Darker – Chapter 26

Universal Pictures owns all rights of Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect…I only own the idea of this twisted mash-up of an alternate universe love story.

Warning! Chapters may include graphic sexual situations (BDSM) which may not be suitable for everyone. Reviews and comments are always welcome. Thank you for reading.

Last time on Darker…

Going down to my knees I needed to be on the same level as Jesse and locked eyes with him. "I wanted you to know whatever Dr. Moss said wouldn't change the way I felt about you, or my decision."

"Tell me." He pleaded. "I need to hear you say it."

Reaching out to cup his tear stained face I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to his. "Yes...Jesse. My answer is yes. I'll marry you."

And now…

We were officially engaged and I had the most stunning emerald cut diamond platinum ring to prove it. I'd never worn anything so precious and couldn't stop ogling my new bling that showed the world that I, Beca Mitchell a recent college graduate and executive music producer was betrothed to renowned billionaire, Jesse Swanson.

After shedding happy tears we shared passionate kisses then decided tonight the world would know about our engagement, starting with the hundreds of people waiting to wish Jesse a happy birthday inside my future in-laws home.

Walking arm in arm we headed back to the main house and couldn't wait to share our news. Entering the ballroom we spotted Chloe and Tom mingling with, I couldn't believe it! Stacie and Fat Amy, had made the trip for the surprise dinner party.

Handing my cell phone over to Jesse he gave me a quick kiss then disappeared into the main hall; he had an important call to make.

Even though my father's indiscretions brought pain to my mother and I years ago, he was still the same man who used his tenure at Barden University to get his only daughter a tuition free college education. Had I not gone to Barden, I would have never graduated with honors and gotten the internship at Residual Heat, met the Bellas or the man whose proposal I accepted earlier.

For all the years I attended college, my father supported my endeavors and made a conscious effort to mend his relationship with me, his only daughter. Tonight all of that would change as he received a call on a Saturday evening from a man he hardly knew.

Walking over to my friends I was smiling so much I thought my face would crack, and with glassy eyes I was still reeling from the romantic proposal; I'd never been so happy.

The girls first noticed my appearance and made wolf calls at the amount of skin I was displaying. The black strapless number I wore was at Jesse's insistence. It fit like a second skin with a plunging neckline that left very little to the imagination. I'd gotten used to dressing more provocatively for Jesse who took great pleasure in showing me off. With the exception of wearing skimpy outfits for collegiate competition, I was known to dress for comfort so this was a side of me the girls weren't accustomed to.

"Aca-slut!" Amy blurted as she spun me around. "And why are you walking like there's a pole up your arse."

If you only knew my friend...

"Damn! I should've experimented more in college."

"Chlo!" I snapped, rolling my eyes. "Dude...it's never gonna happen...ever! The communal showers were more than enough excitement for me."

"Oh relax! I'm only kidding, but you do look smoking hot. Doesn't she?" Chloe asked her boyfriend who nodded like a bobblehead while he fixated on my cleavage only to be punched by his girlfriend.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Tom rubbed his bicep. "I was only thinking that my brother's girl looks really pretty tonight." He directed his attention to me. "You really do."

"Thank you...I think."

"Okay...let's have it." Stacie came forward, pushing everyone off to the side. "Something's different about you."

Could it be my recent membership into the Backdoor Betty Club or engagement? Pick one...

Stacie spun me around then eyed me up and down. When she picked up my left hand and saw the boulder on my ring finger, she nearly lost her shit. "You said yes." She whispered. I could hardly contain myself and nodded with Chloe-like enthusiasm as she pulled me into her ample bosom. "I knew you'd eventually come around."

"Stacie!" I was literally being smothered by the girl's boobs. "I can't breath!"

"Oh my God!" Chloe squeaked. "You're engaged!" And yanked me away from Stacie's grasp, rescuing me from asphyxiation. Tom joined in the celebration as he wrapped his arms around us both.

"Flat butt's gettin' hitched?" Fat Amy overheard us then turned to her boyfriend of three years. "You hear that Bumper, some people still believe in marriage."

