As per Jace's instructions, I've ignored every call and text from Derek over the weekend. When his messages grew angrier and more threatening, I held my ground thanks to Jace's constant support.

He's been at the house almost every moment since the twins left on Saturday. Except for going to the barn to fill the others in of course. I should've gone with him, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to see the crew again after everything that's happened. Because of me, one of their brothers was hurting and I wouldn't blame them if they're still upset with me about that.

Even now as I get ready for the first day back at school since the holiday break, my stomach twists and turns with nerves stacked upon nerves. It's a mix of everything though; seeing everyone again, executing Jace's plan to put Derek in his place, and all the what-ifs that could happen in between.

Yet again, I find myself wishing that we had that video. It would really come in handy right about now and provide me at least some peace of mind.

Blowing a heavy sigh at my reflection, I run the brush through my hair one last time. The dark wavy strands are as neat as they're going to get and standing here any longer is just putting off the inevitable.

As I grab my bag and head out to my car, my phone pings multiple times in my pocket. I pull it out and instantly smile at the group chat Mila set up just minutes after they left.

Mila: Have a good day back at school, Unnie!

Kwan: Yeah, go "bash some heads in."

Mila: Stop that! You're such a bad influence!

Kwan: T_T

I giggle as I text them back, already feeling a fraction better.

Lexi: Kwan, thought you said I have to be trained before I can do that? And Mila, thank you. I hope you both have a great day too.

Kwan: Tell your boyfriend to stop slacking and teach you a few things.

Mila: Ignore him. Kwany's been in a sour mood all morning.

Kwan: Cause you ate all the cereal!

Lexi: 😂😂 You two are a mess. I gotta get to school. Try not to kill each other.

Kwan: No promises.

My lighter mood from talking with the twins only lasts until I hit the school parking lot. A swarm of bats fills my gut as my car slowly creeps across the pavement in search of a parking space. It's a little early and yet most of the lot is already full.

It's as if these people couldn't wait to come back from break.

Finding a spot near the back, I quickly park and do my best to make it towards the front with my head down.

Please, Jace, be here already.

I should've ridden with him like he insisted before heading home last night. He thought it was safer if we arrived together, but I really just wanted to have my car here in case of any emergencies.

Now, a small part of me is regretting that decision while my head fills with anxious-ridden questions.

What if Jace isn't here yet? What if Derek is? What if he tries to confront me while I'm alone and vulnerable?

Luckily, as I break through the last row of cars parked at the front, I spot several friendly familiar faces. Jace and the crew are seated at one of the picnic benches next to where they've parked their bikes. He doesn't notice me right away as he talks with Wilder and soon laughs at something the blonde says, his gorgeous smile filling his even more breathtaking face. It's as if he has no worries in the world. Just a regular guy enjoying his morning with his friends.

Maybe I should take a page from his book.

As I close the distance between us, I'm a second away from clearing my throat to get his attention when Josie flips her fiery red hair over her shoulder and spots me from the corner of her eye. A smile breaks across her face without hesitation, and she jumps down from her perch on the tabletop.

"Sexy Lexi!" She hollers before sprinting my way and nearly tackling me with a hug.

I can feel Jace's eyes on us despite the mass of red hair blocking my view. The sound of his booted feet crossing the blackout quickly follow before his presence sparks goosebumps along my side.

"Aye, Jo, you gonna let me see my girl or not?"

Josie's hold on me tightens. "Hell no. You had her all weekend."

Huffing in fake exasperation, Jace lightly tugs her off of me, not that Jo puts up much of a fight. With a giggle her big green eyes sparkle as she watches Jace throw his arm over my shoulders and pull me in close.

"It's about time," she says with a growing smile before her gaze locks with mine. "We really missed you."

I shake my head. "Not nearly as much as I missed you guys. It's..." Clearing my throat, I push down the wave of emotions rushing to escape. "It's been hell."

"Yeah, Jace told us," Kade's deep voice pulls my attention to him and the rest of my friends slowing filing in behind Josie. "I guess...I guess we owe you an apology for doubting you. We should've known you were only trying to protect us."

The tears I'm fighting so hard to keep at bay brim my eyes as I shake my head fervently. "No. Don't apologize. I'm the one that's sorry for making you think I'd turned my back on all of you and..." I look up at Jace to find his midnight blue eyes fixed on me with so much emotion. "And for hurting Jace."

