Court of Nightmares.

O6;

VANTE POV.

Eyes closed. Slow breaths. Lips parted. I could hear the crickets outside and the cold air caressing my face. It was only the beginning of December, I hated winter more than I hated anyone else. It was cold, slippery, gloomy all of the time and the snow storms outside would keep me up at night. I was more of a tropical kind of a guy, mostly enjoying spending time at one of the islands I own, with a cold whiskey on the rocks in my hand, the sun kissing my skin, hearing the waves crash into the shore and a blonde woman between my legs. This is how I used to live two years ago before I lost my mother.

I was young and careless; I had to grow up way too fast under the extreme pressure put on me by my father who got shot a year ago during a police invasion. I knew what my task in life was. I was the only son in family of four. My younger sisters were taken away by my mother's distant relatives as they knew well that I was going to become like my Dad eventually.

As planned.

Money, sex, drugs, I had it all. I didn't need to put any effort in anything, I received everything I've ever wanted. I had a few mansions all across the world, lots of bars, coffee shops, business buildings and hotels all inherited by what my father had stolen or killed for. Everything I owned was dirty, painted with blood and it somehow tore me apart from the beginning. I used to have big dreams as a teenager but everything crashed down for me. I had no choice but to take over and now here I am, with over ten thousand men under my orders.

I had many enemies as well, which was why I constantly looked for new additions to the team. Thankfully August was one of my oldest friends since childhood and he helped me build it all up slowly yet surely. He had an undertone of craziness in him, I've seen him kill men thrice his size with just a blow of his fist and the look in his eyes was something that caused many men and women to fall at his feet. I guessed they liked the crazy ones? At the end he was a loyal bastard and I appreciated that dearly.

"You lost in thoughts again?" I heard a voice behind me. The cigarette tucked between my lips was removed and I slowly turned around to gaze at the tall blonde man covered in tattoos. I hummed lowly, chuckling quietly. It was funny how recently I was getting lost in my own damn mind.

"I guess," I murmured catching a quick glimpse at the two large men behind August who stood there with his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks. He had a casual posture, head held high, shoulders straightened.

I saw him bow his head slightly as a form of respect and a greeting. I nodded back and a deep thick puff of cigarette smoke escaped from my lips. I could hear the crickets in the distance. I had to admit that most of the times I enjoyed peace and quiet more than I could imagine.

"What should we do with the Rabbit, he has been in the dungeons for a week now."

I quirked an eyebrow and tilted my head to the side. Since when he was interested in the men in the dungeon?

"Why are you suddenly interested in that man?" I asked curiously. August shrugged his shoulders, pulling out his black shiny lighter as he began flicking it open and closed, I somehow grew used to his habit of him doing that. It was as if he was trying to calm his nerves? Or it was just something he did by instinct?

August turned to glare at the men behind him and both of the gorillas left us immediately without a word. I heard the large balcony doors close and my eyes returned back to him.

"His sister owes us money, he wouldn't have a value if we kill him."

I remained silent and turned my back to August. He was actually the only person I turned my back to, this is how much trust I had in him. Approaching the balcony shiny railings, I leaned over, gazing at the large garden in front of me.