Dark Discovery: The Stalkers of Whiskey Bend, #2

One

Isabella Talbot kept an eye out for the law as she sped toward home to pack for Shiner’s Ridge so she could work on the new information she and Erika had discovered about the missing girls. She had so much to do, and she wanted to check it out as soon as possible. But at the moment she had bigger problems, one being not wanting to get a ticket for speeding and the more important one, not knowing what she was walking into at the house. She replayed her earlier conversation with her mother as she drove the ten minutes from downtown Whiskey Bend to her parents’ home in Bourbon Flats.

Isabella, I had to tell her. Ellie said. I want that bitch out of my house.

Mom, I’ve already told you I can’t take the apartment. I can’t handle the stairs on a good day, let alone any other time. She said. But none of that matters to them. They both think I’m faking this.

I’m sorry. Your brother knows you 're not, deep down. She’s filled his head with a lot of crap. Right now, I’m trying to get her out of our house and out of our lives. That’s all that matters.

You know I get home before you do. She’ll probably be there... waiting.

I’ll try to get there first.

Don’t worry about it, Mom. I can avoid her long enough to pack.

Pack? What do you mean? What are you planning, Isabella?

She didn’t answer her mother right away.

Isabella Faith Talbot, what are you talking about? Her mother yelled through the phone.

I think I will go have dinner at the bar with Levi. Then I’ll decide what I’m going to do. Isabella had tried to downplay her plan. She’d planned to leave a note. She didn’t need her mom trying to talk her out of going out of town.

"I can’t handle another screaming match with Brent. I have a project I’m working on and I need some quiet. Mom, I need some peace. I’m sorry."

I wish you’d stay in town.

I can’t, there’s no place to stay that I can afford, and he’d find me, and it would be more of the same.

Izzy slammed to a stop at a red light, her attention jerked back to the present. Adding checking out the apartments in Shiner’s Ridge to her list, though it was forty minutes from the office. Damn, she’s home. Isabella muttered, cruising past the house and turning around in the neighbor’s driveway. She parked in front of the house and texted her younger brother. Hopefully, I can get in and out without her knowing I’m here. She’s not supposed to be in the house.

Izzy: Buy me dinner?

Levi: You really coming up here?

Izzy: Yeah, I need to talk to you about something.

Levi: Mom told them, didn’t she?

Izzy: You know she did. I have an idea.

Levi: Izzy, what are you planning?

Izzy: I’ll tell you soon. I have to pack a bag and change into something besides these awful skirts. See you soon.

Levi: Isabella, tell me now.

Izzy: Levi, what part of ‘I’ll tell you when I see you’ did you not understand? I promise. See you soon.

She climbed out of the jeep and hurried inside. Her phone rang, but she hit the decline button when Levi’s face popped up. She’d talk to him when she got to the Moosejaw. But first she needed to change and pack a bag. Making a mental list of what she needed to pack distracted her as she entered the house. She closed the front door and turned around to find her brother’s girlfriend blocking her path to the hall and her sanctuary.

What are you doing in the house Wendy? Isabella asked. You know you’re not allowed to be in here without Brent. Those are the rules.

I was waiting for you. Her high school nemesis was standing in front of her arms crossed and toe tapping in her expensive designer shoes.

How did you get in? Isabella demanded.

It doesn’t matter… Wendy started.

Wrong answer. How did you get into my parents’ house?

I borrowed Brent’s key.

You mean you stole it.

This isn’t about me, this about what you’re doing, you selfish little bitch. Brent’s girlfriend got in her face. What the hell Izzy…

Isabella dropped her backpack and shoved Wendy back a few steps. "Oh, hell no you don’t. You don’t get to call me Izzy. Now get out of my face."

How can you do this to your own brother? You’re making your mother choose between you and Brent.

Isabella snorted. "Wrong answer, I’m not making her do anything, you are making her choose. We’re tired of your crap. Have been for years. She snagged her discarded backpack and slung it over her shoulder. Now get out of my way. She pushed past the other girl as she tried to get to her room. She fell back into the chair as the other girl yanked her ponytail. Ow!"

