en silence of the room. The old man walked slowly toward

p, puffing out his chest now that

lty to the Branch family, pushed past hi

amed at Darla, spit flying from h

heavy hand, aiming a viciou

and bit down hard on her lowe

ap nev

ck of bone and cartilage

t like a steel vise. The muscles in Anson's forearm bulged against the fab

ess twist, Anson force

nees buckled instantly, and he crashed to the floor,

ew her hands up, ready

The look in his eyes was so violently cold, so utterly empty of mercy,

rist, letting the man c

white handkerchief, and slowly wiped his fingers. He

away. He stared at Anson, h

s demanded, his voice l

ze. A humorless smile touc

d I am," Anson replied s

re, but the young man standing in front of him felt like a loaded gu

Anson. "Branch family.

look from his grandfather shut him up. He

the danger in the air, quickly grabbed their coats and scat

la with pure hatred. "You will pay fo

ad made her life a living hell.

nt," Darla said quietly.

enaline was crashing, leavin

ed out and wrapped his warm, larg

shed open the heavy glass doors, and walk