Without a word, Jace pulls me closer and kisses the top of my head.

"Next time something like this happens, come to us first," Travis adds with his usual scowl, though there's a softer look there now that I've never seen before.

"Yeah, no more solo missions," Wilder tacks on as he walks around and bumps his hip with mine. A pout takes the place of his normally goofy grin while he covers his heart with one hand. "You hurt my feelings, little Lex. Not cool."

He's unable to hold back his smirk for long, breaking the tense in the group and bringing a smile to all our faces.

With a soft laugh, I bump him back. "Well, I'm so sorry for hurting your feelings."

"Hmm." The crazy blonde rubs his chin in thought. "Maybe your apology would be easier to accept with something yummy on top. Like chocolates or cookies."

"Dude!" Jace scolds, reaching behind me to slap his best friend in the back of the head.

Rubbing his head, Wild grins wider. "What? She's a good cook."

My laughter mixes with everyone else's as I nod. "Deal. I'll whip up something yummy tonight."

"See, this is why I like you more than Jace," Wilder says before quickly jumping away just as another swing comes from Jace. "Lexi's my new bestie. Deal with it, bro. She makes me yummy snacks and all you do is abuse me."

"Oh, I'll show you some abuse," Jace threatens with a teasing smirk as he steps away from me to chase after Wilder.

The two of them take off on a wild goose chase around the picnic table, making the rest of us die of laughter. Unfortunately, though, the good mood doesn't last long. Just as Wilder leaps over the table, narrowly avoiding getting caught by Jace, Kade's phone pings in his pocket.

The look on Kade's face instantly sours as he looks at the screen and the swarm of nervous bats from early begin to take flight in the pit of my stomach yet again.

"Jace," Kade calls, breaking his cousin from his comical game of tag. With a tip of his head in my direction, he adds, "We should get her inside. Roman's got the asshat in his sights."

"What?" I look from Kade to Jace with confusion clearly displayed across my face. "I thought you wanted to do this out here, first thing in the morning."

Jogging over to me, Jace nods and lowers his voice. "Yeah, change of plans...sort of."

"Why?"

"You said the other plan made you nervous, plus Kade said it might be smarter we don't air everything out for the whole school to hear."

My head jerks in Kade's direction with the same confused look still present in the pinch of my brows.

Kade nods and lowers his voice as more students begin passing us on their way inside. "There are some things people just don't need to know and we don't want to give away all our cards yet. Not if Derek is working with the Vipers."

"Plus," Wilder butts in loudly as a wicked grin pulls at his face. "We can still make this plenty public, just like Jace wanted."

Looking at all of them, I can both see and feel the confidence they have in this new plan, but it does nothing for my nerves. Even Josie's brilliant smile of assurance doesn't help. Only unlike early, my mind is unable to think of a million ways this could go wrong. Probably because I have no idea what this new plan is!

Don't panic, girl. Now is not the time or place. Get your shit together.

A strong arm wraps around me once again and I look up to meet a dark calming ocean with a spark of midnight stars and complete trust.

"Relax. Everything's gonna be fine. I won't let that prick hurt you ever again," Jace softly tells me before sealing his promise with a light but breathtaking kiss.

A new wave of confidence rushes through my system and I suck in a deep breath as we all head towards the doors. Though my certainty isn't as unwavering as theirs, I feel a fraction better than before.

I'm not doing this on my own this time.

When Kwan and Mila had my back, I wasn't completely alone, but that was different. Everything we did had to be in secret, constantly walking on eggshells so I could avoid Derek's wrath. Plus, before they had arrived, I was truly doing everything by myself. Every wrong step and bad decision was made solely by me, and I paid the ultimate price for it....separation from this crazy, weird, and caring group of people. But most importantly, my bad choices took me away from Jace.

Yeah, no more solo missions for me.

Once through the front doors, the mood in our group shifts like a light switch that's been flicked. Gone are the goofballs from outside. Now they're in guardian mode. All business.

We make our way down the halls, keeping close together. Every step and breath taken grows with intensity. When I look at the faces around me, I see determination and power, but more than that, I see anger. It's that fiery rage that hits me with realization.

