want right? You want your Queen back. I’m right here but you can’t let him play with a gun. You can’t bring him with us. We have so much to catch up on. I’ve missed you and I can’t believe we’ve fought for so long. But I’ve made you suffer and I’m sorry and we’ll get back your crown together. As a family but we have to handle all the ugliness and I don’t want him around that. I know.” She touched her bare skin. “I know you missed me.” Bliss felt so dirty and this all felt wrong but she wasn’t going to allow him to hurt Fox. “I love you still.” She said her lips quivering and tears once again staining her face. “I love you for giving me our son. We can go back just let me.”

“Of course our son is a part of this deal!” Dimitri said raising his voice at her seeing her flinch and Fox too reminding her that he was in control here. She wasn’t going to move Fox from him this time no it wasn’t going to be that easy. Fox was his son not that bastard Hunter’s and he wasn’t going to let him out of his sight without a fight with her if she wanted one. He saw her stepping forward to reach for Fox again and put the gun to his son’s head seeing her step back he wanted her guaranteed that she would go with him willingly to where he had the others, he’d make sure they were taken care of and then she would leave with him and Fox. “New terms I’ll let you take Fox to that lovely nursery that you have set up and leave him there you are afterall good at that leaving him and me in the middle of the night. When we are done, we’ll fetch him and leave together as a family.” Dimitri said coldly to her, if she only knew he was going to rid the other viruses from his life the women that chained him to America if there was no witnesses to his crimes and no one to talk, well that mean that charges simply disappeared and Bliss well she was always too weak to ever open up her mouth.

“I’ll make you remember how much I loved you, you were a good wife at times Bliss except for that wandering eye you seem to have for lovers. I suppose you didn’t get the best example to that growing up with your mother being a mistress at all and your rapist father in and out of your life, perhaps I should have been kinder perhaps then you wouldn’t have felt the need to be so disappointing left and right.” Dimtiri said coldly as he looked at her removing the gun from Fox’s head as he saw him run to Bliss and a part of his heart melted she was his mother, there was no changing that biology was what it was. He saw her ring sparkling in the light from Hunter and rubbed the gun against his head waving it around as he did so, she was all talk most of the time when it came to things that she said to him, he was no fool. “Your ring take it off, prove to me you want to come home to me, to my bed again to my kingdom you see Atticus and his bitch of an American fiance will be taken care of once we get home. Him thinking he could just take my crown from me, you thinking you could just take my son and I’d let you. You see I don’t believe you Bliss, you were planning to steal Fox from me and give him to Hunter the moment I was out of the picture, just like Atticus did with my crown.”

She held her son so tightly she swore he was going to start crying. Bliss kissed Fox’s head as she exhaled nodding at Dimitri. “I’ll do it.” She said stepping back as she saw the door still slightly ajar. He wouldn’t shoot her with Fox in her arms. Bliss started to cry as she looked down at her wedding ring watching him raising the gun and aiming it at her. “Of course take it.” Wrapping Fox in her left arm tightly. “Hold momma’s neck.” She removed her ring handing it to him. Tears slid down her face. “Come on baby let’s go to your nursery I know you just got up from a nap earlier but momma needs you to rest and stay here.” She walked to the door and felt the cold steel of the gun in her back. She exhaled looking up at him. “Did you ever really love me? Or have I always been the possession you had to have. You attacked Tamara because she kinda looks like me right? Did you think how that would make me feel? How hurt I am that you seem to target other blonde women?” She said as her eyes bulged seeing Max walk out of the nursery. She must have been looking for her. When Max saw Dimitri holding a gun to her and Fox. She saw her rage as she raised her hand trying to signal her to calm down. She knew Max’s rage and she didn’t need it to flare up right now or to insult him.

“Max.” She said in a soft but stern voice. “I need you to do something for me. Take Fox and go, Dimitri and I have so many things we need to discuss. I’m going to divorce Hunter now and go home. I don’t belong here. I belong with Dimitri in Ilsa De Cruces. Before we leave I want Fox to see the family and I know you’ll help me with this.” Her lips quivered as she stooped down placing Fox on the floor. “Wait little guy. I want you to know momma loves you so much and she tried to do everything in her power to protect you. If mommy doesn’t come back, I told you I’ll find you. I’ll always find you Fox do you hear me? You hear mommy? Mommy loves you so much and I need you to go with auntie Max.” She kissed Fox over and over again. As she looked at Max who had a stone cold stare at Dimitri. Bliss mouthed stop to her sister. “Mommy loves you okay.”

Fox’s little hands took Bliss face and kissed her on the lips and smiled. “Love momma.” He ran to his auntie Max.

Bliss stood up and looked at Dimitri. “What’s next?” She asked seeing Max looking horrified that she was going with him. “Max I’m okay alright just protect my son sister please. Protect him.”

Max had went upstairs to the bathroom something was not sitting right in her stomach and she guessed that it was probably the champagne only to exit and see the light on in the nursery. She hadn’t seen anyone come up the stairs when she was coming up and if it was the nanny that her mother had hired to help with the twins for the event there was no reason why she couldn’t stop in and see them. She had turned the corner only to freeze as she saw Dimitri holding a gun on her sister and she almost screamed out to alert someone that he was there until Bliss motioned with her hand lowered something was up.  Dimitri had barely even looked her way but she could tell that he knew that she was in the room and she played along with Bliss’s clear plan to put Fox first as she did so.

“Well thank God you’ve came to your senses you bitch, you stole my husband when you had him in your corner.” Max said hoping Dimitri bought it as she put on the best snide smile she could at Bliss for emphasis. Her heart was beating so fast as they all stood in the room and she had no idea where Jon and the rest were but once she had Fox she could go find someone and tell them.

Dimitri had walked with Bliss to the nursery grasping her petty ass ring that Hunter had given her in his hand, the gun in his left and watched as she put Fox down. They would return for his son as soon as he was done with her and the others. He wanted to believe that deep down she was serious about what she was saying that she was going to come home to Isla Del Cruces and him, they were going to take over the crown and then pass it on to Fox. When she had asked about all the women he had been with he supposed she was onto something, they all reminded him of her in some ways and they all needed to be taught a lesson just like she would when she came back. Once he was king no one would be able to stop him when it came to their private life, not his parents, or Atticus or Ramses he would be untouchable like God himself and well Bliss owed him years of repentance for what she had put him through.

“See even your sister still doesn’t want you here Bliss. Let’s go, you’re right we have too much to discuss and do. Don’t get any bright ideas Max you see I’d hate to end Bliss’s life here in front of our son and your family. But now that I know she has seen none of this is for her and she is going to come willingly there won’t be any need for your hysterics.” Dimitri said simply taking Bliss’s arm with his free hand and yanking her from Fox as he leaned in kissing her neck before shoving her in front of him gun jabbed in her back as they made their way down the hallway and around the corner.

Bliss turned her head to look at her sister and gave her a look of fear. He didn’t know they had mended fences and last year was a ugly past to them. She walked with Dimitri and knew that Max would get her help. “Let’s go have this conversation you’ve been waiting for.”

*********

KC walked into the Devonshire mansion and he knew that this wouldn’t be what Miranda wanted to hear at all. He however had word that something was going down today. Ivana had told him and she’d heard information that Gia Falcone was planning something tonight and he’d also got information two hitmen were in Atlas Falls. Something was picked up a hors d’oeuvre in passing as he walked around looking for Miranda. He wasn’t going to go to this warehouse and not at least see her one last time. If anything happened he wouldn’t feel awful as he walked in the tent he saw Miranda glowing and he swiftly made his way to her in his tux. As he looked at her he smiled waving at her to come to him. He took a deep breath as he saw Zach in the corner. Walking to his wife he touched her face and she looked divine. He couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of being home with Quinn and Miranda tonight. “I need to talk to you real quick. I’m sorry I missed the ceremony.”

“Miranda, Ivanka has told us that something is going down. Diego and I are going into the warehouse and the DA has issued warrants for everyone. It’s going down tonight. Captain Allegra has some new officers from Philly she’s brought down. I just couldn’t go into this knowing that I am just getting my family back. I didn’t want you to not know what’s happening. Gia Falcone’s enforcer has hit Atlas Falls and I hear that it’s possible that Sebastian Navarro might be under duress with them kidnapped. Baby I need you to stay by that phone.” KC said looking at her. “I’m so sorry. I don’t want to mess up anything you hear me? I want you to be ok with me going to do this. I want you to be okay with me arresting Ronan.”

Miranda had been happy to see Dani finally make it down the aisle in a beautiful ceremony she had been a little thrown when KC had been called into the FBI building for something though that morning and he assured he he would try and make it back. No one had really asked any questions about why he was gone and she was grateful for that knowing that it was part of his job and most of their close friends and family understood that he was in the FBI, meaning he could leave on a whim at times. She had been dancing on the dance floor with her parents and Quinn when she had spotted KC making his way inside the tents in his tuxedo and she was thrilled to see her husband ins ome ways it reminded her of their own wedding, Jon as best man Dani as their maid of honor. They were all now changed from that moment when she was twenty four and married, Jon was no longer talking to her or Dani. She and KC were slowly starting to rebuild their marriage and family all so different and she looked at him when he started to talk about Ronan, honestly she wanted to go down and handle it to but she realized the police weren’t called in just the FBI and the case they had going with Braden as DA meaning no police there to back up the FBI she of course trusted Diego with protecting KC but she was anxious too.

