The Unwanted Runaway

It’s Settled

Denton’s POV

Donnie was no match for me, even if I was driven by anger. I had this desire to protect Anna I cared about. As I stood there, breathing heavily and covered in blood, they all looked at me in shock. I walked back to where Anna was laying . I picked her up and held her in my arms, cradling her like a precious jewel.

I proceeded to walk Ma and dad‘s house going straight upstairs into the room across from Nikki‘s which used to be mine. I told Brooke to get cleaning supplies or whatever since she was the nurse in the family. I asked Brooke to get her dressed . As I laid down Anna’s unconscious body on top of the bed.

I walked out of the bedroom down the stairs out front door door. I reached for my phone in my back pocket calling Carter telling him the situation.

My temper flared as Evan had the audacity to suggest I take a drive while he handles the situation. I glared at him and snapped, "No way, I'll handle this." But Jason chimed in, trying to calm me down by saying he'll assist Evan in dealing with it. "Just go for a drive and cool off," he added, as if it were that simple.

But I couldn't just cool off. Not after what had happened with Anna. I held her unconscious, body close to my chest, trying to protect her from the chaos that surrounded us. I had killed someone for her, and part of me didn't regret it.

As Jason and Evan walked towards my ma’s house, they tapped me on the shoulder, expecting me to take their advice,But I couldn’t.I reluctantly picked up Donnie's lifeless body and tossed it into the back of my truck, waiting for Carter to arrive.

How could they suggest I take a drive and forget about everything that had just happened? I was seething with anger and, and their casual attitudes only added fuel to the fire. I couldn't believe they expected me to just brush it off and go for a drive like everything was okay. I know they were in shocked of what I just did, but they weren’t gonna take responsibility for my actions no way.

As I shut the tailgate, I prepared to meet Carter at our ranch's designated spot. My Ma emerged from the front door of her house, her expression serious as she spoke to me. "Denton, I know you did what you had to do. You're not a murderer, son." Her words were comforting, but I couldn't shake off the weight of my actions. "It's more than that, Mom. It's the feelings I have for Anna. I've never felt this way before, not even for Sarah. I'm confused and angry, and Anna is the cause of it all." My mother listened intently, understanding the complexity of the situation. "But when it comes down to it, I don't regret killing Donnie. He was a sick man who caused a lot of problems. He made my little sister Nikki uncomfortable at times, and that also infuriated me.

My Ma asked if I had called Carter, and I confirmed that I had. "He's meeting me at a location I don't want the family to know about. I'll update you when I can, Ma." She nodded, her eyes filled with love. ", Denton. I'm proud of you. You protected that girl. With her words echoing in my mind, I drove off to meet Carter.

Within 20 minutes, Carter arrives and I see another pickup truck pull up behind him. It's my dad, Uncle Duke, and James. As I look around, I notice Brooke's Jeep has also pulled up, with Evan and Jason inside. My dad gets out of the truck and looks at me with a serious expression.

"Denton, you won't have to do this alone. We're all here to help," he says.

Together, we dispose of the body in a way that leaves no evidence behind. However, we know that we need to be prepared for when Carl returns from South Dakota. He will undoubtedly have questions about his brother Donnie, and we must be ready to answer in a way that will throw him off.

As we finish our task, James approaches me with a concerned look on his face.

"Are you sure you want that girl staying on the ranch? She seems to bring a lot of trouble for you," he says.

I pause for a moment before responding, "I'm not sure yet."

James then reminds me of the time Anna accidentally slammed into the truck door and fell on her butt in front of the restaurant. I can't help but let out a small chuckle and agree.

But even before Anna came into the picture, Donnie had been causing issues. He and his brother would often make lewd comments towards Nikki, but they knew better than to try it with Brooke. She put them in their place the last time they tried. James and I both laugh, remembering Brooke's impressive taekwondo skills.

Jason comes over to us

Asking what are you talking about Brooke for. We’re just having a good chuckle about the time. Brooke broke Carl’s nose when they made their lewd comments towards her.

Jason oh yeah, I remember that. That girl can handle her own that’s for sure.

Everyone leaves I return home.

I take my clothes off since they’re full of blood and burn them in the little trash bin right by my back door a little bit of liquor over it let it match and watch it blaze.

As I sink into the worn cushions of my couch, I reluctantly reach for my phone. I know what I have to do, I begin to type out a message to Sarah, I hate to admit it, but I have to tell her a little white lie.

Denton - I can't follow through with our plans this weekend. Evan is in a bind and he needs my help with all the cattle.

She responds quickly, expressing disappointment. "

Sarah- That's no fun," she says. "Well, I understand. I wish I could change your mind, Denton, but I'll make plans for us to spend time together in the middle of the week instead."

I put my phone down after I read your text .

"I am seriously considering going to the house to check on Anna. However, it would be in everyone's best interest if I keep my distance from her for the time being. This situation will require me to find a new ranch hand who is skilled and experienced in breaking, training, and handling stud horses. This setback will undoubtedly delay my progress."

I drifted off on the couch for a short nap. When I checked my phone to see the time, it was already past 11 o'clock. I realized I had a text from my Ma, letting me know that Anna had woken up panicking ., but thanks to Brooke and my Ma’s help, she was able to calm down and fall back asleep. This all happened around 9 PM .

And with that, I decided to go to the big metal shed that that was behind my house full of gym equipment. I was in there working working out aggressively till 2 AM.

knowing that I had to be up by four I decided to get back in the house take a shower and go for another little quick nap.