Peyton Griffin's POV

The moment I stepped into my former home, the sight of the members of the British Empire stole my interest. From the ones that sit on the pews -the grand foyer a church vibe- to the bulky men clad in suits with wires on their necks who guard the perimeter to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Before I can examine the place for escape routes, a sight that looks oddly familiar comes into view.

"Welcome back, sister."

I take in my other half's appearance. Lola's blonde hair which resembled the sun was now deathly pale. Her blue orbs had an icy look in them. I also didn't miss how she sneered at the word sister.

I pulled her into a hug but she was stiff in my arms and deathly thin.

What the hell happened?

I pulled away from the hug to take in the damage of the situation. Never thought that I would think of my sister that way, but as Marci would say, there is a first time for everything.

"Now that you are back, the world can continue revolving around you like a fucking princess," She spat.

I did a double-take; the Lola I know would never curse, much less at me.

"Pardon?" I looked her over.

I felt a pair of hands place a veil on my head, but I swatted them away. It seems like I should have interrogated Shane more if I knew I would get this kind of reception from my own sister.

"You heard me, right dearie. You think that I don't see what has been happening. You said that going to Miami was a journey you had to take alone so that you could find us a way to be free from our father dearest, but little did I know that you went there to seduce Caleb Parks."

I felt my jaw drop lower than Ariel's home floor.

Did she just?

I felt anger boil in my veins. Only one person confronted me in Miami and could preach such idiocy, but I blame myself for once dating such a moron.

Lola rolled her eyes as she took in my jaw-slacked reaction to her claim.

"I think our reunion is over, have a nice marital life. I know I have. See you around. Sis," There she goes again with saying that endearment like a curse word.

She walked past me and brushed me harshly. I could have sworn that I would have fallen if Danny wasn't standing nearby.

I moved to go after her, but Danny was two steps ahead of me because he grabbed my wrist and tugged me closer to himself while he whispered in my ear.

"You can save her later. The important thing is that we make it out of here alive. Shane went after her immediately she walked past you, so just know that she is in good hands."

He held my cheeks and placed the veil on my hair, "Now I believe we have a marriage to attend. Remember, if you lose your cool too soon, our lives might just meet again in hell."

He pecked my cheek and walked towards the altar, leaving me with my thoughts in a jumbled mess.

I sighed and tried to hold back the tear that threatened to come out of my eye.

"I believe it's bad luck for the bride to cry on her wedding day until she and the groom share a dance." A familiar voice says and wraps a hand around my shoulders.

I look back down and come into eye contact with Mr Rogers. I reel in my emotions and give him a bear hug.

At that moment, the cliché bridal march song started playing in the background, and the younger members of the empire began walking as they made up the groom's men and bride's maid.

"I would have come sooner, but Chloe made sure to prep me up and not get shot, reminding me that I have four women to return to." He grinned as he pulled back from the hug.

"I would ask you what is eating you up, but Chloe has already filled me in. Dare I ask, are you sure that black wouldn't have suited you more than the traditional white gown."

I laughed.

As a man who is old enough to be my father, Mr Rogers always knew how to comfort and scold me like a true father. Hence when I had two fathers at my disposal, I chose him to walk me down the aisle.

"Shall we?" He stretched out his elbow, and I took it. We began walking down the aisle.

I didn't miss the sneers and mostly quiet jabs thrown my way. I have my sperm donor to thank for that.

"You know, I always thought of you as a spring wedding kind of gal." He spoke, trying to lighten the tense mood around us as the people stared us down like petulant children.

Truth be told, Mr Rogers is already aware of this place for some time now. He walked into the store to pick up his girls, and I was having a mini-mental breakdown because the day was my birthday, and I wanted to be left alone.

Danny and Charlie spent the day with Lola as my request as the birthday girl, and Mr Rogers gave me a listening ear that day. Since then, I've never been more grateful that a bar is across the street from Kid's Paradise.