“I’m actually really happy for Dani and Jackson they look really happy and now she can stop worrying about when she’s going to make it down the aisle like we did. You’re lucky you’re an agent and I can’t talk about your secrets tell me you at least signed the guestbook if not I already forged your name.” Miranda said looking at him as she pulled him to the dance floor so they could talk and to not alarm Quinn or her parents about what was going on. She looked at him while they danced she didn’t want him running off to play hero with the FBI or the mob with Ronan out of the loose and everything being up to Ivanka if he really lived or died or if he got found out or not but she knew realistically what she signed up for when she married him, the life of an agent. Meaning he would do whatever he had to take hard criminals off the street even if that meant risking his life in the process, she had lost him once and wasn’t sure she could really survive that again. “So I don’t want to tell you what to do or how to do your job but I’d really like it this time if you put on a vest and didn’t end up in a lake frozen to lose years of your life. Stay back from Ronan since we have no idea what kind of a temper he has or what he will do when he finds our your alive and return to me and your daughter. Or I will hunt you down and make sure you stay dead this time.”

KC smiled when she said she’d make sure he stayed dead. As he looked at his wife who was supporting him all the way. “I love you know that right? I’ve done some stupid shit Miranda but you are the ultimate prize at the end of the day. My family and my wife. I am not leaving you or Quinn ever again. Do you hear me? Are we clear? This is a normal bust and I just wanted to tell you how much I am not leaving. I’m super not leaving.” KC said spinning her around and he nodded at Dani who waved at him. “She is so happy. I always thought of her and Lex or her and Jon but to see her marrying Jackson Devonshire. Well it proves one thing to me. You can’t help who you love and I can’t help but to love you. I love so much that after this sting I’m coming back to AFPD. I’ve talked to Captain Allegra and she’s happy to have me. I’m done after this and I want to focus on getting us back on solid ground. Miranda we were talking about having another kid before I died and I know you aren’t ready for that. You have your own career and we are just getting back to us. I don’t want to alter that but I want five kids running through our house. I want Jon’s kids and Dani’s kids to be a part of our lives and I want it all. If I have to take off and be the stay at home dad, I will. You’ve sacrificed so much for me and I want to do the same. So after tonight I’m done with the FBI and I’m yours. I’m all you and Quinn’s and the hypothetical babies we’ll have.” KC said, smiling as he touched her hair.

“Diego is outside and he’s waiting on me. He’s leaving after this sting also and I just have to have his back. He’s had mine for years and I want you to know this is over. This is the last bad chapter in the KC and Miranda story. Next thing I’ll have to worry about is beating Donovan or some other little brat in the head for dating my kid. We have our whole lives ahead of us Miranda and I’m not dying. I’m not going, and I’m going to prove our lives will be so much better after all this. I can come back from the grave legally. And I don’t have to be Fred Jetson anymore. I mean that guy is an ass.” KC spun her around again and dipped her down. “You forgot didn’t you? I always out danced you. I mean I always had better moves.” KC said grooving seeing her laughing. “Okay I’m a horrible dancer but you didn’t have to laugh at me.” He pulled her to him. “I gotta go.”

Miranda had smiled at him as they spun around on the dance floor truth be told he was a terrible dancer and she always led. Some people found that odd or intimidating she was always the more in control one in their relationship, which was why when he had died it had been so hard. She had to learn to be the fun parent too, that was always KC’s job until he died and now that he was back she didn’t ever want that to go away for Quinn or their future children she did want to have at least one maybe two more it was impractical to have more. They had talked about it right before he died while Quinn was still a toddler but it never happened and now that he was back they needed to talk about it again. She would always support his career choice but he loved the FBI and the danger that came with it, so for him to want to leave to become a regular old cop was a change that she wasn’t sure she was ready for. She was the cop in the family, the local one that stayed and fought the bad guys at home while he fought the international bad ones.

“Just come home this time and make sure Diego watches your six not that I don’t think he will or anything like that. We can talk about you leaving the FBI to come work at the department after, you love what the bureau offers you and I don’t want you to feel like you have to give that up tp chase something here.” Miranda said seeing that the song had ended and her parents were waving to her and KC while Quinn chased what looked like Miles around one fo the tables. It was better that he leave now before Quinn started to ask where he was and where he had gone, leaning up she kissed him before pulling back seeing his phone ring it was likely Diego. “Head on out and save the world from Ronan Madden and whatever he is unleashing and then come back to me and Quinn. I’ll let Dani and Jackson know that you said congrats to them and were here, who knows you and Diego hurry you can even make it back in time to see them off. I love you.” Miranda said smiling at him before leaning up for one more quick kiss before waving at her parents, letting go of his hand and making her way to them.

KC walked out of the wedding and then saw Diego sitting outside of the mansion. “I have the best wife. She’s absolutely the best.” He said as he got in the car. The drive to the piers was fast and silent. Both of them had been wanting this and Diego knew what they needed to do. As he looked at Diego as they pulled up down the street. “I don’t know this feels oddly familiar last time I was about to take down Ronan I ended up at the bottom of Lake Everest. He nearly killed me and from what it looks like that’s Kelly O’Connor, and Vladmir Stavridis. If I haven’t said it Diego I’m sorry for messing things up all those years ago. I wouldn’t be here. I know the teams are in place and I think you deserve to hear this. Miranda was talking fast at the wedding. She isn’t sure about me kicking local criminals ass. I don’t want to be a international spy or agent anymore. I want a calm life in Atlas Falls so I’m telling you to your face. This is my last case with the FBI. I want us to have another kid, to see the world, hell if I had it my way I’d stay home with Quinn for the rest of her life and let Miranda work.”

Getting out of the car he saw the last target Echo Escobar getting out her pink limo. Mobsters surely had personalities. She was a ferocious monster who trafficked children. “We are going to take them down now and I’m not going to fail this time. We both are going home to our families. Whatever the cartel is doing, we are arresting them all and taking down them all. Let’s go.” He said as he looked at his partner. “Are you ready for this?” KC asked as he looked at Diego he saw the swat team moving out. “I’m ready for this to be over. To start a new life.”

Diego had waited outside the venue he wasn’t invited and it seemed rude to interrupt the reception not to mention all the stares he would have got. The information from Ivanka was good information that he hoped panned out to actually catching Ronan in the act with some of the other big wigs. It would mean an end to a very long and tedious investigation that had taken so many lives and resources. Lives that had included KC for the better part of a few years and then the recovery that he was not able to tell Miranda about due to the agency that they worked for and how they operated and he hated every moment of not telling her or the rest of KC’s family. He knew though that the wait would be worth it, Ronan had let his defenses down when he had shot Nico and he had no idea that it had led to KC and him being able to flip and turn Ivanka as a witness. He had actually hoped to turn Jamal last year along with Kendrick and then the shooting had happened and Jamal had lawyered up and negated the deal burning that bridge and Kendrick had gone down the road he did by leading Jon Harrison to take deadly force.

“Seems that Ronan brought his big friends to tango this time or do we think it was the new dark lady in his life? I’m not saying Ivanka is wrong in what she has given us everything has panned out but I’m still cautious we’ve been after the O’Connor’s and the Stravidis’s organizations for years and suddenly they both make a trip here to see Ronan?” Diego said looking through the binoculars as the groups all walked into Ronan’s warehouse. He knew that Ivanka was telling them was true but he had to wonder if in fact it was Gia pulling the strings when it came to the meeting with Ronan or not and all the members of the cartel. The woman had a trail of dead bodies to connect too her that was for sure and unlike Ronan over the years she had gotten more bold and more sloppy. “It’s not a coincidence that suddenly her husband dropped dead over Christmas and now Ronan is wrapped up in whatever she had going on in her pants. Ronan has never been this sloppy you know ever in all the years I’ve worked this case, even when we all knew he killed Benny Ruzzio and now he’s meeting the people he’s in business with on his home turf?”

“Gia is serving up Ronan on a golden platter. I don’t know if she has an idea about Ivanka but all I know is today is the day I get him. I’m going to place metal bracelets on his wrist. I’m sick of him poisoning Atlas Falls and the country. Each one of them have plagued this country. I want to get something incriminating on all of them. I want to make sure all of them know that we are the ones who take them down. I’m worried though that’s a lot of bodies in that room. We have men on the left and men on the right. We also have one bug in that warehouse as long as they stay in the main room we will be able to hear everything. Let’s get in the van and get into place.” KC walked into his van and he got inside, placing headphones on as he looked at Diego. “We are going to listen to everything and the moment anyone of them says something incriminating we take them all down. I also don’t think Gia would have had her other plaything upstairs if she knew we were coming.”

**********

Kelsey was washing her hands as she left out of the bathroom that had to be built just for this event. Who builds a bathroom just for a wedding? As she walked out she wondered if Willow wanted any company. When she stepped out of the bathroom her entire body shivered seeing Val outside crying. She hated to see her crying and she didn’t want to hurt Valentina. As she walked to her she opened her purse and handed her a handkerchief. “Hey.” She said softly as the winter air seemed to chill over the heaters. “I know I’ve been avoiding you. I guess this is the best place since we don’t seem to be seeing each other as much.” Looking through the tent she saw Jackson and Dani dancing with Willow in the DJ booth. “I wanted to officially speak to you Val. Willow is my date tonight and I actually have been enjoying it. Enjoying she doesn’t want me to change and she doesn’t want me to be anyone else but me. I’m not bisexual, I’m a lesbian and I compromised myself for love. That isn’t me and I stayed up all night questioning if I lost my mind sleeping with Jamal. You don’t know what love is Val. You think you love me and Jamal but honestly sweetie I believe you just need someone. We aren’t your soulmates or happiness it’s just carnal and I for one have to much respect for myself to continue on. Val I’m done.” Kelsey took a deep breath as she reached out to Val.

“I want us to be friends and to actually get to see you growing in your dreams in fashion. I don’t mind if you don’t want to talk to me. I just hope together we can be friends when it hurts less. I’d hate to not have you in my life.” She squeezed Val hand. “Now do you want to tell me why you are outside when you designed all these stunning dresses and that photographer is from Vogue. You are going to be in Vogue magazine this is your dream Val why aren’t you elated? What’s going on?”