The guy my Aussie friend dated was an asshat, but she loved him and apparently he reciprocated her affection. Amy and Bumper met during our Freshman year when he competed with the Treblemakers against us. He was currently a contestant on 'The Voice' and doing rather well as Christina Aguilera coached him to stardom. Amy still lived in Atlanta but was in the process of relocating to L. A. and moving in with the creep, who apparently didn't believe in marriage.

Stacie on the other hand was not the settling down type and made no bones about it. The dude that accompanied her tonight was nothing more than a fuck buddy. She was a free spirit who was addicted to sex and wasn't going to be tamed by just one person. When she wasn't being a single parent to Hope or attending courses in her post graduate program up north, she counseled patients part time and would still partake in the BDSM lifestyle.

Chloe and Tom were going on strong and were practically living together in Chloe's condo. The ginger had dated plenty during college but never found that special someone. I've never seen her so taken with anyone, and from what Jesse told me, his brother felt the same about her. Since returning from Copenhagen, these two were literally joined at the hip. Chloe and I joked about it, but there was a remote possibility that we could end up related by marriage should she and Tom follow in our footsteps.

"Guys...I'm going to ask Jesse's sister to be a bridesmaid but being my closest friends I would really love to have you in my bridal party." I paused to let it sink in. "Chloe...will you be my maid of honor?" She was so moved I thought she was going to break out into tears.

"Of course I will, silly." She accepted without hesitation as Stacie and Amy hugged each other in celebration "Have you set a date yet?" Chloe asked, while she interlocked her fingers with her boy toy. "I can't wait until the bachelorette party. We'll feed money into g-strings, receive lap dances from half naked hunks and get so shit fa-"

"-Well...that's my queue to leave." Tom interrupted, giving his girl a quick kiss. "I'll leave you ladies to your planning while I go find that brother of mine to discuss that thing from earlier."

I knew exactly what that thing was he was alluding to. Jesse had called him earlier and hired him to renovate our new home that we still hadn't told anyone about. As my future brother in law left, the girls continued to accost me with their insane plans while I seriously considered eloping in Las Vegas; the idea of a drive-thru ceremony being married by Elvis was beginning to sound appealing.

"Chloe...wait! I'm the best wedding planner in Tasmania...with teeth." Amy paused to flash her pearly whites. "We'll have a dick shaped cake, penis pops, pecker pinata and play pin the dick on the du-"

"-Oh, my God! Somebody stop her!" She was was officially killing me but I couldn't hold back my laughter. "You do realize my mom and future mother in-law will probably be with us." She nodded and smiled even more thinking of all the ways to embarrass me while I rolled my eyes.

"And I'll take care of all the slutty wear and sex toys." Stacie added, making me blush at the thought of what she had in mind. "You ladies handle the wedding stuff and I'll make sure she and Jesse have a honeymoon they'll never forget."

God give us strength...

Since day one when I was initiated into the Bellas, these weirdos were a constant source of entertainment and always found ways of breaking down my alt-girl exterior with humiliation. Like so many other times they were having way too much fun at my expense, but until the official announcement was made, I needed to reel them back in.

"Shh!" I silenced them with an index finger to my lips. "Guys! This literally just happened so nobody knows...yet. Jesse's talking to my dad right now."

"He's asking for his permission?" Fat Amy asked, placing her hand on her chest. The girl was becoming a sap.

"Seriously? Who would've guessed the control freak was so old fashioned." Stacie added. "I'm officially impressed."

"Holy shit!" Chloe cursed knowing my father better than the rest. "I had your dad for English Lit and he was tough. He's going to have a conniption fit when he finds out his daughter who's only been dating for like two months is engaged to one of the wealthiest men in America. Jesse better have his best groveling skills ready because he's going to need it."

She was right. Even with his expert negotiating skills in mergers and acquisitions, this was an entirely different animal. My dad and I didn't talk much but I was still his only daughter who just turned twenty-two this year. Even though I was technically an adult, I would always be his little girl. I was also marrying into money...a lot money which, didn't mean anything to me however, having spent the majority of my life on a fixed income, meant every part of my life was about to change.

We were soon interrupted by Zoe who needed me to come with her. Apparently things weren't going well with the phone call. After urging the girls to be discrete I left with Jesse's sibling who couldn't conceal her excitement if she tried.

