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That’s the last thing I want to do, but in order to keep the beating from happening, I follow him. If only I knew that this would be my first kill of the night, I would have run and taken the beating instead.
Chapter Two
Kronos: Age Eighteen
“CharlesPowers!”theprincipalcalls, and I stand up from my seat. My brothers holler for me, and I smirk as I take the steps two at a time to get on the stage. It’s a good thing my father didn’t come to the graduation. Being in his shadow causes too many emotions to stir around. When we are together without him, we can relax.
Xavier, or Hypnos, as Ayres and I call him, skipped four grades and graduated two years ago at the age of thirteen. He’s a smart motherfucker, now a damn sophomore in college and working on his computer degree. Ayres dropped out of school last year. I begged him to stay in, but being an enforcer for our father meant he barely attended any classes. Father allowed me to stay in so I could keep the scoop on the drugs going in and out of the high school.
Now that I’m a graduate, he’s going to require that I work for him full time. He’s never once demanded Hypnos stay at the family compound. Of course, he thinks Hypnos is a chicken shit of a son. Still, having them both here along with Haydes, our best friend, means the fucking world to me. Not that they would know it. Hell no, we don’t show emotion toward one another. It gets us into trouble with our father.
As soon as I shake hands with the principal, all hell breaks loose. The sound of gunfire rings out into the stadium, and everyone scrambles.
“Kronos?” I can hear the voice, but I can’t make out who it is. My brain feels jumbled, and I can’t focus my eyes.
“Don’t die on us.” The voice sounds frightened. Worried. Why are they so scared? And where the fuck am I?
“Leave him be.” This time, I know who’s talking. My body stiffens at the harsh tone of my father. Shit, that means Hypnos and Ayres are having to deal with him. A coldness settles within me, as I hope that he hasn’t hurt them.
“Sorry, father,” Hypnos said quietly. Fuck, why can’t I get up? He can’t handle father all on his own.
“He’s worried,” Ayres chimes in, and I calm down. If Ayres is here, father won’t do much. He’s always been a bit softer on Ayres than us. It’s alright for me but Hypnos pines for father’s approval.
“I’m fine.” My voice cracks and I cough.
“Suck it up, son.” Father growls at me as my eyes come into focus. I want to flinch away from the bastard, but I keep my composure.
“Father, he…” Hypnos doesn’t finish his statement. Hell, he can’t. Our father has him by the throat and is snarling at him.
“If I wanted your opinion, bitch boy, I’d have asked for it.”
Father throws Hypnos to the side as Ayres comes over to me and looks down, looking guilty. He bends down and whispers, “It’s my fault. I tried to infiltrate the cartel.”
No, Ayres isn’t to blame. The kid is only fourteen years old. He should be out in the world, enjoying kid shit. I find the strength to bring my hand up and stroke his hair. Ayres looks at me, but I shake my head. “Hush. Let father believe it’s because of me.”
“Father!” I bark his name hard and loud. He squints his eyes at me and stalks toward the bed. Ayres backs away and goes to Hypnos. He knows to get up and leave with Ayres. It’s better this way. I can take it.
The door closes behind them, and I breathe easier. Father slaps me and looks disappointed. “I knew you’d fuck up, Charles. You’ve been a letdown since you were born. Hell, you’re almost as bad as Xavier.”
His words used to sting. Now, they are nothing but bullshit. As far as I’m concerned, he can suck my dick. One day, he’ll get his and we won’t have to earn our place in his world. We will be living on our own.
“Doc has cleared your sorry ass, so get up. Hell, the bullet to your abdomen made a clear through and through. Stop being a pansy. You’re on night duty from now until I find you suitable to be allowed into the corporate office.”
“Got it.” My tone comes out sarcastic, and I regret it.
My father punches me in the face and my head snaps back. Another fist pummels me before I can raise my hands to defend myself. He straightens himself, standing there, stoic and poised. “Respect goes a long way, son.”
With that, he leaves the room. My nose has to be broken, and blood floods down my lip and chin. I want to get up and stalk after him and drive Hypnos’s knife right through his fucking heart. Only I know that now is not the time. One day, I’ll kill that bastard. It just won’t be today.
The nurse comes in as I’m getting dressed. Her shocked gasp makes me smirk. I must look like a mess. One of my brothers must have called for her. She’s always around the house, so I’m not shocked to see her. Not when one of our father’s crew members needs to be patched up every other night.
“Kronos,” she says gently as she comes over to me. I think her name is Maggie, but I’m not certain. I’m pretty sure she and Dr. Forsythe are having an affair. It’s none of my business. I just like to keep up with everyone. Especially if they are fucking over my father.
“I’m alright,” I tell her as she cleans the blood off me.
Getting up as she steps away to throw the trash away, I try hard not to think about the fact I feel like hell. Saying I’m alright is my go to. It must be or more beatings happen. It’s best that I suck it up and ignore everything.
Once I have my shirt buttoned, she grabs my nose and pops it back into place.