Val should have been thrilled to be at the wedding of the year designing what was already talked about from what she heard was one of the most talked about gowns of the year, unfortunately her mind was on elsewhere on a few days ago. When she had taken the test in her condo and then broke down in tears over the results she had been so sure the night of young fun would be just that. Only it wasn’t and instead she was faced with two pink ines and wondering what she was going to do, the truth was she wasn’t ready to be a mother or a parent. She thought about telling Jamal and Kelsey but instead she had booked an appointment with a doctor in Philadelphia and drove there. She had made the appointment somberly hadn’t even looked at the screen when the doctor came in, she simply closed her eyes and went back to fashion design school in her brain. The place where she always felt accepted and whole a place that she was now a part of Kelsey was right Vouge was there for her and her dress design. Only the only thing on her mind was how she was going to hell, her entire family was Catholic and for her she had just completed the most atrocious sin that she would never recover from and when Kelsey had come out of the bathroom she had been so shook up she simply nodded at her crying more.

“Great, I am so happy for you that you have Willow in your life. You simply discarded me after that night Kelsey I wasn’t anything to you after what happened. You moved on to little miss perfectly butch as soon as you felt guilty about it like I pressured you or something.” Val said looking at her angry at everything around her but mainly herself, it wasn’t like she meant to be this angry at Kelsey it wasn’t her fault what she did. But it hurt to be discarded like she was with someone that she really liked and cared about and Jamal, he was fine but it wasn’t like she was madly in love with him or anything like that either. “Not that it matters to you anymore but I’ve done something that I can’t come back from Kelsey and not even you in all your medical expertise can ever make it come back. I guess you could say in a strange way it’s karma, I should be happy to be presenting your cousin’s wedding dress to Vogue but I can’t even make myself go out there and do it on the biggest night of my life.” Val said looking at her and honestly not wanting to be judged for what she had done.

Kelsey looked at Val and wondered what she did that was so badly. As she found her ex looking pathetic and her simmering rage was also very difficult to understand. “I couldn’t understand why in the world I stopped thinking of myself. I don’t want a man and I don’t want to do a joint relationship. I wanted you and I don’t know what you’ve done but Val it isn’t the end of the world. I promise you that you have a full relationship with Jamal and I’m with Willow. Butch or not she doesn’t want to share me with another man or make me feel so uncomfortable with my own sexuality.” She lowered her head as she looked at her feet. “Val I just feel so uncomfortable being with a man. It’s not me and I don’t want to pretend anymore so I didn’t know what and how to say. I made an awful mistake in ghosting you. We are friends and whatever is hurting you I can help it.”

“I want you to be happy and your world is beautiful right now so what’s the matter. You have Vogue out there and we laid up plenty of nights talking about a latina impact on fashion. You are someone special to me and I want to help you. So let me and I will be here for you.” She walked up to Val and hugged her. “Let’s start over. I’m your friend and I want to help you. I don’t like seeing someone so vibrant and full of life hurting so badly.” Kelsey looked at Val taking her hand. “I’m here for you.”

Val wanted to shake her head and laugh at her was this karma for all the shit she had done over the years? It wasn’t her fault that she found both Kelsey and Jamal attractive ro that she do the same while she was with Rory for a while, but Rory and the girl they had hooked up with seemed way more cool with it than Kelsey was. It wasn’t like she and Jamal had forced Kelsey or anything like that they simply had a good time or at least that is what she felt like they had done. Instead Kelsey had all but disappeared and began a relationship with Willow and she and Jamal had continued to have their fun, and she was left wondering what she had done wrong with Kesley. She shook her head at her trying to make her excuses for ghosting her after what happened that night, something that she was clearly okay with when it happened. It had evolved into something else though for her and Jamal something that neither of them were ready for so she handled it herself. Not to mention Jamal was clearly having second thoughts with her looking at all his new label acts not to mention how she heard he was with all the other girls he was running into.

“You ghosted me and Jamal after that night when you seemed that you were cool with what happened and now you want to be my friend and supportive? Did you think that what happened that night would magically change for me that I’d suddenly top having feelings for Jamal? It doesn’t work that way I’m sorry it doesn’t and then I just had him and something happened. I took care of it lets face it it’s not like either of us are equipped to deal with a long term responsibility for the next eighteen years.” Val said so matter of factly that she even believed her own bullshit it was just a clump of cells or at least that is what she kept telling herself, it made it easier. She saw the shock onb Kelsey’s face at the reveal as she simply pulled out her makeup and began to reapply the concealer seeing it was Brooke texting her saying that Vogue was still looking at her. “I know okay Kelsey I’m already going to hell so now you’re off the hook with me, it’s my sin to carry around not yours or his just mine. Besides do you even believe in God or all that?”

Licking her lips, her eyes burned with tears in her eyes. As she touched her mother’s pendant as she looked at Val. Watching Val walking away she looked at her. “Wait.” She yelled looking at Val. “You were pregnant. That’s the sin you keep talking about, you had an abortion Val.” Kelsey asked as she looked at her ex. “You got pregnant that night and we all abandoned you. I know you think that this was easy for me. This choice to have sex with a man. I gave my body to a man for you. You were what I was doing it for and I thought because I had sex with Jamal you would see me. You wouldn’t understand how that feels and I’m sorry that I just let you go. I didn’t know Val but I had to do what was right for me. I’m a lesbian and I love you so much I slept with a man. I’m not that girl. I’m not Val, and it got complicated. I got scared as hell and I don’t know what else to do. I don’t think you know who you are and what contribution you could give to the world. I’ve been so consumed in what we could have had that I sacrificed everything and nothing at all. Val we both didn’t get you after that night. We both lost you because you don’t know what you want.” She said wiping her eyes as she looked at her lover.

“I don’t know how to fix this between us Val. I know you are bisexual but I’m a lesbian and I know who I am and doing what I did. I didn’t mean to ghost you but I can’t deny that isn’t what I wanted and I didn’t know how to fix us. So I’m sorry Val. Oh my God you did this all alone. I’m sorry Val God I’m sorry. You aren’t a sinner and you aren’t a bad person if you feel like you’re alone you’re not. I’m here now and I know I wasn’t here before but I could be your friend now.” She said looking at her. “Please let me.” Kelsey walked up to Val and grabbed her hand. “What you did isn’t a sin. To me it’s a sin to bring a child into the world when you don’t want them. Jamal and you aren’t ready. He’s been flexing with all sorts of girls. That isn’t what you want.”

Val had reapplied her mascara ready to just move on from things when Kelsey said the word abortion and it made her skin crawl, how was she going to live with her choice. Then it hit her that Jamal could never know it wasn’t like she ever thought he was super religious or anything like that but it was something she had kept from him. It was her body and she had the final say but part other felt bad and guilty for not telling Jamal about it too, not that they would have kept it even if he wanted too she wasn’t ready. Kelsey acting like she was some pillar for her to turn to though made her sick, it wasn’t her baby it wasn’t even her business really it wasn’t like she was in some committed love triangle with them and as soon as things got too complicated for Kelsey she bailed on her.

“I don’t need you to fix it Kelsey, this is something that you can’t fix you want to know why? Because you weren’t a real part of it. I can’t change who I am and you can’t change who you are. I wanted you and Jamal and the only one that semi stuck around was Jamal, you found Willow so no harm no foul, maybe we both got what we wanted. I’m on top of the world when it comes to my line and my career a child would have complicated that.” Val said saying it in the coldest way possible so she could convince herself that she really didn’t need anyone when it came to this. What she was going through was something she would have to carry with her there was no one that could take it away. “You are right I really need to get back out to Vogue though before they decide to move on from the event not to mention Brooke is out there. I would really appreciate it if you don’t  say anything to anyone about this.” Val said looking at Kelsey as she opened the door to see Brooke with Jamal on the other side of the door in the hallway.

Kelsey felt immature and childish and all Val wanted was communication and her behavior was deplorable. She didn’t hate that night and in fact she enjoyed it but she didn’t feel like herself. She could have expressed that and maybe Val wouldn’t be punishing herself. Maybe she wouldn’t feel so alone right now when the world was ready for her. Tears burned in her eyes. “I won’t say a word if you promise me one thing. It’s a big thing Val but I want to reform our friendship if that’s possible. I’m going to do everything in my power to repay you for what I did. That’s not me. I don’t leave my friends and Lucy would be ashamed of me. I don’t think Jamal was for me. I don’t think men are for me and I do care but I did jump into my relationship with Willow because she was willing to commit to just me. I just wanted you and I couldn’t tell you that. I’m sorry.” Kelsey saw Jamal and Brooke looking back; she saw Tony staring at them walking by.

“Go get em Tiger.” She said as she saw one of the many editors of Vogue at the wedding. Smiled opening the door as she looked back at Tony menacingly if he was eavesdropping did he hear them? Kelsey would find out tonight. If she was going to rekindle her friendship she wasn’t going to let Val’s relationship with Jamal crash and burn. Walking through she raised her hand waving and Jamal and Brooke and briskly walking to the DJ booth. Seeing Walter walk to Tony she watched the men speaking. She leaned in kissing her girlfriend in the booth.

