The Dark Prince (The Dark Prince Trilogy #1) (32 page)

There wasn’t much to the room, but there was a bathroom, a bed, and a small table and chair. It all served its purpose when needed. There wasn’t any color to anything, keeping it blank and almost sterile feeling, like a hospital. Actually, a hospital was probably more welcoming than this bare room.

Chase kept quiet, knowing her ice amber colored eyes were on him from the moment the door opened. He moved the black fold up chair, placing it between the bed that the door he left ajar so Carter could hear, or intervene if necessary. It was likely he’d need to step in if Chase’s anger got the better of him.

Chase never hit women, ever. But this one in front of him tested his limits. And he was not in the mood to be bull shitted either. He wanted to be with his wife, keeping her calm and safe as much as he could.

He felt miserable for Summer. It was hard to wrap a mind around the subject of her shooting the man that made your life living hell for years. But he didn’t blame Hawk for his part. He was trying to help, even though he didn’t know that moving the girl so much caused her just as much stress.

Chase had been surprised to find out that Hawk was Blackhawk, but after thinking about, it did make sense. His concern and thoughts were in the right place, and at least Summer didn’t have to die a painful death by the hands of her sick twisted father.

That was why Chase sent Peter and Jackson out to take care of a few shipments that were coming in on Jason’s turf, while he dealt with Valerie. Chase would put a stop to all shipments of weapons, drugs, and slaves, by the end of the week. Although, he had most of it taken care of already. Only a few more straggling weapon containers that might come into the shipping yards over the next few weeks.

Jack was second in command for the Meads family, and he was more than happy to go along with Chase’s wants and wishes. Jackson never wanted this role for his life, so working under the Prince’s care was better than dying or being forced to work for a man he hated more than life itself, as he had Jason Meads. Now, he could help make things better.

Ryder was now busy taking down drug lords and men that worked for Jason. It really was easy. None of the men knew what was going on, or who had turned them in. For all they knew, Jason had a rat or two, but they also could have turned themselves in to stay out of the limelight.

So far, everything was going as easy as Chase knew it should once he got to each stage. Although, he had planned for Jason to come find him in the hotel conference room, as he had made it known he was holding a meeting with a few men. That would have been where Chase would’ve returned fire in self-defense. Summer would have been safe in the hotel room, having no clue what was going on.

But that all went out the window when Peter had texted him half an hour later on Summer’s whereabouts. And somehow, he wasn’t all that surprised by his wife. She was smart and he knew to never underestimate her, even with her lack of strength and training. Chase was more surprised that Peter had planned around his meeting, letting his wife take the lead on shooting Jason Meads. Chase never expected Summer to be able to do that on her own, if at all. Of course, Ivan already had words with Peter about his actions, and to never do that again unless he wanted to lose his life.

“Let’s have a chat,” Chase said after taking a deep breath. He wanted to get this over with. Chase briefly thought about letting Asher deal with her, but he was busy watching every account like a hawk. Chase knew that money would be missing soon enough as men on both sides would be trying to make a run for it. A time like this would really show who was on the Marcel’s side.

“I have nothing to say to you,” she huffed, crossing her arms across her chest and glaring at the man. If she could cause someone to burn, no doubt Chase would be burning right then. It was almost laughable.

“I need answers, and only the ones you can give me,” he responded, making himself comfortable in the chair, knowing he’d be there for a while. He let his back lean against the back of the chair, legs spread out. The handle of his gun poked through his shirt around his waist. He kept his voice hard, not budging.

“I want my husband!” she snarled, leaning forward on the bed, ready to pounce. “You think you have a say over how he does things. You are
wrong
. He’s going to come back and get me out after killing you.” She was bluffing, but she was always good with words to get her way.

But not this time. Her words meant nothing to Chase. He knew that Trent was done with her. He already forced her hand to sign the divorce papers a few weeks ago when he found out Valerie was a rat in the family. Yes, Trent, or even Chase, should have shot her already, but they would use her against the enemy instead.

Trent had been talked into marrying her by her father, thinking that combining the two family blood lines would be the best way to go since Chase had yet to marry, or even have a child. It made sense at the time, even when Ivan disapproved outright on such a choice.

“Is that so?” Chase said with a laugh, although he wasn’t the least bit amused. “If so, then why isn’t he here? Why did he call daddy dearest to let him know what you did? Trent wants nothing more of you.”

“He wouldn’t?” she asked, more like stated, in fear. Her eyes widened only slightly.

“He did,” Chase said, keeping his voice uncaring. “And he’s not happy. He asked me to hand you over, but I’m not done with you yet. I need answers, then I’ll kill you myself. Traders never die quick.”

“You’re lying,” Valerie said, her voice breaking. She didn’t know if Chase was lying or not. She could never read him and that alone bugged the crap out of her. Would he really do it?

“Here’s the deal,” Chase said, looking at her with no emotion as he propped his elbows on his knees. “Tell me what you get out of helping Jason, and I’ll let you go. If not, I’ll let Mr. Rodrigo deal with you.”

“You’ll kill me. Either you will or he will,” Valerie said, refusing to meet his eyes as she thought over his words. Her father wouldn’t go to that length, but it would be close enough. Her father, Saul Rodrigo, would lock her away to let her rot in hell, even being his only daughter.

