Just Trust Me

Chapter Two

"As my soul slides down to die  

"How could I lose him, what did I try?  

"Bit by bit I've realized, that he was there with me  

"I looked into my father's eyes 

"My father's eyes"  

- 'My Father's Eyes' by Eric Clapton

Taylor's P.O.V

He was six foot three of pure cruelty. Graying brown hair was shaved in a buzz cut close to his head, the way they did it in the military, his eyes a washed-out color of blue that paled in comparison to the much more vibrant shade my brother had inherited-- I had gotten my mother's green. His face was square and boxed, his features sharp and angular, his mouth set down in a permanent scowl. He was always wearing a navy suit, carefully tailored to match his exact frame, which was almost twice the size of his height. He was a beast of a man, muscles binding each limb; he could lift a car if he wanted.  

But none of that was the most intimidating thing about him; it was what was in his eyes that made people cower in fear the moment they saw him. So cold and calculating, they were like a crafty snake's, always watching, always waiting to pick out any mistake. They were completely and utterly devoid of emotion, as empty as a tomb, showing none of the light and warmth they'd had before... before Mom had died.  

And just as always, the moment I made the mistake of looking into them, I felt myself go cold. They had that effect on you, make you feel like you'd just stepped in a bath full of ice. I bit down on my lip, feeling weak, and it was only by the strength of Damien's arm that I remained standing. Jesse stepped closer to me.  

"Hey, Dad," I said, waving half-heartedly as I tried to ignore the numb feeling spreading through me. "I'm home."  

As per se usual, Dad looked down the minute we locked gazes. Instead, he ignored me, looking past me, at Damien. "You're home," he said in his deep, gravally voice, echoing me. "Your father is waiting inside for you."  

Damien nodded behind me, but didn't move. I glanced back at him, and his face had gone hard.  

Dad frowned when Damien didn't take the hint. "He's waiting for you," he said again, a warning creeping into his tone. "He wants to talk to you."  

Damien stiffened, and then he slowly withdrew his arm from around me. He walked slowly into the house, glancing uncertainly back at me, none of the usual malice in his expression. He didn't want to leave me alone with Dad.  

I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile, telling him silently I would be fine. But the truth was, I wasn't sure. I already felt sick to my stomach. How pissed off would Dad get if I threw up all over his shoes?  

"Jesse," he addressed my brother now, and Jesse met his gaze without flinching, his face stony. "I was deeply disappointed to hear that you specifically disregarded my orders for John. He was the one who I dispatched to go get Taylor, and then I find out you went instead. How many times are you going to disobey me?"  

Jesse's eyes flashed dangerously. "My intention wasn't to disobey you. Forgive me if I wanted to see my sister after you sent her away for so damn long."  

"Watch your language." Dad's scowl deepened. "Don't put this on me, boy," he growled at Jesse. "I've already told you I had good reason for doing what I did. Besides, your sister is back now, and she understands."  

I froze when he mentioned me, eyes touched on me for a split second, before going back to Jesse. "So you can no longer hold it against me."  

"I can," Jesse disagreed in a cold voice. "And I will. What you did was inexcusable--"  

"Don't you dare, Jesse," Dad interrupted. "I will no longer tolerate any more abuse from you. You are my son, and you will start showing me the same respect the rest of my pack does. I should have put my foot down a long time ago, the only reason I didn't was because I knew you were struggling. But all that ends now, do you understand?"  

Jesse growled, low in his throat. Dad was close to using the Alpha tone with him, and then he'd be forced to back down whether he wanted to or not. I put a hand on his shoulder to restrain him, not wanting him in trouble on my behalf. I had only just gotten home five minutes ago, I wasn't even in the house yet, and they were already fighting.