The Pet

Chapter 11

Alexander woke up to tires screeching in the driveway. He got out of bed as quietly as he could and left the room. He was just closing the door when his father came bursting through the front door.

Where is he? Asher demanded.

He is sleeping, Alex stated. He glared at his father. Why do you care?

Khan is on his way. He seemed to be too smug so I thought that something had happened to Damien.

Alex stared at his father surprised. That is the first time you have ever said Damiens name without hatred. Do you care about him, father?

Asher froze. He crossed his arms over his chest. I just dont want someone else to break him, is all.

Alex laughed. Whatever you say. He turned his back on his father and went into the kitchen. He grabbed a cup out of the cupboard and filled it with water from the sink.

Khan will get a surprise when he sees that the shit he put Damien through didnt work. Not even throwing him unconscious out of the car in front of the shelter his family is in. His grip on the cup was so tight that the cup shattered in his hand.

Alexander, you need to be more careful, Asher said as he wrapped a hand towel around his sons hand. Where is your first aid kit?

Right here, Mr. P said coming into the kitchen. He handed the kit to Asher and went over to the other side of the kitchen and just watched.

You have changed, Alex said.

Asher paused. I dont know what it is, but I think Damien had an effect on me. Asher sighed as he finished wrapping his sons wounded hand. Besides Kahn, he is the only one who ever stood up to me.

Alex smiled. He is a wonder.

Before Asher could respond Khan burst into the room.

How is everything, Alexander? he asked all smug.

Everything is just fine, Alex said. His voice was empty.

Oh now. There is no reason to lie.

Hes not lying.

Khan spun around and stared in complete shock. Damien was standing in the doorway wrapped in a plain black robe. Peeking out of the robe were fresh bandages around his chest. His eyes held such contempt, it was like a fire had consumed them.

How in the hell he stuttered off.

I guess your question is, how my family still allowed me to stay with Alex once they found out the truth? Damien said as he strode weakly to Alex.

Alex wrapped his arms around Damiens waist and smiled smugly at Khan.

Yes, Khan said throwing his arms up in the air exasperated. I dumped you there knowing that no one would let their child stay in a situation where they were being hurt.

Thats right, sir, Katie said from behind him. She stood there with her arms crossed beneath her breasts. Her daughter was standing behind her with an equally frightening expression.

If I didnt trust Alex to be there for my son every step of the way then I would not have allowed him to stay. Period. But since their love is strong and I can easily see the strength of their love I wont separate them. She strode up to Khan and glared at him. But I cannot forgive someone who would do such a thing to my family. There is a special place in Hell for people like you.

Asher stood beside his son and Damien and just stared at her. He had never seen such strength and determination. He now understood where the willfulness Damien had come from. His mom was a sight to behold.

I can take such talk from Damien because punishment is so much fun to dish out, but from you who has no right to look at me let alone speak to me in such a way, he shook his head.

He was surprised at the guts of this woman who was nothing but a commoner who should be trembling in fear of him, but instead of fear her eyes were shining with anger. He grew pissed just looking at her. He raised his hand and was about to slap her. What his hand connected with was Ashers face. He stood glaring at Khan.

Father? Alex said stunned.

Khan looked at Alex and Damien. Damien was a few feet closer to him and Alex was holding him back so he didnt get hurt anymore. They were both completely shocked.

He turned back to Asher. His expression hadnt changed; his eyes were still burning with hate. Why did you interfere?

Asher looked him right in the eye. I wont let you lay a hand on her. She and her family are under my protection.

Asher, why would say that? Katie asked. She laid her hand on his shoulder and was watching him closely.

Khan saw Ashers expression soften and his tenderness flash through his eyes then it was gone when he looked back at Khan. As I said, Khan, Katie and Elizabeth are mine now. I will not let any harm befall them.

Khans laugh came from deep in his belly and bellowed out through the kitchen. This should be interesting. Khan left without saying another word.

Damien stood shocked. Asher had not only stepped in the way of Khan hurting his mom, but he also laid claim to his mom and sister extending protection over them.

Asher, Damien said. Why did you do that?

Asher looked at Damiens surprised expression then at Katie who stared at him with such tenderness that it cracked the ice in his heart. He looked away clearing his throat.

Your mothers stubbornness will be aimed only at me.

Damien stared at him for a moment then just burst out laughing.

Everyone stared at him.

Alright, Asher. If my mom and sister agree then I wont complain.

Damien was happy Asher had changed. It was obvious and he knew Alex saw it as well.

Asher turned to a still stunned Elizabeth and Katie. You two will be living at my mansion from now on.

Katies face grew red. Now wait just a minute, Asher. My daughter and I will do nothing of the sort.

Actually, Alex piped up. It isnt a bad idea. My fathers mansion is protected far better than my place is.

Why do we need protection? Elizabeth asked.

Khan is spiteful, Damien said. I know this first hand. He will not hesitate to snatch you from the streets or even the shelter and hurt you. Damien raised a hand to stop his moms protest. Mom, what happened to me was done by Khan. You have caught his interest just as I have. He knows he cant stop me from being with Alex now and is searching for another victim. I would feel safer with you at Ashers place where there is protection.

Katie didnt know what to say. Damien had always been protective, but never had he been this protective.

Damien, Katie started.

Please mom. I dont want what happened to Holly to happen to you and Liz. Damiens voice cracked when he said his sisters name, but had been able to say it.

Katie was shocked. Damien had never been able to hear his sisters name let alone say it. She sighed.

Very well. She looked to Asher. We need to get our belongings before we go to your house.

Asher nodded. He didnt know what to say.