"He told you, didn't he?"

"Yes!" She squeaked. "We're going to be sisters! My idiot brother finally did something right." Stopping in her tracks, she turned to me. "Was it the flowers?"

Flowers? How did she know?

"Did you…?"

"It was his idea, I only helped execute it. Jesse called me this morning when you were entertaining my date which, I still haven't found. The dude's officially late and on my shit list." She sighed with frustration. "Anyway, my brother has never asked me for a favor so I jumped at the chance to help him. I'm so happy for you."

Giving the girl a hug I realized her relationship with Jesse had been estranged all these years, until now. I had a soft spot for Zoe because it was her arrival into the family that snapped Jesse out of his silence. He was instantly taken by the newest addition to their clan which prompted his first spoken words as a Swanson. I wanted to ask her to be in my bridal party, but right now we needed to get passed one obstacle at a time, and the first one was on the phone.

"Don't worry about Luke. In all the years I've known him, he's never been on time...he'll show."

"Beca, I've been meaning to ask you about him. Did you two ever…?"

"Ha!" I laughed so hard, I snorted. "No...never! We were only friends, plus he wasn't my type."

"Seriously? The guy is like hot on so many levels, and that accent…" She mock fanned herself as she sighed. "So...what is your type?"

Brooding billionaires into kinky fuckery...

"Um...I guess I've never been into blondes." It was a weak reason but I had to say something.

"Well, Luke speaks very highly of you. Sometimes I think his feelings for you are more than platonic."

This wasn't a surprise since the Brit told me he wanted more at one time, and then I thought back to what happened at the nightclub he was DJing at back in Atlanta, when he took advantage of my inebriated state. He admitted to having feelings for me and wasn't sure he would have the guts to make a move on me when I was sober. Was I that intimidating to men? Was it the scary ear-spike? I was upset with Luke that night but accepted his apology after he felt guilty for what he'd done.

"Well, you don't need to worry about that because he definitely has a thing for you." My comment made her smile from ear to ear. "He told me himself that he thought you were cool."

"I really like him, Beca. Do you think you can help me?"

Letting out a sigh I remembered the threats Jesse gave him earlier. "You don't need my help. Just be your awesome self and take...things...slow."

Emphasizing the last three words I hoped she would take my advice to heart as we continued walking and spotted a perturbed looking Jesse pacing the hall outside the library.

It didn't look good...

"There you are." Jesse was relieved to see us as he finger raked his hair with obvious distress. "He wants to talk to you." Holding out my cell phone, I accepted it. "We'll be outside."

To give us privacy, Jesse and his sister left me alone in the library and shut the door. Taking a deep breath I pressed the mute button.

"Hey! What's up?"

"Your boyfriend just asked for my permission to marry you."

"Yeah? What did you say?"

"I told him I wanted to speak with you first."

"Okay...I'm listening."

"You've always had a good head on your shoulders but are you absolutely sure about this?"

"I've never been more certain. We love each other."

"I know that but you're just so young." He paused with a sigh. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Letting all of the air out of my lungs I was annoyed because I should have anticipated this line of questioning. "No dad, I'm not pregnant. Can you please for once in your life just be happy for me and accept the fact that I'm in love?"

"I'm sorry, Becs but as your father I had to be sure. It's just that you're the same age your mother was when I proposed to her. I just don't want you making a rash decision that could ruin the rest of your life."

"You're right, dad. I'm not even twenty-three but he's everything to me, and last night I almost lost him." Getting emotional I tried my best to keep it together. "He's my happily ever after."

My comment stunned him into silence as I could only hear the sound of his breaths. After what felt like an eternity, he changed his tone.

"I've never heard you like this before. When did you grow up?" It was a rhetorical question that required no response. I could only imagine his conflicted emotions, contemplating losing his only daughter to another man.

After another pause the Professor was ready to speak with his Jesse. "Put him back on the phone."

"Dad, please be nice to him."

"I can't guarantee that."

I sighed with exasperation. "Before I turn you over to him, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Sure sweetheart...anything."

"Will you give me away?" Hearing my dad sniffle I knew I'd gotten to him. "Daddy?"

After a beat he finally responded.