No, you’re going to listen to me. You just had to tell your mother you’d take the garage apartment, didn’t you? Wendy pinned Isabella in the chair by the shoulders. You’d do anything to get your way.

That’s rich coming from the slut of Whiskey Bend. The brunette swung her fist up between the girl’s arms, her fist connecting with the other woman’s chin as a sharp pain shot up her arm. I don’t know what you’re talking about. She kicked Wendy in the thighs, knocking her back over the coffee table. I said move. Izzy growled as she jumped out of the chair and stood staring down at her brother’s girlfriend lying between the couch and table.

No! Your mom is going to throw me and your brother out on the streets because of you.

It’s into the street, not out on the streets. Isabella corrected. Oh, and when referring to yourself and another person in a conversation, list them first and yourself last. It’s not all about you Wendy. Now stay the fuck out of my way.

NO! Wendy stumbled to her feet, her face a bright red, her fists clenched at her side.

Ready this time, Isabella shoved the other woman back onto the couch, then grabbed her backpack and bolted down the hall to her room. She fell against her door, her heart pounding as she tried to catch her breath. She needed to get to Levi, but first she had to escape the house.

She jammed the chair under the knob and shimmied out of her skirt before grabbing her favorite jeans, worn and comfortable, the tears put there by her not bought that way. A quick glance at the clock on her nightstand told her she had roughly her fifteen minutes to pack and get out before her older brother came home. There was no doubt he would take Wendy’s side… again. Well, there went the idea of running the search before I leave, she thought. Better get a move on or I might not get out alive.

She listened at the door. Wendy was calling Brent, which meant she was still in the house. Great. Make that less than fifteen. She muttered while she shoved jeans, shirts, shorts, along with other items she would need for a week into the duffel as fast as she could. Her thoughts wandered back to the conversation with her co-worker in the human resource clerk’s office earlier just before Isabella left work.

Erika, what are you looking for? she’d asked, sticking her head in the office's door.

Get in here and shut the door. I’m trying to find out where Sara went. The girl said, flipping through the file in her hand.

What are you talking about? I thought she got a job out of state.

That’s what Watkins said, but I’m hoping there is something in her personnel file telling me where. Watch the door for me?

Okay. She opened the door a crack. You don’t think she did?

No, I think something happened to her. Do you remember the day of your interview?

Yeah, she was leaving his office just before my appointment. Something about going to lunch and to see Carson. Wait, was she seeing Carson Steele?

Yeah, they were pretty serious. Erika made copies of the file and stuck them in an envelope. She weighed it, slapped some postage on the outside, and held it out. I’m done. Would you do me one more favor?

Sure.

Mail this. I’m sending it to myself. I don’t trust anyone here, and I don’t want to get caught with it.

Sure. You trust me? Isabella took the offered envelope and stuck it in her bag before checking the hallway. It’s clear.

Yes. Let’s go. They had slipped out. Isabella hurried out of the building as Erika returned to her desk. As Zane Watkins’ assistant, they expected her to stay later. When Isabella pulled out of the parking lot, she searched her memory for the day the two had discussed, a couple of days before Sara disappeared. The day of her interview for the job as the paper’s photographer. She wanted to be a reporter, but the only position open was the photographer one. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten such an important detail so quickly.

Isabella sat outside of the owner’s office waiting for her interview. Shouting from the man’s office kicked her anxiety into high gear, and almost had her running away. The man’s door swung open, and a young woman stormed out. It’s wrong not to publish my story. It may help find them.

I told you I wouldn’t approve anything on the subject. There are no new leads, and it will only cause the families of those two girls more pain. Zane Watkins yelled at the young woman who’d stopped to grab her purse. Where are you going?

I’m taking my lunch. I can’t be here right now.

Fine, we’ll discuss your actual story this afternoon when you get back. The owner glanced at Isabella, I’ll be with you in a moment Miss Talbot.

Isabella’s gaze bounced between the man and the woman, who was storming out. She nodded nervously at the man, who returned to his office and closed the door.