**********

Jackson held Dani in his arms he could tell her eyes were sparkling as he felt the music playing lower. The spotlight was on them; it was their first dance and he saw her looking so happy and felt like he did it. He’d put that smile on his wife’s face and she was finally officially his wife. “Mrs. Devonshire is your wedding everything you imagined it to be? I hope so because I want to give you the best memories of today. Since we won’t be getting married again. I love you baby and I had Whitney put the leather handfasting ropes in the diaper bags she’s packed.” He spun her around and dipped her down pulling her to him as they smirked at each other. “I know you hate Merci but damn she did good. I feel like this is what we both wanted and I can’t wait to get your ass to the island.” He saw her looking at him. “What? I can’t believe you are in front of me as my wife. You’ve now been married into the craziness of the Devonshire’s it gets only wilder from here on out so I hope you are ready. Dani I hate what my father chose to do today but I don’t want you to know our wedding is amazing and I hope you’re just as good. I’m not even mad that Belle is the catalyst like the others.” Jackson smiled as the cameras flashed. “In reality I’m pissed he knew that aunt Katie was raped by his brother and he said nothing.”

Grabbing Dani’s butt he laughed when he heard Rory and Jamal hooting. Placing his hand back on his face when he saw Walter staring at them. He snickered looking around as he heard the music ending he knew in one hour she’d be throwing the bouquet and they’d be getting the twins and be gone. A clean get away from the drama and he liked that. As the music ended he took her hand. “Let’s go mingle for a little bit. I don’t want to seem antisocial, you know. We do have to schmooze considering Vogue is here to see your dress and they are writing a article about the wedding and Devonshire’s. I just want this over so we can board the private plane and get to a vacation. I guess it’s overdue we deserve to have a break and plus I want to try and teach the twins how to swim. I want to go horseback riding on the island with you and have a picnic on the beach. I’ve got a list of things from Atticus and the police will get Dimitri okay. This will be done as much as I can’t stand Jon Harrison he’s the best cop I’ve ever seen. I only wish that we all could move forward.” Jackson gasped as he watched Philip Montgomery walk into his wedding. “What the fuck?”

Philip walked into the room and he saw Cassie and Thor standing on the other side of the room in shock. It was time to attack after all Max, Bliss, and Hunter all but got away with what they did. He heard from a waitress he paid earlier in the week that Zerick and father’s ugly truth was out. As he walked through he grabbed a crab cake off of a tray from a waiter and grabbed a flute of champagne and guzzled it down. Tonight was a party and he was going to celebrate by destroying a family in Atlas Falls. Finding Dru was pure luck but he’d also be a fool to not see that it was all falling into his lap. He wasn’t a Devonshire at least not like he thought he was. He was a discount Devonshire which was delicious. The Devonshire that just never mattered and could never be anything but a rapist. At least Lowell ran a fortune 500 company and it was to note that Linus was a sniveling pathetic man. It was the stock that Zerick boy was from. Not Lowell son at all. It was the irony of him sticking his nose down at him just earlier today. Well he’d pay right along with Max, Bliss, and Hunter. He also maybe bribed the slideshow lady and when the tradition of the Devonshire’s to pass the microphone around.

Turning around he bumped directly into Max and a baby boy in her arms. That was Fox Kavanaugh the true prince of Isla De Cruces. Where was mommy little boy because he planned on blowing up your life? Mommy, auntie, and daddy, cutting his eyes he noticed Hunter rushing over along with Jackson and Dani. Oh this would be delicious and he had every intention of milking his triumphant return. “Well aren’t you a caring aunt Max, you look absolutely ridiculous holding a child you know. Close your mouth you thought I’d be crippled my entire life didn’t you. That I wouldn’t walk? No you and Hunter didn’t paralyze me but its been good to play so docile for a long time. I waited and waited and waited. You look horrified what’s the matter Max I know I’m not that repulsive and there he is.” Looking at Hunter arriving at the scene. “Your stepson looks very scared and your ex-wife-sister-in-law well if that isn’t the most Jerry Springer shit I’ve said in my life. There is the bride and groom I have a gift to give you and Hunter and Bliss. It’s not often so many Devonshire’s get married. Considering how much a whore your auntie Max is I doubt she’d ever get married. He’s really adorable.”

Dani couldn’t stop smiling as Jackson had pulled her to the dance floor for the first dance about an hour left shorter if she could manage it after the ceremony and the slight mingling it was the first dance, cake cutting and then they could leave after she threw the bouquet and he tossed the garter. She didn’t mind the attention but her mind was also on other things like Dimitri’s arrival on the grounds and how even on their wedding day other people’s drama was enveloping them. tNot hat Dimtri was drama or Zerick’s but she could honestly use a break away from everyone and everything in Atlas Falls. “Merci did a good job it’s beautiful and everything you and I discussed and more. So you’re all packed then and this is after you didn’t even warn me about the cords? I think they match your gift pretty well too.” Dani said teasing him and grinning at him, they had been a nice surprise for her at the ceremony and had been impressed at how elegant yet sexy they were and how soft. “You know you could have always awoken me this morning too when you snuck in to take a look at me in bed and drop off that note. As for everything with your dad, I’m irritated he choose today to reveal it after everything. You have no idea how happy I am at the moment to finally legally be yours.” She said leaning up to kiss him gently before pulling back seeing the camera’s flash as she did.

Dani had grinned at him even wider when his hands traveled down her body to grab her in public and she looked at him her eyes sparkling at him she wanted those hands there later of course just as much he did. She honestly didn’t know what else to say about his father Lowell had always been selfish at times and he should have come clean months ago. When the music ended and he took her hand in his she looked at him seeing everyone else start to dance. “If we really must mingle and not sneak out early then let’s schmooze. Truthfully I want out of Atlas Falls away from your dad and Zerick, away from Dimitri’s reign of terror and just to be with you and the kids. Not that the twins can start to swim yet or anything but down the line I want us to take the time we need to get away when we need to Jackson. I don’t even want to think about Jon at the moment or what he said the other night he’s a good cop and I honestly do feel safe knowing him and Devin along with Zach are looking out for Dimitri.“ Dani said looking at him and then stopping when he did when he saw Phillip enter and him run into Hunter and Max she didn’t object when Jackson led them towards that. “Wasn’t he like paralyzed in a chair?” She whispered.

Max had waited until Bliss had left the room before she had picked up Fox and stayed in the nursery for a few moments to play it up for Dimitri he thought they were still at odds, meaning his spies weren’t as good as he thought they were. She had stepped out enough to see him round the corner towards the bedrooms and then she had calmly put Fox on her shoulder and began to make her way back down to the party. She was honestly a bit shocked at herself for keeping it together like she was but she needed to get Fox to at least Hunter and then she could track down Jon and Devin to tell them what happened or Dani’s annoying cousin. Once she spotted Hunter in the crowd though she slowly made her way there only to be caught off guard by Philip standing out of his chair looking at her and making snide comments, frankly she didn’t have time for Philip Montogoemery’s antics at the moment. She saw her brother and Dani making their way over to them too and felt even more guilty she could quietly dip out and let someone know there was no need to alarm them at the wedding.

“I thought you were cripple and here you were coming after me, Bliss and Hunter and for what sympathy with the press this will look so good in court when those pesky charges are dropped now. I would introduce you to my nephew but Montgomery’s aren’t really my thing anymore or are they worth our time, like how did you even get an invite? Because I doubt my brother or Dani invited you.” Max said seeing Philip fume at her and then looked at Hunter as he took Fox from her arms, honestly she could tell Hunter too but she didn’t want to cause a huge scene with him either and have people scrambling to find an exit once he went into white knight mode. “Not that it is any of your business but Fox had a nightmare in the nursery and I heard him crying, I couldn’t find Bliss so I decided to bring him down to his father. As entertaining as it would be to put you in your place I’m really here to celebrate my brother’s wedding and my moving on with Sebastian Navarro. Excuse me but I do see my mother and I need to speak to her.” Max said looking at Philip and rolling her eyes as she saw her mother and began to make her way to the other side of the room if anyone could be cool under pressure like this it was her mother and she would know exactly what to do and how to handle it.

Hunter had been talking to Brooke and Atticus enjoying the wedding reception and had last seen Bliss with Fox who was getting tired and she said she would put him down to nap. He had hoped she would be back for the first dance but he also knew that Fox had been at that stage of sleeping where he would much rather stay up and play than go to sleep when he was tired. He was happy to talk to Atticus and his sister though and he had taken Atticus up on his offer to visit the island in the summer especially if Bliss wanted too, he wanted Fox to know where he came from and how he got to America. The only thing that Atticus had asked was that legally he wanted Fox to remain a Kavanagah that had surprised him, he and Bliss had talked about legally adopting him, if he had any say in it Dimitri was going to prison for a long time for everything that he had done. He knew that petitioning for full custody and a name change against a sitting royal now that Atticus was regent would be a mess and it was something that he would have to talk to Bliss about. Once he saw Fox enter Max though he had begun to make his way to her only tp bump into Philip standing in the doorway as if he was invited to event and then he started talking about shit that was none of his business. Max’s explanation seemed plausible perhaps Bliss went to the restroom or something like that Fox had been having nightmares and he had wanted to ask more only she saw Jackie and left.

“I have no idea what in the world you think you are doing here but you really should leave before I ask Lowell or Jackson if he has something so i can finish the job since you aren’t playing anymore that means I don’t have to either. You are the one that lunged at me with a loaded ass gun with the safety off, we wrestled for it seeing how you looked out of your mind and I was afraid you’d shoot Max or Bliss. It was your own damn fault you ended up with a bullet in you.” Hunter said his anger rising at Philip for even showing his face here it was well known the lengths that Forbes had gone with the entire Zerick scheme and it was right up Philip’s ally to try and wedding crash or strike back. He looked over at Jackson and Dani as they arrived maybe they could avoid more drama if Philip simply obeyed their wishes and left. “I was just telling him he should leave before you or I make him leave. I highly doubt you’d invite his ass to your wedding and I know for a fact Bliss and Max don’t want his retched ass here either.”