"I was hoping you'd ask." His shaky voice betrayed him, the man was in tears. "I know we haven't always been close but I would love to, Becs." He cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Now where's that fiancé of yours?"

That's more like it...

Opening the library door I smiled and handed Jesse my phone. Accompanying Zoe back to the grand ballroom I decided to ask her about being a bridesmaid which she accepted with enthusiasm. As I rejoined my friends she sought out her date, who finally arrived and was in deep conversation with the hired musicians on the stage.

Minutes later Jesse returned and handed me back my phone. With a chaste kiss to my cheek he gave a thumbs up and headed for the raised platform. This was it, there was no turning back now. Our announcement would soon make headline news around the world as one of the most eligible bachelors in America was officially off the market. Tapping a mic, all attention was now on the guest of honor.

"Thank you everyone for coming tonight to celebrate my birthday. As you may have heard, tonight almost didn't happen. Twenty-four hours ago my VP and I were involved in a helicopter accident and was lucky to make it out alive. Those of you who know Jerry will be happy to hear that he's been upgraded to stable and expected to be discharged next week." Jesse paused to let the news sink in, then continued. "Sometimes it takes a tragedy like this to realize the important things in life, such as the comfort of friends or the love and support of a family."

Seeking out his parents and siblings, Jesse gave them a warm acknowledgment.

"Tonight I'm humbled by all of you being here however, I want to take this opportunity to introduce a woman whose unconditional love has saved me from myself and proved to me there are much more important things than wealth."

Watching my future husband look less confident and more emotional in front of the crowd I looked to my friends. "Excuse me...I think my fiancé needs me."

Getting approving nods from the girls I made the long voyage across room as the dance floor split down the center while I approached my love. Carefully climbing the steps to the stage, Jesse reached for my hand and drew me closer.

"This is my girl, Ms. Rebeca Mitchell who tonight has consented to marry me." With his announcement the room erupted with applauses and cheers while Jesse pressed his lips to mine. "You don't even understand how happy you've made me." He whispered for my ears only.

"Yes I do...because I feel the same." I could feel his smile against me as I kissed him back.

Our moment was soon interrupted with the clinking of glass as my future father in law stood before us and got everyone's attention. Handing us two flutes of champagne Janet winked at me and stood next to her beaming husband.

"To our son and his beautiful bride to be." He opened, holding up his glass and turned to face us. "Your mother and I couldn't be happier for you two who compliment each other in every way possible." The head of the family looked up and fought back tears as he took a deep breath. "Last night we thought we lost you, and by some miracle, you returned to us. Today we not only celebrate the anniversary of your birth, we thank God you're still among the living, and then you bring us this amazing news." He paused as the servers continued their distribution of champagne throughout the room. Turning back around, Jonathan held up his flute to his invited guests. "Please...raise your glasses and join us in a toast as we congratulate Jesse and Beca on their engagement."

It hit me like a ton of bricks as the endless clinking of glasses permeated throughout the room as I felt myself become anxious. Tossing down my champagne I took Jesse's and did the same while he watched with amusement.

"You okay, baby?"

"Oh totes!" Great...now I sounded like the ginger. "It's just hitting me, that's all. I need more champagne."

Jesse cracked up. "C'mon...let's go for a walk."

It wasn't an easy escape as we were stopped and congratulated every few steps we took. From Dr. Moss and his wife to some of Jesse's business associates, to his extended family, it was a joyous evening until we ran into...her.

Mrs. Robinson was decked out in a blood red gown which emphasized her anorexic looking figure. Her blonde hair was slicked back and her makeup was applied so heavily, she looked like a drag queen. With our news she looked like she was sucker punched and was about to erupt like an active volcano. She yanked Jesse away from the crowds so she could get her claws into him while I stayed close. There was no way in hell I was leaving him alone with her.

My inner goddess and subconscious sat front and center, digging into their never ending tub of hot buttery popcorn as they waited for the main attraction to begin.

"How the hell can you do this to me?" She seethed. "After everything I've done for you, how could you marry this...this, little girl?"

Little girl? What the hell?

"You're way out of line! This has nothing to do with you!" Jesse barked back, pulling me to his side. "I'm marrying Beca because I love her."

