Hello everyone!

Like I promised in my last note, here I am with a new chapter!

Enjoy!

***********************

"You have to wake up daddy. I have missed you so much," Lillian said in a hushed voice while gripping her father's pale hand.

She felt the tears stinging her eyes when the only response she got was the continuous beeping from the medical machines.

"I missed your voice, Dad. Please open your eyes, I need you so much. You can't leave now, who will go shopping with me? Who will hold me when I cry.........." a sob broke free and Lillian lowered her head and cried for what felt like hours.

She knew her father's condition was critical, but she didn't picture him weak and helpless. The man was barely breathing. His chest was covered in bandages and his neck supported by a cast. A long tube was in his mouth, and it was hooked to a breathing machine. The only sign of him being alive was the slow rising and falling of his chest.

With shaky hands, Lillian wiped her tears and said with a weak smile on her blotchy face.

"It will be okay, dad. I know you will pull through this. Keep fighting for me. Please, daddy."

"He will be okay Lillian. Our father is strong." Came Jackson's soothing voice.

A sigh of relief escaped Lillian and she ran to her brother's open arms. She hugged him tightly and cried once more on his shoulder.

"Stop crying baby." Jackson hushed her while caressing her hair and rubbing her back soothingly.

When Lillian was calm enough, she stepped away from his embrace and went back to her chair next to her father's bed.

"You need to take a break, Lillian. You were here all morning. I will stay by his side while you go and rest at home. Okay?" Jackson spoke gently in his crouching position facing her.

"I don't trust you," Lillian said blankly.

"What?" Jackson took a step away from her as if she slapped him.

"Don't feign surprise brother. You were the one who betrayed my trust. So deal with it."

Lillian green eyes were burning with rage and anger. It was the first time Jackson saw her like that.

"What do you mean? I didn't do anything to betray your trust."

"Don't play dumb brother. It's sure as hell don't suit you." Lillian hissed.

"If you call my actions in protecting my sister betrayal, then okay, I will take it," Jackson spoke coldly when realization dawned on him, and he understood his sister's implications.

Lillian let out a dry laugh from her trembling lips.

"You know how much daddy means to me, but you left without a care in the world. I thought you gave orders to Ethan or Hunter to escort me here, but noooo you were okay with forbidding me from coming here. You promised to always be there when I need you. It is the law in our family. We have to be always there for each other. Today, I needed you, but you weren't there. If I didn't escape the camp, I would have been sitting in my room and crying like a helpless little girl." By the end of her speech, Lillian was panting harshly.

Jackson closed the space between them and stood in her face looking at her with his icy blue eyes.

"This place was under attack. It took us nearly two hours to get the situation under control. Dad was already shot and fighting for his life. I wasn't prepared for you too to be in the middle of that chaos. So think whatever the hell you want, because I will take the same decision if I am in this situation once again. Yes I promised to be there for you no matter what, and I don't intend to break my promise, but there is something more important and sadly, you don't see it. It is your safety what matters more." Jackson paused his ranting to take a breath then continued "and by the way, If the DON or another member of the family stopped by and asked you about your way of coming here, leave Anna out of your little escapade story."

Without another word, Jackson stormed from the room leaving behind him a very confused Lillian. She was mad at him and his words did nothing to alleviate her anger, but at the same time, she missed his warmth and the strength of his arms.

Jackson was her wall and without his support, she was lost. His last words added a lot of worry to her already troubled mind. Is Anna in danger because she helped her? She can't believe it, it was getting more complicated. With a heavy sigh, Lillian retook her seat and pressed a gentle kiss to her father's forehead.

********************

"What do you think will happen now?" Hunter asked his brother as they both were escorted to the waiting SUV.

"Be specific brother, what will happen after father kills us or before?" Ethan spoke as he nodded to the driver to start the car.

"Father killing us is a fact, so it is better if we don't dwell on it. After that, what do you think will happen?"

"I didn't expect less from the DON. He knows me very well and was smart enough to stop my actions. He doesn't believe in things half done, and he won't start doing that now. He wanted that camp done to the end, and he will make sure it would happen. He stopped me before I could send the others to their homes and sent a private plane to bring us all here. As we talk, the others are settling in the new location. They don't know what happened and it will stay like that. They think we changed the locations for the final test, and that's the extent of what they will be informed." Ethan rested his head against the car's window with a tired exhale.

"It's the first time I say that and maybe it will be the last, but I really want that camp to end." Hunter groaned.

"We share the same sentiments brother." Ethan agreed.

"What about Anna, what will happen to her?" Hunter asked worriedly.

"By some miracle, I was able to hide the fact that Lillian ran away with your girl. Fortunately, my guards were smart enough to delete all the footage that caught Anna with Lillian. And since they arrived in the early hours of the morning, the hallways were empty and no one saw them. Jackson knows that Anna is here and checked on her a few times. He also told Lillian to tell the DON and the others that she escaped alone. So hopefully we will be able to bring her to the new location without trouble."

