Never Stop Fighting

Chapter 23

(Dakota's POV)

I could hardly believe it. Axel had kidnapped my boyfriend and brother. As much as I was glad to see them, I wished it was under different circumstances because now that they're here Axel would use them as leverage to get me to do anything he wanted. And I would, without hesitation. I couldn't forget that he killed that man with no remorse or guilt and I didn't doubt he'd do it again. So I had to be very, extremely careful with everything I do.

I'd been lucky so far at changing Axel's mind a couple times, but I wasn't sure how much more I could get away with it. His temper is a fragile thing.

   With all this on my mind, I sat on the counter as Axel was making breakfast. And he gave me another bag of frozen food to hold onto my cheek.

My mind was a million miles away. All I could think about was Kent just below me, unconscious.

"Why did you take them?" I asked, quietly in hopes not to piss him off.

"It was spur of the moment, really. They were passing out fliers of you and asked me if I had seen you. And I am quite curious as to why they're in Montana," he stopped talking as if he was accusing me. And I froze in fear that he might hurt me or them if he suspected I told them.

But he continued as if he didn't care and I noiselessly let the breath I had been holding out. Maybe he didn't suspect me.

The doorbell rang and I hopped off the counter.

"Sit back down. I'll get it," he told me and picked me up, setting me back down on the counter,"Don't move."

I sighed, knowing I had to listen to him. I didn't want him to refuse Kent's medical treatment.

With little patience, I strained my ear to listen in on the conversation between Daniel the doctor and Axel, but I couldn't hear what was said, just mumbles.

A few moments later, Axel walked back into the kitchen.

"Daniel's down there taking care of him," he told me.

"I'll go help him," I offered and hopped off again.

"Dakota," he warned, making me jump from the rage sounding in it. I slowly turned around and met with him closer than I thought.

I closed my eyes, anticipating a slap, but was met with a soft touch on my cheek, making me open my eyes, slowly.

"You are staying here," he whispered and kissed my forehead, setting me back on the counter. I kept quiet and continued to worry.

My eyes fell to the basement door and I gazed at it longingly, wishing I could down there with my brother.

It was a full fifty minutes later until Daniel came back up, locking the basement door.

"Is he okay?" I asked as soon as I saw him. He looked to me then moved his gaze to Axel who leaned against the counter next to me, which pissed me off. Axel didn't care about him. As his family, he should tell me.

   "He had a concussion on his frontal lobe. Did lose quite a lot of blood. The mix of them had him going in and out of consciousness. He shouldn't wake up till sometime tomorrow and if he doesn't, call me again. While he was barely conscience, I had him drink some water with pain meds in it with a straw. Nothing else I can do. He'll be asleep for a while," he told us, not even looking at me, but I held my tongue.

   Axel didn't even thank him, just lead him to the door and he left.

He returned to the kitchen and finished cooking without a word. After setting the table, he picked me up and set me in my seat. Like usual, he watched me as I ate, but I could only take a few small bites. The worry consuming me, making me feel sick to my stomach.