"She can't make you happy like I can, like I did for all of those years. You're nothing without me!"

"You're wrong, Gail. You may have taught me how to fuck, but she's taught me how to love."

"But I do love you, darling...I always have."

The nerve of that woman...

"It's funny because you never told me once that you loved me, and where the hell were you last night when I was presumed dead? You only used me and my wealth for your personal gain and never gave a shit about my feelings." Looking into my eyes I saw Jesse's confidence building as he confronted his dear old friend. "Yes...I admit it. You were there for me at a time I was out of control. You took me under your wing, then seduced me into your deviant lifestyle and molded me into a monster; just...like...you."

Her eyes widened like saucers at the powerful words he vomited. "You wanted it as much as I did!"

"I was a fifteen year old child!"

"ENOUGH!"

A female's voice shot out making the three of us spin around. Standing with her jaw dropped and chest heaving was Janet who heard just about all she could handle. Taking a few steps forward she was fuming.

"Mother! How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." The disgusted look on her face said volumes. She heard the horrifying truths no mother should ever hear. "I suspected there was someone but never imagined it was with one of my best friends."

"It's not as bad as it-" Jesse was cut off by her raised hand.

"-That's enough from you!" Janet spoke sternly to her son as I gripped his hand to lend my support. Turning her attention to the bitch it was as though time stood still as Janet's open hand flew through the air and made contact with Gail's face with the deafening sound of a slap echoing throughout the mansion. It was a glorious sight as Mrs. Robinson held her reddened cheek in shock. "We've known each other since grammar school. I was always there for you, and this is how you repay me? You sexually abuse my son?"

"Janet it wasn't like that. He came to me. I just helped him get control of his-."

"-You're nothing but a delusional child molester who took advantage of a vulnerable young boy who already had a hard start in life." She paused as tears puddled in her eyes. "I don't ever want to see you again. I want you out of my house and out of my life...NOW!"

The blonde bitch huffed, turned on her heel, and just like that, she was gone. Looking at Jesse his eyes were cast downward and was at a loss of words as the three of us shared an awkward silence.

"Um...I'm going to give you two a moment. I'll just be over...there." Mother and son acknowledged me as I gave them some privacy. Not straying too far I rounded the corner and observed their exchange from a distance.

I couldn't make out what they were saying but it looked pretty heated. Jesse appeared to be on the defense as his mother confronted him and sobbed openly. Imagining the betrayal she must have felt from one of her best friends and the guilt for not being able to protect her child, she looked both anguished and heartbroken. What I witnessed next was Jesse apologizing profusely and begging for her forgiveness.

If I had one percent of the integrity and strength of Janet Swanson, I would consider myself lucky. Here was a woman who rescued an abused child in the ER, raised him as her own and was still protecting him as an adult. As mother and son held each other I became emotionally compromised because this was the closure Jesse needed to move on with his life.

"Where's that fiancé of yours?" Janet asked, speaking up for my benefit.

"She's over there." Jesse responded, waving me over to them. "It's safe, you can come back now."

As I tentatively approached, Janet pulled me into a hug.

"Oh!" I was surprised as she embraced me. By the time I was released, Jesse was back to his grinning self. "Is everything okay?" I asked with trepidation. When they both nodded, I felt more at ease.

"So...my son tells me you know everything that's happened."

Closing my eyes, I nodded.

"Mom...she refers to Gail as Mrs. Robinson." Jesse tried to lighten the mood making his mother snort. "And during the last masquerade ball, she slapped her."

"Beca!" She blurted my name like it was a filthy word, sounding disapproving. "How could you do such a thing?"

"Wait! What?" I was becoming flustered. "The bitch insulted me...she had it coming!"

Janet laughed at my snark and turned towards her son. "You couldn't have picked a better wife. At least I know she won't put up with your crap."

"You have no idea, mother. She's challenging and constantly surprising me. It's what I love about her."

"Beca, I hope you're not shy because Grandma and Grandpa are going to be all over you two about starting a family."

"If they didn't, I'd be worried." My comment made her smile. "I think we settled on a dozen to start with...Jesse?"

"Oh yeah...at least." He joked along with me. "We're definitely having kids but not until after we're married and settled into our new house."