Sara, what happened? Erika asked.

He won’t let me investigate the story about Tara and the other missing girl. She rolled her eyes. I’m going to go get something to eat. Maybe stop by and see Carson before I come back.

But you are coming back, right? Erika asked.

Yes, I won’t let him run me off, not now. I’m going to find my best friend.

Good. You’d better go, he’ll be back out here any second.

Sara nodded and hurried out of the building as the office door opened.

Miss Talbot, please come in.

Two days later, they’d been told Sara had quit and moved out of town.

The slamming of a truck door pulled her out of her thoughts as she shoved last minute items into the top of the duffel in a hurry to finish her task. She glanced out the window at the bright blue truck sitting in the driveway. Great. She checked to make sure her laptop was in the backpack and crammed her purse inside, zipped both of them up before shoving her keys in her pocket. Her search and investigation would have to wait until she could get to the motel in Shiner’s Ridge. She had just finished when she heard shouting and the loud fake wailing from Wendy as the other woman told him how his sister had been cruel and shoved her when she had tried to beg for help them keep the apartment.

Izzy, get out here. Brent yelled through the locked door as he shook the doorknob. Isabella, out here! Now! He hammered on the door so hard it rattled in the frame.

She shot the door a withering glance. Go to hell Brent. She yelled.

Isabella Faith, open this door. Brent bellowed through the door.

No! Go away. She snagged her phone from the bed where she had dropped it. She knew it would be a few minutes before he actually tried to come through it. At least she hoped so.

Isabella: She was waiting for me when I got home. She’s already whining to Brent. Any damage to my door is Brent’s fault.

Mom: I’m sorry, baby. Please don’t go all the way to Shiner’s Ridge. I’ll pay for you to stay around here.

Isabella: Mom, I just can’t. It’s not the money, it’s the distance. Headed to Moosejaw to see Levi for supper. He’ll have all the details and will give them to you later.

She could hear them arguing outside her door.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

I’ll break down the door. He called from the hallway.

You’ll be sorry and have to answer to Mom and Dad if you do. They’ll make you pay to replace it. Opening the window, she knocked the screen out before setting backpack on top of the duffel on the ground. She wanted to get out as quickly as possible. She moved the chair before jerking the door open to glare at the man blocking her path. Move.

No, not until you apologize to Wendy for punching and shoving her. He growled at her, but even with the size difference between her and her brother, it did not faze her. Instead, she raised her chin and curled her lip.

No! Fuck you and her. I’m not apologizing for a damn thing, especially since she attacked me first.

She said she was here to ask you not to take the apartment.

She’s lying. Ask her how she got into the house.

I gave her a copy of my key.

Big mistake bro. You know damn well Mom told you she didn’t want Wendy in here without you. Not that you care, but I was defending myself.

We have to move out because you told mom you’d take the garage apartment.

No, I didn’t say any such thing. Isabella spat.

What did you say then?

All I said to your skank was ‘move out of my way.’ That’s it.

What did you tell Mom?

I said I can’t live here anymore, not as long as you two are living on the property. Then mom told your skank girlfriend y’all had to move, anyway, well she has to move. It’s your decision, who’s more important… a piece of ass or family.

Pain lanced through her jaw, and lip as her head snapped to the side.

Wow, you showed me. Tears welled up, but she blinked them away.

He stared at his hand, still stinging from the contact. Izzy, I’m… I didn’t mean to. From his expression, she knew he was just as shocked as she was.

Yeah, you did. She brushed the back of her hand across her mouth, then wiped it on her jeans. She didn’t have to look to know she had a busted lip; the blood left a coppery taste in her mouth. Feel better asshole? She demanded when she heard the snicker from behind him. She shot the black-haired woman an icy stare, Mom, must not be back from work.

Don’t change the subject. You’re not going anywhere until you apologize. Her oldest brother warned, slapping the doorframe on either side of her. Intimidation had always been Brent’s go to tactic and was usually successful because of his size, except for her. What are you smiling at? He demanded, leaning forward as she stepped back a couple of steps.