“But I’m a guest of a guest of a guest so why wouldn’t I be able to stay? As for my legs I got them from a see witch she wants blood I have a gift for the newly weds, Jackson and Dani. My father sends love and regard. I do hope you enjoy his gift. It’s exactly what he thinks of your wedding and this fair event. I also wouldn’t do that since I am here to give love.” Philip said looking at Hunter and Max watching her slink away. “What’s the matter Max you look verklempt so vexed but if you throw me out you’ll never know what my father is planning. I’m here to break bread and eat bread.” Philip grabbed a hors d’oeuvre off the plate popping it in his mouth. “I want this to show MontCorp has greater ambitions than the petty wars. We want to get in on the shady government deals Hunter can you help with that? I mean geez your new found wife family seems to be benefiting and it’s funny now Dani’s married to a Devonshire. I smell conspiracy.” Chewing obscenely Philip looked around. “Where’s my brother your brother also right Jackson? Zerick he just gets under your skin doesn’t he? Like a nasty rash. So who do I have to talk to Jackson about this a once and lifetime deal. I want to screw over dear old dad. Right where is big bro Chauncey because we all know he’s the real ambitious one.”

Jackson looked at Philip and shook his head. “Hell no you aren’t invited. Security.” He called over and two men came over, too them seeing Hunter satisfied faces. “I don’t want anything to do with MontCorp or you. Get the fuck out of my wedding. Guys.”

Philip was pushed away and looked at Jackson, Hunter, Dani and Max. “Fuck you! Hey everyone Zerick Davis is a liar! Lowell Devonshire isn’t his father! I have more! Oh have so much more! Greer you own a paper! Come on I have the scoop of the fucking year! You all are going to pay, you hear me! I’m going to do what my ratchet father couldn’t I’m going to prove you all be pretentious and you are all twisted liars! I’m going to destroy you all do you hear me? All of you are fucking liars! I’m not fucking done here! Get your hands off of me! Cassie!” He screamed seeing his sister. “Record this! They are fucking assaulting me!”

Jackson watched them pulling Philip out of his wedding. “What the hell was that about? Philip had to know he wasn’t welcomed here. Hell Cassie is barely welcomed here. I’m cordial with Thor so that’s why he actually got an invite.” He looked over at Max talking to their mother and the nanny taking Fox. “You okay Hunter?” He said looking at Dani and Hunter. “Baby it’s okay alright? Our wedding isn’t over. We will enjoy the last bit before we leave! I demand everyone to fucking dance!” Jackson screamed, grabbing a glass of champagne as upswing band music started. “My father, Philip, and Dimitri this is just fucking wonderful.” He mumbled underneath his breath as he looked at Dani. “Like we would ever have a normal wedding.” Winking at his wife.

Dani had watched Max enter in a frenzy and hand off Fox and wondered what was going on she wasn’t going to get super upset about it till she knew more and till they knew Bliss was in danger. Philip was just more added on drama that was turning into her wedding and she supposed she and Jackson publicly could just roll with the punches about it for now but it was irritating. She was honestly ready to call it a night a leave regardless of what Meric had planned for their exit or not and only hoped that the honeymoon wasn’t filled with drama too. Jackson looked riled and pissed off and that worried her too to an extent he’d need a release later of some sort though. For now she looked at him when he yelled over the party and rubbed his back. “Not much longer and then we can leave.” She said before seeing their guests starting to dance and she wondered what was next.

**********

Dimitri had led her down the hallway quickly and then they had disappeared into one of the children’s bedrooms what he assumed was actually Max’s old room once there he had opened up the entrance in her room in her closet and let Bliss down the tunnels. Away from the loud party and the music that was playing and down the steps of the tunnels to the room under the solarium it was the perfect place for all of this to take place. Everyone else was in the back of the mansion and Lowell ahd build the floor of the solarium to be heated and insulated meaning everything would be drown out in the noise it had given him time to arrive and prepare for his encounter with them as well. He used cable ties in order to tie up Selina and Tamara who here together in a corner for now their hands and feet bound with duct tape over their lips. Bliss honestly looked repulsed as he tossed her into the room as casually as a rag doll he would throw on a couch but it wasn’t his concern, she had told him that she would prove to him that she was coming back to Isla Del Cruces with him, that she was giving up this pipe dream with Hunter and taking Fox from him. He rolled up his sleeves as he took off his coat and placed his phone down to turn on some music from his phone. Of course it was Isla Del Cruces traditional music and he hoped she remembered that it was their wedding that was filled with his song choices.

“Now that we’re alone other than these two women who have seemed to latch onto your lies and confuse them as theirs we can discuss leaving for my homeland. None of this would have happened if you just stayed at home with me and Fox what did you think I would do just let you flee to America and let you spread these hateful lies about me? I loved you! I adored you and you just left the life we had and out son because you are a selfish whore.” Dimitri said looking at the fear on Tamara’s face and then at Selina’s they were both so naive when it came to him that he actually cared about them especially Selina he was with her simply to hurt Bliss and get Fox as his own. He saw that Bliss was hesitant to even enjoy their time together and laughed at her as he pointed the gun at her shaking body. “You wanted to talk so let’s talk while we dance shall we? Or did you just want this back?” Dimitri said, placing the gun down on the table as well as her ring from Hunter before reaching for her and grabbing her into his arms for their dance. “Ah see much better don’t you think, right where you belong, we’ll get to our guests after.”

When he played that awful music Bliss felt like she was dancing with the devil. “It must feel good to win doesn’t it?” She said as she pulled back from being so close to him. His cologne was going to make her sick. As she looked in his eyes she didn’t feel the love she did before when she heard the traditional music of Isla De Cruces. “I never lied and you can’t face that. I get it now you’ve been spoiled and given everything so when someone says no you don’t understand that. It’s not your fault it’s your fathers for letting you get away with this behavior for years. Then when you became a man and continued it, well that was all on you. One thing I’m happy for is the crown is finally on Atticus’ head. I want my ring back and you can kill me or do your worst because I’m not going to bow to you. No more because I have to ask you why? Why did you rape Tamara! Why would you do that to her she has nothing to do with this or Selina. She was innocent and you charmed her she more than likely had no clue you were sadistic. Yes you heard me correctly.” She yelped when he pulled her in tighter to dance.

“I had to get my son away from you. I want you to know something my sister and I are fine. Max is happy for Hunter and I. What type of father let’s a child play with a gun? You are sick and you can beat me, stab me, kill me but you won’t get Fox back. You just fucked up!” Bliss kneed him in the groin and used her nails to claw into his eyes. As she ran to Tamara ripping the duct tape off of Tamara’s mouth and started to try to unravel all the tape around her wrist. “Calm down, we’re getting out of here.” Hearing Dimitri groaning on the ground. She kept trying to rip off the tape.

Tamara was immediately shaken out of her fear. When she awoke, Tamara opened her eyes and saw the stars. She wasn’t sure what had happened then the fear hit her. Dimitri and when she tried to move she saw he had duct taped her to a chair. She wanted to scream but he had also covered her mouth with tape. Tamara couldn’t hear the music anymore and she could tell she was high up in the mansion. After a few minutes she became paralyzed with fear when he brought Selina inside of the room and began to tape her to the chair. He could tell by the look in her eyes she was afraid and the bewilderment of the situation was taking its toll on her. She looked down as Bliss had almost freed her. When she heard Selina mumbling with the tape on her mouth. Looking up she saw Dimitri coming directly at Bliss. “Bliss look out!”

Bliss screamed as he grabbed her hair she wasn’t ready to die and she was going to fight her way down. She wildly bucked trying to get away from Dimitri.

Tamara used her teeth to bite the rest of her tape off of her as she started to rip the tape off her body. Leaning over she yanked the tape off of Selina’s mouth. As she immediately heard her screaming as loudly as she could. Tamara began to do the same thing as she leaned down and tried to unravel the tape from around her legs. As she stood up she saw him holding a gun to Bliss. “What are you doing? Stop!” She screamed at Dimitri.

Dmitri had been caught off guard by her beauty and her willpower that he felt was weakening when it came to him only for her to quickly knee him and fight back, to which he manically laughed at her. She really thought she could take him on? She had knocked the wind slightly out of him when she had went for his balls and he was still recovering from that when her nails pierced his face and his hands went wildly reaching for her to grab onto. His eyes were stinging as he bent down trying to gather where he was int he room, they stung and he could feel the claw wounds on his face she would pay for that and then he heard her unleashing the tape on the pregnant whore on the chair he turned to rage calming himself and then reaching back on the table for the gun. The lights where bright and he reached Bliss just as she was trying to help Tamara and he didn’t say anything as he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her back hearing her scream.

“Always such a dumb bitch that can never just shut the fuck up and do what they are told, you want to leave Fox motherless so be it you whore. I’ll find someone else to be his mother, someone worthy of the title since you can’t seem to be that to him, always trying to be some heroine but you’re weak Bliss that was always true about you.” Dimitri spat, tossing her on the floor and then backhanding ehr across the cheek for good measure before kneeling down and placing his hands on her neck. His eyes were still stinging and he wasn’t sure if that was front he cuts on his face and her nails in his eyes earlier or if they were for tears that were trying to come out of his eyes he loved her so much and the thought of her with another man was just not something he was going to tolerate, surely she had to know that? The gun was still in his right hand as his left began to squeeze on her throat not even paying attention to Tamara and Selina they could watch and then sadly it would be there turn. “Always wanting the final say or the final moment remember this Bliss your final moment weak at my hands, lying here with no one in your precious family to save you. Then when it’s done it’ll be there turn and I’ll take my time with them again.” Dimitri said looking at her so full of rage as he saw her struggling against his grip. “The saddest part I loved you at one point.”