"New house?" Janet asked. "You already purchased a property?"

"Yes. This morning I called the realtor and bought that place off of Pacific Coast Highway. We loved the location and plan to renovate. I've already spoken with Tom who will oversee the project."

"You just keep giving us more reasons to celebrate." My future mother in law was beaming as she smiled from ear to ear. "With all that's happened in the last twenty-four hours, I'm sure we can all use something a little stronger than champagne. I'll see if your father's up to playing bartender. Tonight I might just let my hair down."

"Mother...please be careful."

Janet rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. "Goodness gracious Jesse! Lighten up! It's your birthday and you just got engaged. I swear, you're the oldest twenty-eight year old I know."

"I know...right? I'm already calling him old man and enrolling him into AARP." My insults cracked her up. "Next year he's getting a designer walker and matching cane."

"Hey! I'm just mature for my age." Jesse protested. "Who's side are you on?" Pulling me into his arms Jesse pressed his lips to mine. "Stay here with mother and I'll be back with some of father's deadly cocktails."

As he left, Janet brought us over to a couple of chairs at the top of the spiral staircase. The stairs nearly did me in and I would've preferred to stand due to my residual soreness, but out of courtesy, I gingerly took a seat and crossed one thigh over the other.

"Beca...can I be serious for a moment?" I nodded and waited to hear what she had to say. "First of all, I'm so glad my son met you and I'm thrilled you accepted his proposal. I've never seen him so happy, and after observing the two of you last night, I know he's in good hands." Taking a deep breath she searched for the right words. "If you don't mind I'd like to talk about that night in the hospital."

It wasn't exactly what I wanted to revisit after just getting engaged, but out of respect for the woman, I gave her a slight nod and encouraged her to continue.

"I know what you went through wasn't easy but I wanted to say that anyone in your position would've been a victim, but not you. You fought off your attacker and then pressed charges after hearing what happened. You're one of the strongest women I've ever met, and that speaks volumes for your character; I respect that."

"Janet...I have to stop you there because I'm not that strong. I almost ran away from everything and stayed in Europe. If it wasn't for Jesse coming after me, I wouldn't be here."

"I know about that sweetheart, but you did return, and that's all that matters. I'm proud to call you my daughter and want to officially welcome you to the family." Her sentiment nearly moved me to tears as I mouthed thank you to her.

Before Janet could say anymore, Jesse returned with three lemon drops. Handing us each a drink we toasted to his birthday and then to our engagement.

"Well...I think it's time I returned to the festivities before your father sends out a search party for me." Jesse extended his arm and helped his mom to her feet while I struggled to mine, trying not to wince. "Beca...he's all yours, and Jesse...don't ever let her go." After hugging us she went downstairs and resumed her role as hostess.

"What was that about?" Jesse asked, taking a sip of his cocktail. Shaking my head in disbelief, all I could do was smile. Eventually he understood it was a private moment between us and decided not to pursue.

"Your mother's an amazing woman."

"Yes she is." He admitted affectionately. "She'll always be that angel in a white lab coat who took me into her heart and home. She saved my life Beca, but it was you who nurtured my soul and loved me unconditionally, despite my faults." His admission melted my heart as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his. "No one has ever loved me the way you have."

And no one ever will...

"I can't wait to be your wife."

"Rebeca Swanson...it has a nice ring to it."

"So does Beca Mitchell."

"Are you going to fight me on that too?"

"I might."

"We'll see about that." Smiling against my lips he returned the kiss with more fervor. "C'mon, let's go to my room." He suggested, taking my hand while I arched an eyebrow at him.

"Dude...I don't think my body can handle anymore tonight." My comment sent him into a fit of laughter.

"You know, Beca. I like you sore but not everything is about sex." His chastising left me feeling like a child. "I want to show you something."

Switching on the light to his childhood bedroom Jesse set our cocktails down on the chest of drawers then moved a couple of boxes over to the other side of the room. Producing an old leather bound book, he blew off a layer of dust then motioned for me to sit on his lap. As I supported the large album, he proceeded to open it. The first page was a black and white image of a young woman sitting on a short brick wall in a garden with her legs crossed and hands folded in her lap. She wore a light colored dress and had shoulder length dark wavy hair. If I had to guess she was around my age and bared a striking resemblance to Jesse. She was lovely and had the same shape eyes and lips as him.