Izzy slammed the door in his face, wincing when he yelled, knowing it hit him in the face, but didn’t care. She grabbed the desk chair and shoved it under the handle. I’m not apologizing to either of you. You can both go to hell. She yelled through the door as he pounded on it.

She slid across the bed, opened her bedroom window, and climbed out, grabbing one bag in each hand before running to her Jeep. Pain in her leg had her biting her lip as she jumped in, cranked it. Her tires squealed as she pulled away from curb. Even if they followed her, she was still ahead of them by a few minutes as she raced towards town, taking the back roads to the bar. Undoubtedly, he’d go through town to cut her off, or thinking he was following her. She wiped more blood from her lip as she realized why her doctor had warned her about putting too much stress on her leg, but she had no choice this time. A glance in her rearview as she turned the corner showed her brother and girlfriend jumping in his truck.

Guess y’all a little smarter than I gave you credit for. I hope you damaged the door so Dad will kick your ass, bro. She said with a chuckle as she sped down the side street. She turned onto a road she’d discovered in high school while she dialed her younger brother’s phone. Tell me you’ll be at the bar when I get there.

Yeah, walking out the door now. Why are you out of breath? What happened?

Long story short, I’m flying low to get to you because they’re chasing me. Okay, they left the house, but they’re probably taking the normal route there. Your asshole brother would never expect me to take a back road, especially this one. I think I’m far enough ahead it’ll be a minute or two before they get there, but even then, they know who I’ll run to.

Be careful and don’t get a ticket. I hear Bobby’s behind on his quota.

He can’t catch me. Besides, I’ll just sic him on them. Wendy’s not the only one who can cry on cue. See you soon, bro. Ending the call, stopped at the four-way stop, realizing how close she was to the Steele ranch. She smiled as the phone rang again. The same smile faded when she saw the office number Ericka? She answered, turning onto the main road to the bar.

No, it’s Zane. He said, but she hit the end button. A moment later, the phone rang again.

What? She didn’t need this crap today.

I need you to work on something this weekend.

No! We have a signed agreement; I don’t work weekends and I’m headed out of town. Sorry.

But I’m your boss. He argued.

So… too bad, so sad. The answer’s still no.

You listen to me young lady, I can fire you.

Okay. She ended the call again, mentally adding job search to her list of stuff to do in Shiner’s Ridge. What? She shouted when her phone rang for the third time.

Bella, I want to remind you, you’re on call.

"First, don’t call me Bella. Second, that is not the arrangement. If you can’t handle that, then you need to fire me. She said as she passed a sign advertising the Steele Ranch. She smiled despite having to deal with her boss. What’s it going to be?" she asked, wondering what Matt would do if she showed up on his doorstep unannounced.

You still have a job. He snapped and slammed the phone down.

That’s what I thought. Jerking her car into the back drive of the Moosejaw lot, she parked on the far side of a shiny bright red Ram truck, trying to hide her car from drivers passing by. Hopefully, I can get inside before he sees me. Isabella grabbed her bags and stowed them in the back of her vehicle, hoping it gave her a few extra minutes before they arrived. She fobbed her car locked, pocketed her keys and phone as she heard brakes locking up on the street. Her luck ran out. Damn. She glanced up as horns honked at the driver. Isabella turned to run but had to stop at the pain in her thigh. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes and send her to her knees.

An hour later than he normally got off, Matt Steele climbed out of his truck and headed inside. He’d changed clothes at work, so he didn’t mess up his uniform. Bone weary from the double, he was still too wired to sleep, and he needed information about her. The Moosejaw Saloon sat between Bourbon Flats and Whiskey Bend and where he and his band played on weekends when he didn’t have to work at the fire station. Just a few miles from the ranch, he knew he could have a beer and get home without incident. Matt had called Danny to ask when Levi was working. He had to talk to the man about his sister, Isabella. He had already been kicking himself for not seeking her out sooner, but between his schedule and hers with their jobs, but he had to know she was okay. She’d been on his mind more than usual today, and he needed to see her. He was going to make it happen. He’d heard the rumors around town about his best friend harassing the youngest sister, and he didn’t like what he was hearing. Resolved, he walked through the open doors, only pausing for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer interior.