Tamara watched Dimitri ranting and raving and she couldn’t believe that he was just blind to her freeing Selina. Walking silently as she could. Tamara made her way to the crackling fire picking up a poker as she rushed to Bliss defense. Tamara used the poker and whacked him as hard as she could in his back upon impact Tamara stumbled back when she saw Selina come out of nowhere and hit in the head with the glass lamp. Hearing Dimitri body thud onto the floor she felt satisfied. Bliss was gasping for air and she saw Selina comforting her but she hadn’t taken her eyes off of Dimitri. If he moved she was going to bash in his skull. As she looked at him holding her belly wondering if his sick attack had hurt her child. She hadn’t felt the baby kick in a while. She tapped her belly knowing that he or she was there. When she felt a little kick she nodded knowing they were okay. Exhaling she gripped the fire poker tighter.

Selina was shocked how oblivious Dimitri was to what they were doing and for the first time she saw it. None of this was about Tamara or her, it was all about this poor girl. Bliss was on the floor heaving trying to catch her breath with all her might. She could see his fingers imprinting into her smooth skin. Selina jumped at the opportunity to not only help Bliss but fuck up Dimitri. This psychopath really thought they were going to let him kill Bliss. She just married Hunter and was in love and she saw that first hand. She slammed the glass lamp into his head. Selina felt herself rushing to Bliss rubbing her back. As she looked up at the girl scrambling to grab the gun. She nodded at Tamara and smiled.

Bliss held the gun and clicked the safety off the gun as she looked at Dimitri standing up. As she looked at her the weapon that was by her son’s head not thirty minutes earlier. As she wrapped her finger around the trigger looking to her left where Selina stood and her right where Tamara had walked behind her.  Hearing him groggily awakening she cleared her throat. “Don’t move or I’m going to blow your fucking head off.”

Dimitri had been thrilled as he had started to see the color drain from her face as he began to squeeze more and he swore that he heard footsteps behind him only instead to feel something hard his hit back. He had went to get up and go after whoever had hit him only instead the world went black around his eyes. He didn’t know how long he had laid there but he did hear mumbling and the women all talking and he almost wanted to laugh at them no one knew where they were in the mansion and as soon as he was able he would make sure to end not just Bliss’s life but those of Tamara and Selina as well. Such a shame that the unborn child involved would never see the light of day but that really was on its mother’s hands at this point he had warned them all. “You are such a cowardly bitch you would never pull that trigger what would you tell our son? Murdering his father and yet I’m the monster here?” Dimitri managed to groan out as he slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Bliss waiting for his bearing to come back into focus so he could finish the job.

**********

Linus had loaded his mother into the limo as he prepared to get to the hotel for the night. Then they’d fly back to London which wasn’t the plan but the truth about Zerick had sped up his exit. His mother fussed about leaving without seeing Lowell or spending time with Fox and the great grandchildren. She didn’t need to know about the lies so many women had said. They wanted it and drugs were freer back then. Everyone put something in someone’s drink to loosen them up. How hypocritical of his brother when he had given him coke and LSD. He didn’t give it to him too well to rape women it was for sexual enjoyment and just pleasure. The way they were trying to rip him apart he wouldn’t stand for it. He wouldn’t have it and when Zerick was ready to be the prince of the European Devonshire’s he was free to come to him. He was saying he was disgusted with him but that wasn’t true. Zerick would love his father one day.

As he picked up his mother’s bag and nodded at his mother’s aide to come as they begin to walk out he saw Camilla standing at the limo. “What do you want you traitorous bitch. I’ve kept your secrets for years but Camilla no more. I will destroy you and Lowell if I have to because I refuse to apologize about Kathleen. So she wanted Lowell; it was me who she got and I gave her the child she truly needed and loved. Zerick should get on his hands and knees to thank me. He wouldn’t be able to be here standing without what I did with his mother. It was love because we made a child. It was her lust for Lowell that gave us our son.”

Camila had watched the entire wedding ceremony go off without a hitch and she of course was happy for her nephew and his new wife her eyes had scanned the room for Zerick though and he hadn’t been there. Or if he had been she didn’t see him honestly it was hard to say that he looked like Linus he definitely took after the Davis side of the family he looked very much so like Jackie and Kathleen and she wondered if that was a good thing for him. It was hard for her to even look at Lowell after for the sham that he had put Jackie and his children through and for what Linus? She wasn’t naive to Linus’s faults as a man or his faults at the company, there had been so many women come forward over the years and accuse him. She and Lowell had always taken a bribe or paid someone to keep quiet or keep it under wraps but this entire mess had been so public with Zerick there would be no cover up this time and she was sure of that. Unfortunately their brother’s protection ended here for them as a whole it could no longer continue and she had followed him out and waited until their mother was in the car until she approached him with her champagne glass in her hand.

“Crawling off so soon is such a thing with you Linus I would have at least thought you would stay till the newly weds saw their exit in a bit but I suppose trying to slink off in the middle back to London where you think you’re protected would be the route you would take. You really should just stay and face the consequences I’ve already texted Lowell my thoughts there is no position waiting for you in the London office anymore.” Camilla said taking a sip of her champagne as she waved to their mother who was waiting in the car she walked to the car tapping on the window of the driver. Leaning in to tell him to take her back to the hotel she and Linus would follow soon after and she saw him glaring at her as the car pulled away. “You raped a woman that hit on our brother that night and let him take the fall for it. Honestly at this point Linus the incessant I didn’t rape them is getting so old and tired almost played out to the point no one believes it anymore. Such a shame that you won’t be running off with mother so quickly this time and when she learns the truth, well you’ll have no one left.”

“Were you always such a bitch?” Linus barked as he looked at Camilla. “You are so pathetic, everyone says I hung on Lowell’s coattails but you fucked your way to your power. You used your golden snatch to have the money and lifestyle with or without DGI. Say what you want about my personal demons but I don’t marry for power and wealth. Can you say the same thing? You just stopped me from leaving this farce. Come on, we both know Jackson’s nose will be in powder before long. Not only that I did rape them. I raped them and I enjoy it Camilla. You think you are so perfect but guilt and pain must be eating at you. How many women did you pay off personally Camilla? How much DGI funds did you waste to keep me safe. Let’s not pretend that you care about Lowell’s downfall. He banished us to London and we were left to run a business that we didn’t care about. I mean that is why my son now has your position right, Camilla? Rainer will be so disappointed his favorite aunt wants to see him arrested for this crazed witch hunt.”

Linus leaned against the marble lion that stood gaudily outside of the mansion. “I’m not going to jail for rape. Rich people don’t go to jail Camilla we go to rehab or a retreat and I’ll be all fixed. You’ll have to explain every payout, every time you protected me. If I don’t have a job I’ll reveal so much about you and Lowell to the press. I’ll go march in there and tell that French whore Greer LeClerq everything. You and Lowell don’t want our family secrets out there do you?” He said in a menacing voice. “I’m asking you to protect me one last time and you’ll never have to do it again sister. I’ve always protected you. I’ve always fought for you do the same for me. Let me go.” Linus looked around as he saw a . When he looked up he saw his newly found son standing before him and Camilla. “Camilla have you met my newest prodigy? Zerick my boy will you please get your father out of here. I’m ready to fly home with a job or not.”

Zerick hadn’t seen the ceremony take place; he had instead wandered the mansion for a bit, reeling from the news and making a call to his mother’s doctor leaving a voicemail. He was so distraught he then had called for his car quietly and discretely of course and drove back to the empty mansion down the road and the safe inside of his home office He had taken out the gun from the safe unsure what he was going to do he was so angry at Lowell for all his fucking lies about how he was concived what type of a man put their own children and his aunt through that shit? Then the man that actually conceived him he had no desire to stand in that pretentious office and look at him as if he was anything more than a sperm donor to him. They weren’t family in truth, the only family that he had left from all of this was his poor aunt who had looked physically ill at the news and Lowell had just stood there. By the time that he had tucked the gun back in his coat and returned to the reception that was in full swing he had hung in the shadows watching Lowell drape and cling to Belle. He honestly felt bad for Jackson that all of this shit had happened at his wedding, he supposed it was expected they were still dealing with Lowell Devonshire. Forbes had lied to him about so much but he was right about that Lowell would always be selfish and self serving his own needs first before everything else and he’d deal with Forbes later but he watched as Linus had escorted who he supposed was his grandmother out and to the car. He waited on the doorstep hidden as his aunt had goaded Linus into confessing before he stepped out and looked at them both.

“Shut the hell up I’m not your boy, never will be you sick fuck. You held my mother down after you drugged her and raped her stealing her innocence because you were jealous? Do you realize how fucking sick that is?” Zerick said looking between them and when he saw Linus move to leave he took out the gun from his pocket and aimed it right at him taking off the safety for good measure seeing the horror on Camilla’s face and fear on Linus’s. He’d killed before maybe not directly but he could do it if needed that part of him was still alive and well he had sent that poisioned brandy to Gideon had pushed Gideon into doing his bidding to kill Steven and Carla endding the man that raped his mother’s life and created him would be like taking a fucking leak at this point. “You don’t get to exit after what you did to her. What gives you the right to act like you’re some hero in this story you fucking asshole? Not that your brother is any better he continued on this lie knowing the truth but you? You deserve a bullet in you prison is too good for you.”

“Put that damn gun down young man.” He said, gulping down the air that tasted all the sudden thick. Stepping back he saw Camilla horror as he looked at his own son. It was ironic that his own son would and could kill him. The child that was denied and thought he deserved a seat at the table. Linus raised his hand looking at Camilla. “Go let your aunt leave. She was just scolding me about my own sins and if you are going to hold me to the cross. Then at least listen to me Zerick. You are my son and you think that you can’t get me out of you. Look at you Camilla, he’s dangerous as father but has my cunning. You are the better version of me and I couldn’t be prouder. Pull the trigger son because this will make you a legend. No Devonshire will blink and everyone will lie. Kill me Zerick do it. Kill the man that gave you breath. You wouldn’t be standing here without my foul act. I am ready to die and you are right give me a sweet release because dying would be better than jail. Maybe you aren’t as cunning as me.” Linus saw Zerick tremble just a bit. “No matter what you are a Devonshire has anyone told you how Lowell got the money to start DGI?” He saw a horror on Camilla’s face. “So many sons kill their fathers.” Linus lowered his hands. “Now put down that gun, claim the millions that belong to you and deal with the fact that you’ve been born into a sick game. Don’t you want to know how Forbes got his hands on you? I have answers and they’ll die with me so my apologies if your threats aren’t going to make me quiver.”