“I’d be happy to let the man out in the hallway do that,” Chase said, waving his hand towards where Carter was waiting. And he would kill her without question. Carter never batted an eye on who was the target of any of his bullets. “I didn’t say anything about myself killing you in the first place. I just want answers. Now answer,” he ended darkly, a hidden meaning behind his words.

“Fine!” Valerie shouted angrily, flinging her hands up with a huff. “Jason wanted me to keep an eye on you. He knew you’d go after Summer, and I was at the right place at the right time. He asked if I knew her, and if had seen her. I wasn’t going to lie to that sick bastard.” She said, her voice slowly lowering. “Did you know he wanted Summer for himself? Of course, he always had a thing for her, and I have no idea why you like that slut. She was meant to stand by his side, quiet and content. But you had to go and ruin that!”

“Watch it,” Chase warned, shooting her a death glare. No one would talk about his wife in such manners. He wasn’t thrilled about the way she talked, and luckily he still needed answers or her blood would be splattered on the wall already. She’d easily be the first female he’d kill.

“You know it’s true,” she sneered. “She’d spread her legs for any guy. And yet you made her a part of your
stupid fucking
family. She would even do it for her sick old daddy.” Even if he had to tie her up to do it, Jason would have raped his own blood.

“Do you want to test me right now?” Chase said, standing up to his full height. He towered over her, and at the movement, she was able to fully see the handgun he held at his waist of his pants.

“No,” Valerie said, cowering just a little, her eyes fearful. She swallowed loudly.

He was tempted to wrap his hands around her throat to make her shut her mouth. But he had to have answers.

“Then tell me what he wanted!” Chase shouted, fed up. No wonder why Trent had enough of her.

“He wanted her. Everything. He wanted her body and her trained to be his submissive,” Valerie said in tears. “He would do anything, just because John told him to! He only wanted some of the light that his older brother held! I was going to tell you!”

“No you weren’t,” Chase barked out in a laugh, his green eyes dark and stormy. “You were in it for the money. That’s all you care about. Money can’t keep Trent. Nor can it keep you safe in this family any longer!”

“He has things set up to take you out!” Valerie went on, her voice high. “John was behind it all!”

“It’s already taken care of,” Chase said, lying. “He is of no concern any longer.” He then made to leave the room, already planning on what to do with her. He had enough of her. He knew enough.

Jason wanted someone to keep eyes on him, someone that wouldn’t be as noticeable. But Chase never trusted Valerie, and she hardly knew what Chase did, or where he went, as Trent never told her a thing. The dead man was only a threat to him because Chase was a Prince, and he was changing how mafia families ran things.

“Jason wasn’t too smart about the way he paid you off. He wanted me to find out. So I’m sure he had his own plans for you, too,” he said with a shrug before leaving the room. He didn’t care what that man’s plans for the woman was.

All Chase knew was that Valerie needed out of his house sooner rather than later. He didn't want that poisonous bitch anywhere near his wife. Jason was dead and Valerie Sate would be as good as dead soon. She lied, over and over again. Chase had never trusted her. He wouldn’t kill her, but would send her back to the community of sorts, that would make her rethink her actions. She’d have no way to call or talk to anyone outside of the gated town he had set up somewhere remote. Chase knew she hated it there, so that was where she'd wait until he figured out something else. If he did, that is.

“Wait!” her voice stopped him. He froze, glancing over his shoulder at her. “What will happen to me?”

“I’ll let my man take care of that,” Chase said, knowing that fear would do her some good. Her shouts were heard as she raced to the door, begging to not be left in there alone. Chase shut the door; she wasn’t worth his time.

“You know what to do. I want everything of hers erased. No bank account, no trust fund. I don’t care what you do with her money, take it yourself for all I care. I want her out of my house by nightfall,” he said.

Carter nodded, already on top of it all.

                                  ~o0o~

Valerie POV

Growing up, her father prided himself for having such a sweet, pretty girl. But he knew he could use her to his advantage. A way into the Marcel family. The family that was slowly, but surely, taking over not only the town, but the state. The entire USA, and possibly overseas. In time, he’d get the money that should be rightfully his to begin with, if everything that John Meads told him was the truth. John never seemed to need questioning on his motives. Therefore, Saul Rodrigo did everything he could to make sure his only daughter would be able to handle herself, and to get her in where she needed to be. She’d be the key to everything

Valerie Sate, named after her deceased mother, had always prided herself on her looks alone. To be the most beautiful woman in a room was the only thing that ever mattered. At least to the simple minded folk, that what she was. It didn’t matter what people really thought of her, just that she was a good catch. A wonderful catch even.

Valerie had a lot men eating out of her hand, more if she showed the right amount of skin at any given time. She never called herself a slut, as she only had a . . . few partners. But only because she had to keep up appearances.

When her father demanded that she marry Trent Sate, she couldn’t have been happier. Sure, Valerie would have rather been married off to Chase, as he was always the handsome type, and would surely be the best lay she could ever dream of. But Valerie would take what she could get. And Trent was what had been offered.

It did help that Trent was into the entire BDSM scene, and Valerie loved the entire idea. She loved being tied up, bound, and taken hard. But what she didn’t expect was how hard Trent was. He was sweet outside of the bedroom, but in there, he did more than any book ever taught the woman. She hadn’t expected it, nor did she expect to find a thrill in it. She loved it, and in turn slowly fell in love with the huge man. He adored her, treasured her, in every way he possibly could. Slowly, Valerie fell in love with Trent. She hadn’t meant to, and her father had reminded her time and time again to keep her heart out of the work she was to do.