They're pissed, and they have every right to be. Derek didn't just go after me and Jace, people they care about, he also went after them. This is personal on so many levels, for all of them. And that right there is what finally burns away my last bit of anxiety. I'm angry too, but not just for me. I'm angry for them.

These people have come to mean so much to me. My first and only love, Jace, crazy Wilder, sweet Josie, supportive Kade, even jerky Travis, and those who I'm still just getting to know like Raegan and Roman. Not to mention Ava and my brother Marcel. What Derek did even took me from them, and at a time when we are all still morning the loss of Caleb.

Derek truly is a heartless bastard and deserves whatever's coming to him.

The tension among us grows so thick I can practically taste it. Even the other students in the halls move out of our way, an ocean of wide eyes and whispers parting for a sailing ship. I'd almost be worried about the extra attention if it weren't for Kade.

With his phone in his hand again, he glances back at Jace. "He's at his locker. Marcel and Rae are done, and Ro's giving the green light. You ready?"

Without a word, Jace nods and I know exactly where we're going before we reach the next turn. Instead of going right towards our locker, we all turn left towards the jock's hall. Another hall, a few more turns, and before I know it, we've reached what I now know without a doubt is our destination.

The hall outside the gym, better known as the jock's hall, is filled with people. Some look like they've been here all morning, decked out in sportswear from early workout sessions in the weight room. Other's are half asleep, barely able to spin the combinations on their locks to open their lockers. But it's the group congregated halfway down, adorning their ugly green letterman's jackets that hold my attention the most. Them and the guy at the center of their pack, talking and laughing like he doesn't have a care in the world.

Oh, buddy, you're in for a rude awakening.

Someone clearing their throat catches my attention and I jerk my head to the side only to meet a familiar grin. A few feet away Marcel stands posted up between a set of lockers and a classroom door. All my anger and tension tempers down for a second as I smile back, dying to walk over to him and see how he's doing. But I don't get the chance when the door beside him soon opens and Raegan walks out.

With a nod to Kade, Rae slides over and leans against the wall next to Marcel only to lick her red painted lips before letting out a high-pitched whistle. A few kids look around, but it's the return of a second whistle from down the hall that catches the attention of the rowdy green asshats. Derek and his buddies look to the end of the hall just as Roman steps to the center. With his appearance, Derek quickly whips his head in our direction, and even from here, I can make out the curse on his lips.

Looking up at Jace I see no hint of resignation or doubt. There's only white, hot fury in those ocean eyes and a promise of violence in the twitch of his jaw.

"What the fuck, Lexi?" Derek shouts before bravely, yet stupidly, walking towards us.

It's the final straw. Before I can say a thing, Jace snaps like a whip, darting from the group before Derek has a chance to register what kind of trouble he's in. As the distance between them closes, like two oncoming trains ready to crash, I flinch with expectation. But instead of delivering a skull-crushing punch, Jace slams his hands into Derek's chest and sends him flying into a crowd of unsuspecting kids. Luckily, none of them seem injured from the collision and even less interested in helping Derek to his feet.

Jace continues his advance, but slower this time. He's become a hunter, prowling for his wounded prey.

Crawling backward like the worm he is, Derek tries to make his way to the lockers closest to him. His nostrils flare, his mouth curved in disgust as he frantically watches every step Jace takes towards him. "You fucked up now, Hall. Violence on school grounds? You'll be gone before the first bell can ring!"

"Violence? I don't know what you're talking about, Miller," Jace says coldly as if his entire soul has frozen over just as he stops a foot away from his desired target. "From what I saw, you tripped. You should really be more careful."

Reaching the lockers, Derek pulls himself to his feet while keeping his eyes trained on his attacker. "Bullshit, the school cameras caught it all. You're going down."

"Pretty sure the cameras aren't working this morning," another voice says.

Every head in the hall turns to look at Raegan, still leaning against the wall next to Marcel. With a bored shrug, she adds, "Cheap cameras are never reliable."

"Bitch!" Derek barks.

"What'd you call her?" Travis asks, stepping from behind me to stand in front of the group.

With a raise of his finger, Jace stops him from making another move. "Don't worry, T. I got this."

"Yeah, you better hope so," Travis murmurs under his breath. "Or else I will."