Hi, Danny, Matt called as he approached the bar.

Hey man, you coming, or going?

Going, the EMT said with a yawn as he sat on a stool at the end of the bar. Is Levi here yet?

Should be any minute. Is everything okay? He pulled a bottle out of the cooler and slid it across. Want to start a tab?

Everything is fine, but I need to talk to him about his sister. No, no tab, I’m only having one since I gotta drive home and I still have to feed the horses before I crash. He slid a ten across to the owner but waved off the change.

You up for playing tomorrow night? Danny asked.

I’ll have to check with the guys. Aaron and Chad took an extra shift to help clear out the mine. I guess it was a bigger job than they thought. And don’t get me started on Brent. I haven’t seen him in several weeks, so I do not know what’s going on with him. Matt took a long sip. He hasn’t returned my calls since his sister moved back and that doesn’t even consider his being moodier than usual for the last few months.

"Maybe he’s on the rag. Or his brother can enlighten you about what’s going on with him. The owner said as his bartender joined them.

About what? Levi offered a hand to the paramedic. Hey Matt.

Levi. Matt shook hands.

What are y’all talking about? The younger man asked as he sat on the stool next to the paramedic. You singing tonight?

Not tonight, I just pulled a double. Matt took a sip of his beer. We were talking about Brent and whatever is going on with him.

That asshole? Levi snarled.

The two men exchanged surprised glances, then turned back to the youngest Talbot. Whoa, what’s going on? Matt asked.

I’m ready to beat his ass, that’s what. I swear if Izzy leaves home because of him and that bitch, I’m going to.

Fuck. Matt asked with a groan. What did they do now?

Two

Izzy just called me, she’s on her way here but they right behind her. Chasing is the word she used.

I’m presuming by they; you mean Brent and Wendy? Matt asked.

They’re chasing her? Danny asked, scowling.

Yes, to both. She said Brent screamed at her to apologize to Wendy because mom was kicking them out. He’s being an ass, has been ever since the wreck.

Why would Isabella have to apologize for your mom’s decision? Matt demanded.

Exactly. I’m so over them and their bullshit. Not even three months ago, she was fighting for her life and now she’s having to fight with him about everything. She’s doubting coming back at all.

His heart sank. I thought she’d recovered. Matt said.

She has mostly, but it’s not her physical well being I’m worried about as much as her emotional. As far as I know, she’s supposed to be going to physical therapy. I don’t live there anymore, so I don’t know what her status is. I think she stopped it when she started working.

It’s important she continues until she’s healed. The paramedic waved a hand. Other than that, how’s she doing? Matt asked, taking a drink as he watched the youngest Talbot brother stare at his hands. Levi?

Okay, or so she says, but the constant fighting is taking its toll. She doesn’t smile as much these days, and she still has a slight limp, more noticeable when she’s tired. When she’s not at work, she’s in her room. According to Mom, she still has nightmares and headaches, the biggest one being Brent. Levi shook his head. Every time he yells at her is destroying her. I’m telling you; I’m going to give that boy a beat down.

Want some help? Matt snarled. He was angry and ready to kick his friend’s ass. I’m done with him. This ends now. He glanced up at the younger man’s face. There’s something else, what?

A week after Izzy moved back, Brent found out about that the night of the wreck. Someone let it slip that I got the call from the hospital instead of him. Mom said he barged into her room and started yelling at her. She and Dad tried to push him out, but he kept on. He got in her face and said she had disrespected him by not calling him, since he was the oldest. Levi shook his head. Mom called and told me what happened. Said Izzy just sat there, devastated because her brother was cursing her for choosing me over him.

What difference does that make? She knew who she needed there. Besides, we all know Wendy wouldn’t have let him go. Danny snapped.

