The First Rule

Chapter 35b: Hellwater

Shock registers on Tyler's face—before soon, it quickly followed by a fiery anger. His jaw clenches with unexplainable bewilderment–and without hesitation, he strides rushfully towards them, ignoring Lucy's shriek of success in sinking the remaining balls on the billiard table!

Luke and Scott's alert gaze immediately follows the path of his stride—but once they take notice of the matter, it's too late. Their shouts already drowned by the fire burning within him.

As he arrives, in one swift motion, Tyler grabs Dominic by the collar and yanks him to his feet—causing the girl on his lap to stumble back in surprise with a loud shriek! Noticing who it is—Dominic lets out a devilish smirk.

"Oooh if it isn't the boyfriend—"

Ignoring the comment, Tyler throws Dominic down onto the sand. "I told you not to do something stupid, Dominic." he exclaims, his voice sharp with rage. Dominic, drunk and unfazed, laughs and scoffs beneath him,

"Just like what you did behind my back. Right, bro?"

Tyler pauses. His face contorts in pained frustration. Torn between his conflicting emotions, Tyler's grip on Dom's collar tightens as it almost trembles.

"You can get angry with me all you want–as long as it takes–I can endure! But you don't. hurt. her Hunt!"

Dominic pushes Tyler away with a fierce shove, sending him sprawling backwards. "Funny how you always act like the boyfriend–"

"Well if I'm her boyfriend maybe I'll take care of her more than you do!"

The crowd falls in a stunned silence. Luke, Scott, Wyatt, and Eve arrive on the scene, their eyes widening at the unfolding chaos. Lucy Burns, who had been watching the scene—quickly turns and leaves with irritation on her face. Dominic goes quiet.. before fury ignites within him–and he lunges forward!

He's about to punch Tyler straight in the face–but not until Luke, Scott, and Wyatt step in, trying to restrain him! Luke and Wyatt pull Dominic back with all their strength—all while he goes berserk against their hold! Meanwhile, Scott and Eve work to restrain Tyler—creating as much distance between him and Dominic as possible.

Noticing Eve, Tyler turns swiftly. "Where's Em?"

Eve holds his arm in caution, observing Tyler. Seemingly to have regained control of his emotions, she reluctantly releases. Sensing the cool air around the troublemaker, Scott also follows suit. A few meters away, Wyatt urgently whispers to Dominic while Luke struggles in holding him back—looking distressed. With concern etched on her face, Reed responds with a huff, "I don't know.. she hasn't answered any of my messages or calls–"

"Too bad you're just the bestfriend, Cavill!"

Tyler's initially calm demeanor shifts as he snaps his head back to Dominic—meeting his deathly glare head-on.

"You're not her boyfriend. Remember your place as her bestfriend, Cavill. That's the role you will always be."

Tyler's face hardens—intense fatigue and frustration mixed in one. His glare intensifies into a stern gaze before he finally speaks again.

"Say you won't pull something like this again, Hunt."

Silence falls over the scene, everyone on the beach transfixed, waiting for Dominic's response. However.. his initial demeanor shifts into eerie calmness as Dominic smirks, tilting his head.