#abftp

Hours he’d already spent observing the partying populace of Winter Haven. Aside from the expected drunken idiocy that came when serving free drinks, there wasn’t anything spectacularly unusual going on tonight; much to Jaxon’s disappointment. He’d been certain that he’d see at least some excitement before the night’s end. So far the only noteworthy event was the company he’d made by the bar.

Jaxon had left his haunt to engage the party more closely. Watching at a distance had gotten him nowhere, perhaps being in the center of the festivities would yield better results. As he scanned the room his gaze passed over countless finely dressed citizens either cursing or welcoming their luck at the tables. A figure caught his attention within the crowd, causing him to double take at the sense of recognition he’d felt.

Deviating from his path, Jax weaved between the partygoers in search of the man he thought he’d recognized. His heart started to pick up in his chest, adrenalin slowly dispensing into his system as disbelief began to build inside of him. The figure was taller, his build fuller, stronger and more athletic than what Jaxon remembered. But if it was who he thought it was then there was no doubt what kind of place Winter Haven really was. It didn’t matter how many years had passed. Jaxon would recognize him anywhere.

Memories he’d thought were locked away forever resurfaced all at once.

Leaves crunched under his boots as he raced through the trees. The tracks were fresh, familiar, and dread filled his gut like a lead lining. He’d finally found him. Now he had to kill him. His friend, his family, a monster.

He couldn’t.

"Next time I see you, I won’t hesitate.”  Jaxon never made a promise he wouldn’t keep. He cut what was left of the space between him and his target and dropped a hand down on his shoulder, forcing him to turn and meet his gaze.