I took a step back. That had to be the look men saw right before he ended their lives.
“Dad, maybe put her to bed,” Levin said gently. “E knows what he’s doing, and so does Cole. If they said she’ll wake, then she will. Tuck her in and let her rest. Do it now before Ellis sees her this way.”
Klaus glared at me for another moment before he left the room with Rosalie in his arms.
I breathed out.
“No harm was meant,” I said. “I swear it. It’s just Cole was so desperate?—”
“What were his intentions?” Evan demanded, his voice like ice.
“Just to get her to stay,” I replied, not wanting to tell him he planned on keeping her and coming to get Ellis. I knew he was just frustrated and scared, and that if I told the truth, it would only make it worse for him.
“She said she was leaving, and he wanted her to stay. To talk. He wanted answers now that she wasn’t able to give him,” Icontinued. “It was stupid and reckless of him, but he was hurting and desperate.”
“Call Dante,” Evan whispered.
“No!” I shouted. “Fuck, man. Please. Don’t do this. I am begging you not to do this. You know Cole. Please. Just… don’t. It’ll destroy everything. You know it will.”
I wasn’t above getting on my knees and begging him.
“F-Fox. Please,” I choked out. “Having a family is all Cole has ever wanted. I will do anything to keep you from making that call. Name it. It’s yours.”
Evan stepped into my space. “My fucking name is Evan. Fox is dead. You pricks saw to that five years ago.” He backed away from me and left the room. I assumed he went to Rosalie, leaving me with Anson, Dom, and Levin.
I stared at Anson.
“Please, Anson. You spent time with Cole recently. You know what his family means to him. Give him time. He wants to be with you guys.”
Anson shook his head, a muscle thrumming along his jaw. “We were always good with you guys. We understood you fucked her over and walked out, but had you not, Klaus and I wouldn’t have been able to love her the way we do, so for that, we thank you a million times over. You guys letting her go gave her a chance with us. We were even open to letting you guys in with us.”
“Anson,” I whispered, stepping forward.
“I really think you guys need to think about where your heart is. Threatening Evan’s life, drugging Rosalie, none of this shit is going to fly. This is strike three. What the fuck do you want us to do?” Anson asked, staring me down.
“I know,” I said. “I understand. We wouldn’t give so many chances either, but please. If you won’t give it to Enzo or me, at least give it to Cole. I will give anything for that.”
“Yeah? Anything?”
I nodded. “Anything.”
Anson crowded my space, and I met him eye to eye.
“I want you to go back to the horsemen and tell them that if they ever fuck with my family again, I will kill every single fucking one of you.”
I swallowed hard at his words. There was no fucking way I was leaving here without an answer for Cole. He’d go nuts if this didn’t work.
“Please give Cole a chance,” I said softly. “Please, Anson. I-I know he never gave you one, but I promise you won’t regret it. He is the best brother you could ever have.”
“I already have my brothers, and they don’t hurt my girl,” Anson replied, his voice monotone.
I was losing him. Fuck.
“Tell me how I save this?” I pleaded. “Please, man. Name your price. Please. Give me something.”
“We are leaving here tomorrow. If I catch one fucking whisper of Evan’s life being threatened, I will come for all of you,” Anson said in a deadly whisper that sent chills down my spine. The Archangel was coming out to play. Definitely not good.
“If Cole wants to be a part of my daughter and Rosalie’s life, then he needs to prove how badly he wants it. I want his blood, sweat, and tears, or it doesn’t fucking count. And only when I’m satisfied will we allow him even within viewing distance of them. If he wants it, he’d better fucking work for it. The same goes for you other two pricks. I have played nice for a very fucking long time, but I am done, Ethan. Now you’ll have to impress me if you want access to my family.”