"Won't Tatiana cause problems?"

"I don't think so. She was confused about what happened to her, and she doesn't remember exactly the events before Lillian rend her unconscious. The technique she used gives the victim a ferocious headache when he woke up which means it will be hard for him to force his memory back. I suggest you stop worrying about Tatiana and instead focus on your girl."

"What do you mean?"

"Look, Hunter, I will be honest with you. I admire your girl's loyalty to her friend, but her actions were totally foolish. This time, we were able to save her, but we can't always be there to do it. I am afraid she doesn't know how our world works. Our world is unforgiving Hunter, and you know they won't spare her just because she is yours. Maybe the DON wants her and would be on her side, but he won't let her screw again and again without punishment. Now, I doubt her ability in doing the mission." Ethan spoke honestly.

His brother's words left a bitter feeling on the pit of his stomach, but they were the truth and he can't deny it.

"What should I do then?"

"You are her boyfriend, but at the same time, you are a member of our mission. You need to show her that there are no slips allowed. Hunter, I think it is time you change your approach with her. You declared her as yours to protect her, so prove it."

Before Hunter could analyze his brother's words, the driver announced their arrival at his father's office. The two boys exchanged a look then wore the same blank looks, and left the car with purposeful steps.

After thirty minutes of waiting in the lobby, the secretary allowed them to enter the office. It was the same tactic Damien uses whenever he is pissed at them. He would always make them wait and think about what they did wrong.

Upon their entry, they saw Damien sitting calmly, too calmly for their likes, on his leather chair and sipping from his drink glass. Ethan was the first to speak. He wasn't a fan of waiting, and always made it known.

"Hello father, how are you?"

Icy blue eyes met his green ones.

"Besides my two sons giving me heart attacks, I am fine."

Ethan wasn't in the mood of chitchat and it seemed his father wanted them to sweat so with a forceful smile, he said.

"Do you need us, father? If not, we are needed somewhere else."

His words have the desired effect as Damien slammed his glass on the desk and stood to his full height.

"I gave you one order Ethan, one order, but you didn't obey it. I said to keep this damn camp in order until I am back, but you didn't even last for one day." His voice was calm and steady, he wasn't shouting, but his words were harsh and allowed no mercy.

"It isn't Ethan's fault. He tried everything to keep it under control, but you know how much Lillian loves her father and there was no way she would stay calm and wait." Came Hunter's defence for his brother.

The glare Damien sent his son would have made anyone tremble and hide, but apparently not his son who stood his ground and made sure to keep eye contact.

"You my boy better stay out of this. I know that your girl was involved somehow in this mess. She helped Lillian and came with her. I am impressed with her bravery and also with your audacity. You two worked hard to keep that fact from the DON and with that failed in hiding it from me. Well, let me break it to you, from now on, I am responsible for this camp and will be until it ends."

Hunter blanched at his father's words, all this time, he was aware of everything. It was a fair game now, he was the one who will put the rules and decide the verdicts.

"Don't look so stressed Hunter. I will turn a blind eye to your girl's actions since I don't know her current location, for now. All I know is that she is here somewhere. So I suggest you keep your good work and drive her to the camp before tomorrow morning. And you two better be there also."

Hunter let a sigh of relief. His father was telling him indirectly that he won't do anything against Anna. But he won't take any chances and will make sure that the three of them will be in the new camp's site this evening.

Damien let his cold eyes trail on his sons who were standing in front of him. He took a deep breath and spoke again with his icy voice.

"The last time we were in this position, Hunter. I told you that one more strike and it will be the ring." Hunter gulped at his father's words but tried to keep the indifference look on his face. "As for you Ethan, you will join your brother also since you two seemed to fight more than anything and need somewhere to burn your energy. So, l am eager to see your skills combined. Today at 3:00 pm, you will see me and Jasper in the mansion."

Before any boy could comment on Damien's words, a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Damien grunted and took his seat behind his desk while motioning to his sons to do the same on the sofas in his office.

Jasper made his appearance and raised a questioning eyebrow at his nephews who just nodded at him in greeting.

"The man I just wanted to see. I was about to call you. What are you doing this evening?"

"Other than trying to get the press out of our hair, I am free," Jasper said in his famous bored tone.

"The press?" Ethan asked confused as to when they came here, there was no one in front of his father's office.

Jasper gave his nephew a blank look and replied nonchalantly.

"We tried our hardest to keep what happened from the reporters, but Lillian coming here and directly to the hospital, then you two came raised their suspicions. Also, I think one of the workers in the hospital leaked some information to the press and here we are. They are camping out of our houses and offices. Edward called me earlier pissed that some reporters mobbed his car and prevented him from going to work."

Damien sighed and took another sip from his liquor.

"I will call our PR and we will give an official statement later today. As for now, do you want to join me and my boys in the ring today?"