Yeah, I know, that’s what I tried to tell him when he showed up an hour later at my place to give me an ear full. I punched him for cussing at Izzy. Levi said. He cussed at me and said she was faking it. Hell, I even tried to show him the photos, but he wouldn’t look at them. Said it was a ploy for the little drama queen. The young bartender clenched his fists, then released them. Guys, the nurse who called me, said she didn’t know if Izzy would make it or not and yet she begged them not to call anyone else. Not even our parents. Anyway, after Brent found out, he lost it. Now every time he sees her, he throws it up in her face.

Man, I hate that for her. Danny offered. You tell her this is a safe zone for her. I’ll kick him out.

Thanks, man, but we all know it won’t do any good. But I’m sure she’ll appreciate the gesture. She knows he’ll do what he wants.

What else? Matt ground out as he tamped down his anger.

"The whole deal is Mom wants her to move into the apartment over the garage for two reasons. One to give Izzy her own space, but mainly so she can kick Wendy out. Brent, too, if he insists on staying with her. But my sister wants her own place, preferably some place without stairs. Mom called right and said Isabella’s going to Shiner’s Ridge this weekend, and it has her worried. She thinks my sister’s in a dark place, and if she is, she might…"

Don’t say it. Matt said. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that from happening.

No matter… whatever’s going on, it’s Brent’s fault.

The paramedic met the young bartender’s gaze. Okay, fair warning Levi, I don’t care what their problem is. If I see either of them harassing her, I’m stepping in. If I have to beat him to a pulp, so be it. Matt said.

Best friends or not, this has got to stop. She doesn’t deserve any of his abuse. I’m afraid it’s doing irreparable harm."

Knowing what I do now, he’s nothing to me. Right now he’s not my best friend, he’s a monster. My best friend would never do that to his sister. It’s going to stop. I won’t tolerate her being treated like that, especially by him. He knows better, the paramedic swore. Friend or not, this ends now.

I know she… his comment cut off by yelling in the parking lot, sending the two men charging out of the bar.

Whiskey Bend Sheriff’s department. How can I help you? The deputy asked.

Yeah, y’all might want to send someone over to the Moosejaw Saloon. There’s a fight in the parking lot.

Where are the bouncers?

Man, it’s early. They don’t start working until eight o’clock.

Do you know who is fighting? The woman asked.

No, I was driving past and saw the crowd. If it hadn’t been for the one big guy raising his hand like he was going to hit someone, I wouldn’t have known it was a fight, if that helps.

It does I’ll let the sheriff know. Thanks for calling. The deputy ended the call, then dialed Kyle Walker’s number. Sheriff, we have a situation over at the Moosejaw Saloon. A citizen called in a fight in the parking lot. He couldn’t tell who was fighting, but one was a big guy.

Okay, call Mack and Bobby and have them meet me there.

Will do.

There she is. I told you she’d run to Levi. He’s always taking her side. Wendy pointed at Brent’s sister, who was crossing the parking lot.

I see her. I can’t believe she’s doing this. What else did she say?

I told you, she’s taking the apartment. She said she was glad your mother was kicking us out. Then she had the nerve to correct my English in the middle of the fight before she pushed me down. The dark-haired woman lied. What are you going to do?

I’ll just make her come home and we’ll discuss it like adults.

You’re crazy. She will not come home with you willingly. Not after you slapped her. She’s probably already called your parents about this.

I’ll make her leave if it’s the last thing I do, even if I have to carry her out over my shoulder. I’m going to park here behind her car.

I wouldn’t. If she gets away from you, she’ll ram it. You know she will.

Good point. He parked several spots down. Why is she limping?

For sympathy, of course. We can’t let her get inside to your brother. Wendy jumped out of the passenger side, careful to stay far enough away from the other woman as Brent charged across the lot to catch up with his sister. She’d wound him up, time to watch the fireworks.

Izzy, stop! He bellowed, catching up to her.

No, get away from me. She tried to back out of his reach, but he grabbed her arm. Damn it, Brent, let go of me.

You’re coming home.

No, I’m not going anywhere with you. Ever!

The big man yanked her close and hissed. I don’t know what you’re doing here, you need to be home resting.

