Declan's pov

My knuckles were still bruised, and my rib cage was yellow and purple. They ached when I sat up or moved them.

My wet hair from my shower was dripping onto my forehead. I hat slipped on sweat pants but continued flexing in the mirror.

A pained groan escaped my lips; Austin put up a fight - I didn't kill him. I couldn't. I had to run before the cops caught me.

But Vance doesn't need to know that.

"Hey, baby!" Milo shouted before busting through my door, and I quickly grabbed my sweatshirt, struggling to get it over before he saw how bad the bruises had grown.

"Uhm - hold on." I turned around, and he was standing in my room. He crossed his arms over his chest like an upset mother.

"I didn't see these bruises!" I was taken aback by his loud tone. Milo never raises his voice.

"I-it's whatever," I whispered as he rushed towards me.

"It is not whatever!" Milo pouted as he pushed me down onto the bed. He bent down, scanning my bruises. He lightly tapped around them, and he hit the spot on my rib cage, which made me jerk away and hiss.

"Fuck, Declan, you may have a broken rib...let's show Vance." He exclaims as he stands up.

"No...I don't wanna tell Vance." I whispered under my breath.

"Hun, you may have serious damage..." he watches me with innocent eyes. Making me sigh.

"Fine, only for you." I groan as I push myself off my bed. He abruptly jumped in to put his arm around me and help steady me.

I gave him a playful glare, I was almost double Milo's size, and I was fine by myself, and he's still trying to hold me up.

We walked downstairs together, yet the air held tension. My stomach fell when I saw Vance leaning against the main door frame talking to two officers.

"Fuck..." I whispered under my breath. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as I internally panicked. I quickly let go of my stomach as Vance glanced in my direction. He waved his hand for me to come over.

"Are you Declan Rayle?" The taller cop asked me. I glanced at Vance and back at the cop.

"U-uh yeah..." I said quietly. Vance stepped out of the way as I went to the door.

"You're under arrest for attempted manslaughter and assault of Austin Phew." They grabbed my wrist roughly.

Attack. Attack them! Nero shouted, making me shut my eyes tightly. When I opened them, Milo had tears rushing down his face, and Vance pulled Milo to his side. Milo turned into Vance. I could feel his pain radiating off his body.

I wanted to take Nero up on that offer and attack them. But I didn't. I stayed as calm as I could as I was shoved in the back of this cop car.

"You have the right to remain silent. Whatever you say can and will be used against you in court." I glared at the officer as he shut the door.

I prayed Vance could figure something out, I would survive prison, but I knew Milo wouldn't. Milo wouldn't make it. Milo was the only thing on my mind as the world rushed passed me.

I walked into the main foyer to see the cops make my stomach drop and nausea build in my stomach.

Vance knew precisely how I would react, and he held me tightly. He kissed the top of my head as we watched them take my boyfriend away.

"C'mon, let's get a plan. I can't lose any of my boys." Vance whispered into my hair. He was squeezing me tight.

I was losing Declan.

I rushed up to my room alone and slammed my door shut.

If I hadn't let Austin use me, this wouldn't have happened!

It's all my fault...

"Boys meeting now!" I heard Vance yell from the bottom of the stairs. I quickly wiped the few tears that began to fall and slid off my bed.

"Adorjan, can you watch the boys? Declan was taken, and I need to handle it...." Vance babbled. I could tell he was nervous or stressed out; he ran his fingers through his hair multiple times.

Adorjan nodded just as if he was taking orders, "yes, sir." He spoke quietly, watching with fearful eyes.

All the boys were just as concerned as we were.

"Vance...can I go with you?" I looked up and gave him soft eyes. I didn't particularly appreciate looking him in the eyes, but I wanted him to realize how much I wanted to be there for Declan.

"Of course, you can, hun." He rested his hand on the back of my head as he nodded.

I quickly rushed up to my room with a small bag. I threw a few things I could give Declan if I saw him. And his hoodie, but that was for me. I rushed back downstairs as Vance explained the rest of the situation to the boys.

He finished up once he knew I was ready to go. I spent the whole drive picking at the rips in my jeans or bouncing my leg. I couldn't sit still. If I were still at home, I'd be having a breakdown.

Vance's warm hand rested on my thigh, making me jump. I didn't realize how lost in thought I was. I looked towards his deep brown eyes.

"I want you to calm down - this isn't your fault, okay..." he spoke softly with a warm tone, yet I couldn't believe him. I forced a swallow down my dry throat and shook my head.

Vance sighed as we pulled into the parking lot. In front of me was a tall beige building, they buzzed us in, and I waited in the lobby while Vance talked to the front desk. They led us back by Declan, he still had cuffs, but they were in front of him this time. He wore different clothes as well. I rushed over to him, and he put his arms around my body.

"It's taking everything in my strength to hold Nero back." He whispered into my hair. I smiled just hearing his voice.

"Vance got you a lawyer, so hopefully, you'll be out of here in no time."