Suddenly jasper's blank expression disappeared and was replaced with a mischievous one.

"Someone is in trouble," Jasper smirked then answered his brother. "With pleasure Damien, I was looking for ways to let out some steam."

"Okay then, we will meet at my mansion's gym at 3:00 pm. Make sure you are not late." Damien laughed at his brother's dismissive hand while he was leaving his office.

Damien next brought his attention to his sons.

"I know you want to visit Lillian, so go ahead. Try to stay calm and don't cause any trouble with the press outside."

*********************

The moment they stepped out of the revolver door, cameras flashed from every direction blinding the boys. The bodyguards and the security team tried very hard to make the way to Ethan and Hunter to their car. After a few moments of struggle, they succeeded and both boys were sitting safely in their car.

"That's what we need right now," Hunter grumbled.

Ethan ignored the comment and instructed the driver.

"Drive through the back door of the hospital to save ourselves the time of chasing these idiots away from us."

"Yes, sir."

The rest of the drive was made in silence and in no time, they were standing in front of their Uncle's recovering room. Ethan knocked two times then opened the door with Hunter following him. Lillian was facing the window and seemed deep in her thoughts.

"How are you?" Ethan asked with concern visible in his voice.

"Why do you care?" Lillian shot back.

"Don't be like that Lillian, I am here to check on you," Ethan said gently as he approached her.

"You would have fooled me if you said those words days ago." Lillian deadpanned as she turned from her position facing the tall glass dominating the entire wall.

"Don't be like that Lillian, I won't apologize to you about my actions, because I won't change them even if the situation repeats itself. The only thing that I am sorry about is not listening to you better." Ethan said while cringing internally at her pale complexion and the dark circles under her dull green eyes.

He closed the distance between them and brought her against his chest. Surprisingly, she didn't fight him and buried her face deeper in his chest.

"It is okay, Lillian. We will pull through this. We are strong together." Ethan hushed her while rubbing slow circles on her shivering back.

Lillian pushed away from his embrace and looked at him with tired eyes.

"I am tired, Ethan. They said if he doesn't wake up in the next 48 hours, they will declare him in a coma." Lillian's words were pained and choked.

"Look at me Lillian, your father is strong. He won't leave easily."

"And what if he did?" she asked quietly.

"Don't say that. Uncle Louis will never let his daughter's efforts to come here go in vain." This time, it was Hunter who detached himself from the wall and came to her side. He put his arms around her shoulders and looked at her in the eyes.

Lillian let out a chuckle at his words and gave him a genuine smile.

"Ah! There is the smile I love." Hunter exclaimed in an exaggerated cheerfulness.

"Go away, you prick." Lillian pushed him lightly while shaking her head at his antics.

"How is he?" Ethan asked seriously bringing them back to the situation at hand.

"The bullet that pierced his shoulder didn't make so much damage, and it is healing perfectly. The main problem is the one in his chest. The doctors had a hard time removing it and had to revive him two times during surgery. It went through his ribcage, and a part of his lung was also damaged, this is why he can't breathe on his own. They say that everything is good and all that we could do is waiting." Lillian explained the situation while playing with her father's fingers.

"I am sorry I caused a lot of trouble guys, but it was the only way to come here," Lillian added moments later.

"Don't think about that now. Just focus on your father's recovery, Uncle Edward is supervising his progress. Also, you need to rest and take care of your health. You look very pale." Ethan said soothingly.

"Jackson is mad." She said sadly.

"Why should he? We are the ones taking the fall." Hunter said while rolling his eyes.

"What?" Lillian asked confusedly.

"Don't listen to him. He is just dreading our encounter with father in the ring later today."

"The ring!!!" Lillian gasped.

"It is not a big deal, Lillian. We are big boys." Ethan gave her a reassuring smile.

"Okay, I think we should go, it is 14:15 already," Hunter said looking at his watch.

"Yes, you are right. We better not be late." Ethan agreed then spoke to his cousin. "If you are in need of anything and I mean anything, just call me, and I will be here no matter what."

Lillian hugged them both, kissed them goodbye and wished them good luck. Meeting her cousins brought her some relief. They made her smile and forget her problems. Even if it was for a short moment, but it is okay maybe this is the worse before the best.

*******************

"Wear this," Ethan ordered.

"What?" Hunter asked while looking at the plain white shirt and black sweats.

"Those are the garments we designed in my company in Switzerland. They are designed to absorb the shock and lessen the pain of falls or blows. Their material isn't thick or anything. They look like normal clothes, but they are different, and I think we will need them today."

Hunter looked at his brother with his jaw wide open, but nonetheless complied and went to his room to change.

At 15:00 sharp, the boys in their gear headed to the mansion's gym where they found their father and uncle waiting.

"Are you ready?" Damien asked.

"Yes." They answered in unison.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Damien said and jumped over the ropes to the center of the ring.

*******************

Read! Vote! And give me your honest reviews.

Until next time!