Isabella balled up her fist and aimed for her brothers’ nose, but he jerked back, and her punch barely grazed his chin. Let. Go. Of. Me. She growled and jerked her arm.

You’re causing a scene. He yelled in her face.

Always the drama queen. Wendy chanted from behind her boyfriend.

Says the bitch who called, and fake cried to my brother how I mistreated her, after stealing his key to get into the house.

I gave her a key. Brent yelled at her.

You hit me. His girlfriend whined.

Come on over here. I’ll do it again. Isabella said, motioning to the girl. Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Knock it off Izzy.

If you don’t let go of me, I’m going to scream rape as loud as I can and bring everybody running. Though she knew they already had an audience.

Don’t even think about it.

Go to hell Brent and take the bitch with you.

Isabella, you stop right there. You’re being a bitch. Brent loomed over her. She kicked at him, but he grabbed her arm.

Get away from me, asshole. And keep your rotten skank away too.

Izzy, what’s gotten into you. You know you don’t talk about family that way. Her brother tightened his grip.

The brunette whirled on him and punched him in the chest. "Oh, hell no! She’s not my family and don’t you dare call her that. You’d better not marry that bitch. She’ll cost you everything, I promise you. She tried to pry his fingers off her arm. Let. Go. Of. Me. Jackass."

What’s that supposed to mean? he demanded, yanking her until she was nose to nose with him. Tell me, what you’re talking about.

Or what? You going to hit me again? she shouted at him as she tried to dislodge his hand from her arm. You’re hurting me. She punched and kicked, aiming for whatever body part she could reach. Nothing beats a piece of ass to you, does it? Not even family.

Stop it. I didn’t mean to hit you earlier. He tried to grasp her free hand, but she moved it out of reach. You’re making a scene.

"Good. People need to know how far you’ll go for a piece of ass. How abusive you are to your own sister for her. You knew what you were doing." His sister pried his little finger off her arm and bent it backwards, forcing him to release her. Landing on her ass, she scampered out of his reach. She turned to run but lost her footing, landing on her hands and knees.

What the hell is going on out here? Levi demanded. He glanced at his sister, then turned on his brother. What did you do now?

Nothing, I was just trying to talk to her. She’s in no shape to drive, so I’m going to take her back home.

Matt knelt in front of her. Isabella, let’s get you inside so I can check your injuries.

Matt? her head popped up at his voice and launched herself at him. Please don’t let go. She whispered as he wrapped his arms around her.

I won’t. I’ve got you. He assured her, turning them to keep himself between her and her brother. He could feel her tremble in his arms.

Now, she’s throwing herself at your best friend. Are you going to put up with that? Wendy demanded, watching Isabella hug the paramedic. Careful Brent, she’ll turn him against you too.

Shut up Wendy. Levi snapped, his glare never leaving his brother’s face. The men were so close they were almost touching. You need to put your bitch on a leash.

Don’t talk about her that way. This is all Isabella’s fault, not Wendy’s. Our sister’s being a drama queen.

Matt felt the woman in his arms stiffen at the accusation. Don’t let her get to you.

Fuck you both! Their sister growled, drawing her brother’s attention back to her.

What the hell are you doing to my sister, Steele? Brent bellowed. He tried to shove past their brother, but got punched. He punched back, knocking his younger brother to the ground. It only took him two steps to get to the couple and yank her out of his friend’s arms.

Ow, let go of me. His sister screamed as she punched him.

No, you’re coming back with… ow, what the hell Steele? Brent fell to his knees in the gravel, yelling at the man who had him in an armlock.

Let go of her. Now! Matt snarled, as he twisted his friend’s arm.

What are you doing, Matt? Let him go. Wendy screeched.

Only after he lets go of Isabella. I’m not kidding Talbot; I’m prepared to break it. He twisted a little further until he heard the larger man grunt in pain.

Alright, letting go. He released his sister’s arm as Matt released him and stepped in front of Isabella. What the hell, man? Brent rubbed his arm.

"Don’t you ever… ever put your hands on her again. He pushed Isabella behind him, or you’ll answer to me. I promise, next time I