Dru watched the events outside unfolding from the window. Zerick was so good at blending but her eyes were on him. She kept watching him and it made her feel good to see him in action. He was truly about to kill his father and his divinely stunning aunt Camilla was paralyzed in fear. Looking over her shoulder she saw Merci. Stepping back because Linus was now talking and trying to plead his case. He was smart he was fucking with Zerick head and if it worked it could save his life. Whatever he knew would be interesting to say the least. She listened Jackson and Dani had cut the cake and she was about to throw the bouquet and leave in a carriage with fireworks going off. Or at least that’s what everyone had thought was going to happen. Interestingly they thought the beautiful night wasn’t going to be ruined. Clearing her throat she screamed in all her might. As if she was in the middle of a fucking horror movie. She’d always played the part. Bursting the doors open she saw Zerick look up at her and Merci along with Jackson, Chauncey, Brock, Greer, Dani, Natasha all come outside. Dru saw Zerick’s eyes and he was pissed. She didn’t care they weren’t done and him going to jail for brutally fucking murdering his father who was about to rot was stupid. He was running and he knew the gig was up. “Stop it Zerick!”

Merci was on her headphones. “I need someone with eyes on Devin and the cops, I need the authorities and security up front immediately.”

“Merci stop we can handle this!” Jackson screamed at her as he looked at Zerick and Linus. They were about to go to there home for a few moments to get the bags in the horse drawn carriage. Then fly to Isla De Cruces for their damn honeymoon. Why was all this happening now? He looked at Dani and flashes of jealousy echoed in his head. He was horrible to Zerick and if anyone he wouldn’t want to jump in was him. He could guess it was overdue. Walking to Dani he kissed her on the lips. “I’ll be right back.” Jackson ran down the steps. “Zerick stop, aunt Camilla go upstairs and call off all those police. Zerick isn’t going to disrespect his family today. He’s going to honor me because he’s my cousin and he’s my brother. You hear me man. I don’t care what those damn DNA test Lowell is a just as guilty as if he did the sick shit to Katie. His silence and you somehow being raised with Forbes. We are crossed but I’m not crossed anymore you came here with Dru this girl clearly cares about you. Man don’t do this come on brother.” Jackson called out to Zerick nodding at him. “You can hate me but you are a Devonshire and you have me, Chauncey, Bliss, Max, Rory, Dani, and I think even Greer. She’s really concerned which shocks me that bitch has emotions. Um that’s not the point. Put the gun down Zerick look you fucking dismantled DGI with Greer help us all put this together again.” He snapped back.

Dani looked at Jackson still a little worried about all the chaos going around and before she knew it she was chasing after him down the steps to figure out what was going on. Instead she froze watching Jackson trying to talk sense into Zerick. With a gun being waved around left and right by Zerick who was clearly upset at everything that had happened. She didn’t know Jackson’s aunt that well when even she had inched towards her and the rest of the onlookers seeing Zerick holding Linus at gunpoint and Jackson standing in between them. He got shot she really didn’t she’d be able to take it they barely just said their vows and were supposed to be leaving for their honeymoon in a few moments.

Zerick had almost let out a maniacal laugh at Linus when he started to speak only to see the doors to the mansion open and suddenly a crowd had gathered around him and Linus. He shook his head at him and then looked over at Jackson was he really that desperate for the spotlight to not be on him for a few moments that he’d take up for Linus? Did Jackson and the rest honestly think he gave a shit about his Devonshire DNA that ran through his veins when it came to his make up and life? He waved the gun at Linus when he moved and then waved it at the crowd on the steps. “Save it we aren’t brothers hell we’re barely cousins at this rate, you all act like jail isn’t what he deserves just like you did with your father no one backed my mother except my aunt. No you all make excuses for monsters in your own family, let’s keep it hush hush cousin shall we? Please spare me or I swear you won’t make it to the honeymoon phase of the evening. Dani will be a widow before you two even get to celebrate a full day of marital bliss but given how the party has gone so far maybe that wasn’t in the cards. If you stand in they way of what is rightfully mine to decide what to do with this piece of shit before me I swear I’ll pull the trigger not once but twice.” He finished before he turned his attention back to Linus.

“I am nothing like you you fucking monster I’ve never and I mean never held down a vulnerable woman against her will and violated her the way you did. I never took something from her that you could never give back and leave her with a burden to raise that drove her insane. Like I said I’m not your son, but I was raised by someone who was worse than Lowell could ever imagine and I have no problems dealing with you in the only way I know how if the police decide that they can’t take care of you. I really don’t care how he got hsi hands on me anymore what I do know is that those hands taught me how to pull the trigger on this fucking gun if needed.” Zerick said looking at him menacingly and with vengeance on his mind for his soul and that of his mother. He had choked out Belle earlier and that did frighten him now looking back but he had never raped someone and took away their innocence like Linus had. “You think I care about the money that is all the Devonshire’s care about from what I know money, I made my own over the years no thanks to you or your brother’s sick game and lies. I am not you like I said if anything I am a Davis.”

“You are me, didn’t you choke a woman just earlier. Already start to ramp up. Oh son you think you have none of me inside of you. I’m here to inform you that you are me. You are the anger that violated Katie with. Seep out of me and implanted inside of her. You are my most vicious of my offspring and that says quite a bit. You aren’t the disappointment the faggot son Rainer is. You aren’t a party boy like Barron and not an airhead like Kimber, my son. The prodigy I’ve always wanted and I hate didn’t get to you. I hate that Forbes raised my son but he has done a job. I always wanted someone as lethal and dangerous do it Zerick. Kill me keep the tradition of paticide going in our family. You are a Devonshire boy not a Davis. You aren’t that pathetic walk in your legacy Zerick. Come on kill me if you have guts, if you have the balls! Do it damn it.”

Jackson saw Zerick’s hand steadying, no fear was in his eyes he was going to kill Linus in front of all these people. It wasn’t about him or Zerick at this moment. It would kill his mother to lose him after the guilt had eaten away at her for not having Zerick in their lives. Not only that Zerick deserved a better shot than what he got. As he leaped at Zerick the first gunshot went off in the sky. He saw Linus running toward them hopefully to help him disarm Zerick. “Stop it Zerick! I’m trying to save you this isn’t the way to get him!” He saw Linus approaching them and yanking at the gun the three men tussling. “Zerick stop you’re going to kill someone!” He saw a flash of Dani in his eyes as he felt Linus punch him and him fall to his knees.

Linus swung at Zerick connecting to his mouth and went for the gun. Another shot rang out into the night. “You ungrateful waste of my sperm. You thought I was going to let you kill me? You aren’t a prodigy, you’re a mistake, a dirty one at that. Katie should have aborted you like I told her too. Your mother’s fragile mind came back to me begging for help with the baby. I gave her a grand and no doubt remembered what I gave her again. Bent over my desk in London, I raped her for hours and hours. I embedded my DNA in her to let her know she was mine. I slept with your mother a few times after the rape.” Seeing his eyes flashing with hate and laughed. “You thought that I didn’t know about you?” His voice was eerily calm. “I knew that she had you and I didn’t want you. You’re right you are a nothing Davis not a Devonshire. You aren’t a Montgomery or Devonshire or even a Davis because Katie never wanted you. She wanted to abort you, you pathetic infantile. You are an abomination to life and I’m going to show you what that bitch should have done when I make you swallow a bullet.”

**********

Merci turned around, throwing her hands up as she saw the groom getting punched at his wedding. Another one bites the dust as she saw the firework man sticking two thumbs up. She could hear Chauncey trying to calm Dani down as Brock and he shielded Greer and Dani. Looking up she heard the horns as the countdown began and the firework tech started the show as she spun around. She looked at Jackson jumping up wrestling with Zerick and Linus for the gun. Her eyes spun around as she looked at Brock as she bit her lip praying the man didn’t do what she thought he would do. Go charging toward Jackson, Linus, and Zerick. This was insane. It was Jackson’s wedding and she wasn’t having it. Not only that it was the biggest day of her career thus far. Merci screamed so loud that it seemed that everything stopped as the men instantly begin to wrestle for dominance for the gun.

As she looked up at the sky with beautiful lights going off. The fireworks technician had completely fucked up just like this wedding. She peaked up as another loud explosion went off from the fireworks when she heard a gunshot. It wasn’t that long ago Merci was in Scottswood. She looked down as Jackson, Zerick and Linus laid on the ground. A pool of blood was seeping out of one or two of them? Who had gotten shot? She saw Devin and Jon running out with their guns. She grabbed Devin’s shoulder as she heard Dani screaming for Jackson to get up as Brock held her back. Merci just fell into his arms as the fireworks continued to go off.

Zerick had been so prepared for this moment or at least in his head he thought he was prepared for this moment that he confronted the real man that had raped his mother. Instead his stupid ass cousin had to go off butting his nose into his business as if he wasn’t capable of handling it himself. He was going to shoot the bastard that held his mother down and raped her only he was thrown off guard when he pulled the trigger and suddenly his hand was in the air when his cousin tossed it up. How dare he interrupt his moment to take the man that conceived him out on his terms and act like he owed the Devonshire’s some sense of loyalty to them after everything that his uncle had carelessly put them all through.No his cousin didn’t get to dictate that shit to him and he had turned to shove Jackson back only to have Linus attack them both and reach for the gun. Before he knew it he was on the ground the gun in one hand while Jackson and Linus began to fight him for the gun and his finger squeezed on the trigger or he wasn’t sure if it was a firework that went off. His head hit the grass on the lawn and he saw Linus reaching up and pulling his hand down while his cousin fought to place it up and he was just trying to hold onto it.

