Kings of Hawkings [bxb]

Chapter 49

Jonas watched as everyone filed out of the room, and he discreetly followed, blending into the groups as they split up. He overheard their conversations about where they would station themselves and the cruel jokes they made about what they'd do to him once they found him.

Despite knowing what to expect from these people, an ache settled in his chest when he recognized familiar voices. These were people who once called him a friend, who he'd laughed with, shared secrets with, and trusted. Now, they were all part of this twisted game, their loyalty to Lukas stronger than any bond they once had with him. The memories of shared experiences—late-night study sessions, victories on the track, inside jokes—clashed painfully with the reality of their betrayal. It wasn't just their actions that hurt him; it was the stark realization that he had been so easily discarded, reduced to nothing more than prey in their hunt.

Jonas kept walking with them down the hall, his mind swirling with memories and the sting of betrayal. As they split up, he seized the opportunity to slip away into a vacant classroom. The familiarity of the space was comforting in its own way. He steadied his emotions, quickly opened a window, and climbed onto the ledge, finding the familiar footholds he'd used countless times to reach the roof. The roof was off-limits to most, but it had always been his favorite hiding spot, offering a perfect vantage point to observe everyone below.

Once he reached the roof, Jonas sat down with his back against the wall, took out his phone, and initiated a conference call with the other Kings.

Sam's voice erupted first, full of fury. "Jo! What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Rodgers was right behind him, equally incensed. "We deserve an explanation!"

Millan, though quieter, didn't hold back either. "That was a fucked-up move, Jo."

Jonas listened to their frustration, the beeps from the other side of the phone marking each connection. But he was focused on one thing. "How's Hugh?" he asked, his voice low, barely above a whisper.

The shift in Jonas' tone told them something serious was going on. Millan let out a long sigh. "Stable. The transfusion went smoothly. Most of his color is back, and they expect him to wake up any minute."

Relief washed over Jonas, and he exhaled shakily. "They left an invitation after they stabbed him."

A chorus of curses followed from the other Kings. "And you were stupid enough to comply?" Sam shot back harshly.

Jonas chuckled coldly. "Maybe I am. But I also wanted to see what they're planning."

Rodgers pressed, "What did you find out?"

Jonas' breath wavered slightly. "They took Lucy and Emilia. If I don't show myself, they'll hurt them to force me out."

Sam exploded with rage. "Motherfuckers!"

Jonas continued, his voice laced with bitterness. "St. Vincent's has always been violent and underhanded. It's the dark past no one wants to acknowledge, hidden behind politics and money. But this—this bullshit—is their true face. They're reckless, malevolent assholes." He dropped his head, feeling the weight of it all settle on his shoulders.

Jonas recalled all the torment they had inflicted on him. If he hadn't been strong or quick enough, he'd have suffered severe injuries. But with Lukas' involvement, things took a darker turn. Lukas didn't just escalate the games; he twisted them into something far more dangerous and unhinged.

It wasn't just Jonas' life on the line anymore—Hugh was in jeopardy, too. They targeted anyone close to him—people who had nothing to do with their twisted games like Lucy and Emilia—just to see him unravel.