Using the small distraction, Derek nods towards his football buddies. A couple stay put but most of them decide to come to his rescue. It's instantly a bad decision. Just as they attempt to cross the hall and aide their friend, Kade, Travis, Wilder, and Marcel jump to action. They charge towards the jocks while Roman starts closing in behind them. Seeing the odds stacked against them, Derek's buddies quickly think better of their choices and back away before anyone gets hurt.

Well, most of them do.

Derek's besties, Calvin, Owen, and Mike hold their ground in the middle of the hall. They aren't close enough to help their friend but show support just by not backing down. It would almost be commendable if I didn't know these same three assholes would turn their backs on him in a second if it weren't for all the other students standing around watching.

"Do the smart thing, and walk away," Kade advises, coming toe-to-toe with Calvin.

The idiot doesn't have a chance to respond before Derek's shouting threats again from his cowering position, hugged against the lockers as if they'll protect him from Jace. He looks pathetic, and if I didn't know exactly what kind of evil he's capable of, I might actually feel bad for him.

But I know all too well. Any sympathy he gets won't be from me.

"This is fucking pointless! What, you guys wanna fight us here in the hall? Look around," Derek says, waving his hands to indicate the whole hallway. "There are witnesses everywhere. You won't get away with this."

Travis takes his burning gaze from Owen to look over his shoulder at Derek. "You sure about that?"

"What witnesses?" Wilder asks loudly, throwing his arms out as he looks around at the lingering students.

Moving as one, each person looks away or attempts to go on about their business. They're too nosey to completely leave but they get their point across; no one's going to snitch on the Guardians.

"Cowards," Derek sneers.

Jace chuckles darkly, a sound I don't think I've ever heard from him before. It's unsettling but useful as Derek eyes Jace with fear.

"You see, Derek," Jace spits his name like poison. "No one is going to help you this time. No one has your back, and that's because you can't force someone to be loyal to you." He closes the remaining space until he's in Derek's face and lowers his voice. "No matter what you hold over their head."

Derek's neck practically snaps as his head whips to the side to look at me. There's a spark of betrayal in his eyes, mixed with surprise, and finally, fear.

But all he gets from me is a blank stare. Even has Josie tries to offer me her silent support by holding my hand, all I can do is look at him as if he's nothing more than a bug beneath my shoe. Or Jace's shoe in this case.

Jace punishingly grabs Derek by the chin and forces him to look him in the face. "You don't get to look at her! Got it?"

Derek doesn't get the chance to answer before Jace strikes like lightning. Only instead of finally laying into him, Jace once again does the last thing anyone expects and punches the locker behind him, creating an enormous dent in the metal beside Derek's head.

A frightened shout escapes from Derek's mouth as he covers his head and nearly slides down the locker.

It's worse than actually getting hit. Almost everyone in the hall laughs and chuckles at his cowardice. Even a few of his football friends are unable to hold back.

Yet I can't even seem to smile. Even the fury in Jace's eyes burns brighter than before.

With his public display of dominance clearly made, Jace grabs Derek by the collar of his letterman's jacket. He doesn't bother with forcing the worm to his feet and opts for dragging the dead weight across the floor like used luggage. The sight creates more laughter and whispers among the crowd as Jace heads towards the door Raegan previously exited.

Before he can reach it, Rae leans over to unlock the door and push it open for him before moving out of the way. He breezes past her with a quick nod and enters the room.

With his disappearance, I finally feel as if I can move, as if I should move. But I'm not sure what to do or where to go. This plan was never explained to me.

Biting my lip, I stare at the still-open door as my mind runs wild with options.

"Lex."

I look over and meet Wilder's bright gaze. Walking over to me, the blonde leaves Kade and the others to hold off Derek's friends. He nods towards the door with a reassuring smile and says, "Come on. You're one of us."

My eyes quickly dart to Marcel who gives me an encouraging nod. It's all I need to settle the last bit of doubt swimming through my veins.

Josie gives my hand one last squeeze before letting go and I slowly but confidently walk through the door with Wilder behind me. As we pass, Rae gives me a slight grin and tilts her head in silent support. I return the gesture and once Wild and I enter the empty classroom the door closes behind us.

I was right about it being a classroom, though it appears as if it hasn't been used for a while. There are no posters or signs of a teacher's attempt at decorating on the walls. There isn't even a teacher's desk and all the bookshelves lined beneath the windows are empty. The only remaining furniture, a dozen beat-up desks, and chairs are shoved against the far wall with little care. And in the center of the empty space is the man who owns my heart, standing over the kneeling lump that is the scumbag who tried to break my heart and crush my soul.

