CHAPTER 5 : THE SCARE

DEXTER

Spraying my expensive aftershave in my room, I picked up my phone with a heavy sigh. We had a weed delivery tonight, and I thought I'd see Midnight. 

 The kiss flashed into my mind, and for a moment, my lips tingled at the thought of her beautiful mouth. 

 My bedroom door slammed open, and I shot around.

Dad stood, his black vest sleeveless and ripped.

He was smaller than me but powerful.

 The reminder of his fists on my stomach made me wince in pain. 

 My dad's hooded brown eyes were red and bloodshot.

 Drugs. Probably the usual; he mixed around a lot, so who knows what he took. 

 "Take Bella to school today," he said, flexing his jaw.

 "Already on it, sir," I managed, throwing some stuff in my bag.

 "You trying to be funny, boy?" he growled, violently flinging me up the wall.

Like I was weightless.

 Feather like.

 Panic grabbed and twisted my insides.

Making everything scream loudly in my head. 

My heart hammered in my chest.

I had to keep my breathing under control; I'd been doing so for ten years.

 He wouldn't beat me.

 His dark blue eyes shimmered as he swam closer to my face.

His white spit dried on his cracked lips. 

He punched me angrily in my stomach with one swift strike.

I took it.

He did it again, throwing me on the floor.

My stomach clenched at the pain. 

 The sharp pain.

I was so used to this.

Suddenly, my old man was yanked off me and threw up against the opposing wall.

 Axel stood looming over my dad with a heavy look in his amber-fire eyes.

He was twice his size in height and build. 

"Don't Axe leave him", I croaked out, clutching my stomach as I crawled up.

 "Leave" roared Axel angrily.

My dad laughed loudly.

 "Next time, son", he grinned and swaggered out. 

"Get Bella", I stated, grabbing my cigarettes from my black jeans back pocket.

 Axel didn't need to be told twice.

He knew I didn't want to talk about it. 

Grabbing some paracetamol off my wooden desk, I popped a few and then inhaled the dark smoke that swarmed my lungs.

 It felt good.

 It felt good to poison my weak body.

Realisation bled into my heart.

 I was nothing.

I meant nothing.

After ten years, my dad achieved what he wanted.

 To break me. 

** 

Midnight got in the car and sat next to my younger sister.

She smiled, her grey eyes flicking between me and Belle because she knew.

 We looked so similar it was crazy.

 I winced at the soft pain that crawled through my ribs.

Night's stormy eyes flashed to mine, anger written on that stunning face.

But, like my brothers, she didn't mention it.

 For some reason, I hoped she did. 

"I'm Isabella", smiled my sister sweetly, swinging her legs anxiously.

 It was a giveaway for her that showed she was nervous.

But my sister had this air of confidence: regrettably, she got that from my dick of a father. 

 Midnight smiled at her pleasantly, offering her hand out.

 "I'm Midnight, your brother's" She hesitated, unable to finish her sentence. 

"Friend", she finally smiled, shaking Bella's little hand.

I scoffed and smirked at her in the car mirror.

 She raised one eyebrow but said nothing. 

Bella smiled up at her.

 "It's nice he has a girl as a friend. Most of his friends are boring boys", my little sister groaned, now actively turning her attention to Midnight. 

Midnight laughed, "Tell me about it."

 I had them both sweetly laughing for a while, and in that moment, happiness consumed me. 

** 

Arriving at maths later that morning, I sat with Jasper and watched the rest of the class, looking at my high school kingdom with dismay. 

 Jasper sat silently, like usual, when I asked him a question.

That's when Jas spoke.

"Have you taken step one of the plan yet?" I asked, still eyeing up the class curiously.

 I was wondering if I could find them here.

They weren't that brave. 

"I have, yes, it's all set in place for lunch", said Jasper, a tiny sharp twinkle in his grey eyes.

 I nodded.

 The bitches had no idea what would go down at lunchtime; let's hope for the sake of everything.

It would go down without a hitch. 

 I had every faith it really would.

But I wasn't stupid; things could go wrong.

 But I had a plan for every letter of the alphabet. 

The girls should have heeded my warning.

Midnight would get her revenge, and oh, how sweet it would be.

MIDNIGHT

** 

Dexter, Axel, and Jasper stayed for lunch, which was

 weird because Romeo, Cal, and I were the only ones with lessons on a Monday afternoon. 

 I assessed their trays carefully again, as I did every lunchtime.

This helped me get to know them better. 

Today, Dexter had no food; he just had an energy drink on his red tray, which usually meant he was stressed.

Having less food was always a worrying sign that Dex was internally falling apart, but he never showed it.

 I always admired Dex for that.

 His dad beat him.

It was his biggest secret.

But he was brave.

He protected his sister the best he could. He'd make a great father one day. 

A sick feeling hovered in my stomach at the thought of

 Dexter fathering someone's children but mine.

