Page 5 of Hostile Saint

We both knew what he was referring to, and what he was telling me. His meaning sent a shiver wracking through my whole body.

After a wink, Damien finally stood, inhaling deeply. “Boys, it seems Tate needs one final lesson before his departure.” His eyes scanned our surroundings. Then, he pointed to a tree off the side of the desolate dirt road. “Take them over there. I think we’re in for our biggest high yet.”

Even though I was petrified, there was no point in fighting them. I was outnumbered, outsmarted, and now I would be my own worst enemy. Fuel had been presented. These hyenas had every intention of feasting. All I could do was hope Lacey would stay unconscious for it all.

Trying not to wake her, I stood and carried Lace to where I was being led, all the while relishing in holding her one more time.

Under the tree, Damien pointed to the ground. “Lay her down.”

Feeling like I was offering her as some sort of sick sacrifice, I tried to protect her one last time. After setting her on the ground, I kissed her forehead to purposely goad them. Damien was correct. Once I figured out how to protect her a couple of years ago, I did my best to hold their attention.

Succeeding, yet again, I earned a kick to the gut.

After rolling, holding my stomach, I quickly struggled to my feet and turned to face them all, thinking their attack would be swift, but they hadn’t followed my taunt, like usual. They were no longer falling for my past ruses to pull attention from Lace. Now they stayed by her side, all watching me as they hovered, a knife in Damien’s hand.

My pained reactions are what they were wanting, so I tried not to give them any, but as the blade was lowered toward her defenseless form, I began to quiver. I begged my mouth to stay shut, but it was like trying to muzzle a waking bear. I growled, “You better stop.”

Damien smirked. The knife lowered even more.

I took a step forward, even though I was demanding my body to not fall for their trickery. “I mean it.”

Crow made a sarcastic expression of fear. “Ewww, we better listen to him.”

The twins laughed.

Damien lowered the blade.

As the tip sunk into Lace’s left shoulder, I somewhat blacked out in rage and forged forward for revenge. It was useless, yes, but try and explain that to a young naïve man who loves an angel of a young woman.

Crow and the twins happily blocked me, all three slamming into my body and driving me backward, but I kept fighting. I was spitting mad, cursing them all and promising vengeance, all the while swinging and punching.

“Lay him next to us!” demanded the fucking ringleader I wanted to murder.

Restrained by three of our older brothers, I was slammed to the ground at Lace’s left side, about five feet away. I was growling like a deranged animal, trying to break free of the hold they had on me.

Damien, squatting over Lacey, grinned. “As entertaining as your anger is, I want more.” Confident I couldn’t reach it, he laid his knife at her side. His now free hands slowly reached for the tie on the rim of Lace’s sweatpants.

I instantly stopped struggling.

Lacey had confided in me that there was also sexual abuse happening with the brothers. As soon as I could, I did everything possible to keep those assaults from happening again. I did the same last night. That’s why this last ‘lesson’ was going to shake me to the core.

Horror blanketed my expression they were vigorously reading.

Damien groaned, his eyes sliding shut. “There is the pain I need.”

Demented hyena laughter erupted around me, sounding like there were so many more than three guys holding me down. The sound bounced off the trees, making me question my sanity, if there was any left to question at all. “But, Damien, last night—” He ignored me. “Please. Wait,” I begged. “She’s not even awake. She won’t know what you are doing—”

My eldest brother’s eyes glided open and were full of gratification. “But, you will. Last night was all for nothing.”

The blood… The gore… The violence… All for nothing.

My mind fought to compartmentalize his torment. My mind battled to prioritize thoughts so that I could focus. I needed to protect Lacey.

From the ground, I struggled, trying to break free of the brothers holding me down. “Please—” Her pants and panties slowly being pulled down to her calves caused my mind to scream for mercy. “Wait!” Through all the abuse during my life, I had never felt so betrayed and defenseless as I did that night under the tree. And, I no longer had a plan that would work, no solution to save my girl. Ultimate desperation had me barely able to get any air in my lungs. “Stop!”

Her thighs were spread apart.

Damien lowered his jeans, an erection popping free.