Jace backs away from Derek slowly before stopping at a safe distance and looking at me for...I don't know. Confirmation? Approval?

There's the smallest hint of vulnerability in his gaze, one that only I can see. It's as if he's checking in with me. Making sure that I'm okay with everything that's happened and whatever he plans to do next.

It's the kind of look that calls to me deep down and melts my heart. No matter what kind of violence Jace is capable of, and no matter how much anger he harbors in his bones, at the end of the day he's still my Jace. He's caring when he can be, and hard when he has to be, but with me, he is anything and everything I need him to be. My strength and my heart while also acting as my protector and partner.

There's no second-guessing or doubt in this moment.

When Jace reaches a hand out to me, I don't hesitate to cross the room with my head held high and take hold. The smile that forms on his face is small but meaningful, proud.

He pulls me closer, tucking me beside him as he lets go of my hand to drape his arm across my shoulders. When he checks for Wilder, standing by the door, his smile thins and the reason we're here comes back to us.

Taking a deep breath, Jace tenses beside me and turns his glare on Derek, who hasn't moved from his position on the floor with his head hung and his attention fixed on the floor.

"So, Miller, you wanna tell me why you think you're here right now, or would you rather me just fucking say it?"

Derek's shakey breathes can be heard from here, but his voice comes out calmer than I expect as he lifts his head to look at me. "I'm guessing Lexi filled you in on a few things."

In the blink of an eye, Jace's arm drops from my shoulders and he jets forward, crouching down in front of Derek to come face to face with him and effectively blocking his view of me. "What did I fucking say about looking at her? Are you deaf or just dumb?"

"Looks like he's begging to get hurt if you ask me," Wilder comments from his post.

Derek's lip curls in a silent snarl but he drops his head once again, returning his gaze to the dirty tiles beneath him.

"That's better," Jace says as he slowly comes to his feet. "And you're wrong. Lexi wasn't the one to rat you out. Not at first."

As Jace begins to slowly circle Derek like a shark, I notice Derek's face scrunch with confusion.

Kwan...but Derek doesn't know about that, and as far as I'm concerned, he never will.

"A little birdy tipped me off about your blackmail scheme," Jace explains. "That's when I went to Lexi and told her what I knew. She couldn't deny it after that...what she didn't know was that little video you got doesn't mean jack shit. But I wonder," he leans down beside Derek. "Did you know that when you blackmailed my girl or are you just that stupid to think you had the upper hand against me?"

Derek's jaw tenses as he audibly swallows his own words.

"Bastard," Wilder lowly growls.

Jace acts on instinct with a savage roar tearing from his chest as he yanks Derek to his feet. Snatching Derek's arm, Jace pulls it behind his back and pushes the limb upwards causing Derek to shout in pain. Forcing his quarry forward, Jace makes a move I've only ever seen in police shows and shoves Derek face-first into the nearest wall. "You son of a bitch! You knew that video was bullshit!"

"I didn't! Not at first, I swear!" Derek cries in a rush. "Someone gave me the video but no explanation was attached other than to check the date stamp. That's when I realized it was the same night West County burned down. I fucking swear!"

"Who gave it to you?" Jace savagely demands, slamming Derek into the wall again.

"I don't know! I-It was l-left in my...car. It was left in my car, damn it!"

I don't know if I believe him but I can't fight the questions bubbling up inside me. Now that he's talking, this is my chance.

Stepping towards them, I ask, "When did you find out the truth, that they didn't set West Count on fire?"

"I...um." Derek's gaze bounces around the room as he stumbles over his words, but he makes sure not to look in my direction. "I don't know. After a week maybe."

"How?" Jace growls in his ear.

"I just figured it out, okay?"

Tilting my head, I narrow my sights on Derek like I'm trying to piece together a puzzle. But his face gives away nothing other than fear. "I don't believe you."

"Me neither," Wilder adds.

Jace slams Derek's face into the white-painted brick wall again. "Tell the fucking truth or I'll break your goddamn arm!"

To emphasize his words, he shoves Derek's arm up further towards his shoulder blades. The shout of pain Derek releases is enough to make my ears ring.