 What the hell was wrong with me?

When I actually sat and considered it, any of these boys not having kids with me killed me.

Was that love or obsession? Snap out of it, Midnight. 

Obsession was the person who'd wrote on my mirror.

Don't torture yourself Midnight it was probably a practical joke I told myself.

As usual, Axel had cheesy fries and cigarettes on his tray.

I smirked at how predictable he was.

He always had the same thing, and I could count on him never to change—not for anyone. 

 That was the same story for Romeo, who ate a burger dripping in grease.

He loved his food and cooking, but I couldn't tell the boys that because it was uncool, as Romeo kept reminding me.

 Jasper had a salad again, but as usual, he didn't eat it, which I always found weird. 

 It made me curious as to why.

Cal had a sandwich and coke on his tray and was looking around.

He was always on guard fucking constantly.

 It made me feel safe.

 Protected.

 Suddenly a blood-curling scream lit up the lunch hall, and I clutched my hand on Romeo's thigh, and a cocky smirk overtook his arrogant lips. 

 Asshole.

They all remained calm, so I knew whatever has happened was down to them. 

The girls stood, flailing their skinny little arms.

 They looked crazy.

Serena screamed as hundreds of these black beetles scurried from her pink Ted Baker bag. 

They were all over the girls, in their hair, scurrying around aimlessly.

Screaming lit up the canteen as people pushed past one another, racing away, throwing their bags to move the girls out of the way.

I couldn't help the laugh that overtook me.

It made my ribs scream in protest, but I didn't care.

They'd got what they deserved. 

 Romeo helped me, careful of my still sore ribs, and the

 boys ushered me out.

 "Step one complete", laughed Romeo, wrapping an arm around me.

 That was fucking amazing. 

** 

The school had to be fumigated for the next few days, so we had a free holiday.

 My aunt gave me about five textbooks and made revision materials for me. 

Seated at my blue desk, I struggled with the maths problems in front of me.

Despite my best efforts, the numbers didn't make sense to me.

 I let out a heavy sigh, feeling completely exhausted and frustrated at the same time.

It was then that my phone pinged, and I saw that there was a message from Callix.

Despite my better judgment, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of his name.

I didn't want to be that girl who was always simping over a guy, but there was just something about Callix that made my heart skip a beat.

'Hey, are you studying?' his message read.

I responded with a simple 'yes' and waited for his reply.

The following message made my heart race.

 "Maybe I can help. Come to your window," it read.

 I couldn't believe it - was he really suggesting what I thought he was? I rushed over to the window, my body tingling with anticipation. 

As I looked out, I saw Callix perched on the window ledge, looking up at me with a mischievous grin.

 He was wearing a black hoodie, cargos, and boots - a look that suited him perfectly.

As I stood before him, his baby blue eyes shone with a sweet smile that made my heart skip a beat.

In his hands, he held a single red rose and a box of doughnuts, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him,wondering how he managed to climb up with those goodies.

 Out of all the boys, Cal was the most openly romantic one, always eager to surprise me.

I recalled how he had gifted me flowers for the first time, and all the other boys had groaned in unison.

 The memory brought a small smile to my face. 

"This is for you," he had said with a smirk, handing me the rose.

As I brought the flower to my nose, its sweet perfume invaded my nostrils, filling me with a sense of delight.

I invited him into my bedroom, and he sat on my bed, pulling out his math textbook like it was no big deal.

 "What are you doing?" I asked him.

 "Doing maths work like you should be doing", smiled Cal, wicked gleam in his eye. 

"I am, actually", I replied sassily, sitting in my desk chair.

I flicked my pony back and began to write.

Cal's blue eyes were on me every second; he was probably not doing work. 

 Turning around, I smiled.

 "What are you looking at?" I asked, facing him in my desk chair, wheeling it towards where he sat cross-legged on my queen-size bed. 

His hand travelled faintly from my neck slowly up my face, and the move was so damn hot my throat became dry.

 He cupped my jaw in those soft fingertips, and I internally shivered with pleasure.

 "Pure perfection, and she's looking back", he croaked out, staring into my eyes lovingly. 

Our lips were mere inches away when suddenly Cal's phone rang.

I tried to pull away from his touch, but Cal kept me like that as he answered the phone.

 Our mouths almost touching.

 This was torture. 

"I'm at Midnight's house studying," he told whoever had asked.

 I heard a loud laugh.

 It was definitely Romeo. 

He managed, "On our way," and abruptly ended the call.

 That's when he put a quick kiss on my head. 

 "Dex has called a meeting, and you've been invited princess," he grinned, hopping up and wandering out.

 When I got ahold of Dexter for interrupting our moment.

 I'd kill him.

AXEL

** 

Callix walked hand in hand with our girl, and I felt protectiveness consume my body.

It was okay.

 It wasn't her. 