"Is that your biological mother?"

"Yeah...it's the only picture I have of her. The crack whore must've put this album together for me. I'm not even sure how I got it."

"She was beautiful."

He nodded, agreeing with me. "I have her eye color."

"What was her name?"

"Leslie."

Seeing a ghost of a smile on his face while he studied her photo, nearly brought me to tears as his past, present and future were on a collision course. With each turned page were several pictures of Jesse as a baby, up until the time his mother passed away. He was the most adorable child I'd ever seen, as I noticed the older he became, the fewer pictures were taken. Knowing what I knew about his dark past tugged at my heart as I imagined the atrocities he experienced at that age. Going through starvation and being left alone with a pimp who was physically abusive while his mother took to the streets and sacrificed her virtue to put food on their table. We may never know what transformed the carefree woman in the photo to become drug addicted and turn to a life of prostitution, but what we did know was that she did what she thought was best to ensure the survival of her son.

I thought about our future as husband and wife, and then as parents raising our family together in a household filled with love and joy. Creating our own memories with snapshots and videos that would capture new experiences and mask the horrors of his past. I knew the drama of yesterday would never fully go away but tomorrow would bring hope as we celebrated our love.

By the last page of the album my heart swelled even more for this man who not only gave me his heart, he let me into his soul.

Turning back to the first page I studied her picture some more. The more I examined it the more I realized I looked nothing like his mother. The fifteen submissives before me were all the same type as they reminded him of the crack whore in some way. With the exception of having dark colored hair, we had nothing else in common. If I had to guess, she resembled crazy Kayla the most which, Jesse confirmed.

Closing the album was like closing that painful chapter of his life as it symbolized leaving his troubled past behind so he and I could concentrate on building our future together.

"Hey Jess, tomorrow I'd like to attend Sunday services." Neither of us were church goers but I felt very strongly about going. "Last night when you were missing, I prayed to God for your safe return, and in exchange I would go. I know it sounds silly but I'd really like to keep my promise."

"It's not silly, baby." Understanding the importance to me, Jesse brought our lips together. "When I thought I'd never see you again, I prayed as well. We'll go together."

Hearing some commotion from the stairs, Zoe called out for us to start dinner service.

"I guess we better go." Jesse and I said at the same time and laughed. We really were rubbing off on each other.

"Are you ready for this?" He asked bringing me to my feet.

"I've never been more ready." My admission made him smile. "Let's do this."

Having gone through this journey with Jesse, I learned so much about myself and the love I was capable of. With the next chapters yet to be written, I looked forward to our life together.

Epilogue - Keegan's Retribution

As I rot in my shitty little jail cell awaiting trial, news of their insipid engagement is broadcasting on every fucking channel, printed on every goddamn newspaper and spreading throughout the internet like some kind of plague. The Kardashians have nothing on the infernal Swanson's, who are everywhere...

Sitting here chain smoking one cancer stick after another, I contemplate my miserable existence and plot my revenge on the power couple who has taken so much from me and my family. Joseph, my younger brother whose life was destroyed by Jesse's bullying, will finally be avenged. Everything I'm planning to do is for my younger brother whose life on earth ended far too soon.

Jesse may have survived the crash, but after I'm finally released on bail he'll never know what hit him as I go after his most precious possession. I may have lost my position at Residual Heat, but with my endless connections and resources, I'll be watching their every move.

After the wedding of the century, the happy newlyweds will forget about me and let their guard down. I'm counting on it because with a false sense of security, they'll never know what hit them. As I stay under the radar and keep to myself, it's just a matter of time before I strike with vengeance so Jesse Swanson will experience the unbearable pain of losing everything he's ever cared about.

This concludes "Darker" which will be continued into "Freed" so I hope you'll continue to follow along.

Thank you to everyone who's followed this story from the beginning and a special appreciation for those who took the time to post reviews which, is the biggest inspiration to any author. Please let me know what you would like to see in the 3rd and final installment of this trilogy.

Raven12...