"I am! I fucking swear! I'm telling the truth! Don't break my fucking arm! Please!" Derek pleads desperately.

Walking closer, I try to look into Derek's eyes, hoping I can figure out whatever it is he isn't saying. But before I can get close enough, the classroom door opens, and I whip around to see Kade poking his head in.

"Wrap it up. We got word on security heading this way," he quickly informs us and ducks back out, closing the door again.

"You heard him," Jace says to Derek. "Our time is running out and I need answers. So tell us what we want to know before I'm left with no option but to force it from you."

"That's it! That's all I know," Derek rambles. "I just wanted Lexi back and to make you pay for taking her from me. Some stranger left me that video and I used it to get exactly that. And yes, I figured out it wasn't worth shit but that's it. I don't know anything else!"

"Liar," I say softly, surprising even myself.

I didn't mean to say it but now that I have it just feels...right. There's something we're missing. Something he isn't telling us.

Jace glances at me before turning his attention back to Derek and shrugs. "Guess you've left me no other options."

"No, no, no!" Derek sobs.

I may not feel any sympathy for him, but even I can only stomach so much. Turning to look away from whatever Jace is about to do, my head perks up at the sound of the door opening again. This time instead of Kade peeking in, it's Travis.

"Alright, guys, we gotta go! Now!"

The sound that fills my ears next isn't that of breaking bone, but a rough thump followed by a grunt of pain. Risking it, I look behind me to see Derek curled up on the ground against the wall with a small stream of blood traveling from a cut on his eyebrow.

Crouching beside him again, Jace eyeballs him with a murderous glare. "You're lucky, but don't think for a fucking second that I won't come at you again and finish the job. If I find out you're lying or if you even so much as breathe in Lexi's direction again, I will make you fucking pay. Got it?"

Derek gives him a shaky nod.

"Good boy." Jace awards him with a solid tap to the face before getting up and walking towards me.

He wraps an arm around me again and comfortingly tucks me into his side. When we walk out with Wilder behind us, we find our group in the hall without another soul in sight.

"We should get out of here," Kade says, pointing towards the exit doors at the end of the hall.

Josie nods beside him. "Yeah, I think we all deserve a ditch day after that."

"Sweet!" Wilder cheers. "Extended break. Let's go!"

Jace and I follow the others but hang back just a bit as I look up at him and whisper, "Do you think that's it? Derek will just stop now?"

Mauling over my question, Jace chews on the inside of his cheek before sighing deeply and shrugging. "I don't know. Guys like him are cowards but sneaky as hell. If they think they can retaliate without getting caught...well, I wouldn't put it past him."

"So this isn't over?"

Jace pauses and looks deep into my eyes. "You really think he was lying?"

"Mostly." I nod.

"Then I guess we should watch our backs."

💘____________________________________💘

Hey, loves!

Happy update day! I'm really excited to finally be back to posting for all of you again. I'm so sorry it took so long but my Mom's visit with me was extended a little while. Now that she's back home, I'm back to writing! 

I won't lie, writing after taking such a long break was a little hard. Getting back into the swing of things took me slightly longer than expected, but I think I've got a hold of things now. That being said, I do have a full plate between editing KME, writing FFM, and now doing YouTube. So I will be doing my best to bring you all at least one chapter a week, but sometimes I might be late. Hopefully not often though as I truly am excited to bring you all the rest of DME and get started on more Guardians' stories!

Also....DME reached 60k reads!!!! 

I thank you all so much for getting it to this milestone and sticking with me during my break. You truly are the best readers!!! 

Now, questions about this chapter!

Were you surprised the Guardians accepted Lexi back so easily? What did you think of Jace's plan to go after Derek? Was there anything that felt like "too much" or too over the top? Do you believe Derek and the answers he gave Jace and Lexi? If they had had more time, is there anything else you thought they should have asked or told Derek? Do you think Jace would've really broken his arm? Do you think Derek will leave them alone now? And finally, what did you think overall of the chapter and what are your predictions for the coming chapters?

You can leave your thoughts in the comments and if you like what you read, please hit that star button! I look forward to hearing from all of you!

As usual, the teaser for chapter 22 will be posted on my Instagram and Twitter before the next update. So, keep an eye out for that!

Until next time, loves! 💜 xoxo