Anger coursed dangerously through my body, and I breathed deeply as I eyed my girl openly.

 Dexter's body language was taut, and he wasn't happy with Cal either. 

Romeo swung his arm casually over Midnight's with a big grin.

Cal let go of her hand, eyeing Dex and me up, a little confused.

Don't be fucking confused.

We promised to warn each other if we made a move. 

Jasper avoided all our gazes.

 His grey gaze was focused on the princess.

 Wow, what a change, huh.

Muffled screaming lit up the warehouse, and Midnight raised her eyebrow, intrigued. 

"Oh, goody, it's prize time", grinned Romeo, dancing forward, flicking his blonde hair back with a flirty wink at Night. 

Romeo opened his car door and pulled Serena out by her short blonde hair.

Her green eyes glowed with worry. 

 "Is now a bad time?" I scoffed, stalking forward as I grabbed the white zip ties.

 Her short mini-skirt left nothing to be seen, making me hiss in disgust. 

She screamed against the gag.

Laughing, I grabbed her hair and dragged her to the chair, tying her pathetic hands behind her.

She sobbed harder. 

Ugly tears drenched her hideous face, blotchy and red.

 Mascara streaked violently down her cheeks.

 I sighed, almost bored. 

 "You're lucky I don't hit girls, but I know someone who will", I stated, beckoning Midnight forward.

Fear flashed in those big grey eyes, and I studied her.

 "She hurt you, Midnight, so hurt her. Imagine she did that to Bella," I managed, focusing my eyes on the little bitch crying in the chair pathetically.

Midnight striked a hand forward like a python punching Serena in the nose.

Blood spurted sporadically from her nose, and Dexter laughed.

Cal just looked at Midnight like he didn't know her.

 He always seemed to find the best in people. 

 Next, Midnight stroked a punch to her stomach and didn't stop until Serena was totally out of it.

Romeo was staring at her.

 Turned on by her brutal assault.

Jasper watched, too, but not Midnight.

 He watched Selena.

The pain she was enduring made him feel better.

 Dexter just stared at the scene.

Stared at our girl. 

"That's enough," growled Cal, pulling her back harshly.

 Her fists were soaked in blood and anger.

 She whimpered slightly.

 She'd never looked so beautiful—my princess warrior. 

A true fighter.

I loved her.

So did all these fuckers.

 Fixing my hair back, I glanced at Dexter.

 "Before we got her here, she knew nothing. It's Laina we need to speak to", I stated, grabbing Midnight from Cal's grip.

Which caused him to grunt in annoyance. 

Grabbing her hands calmly, I used a white washcloth to clean them.

 She hissed occasionally, and I smirked.

 "Sorry, princess; I only like it rough," I whispered with a smirk. 

 Her big grey eyes widened, and she looked down at the floor, which was now seeping with Selena's blood, a slight pink blush tainting her little cheeks.

 I grinned menacingly. 

"Cal, you're with Axe. Go sort the drop-off; Romeo and Jas, get rid of Selena. I'll see that our girl gets home", he emphasised; a girl like Night was a young child. 

 But maybe it was the fact Cal had pissed him off.

 Taken what he assumed belonged to him.

Jealously, it did not suit my brother in any way at all.

 The problem with Dex being jealous is he'd become reckless, and we couldn't afford that right now.

** 

Midnight 

Sitting at the wheel of his car, Dexter kept glancing at me, unable to say a single word. 

Unable to almost not speak at all.

 His deep, beautiful blue eyes twinkled with pure annoyance.

"What's wrong with you?" I mumbled, secretly pinching my thigh on why my stupid mouth had to speak. 

Suddenly, the car screeched to a violent halt, and I cried out, looking around nervously for any signs of problems or damage.

 I flew forward and clutched the dashboard to steady my body and myself. 

"You're playing us, all of us", he hissed violently.

 Panic swarmed me like bees would a honeybee hive. 

The sting of danger burned through my head.

 "Close, huh" he scoffed furiously.

He turned to me grabbing my face in a bruising grip I showed no sign of pain from. 

 But I felt it.

 "You are mine," he stated violently.

He was controlling and possessive.

I shouldn't have liked him claiming or owning me, but I loved it—every part of it. 

 A part of me was falling for him.

 I knew that.

 The whole journey home was in silence, and I still felt his forceful grip on my face. 

Arriving outside my house I sighed heavily.

 Dexter's big blue eyes flicked to the house, confusion etching his handsome features. 

 He exited the car, slamming the door shut with a loud thud.

Annoyance flashed like thunder and lightning through me, and I raced up the path to the porch shouting profanities at this asshole. 

On the porch was a huge bouquet of roses, all different colours.

 Turning to Dex, I read the card in front of me. 

 'Game on beautiful, I do like a good chase', it read and was soaked in red.

 Crimson colours of pain. Blood. Game on. My body went numb. Aunt Aliza.