Chapter Forty-Three
Alicia's POV
I tried to calm the rage burning through me. Tried to breathe through the chaos unfolding.
But Lucas was bleeding. Malachi was standing over him like a predator. And my father was laughing like this was all some sick game.
"Stop!" I grabbed Malachi's arm, trying to pull him back. "Just stop!"
His eyes when they met mine were wild. Unrecognizable. The man who'd held me last night was gone, replaced by something dark and violent.
A monster.
That's what Lucas had called him. And looking at him now, fists bloody, jaw clenched in barely controlled fury, I couldn't disagree.
This was the real Malachi Blackwood. Not the gentle touches or soft words. This. Violence wrapped in expensive suits.
Then Maurice appeared in the doorway, his face grave.
"Sir. We have a problem."
"Not now, Maurice."
"Travis is awake. He's already at the mansion. Your grandfather wants everyone back immediately."
The words hung in the air.