“How dare either of you to tell me what in the hell to do right now. You raped my mother and you along with the rest of your siblings acted like I was some crazed asshole when your father let all this simmer to protect his ass from jail or worse death. Now you think that I owe any of you fucking anything?” Zerick said screaming the last part out as he wrestled with the gun again and before he knew what was happening he felt one of them reach for the trigger and another shot go off and the recoil slammed him into the ground with both men on top of him.

Linus rolled off of Jackson and to the right of Zerick. He smiled thinking that the bullet missed him as he looked at everyone’s shocked faces. Then a searing burning feeling began to eat at core as he felt blood pouring out of him. Touching his side he saw his hands covered in blood. A soft gurgle came out of his mouth as he looked at Zerick’s cold satisfied eyes. “You’re just like me.” He whispered as he saw his nephew holding Zerick back. “You’re exactly what I wanted a ruthless son who taught his dear old dad a thing or two. Thank-you for killing me. I didn’t want to go to jail son. I didn’t want to.” Linus said willing himself to die. Willing himself to go to the light or darkness whatever waited was better than this.

Jackson saw Zerick’s eyes and was so completely shocked at what he saw. Zerick was horrified he’d just help give Linus exactly what he wanted. He wanted to hurt Linus and killing him was going to do that. The look on utter anger at him was enough to send a shiver down his spine. “We fucked up Zerick. We all fucked up because we couldn’t face my father was a horrible man. We should have embraced you and Belle even though that’s fucking hard to do. But if you killed him we can’t fix this and I think you don’t want to not fix this. You are our blood either way and I still can’t fucking stand you for doing this today but I won’t let this motherfucker take the chance for us all to fix this. With aunt Katie, and with you.” Jackson turned around. “Where’s fucking David! Help! I need a doctor.” He crawled over to Linus. “Help!” Jackson screamed seeing the shock on Zerick’s face at what he just said. Looking up at Dani he saw her fury and fear. He just mouthed he was sorry, taking in each deep breaths while his chest heaved. “Merci! Please help us. He can’t die.” As he saw Devin walking down with his gun drawn aimed at Zerick.

**********

Bliss looked out the window and saw the fireworks going off. That meant Jackson and Dani were leaving. Biting her lip she wondered where Max was? Where was the help? Max had to tell someone that Dimitri had her by now and by extension people had to be worried about Selina and Tamara being missing. Her eyes darted to the bright lights coloring the sky as she felt her heart swelling. “He has a father and his name is Hunter Kincaid. Don’t fucking move Dimitri. I mean it, you think I won’t kill you? You think I won’t take your life? Your life that means nothing to me! Nothing do you hear me! You have terrorized women! You have violated me! You have raped.” She looked at Tamara. “Abused.” She looked at Selina. “I have every fucking right to kill your right here! But someone is coming now. You idiot me and Max are so good right now. You let her take Fox and you’ll never see him again. Dead or alive I swear to fucking God you will never see my son again. I left him because you would have killed me! You were going to kill me! You raped a woman because you wanted my attention well here I am. Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you? I have been tortured! Beaten, hiding all the bruises with makeup, lying for you over and over again. Believing that you could change! I loved you! I trusted you! You ruined us! You beat me as if I’m not a servant! No more! I’m not a slave to you so I’m asking and these women are right here behind me. Because no matter what my choice is. They’ll stand behind me because you hurt them fundamentally. Tell me what do you want? Do you want to live or die because either you apologize and confess. Get his phone Tamara. Or I’m going to blow a hole big as Ilsa De Cruces in your head.” Bliss said with a darkness in her eyes.

Tamara walked around Dimitri so he wasn’t able to touch her. As Bliss held the gun to Dimitri as she placed his phone to his face to unlock it. As she walked to Bliss side looking at Tamara. “I should have killed you. When I shot you earlier, he has no sympathy, Bliss.” She said as she saw the shock on each woman’s face. “I should have killed you!”

“Repent Dimitri or I swear to God I’m going to bash your head in! Tell us you’re sorry! Tell us!” Selina said with her chest heaving as she looked at Dimitri. “I was told once that I wasn’t good enough because I was black. I’ve been on a race running my entire life from my skin.” She said softly. “I love my skin, I love I’mma a black woman. I’m strong and it’s born into the DNA of me. My mother, my grandmother, and so on. You know what keeps echoing through my mind, is those women. When I see you place your fingers inside of me. When I see you I don’t get an ounce of pleasure from the roughness and the assault you did to my body. My great-grandmother fought off a plantation owner before he let her virtue go. That is why I will kill you. I think all of us will kill you if need be. You see we’ve been broken by you and Tamara tell me did shooting this motherfucker make you feel better?”

“I felt so much better, I felt like the fear was gone.” Tamara held Selina’s hand.

Selina reached out to Bliss grabbing her free hand.

“Then I’m going to fucking shoot him. I don’t want to be afraid anymore.” Bliss said, aiming the gun at Dimitri. “Any fucking last words?”

Dimitri’s head was still pounding as he looked at the dim light in the room hearing their voices and Bliss trying to be brave for them, she was always one to put on a good show. The poor victim or at least that was the part she loved to play now, while they were married though she loved to play the part of princess to the island, the fame that it came with and now because he had certain expectations as his wife he was some monster? She wanted it when they were married just like Tamara wanted him and in a way just like Selina wanted him to help her get the daughter she didn’t even birth. Now all they wanted to do was hear him beg for petty forgiveness for his actions? Actions they had all pushed him to Bliss left him and Fox. Selina ran to the island and begged him for help when it came to her divorce and her problems at DGI. Tamara flirted with him at the office with her few smiles and it wasn’t like Braden really loved her he waffled between her and Selina like a yoyo back and forth for years.

“Apologize to you? You are such a weak and spineless bitch Bliss then again maybe I should have picked someone that didn’t have such daddy issues to lead my dynasty perhaps Amanda was the better choice. You were fine with it when you had a title to go along with the money and the fame it bought you. The way you and your mother cooed over our courtship. And you came to the island for my help not the other way around.” Dimitri said rolling over to look at them all as he felt his strength returning. His eyes met their one by one and landed on Tamara. “You were just fun and if I have my way none of you will live to tell the tale no one is looking for any of you.”

“Spineless? Weak? I’m a bitch? Fame?” She said seething as she looked at Dimitri. Her lips quivered as her hand shook. The gun wobbling until she raised her other hand and steadied her grip. “I remember when you first hit me. I could see the look in your eyes. It was so much hate and so much fear in my heart.” She saw the rocket of colors outside the window as a loud explosion went off seeing Selina jump a little from her peripheral vision. “I’m not weak, I’m not a bitch, and I have a spine.” She aimed and shot him directly in the shoulder. Watching him fall back she smiled feeling the power coursing through her body. “Tamara shot you there right? That has to hurt. I’m not a bitch or a item for you to fucking have. I’m pissed and I’m infuriated that you are even breathing. I have nightmares about you and if you want to fuck Amanda do it in hell. Fuck you Dimitri.” Bliss aimed the gun and shot him once in the head and then she kept firing until she emptied the clip inside of his body. As the fireworks exploded outside drowning out the gunshots. “I’m going to get my son.” Bliss dropped the gun as she turned around and saw Jackie standing at the doorway.

Jackie had been at the reception ready to forget everything about Zerick and the truth that it came with focusing on her families future, when Max had entered with Fox. It was odd of course it was for her daughter to be holding Fox after she knew that Bliss had dropped him off at the nursery for a nap. She watched as Max had dodged everyone in the room including Jackson and Dani, Hunter and Philip by the time that she had reached her and she simply asked what was wrong it was imperative that they needed to leave the room. She refused to allowed the news that Max had told ehr to infiltrate the party that was going on at the wedding it was something that they could simply handle themselves as far as she was concerned and on the way discreetly out the back, she had met Simon at the back entrance as well.  She had to remind Max to pull herself together in the hallway while they stopped at Lowell’s study to retrieve the gun inside and saw both Simon and Max look at her like she was insane, she had warned Dimitri that he would met his end with her if so much as laid a hand on Bliss or Selina again, that went for Tamara now too. She informed Max to go back to the party to not raise concern against her daughter’s protests and instead informer that she and Simon would handle this.

“Do not fight with me Max two sisters missing from your brother’s wedding is two too many Simon will make sure nothing happens to me and Dimitri doesn’t escape.” Jackie said casting her a look before she and Simon disappeared into the walls of the tunnels in the estate. At one time she found them fascinating and exciting, overtime she had come to despise them after she knew the various purposes that Lowell used them for with his various mistresses over the years. She walked with Simon in silence and passed him Lowell’s gun when he stopped and held out his hand she could have pulled the trigger herself if needed, but Simon had always taken care of the family first when needed. “I sometimes wonder if we ask too much of you Simon.” She said quietly as she heard what sounded like gunshots come from the room ahead f them they were close to the solarium. Picking up her dress she hurriedly followed Simon down the hall to to the room and she swore she heard more gunshots but they echoed and were father away long with fireworks. Their absence would barely be noticed if she was right about what was going on. Turning the corner she and Simon came to stop in the doorway at the scene before them “Oh my God.” She managed to finally get out taking in the sight of Tamara, Selina and Bliss. Bliss holding a gun in her shaking hand and a blood soaked Dimitri laying on the floor.

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