"I want you to know that you are not only the selfless woman you paint yourself as. You deserve the happiness you want for the close people around you, and that does not make you selfish in any way. And if it helps, my wife has decided to clear up the guest room of our house. In case you want to get away from the world once in a while."

I nodded because I could not trust my mouth not to blurt out anything sensible.

We reached the end, and he kissed my cheek before handing me over to Danny and whispered harshly.

"We may not be related by blood, but if you hurt her, this empire would be the least of your worries."

It was hard to take the sweet man seriously because he was naturally born with childish features, but regardless Danny upheld the act and kept his features neutral.

I climbed the step while the priest in question motioned for everyone to sit.

I tuned out the beginning part of whatever speech he was giving because I like Danny, had better things to cover.

We were on the lookout for my father, but he surprisingly was nowhere in sight. You would have thought that the person who wanted this matrimony would be here, but I stand corrected.

Charlie nodded subtly at us as she started making her way to the flowering plant at the corner of the room that led to a secret door. It would give way to the hallway in front of my father's study, where I met with Joey the night I returned.

I was snapped out of my trance by the words I was waiting for.

"If you object to this matrimony, speak up or forever hold your peace." The priest said.

And on cue, the nincompoop I dated pointed a gun at me as he stood up from the edge of the congregation where he sat.

"I fucking object!" Jordan yelled as his face took an interesting shade of red.

As if it were practised, all the men in suits who were supposedly guards of the Empire, pointed their guns at him, but in doing so, they did not see the other men who were pretending to be them but were really part of the Spanish Mafia. They put the guns on their heads, making the guns at Jordan lower until only Jordan was the only man with a gun pointed at his target.

"Mi Amore, if memory serves me right, we made a deal that you would marry me, no?" He was seething as his words came out with a force to be reckoned with, and his accent was thick.

I rolled my eyes; he always was one for the dramatics.

"That was if you brought me the book, but you didn't," I state.

The people were looking from me to Jordan to see who was telling the truth, but some were leaning towards Jordan's side of things with the dirty expressions they were giving me.

It was one thing to make a deal with an outsider, and it was another thing to not fulfil your end of the bargain. After all, the Empire operated solely on the Deals; that the Griffin family made.

"Ah yes, the book, your mother's journal to be exact." He chuckled darkly, "You sent me on a wild goose chase because, by the time I checked for it and didn't find it, you were already miles away."

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

Before I could retort to his accusation, which was actually spot on, he shouted.

"Joey! Get your estupido culo out here and explain yourself. This was not the deal we made."

Translation: stupid ass

After a silence that could be cut by one of the knives from Captain Hook's crew, the man of the hour graced us with his presence. He came in through the main entrance and closed it after himself. He had a wild smile that could rival Joker and a gun in hand.

"You're one to talk about deals not being upheld; you wanted to give me money so that the Mafia that you hold so dear to your heart doesn't know that you are not its rightful leader," Joey commented with a snide tone.

If it were more possible, the vein on Jordan's head swelled and throbbed faster.

"But we will get to you later," Joey dismissively nodded his head at Jordan before facing the priest. "By all means, go on with the ceremony." He declared.

Jordan clearly wasn't having it as he stalked closer to where Danny and I stood and aimed his gun at Danny?

Am I missing something here?

Joey cocked his gun, thereby removing the safety setting on it, "If you take a step closer, I promise that your remains will be buried next to your poor excuse of a Mafia." He warned.

The irony was that his gun was pointed at me and Jordan redirected his gun from Danny to me.

"If I may, what the hell is wrong with you lot?" I screeched, getting tired of this version of a Texas shot out where I was now the target.

I think someone up there just wanted this day to be more memorable than it already is, because Caleb, Jack and another girl burst through the closed door at that moment.

"I suggest you bitches remain sited unless you want me to use my heel to give you a freaking new hole." The girl with them had a very sharp high heel raised in the air as she commanded one of the most feared sets of people.

On further scrutinizing, I came up with the conclusion that this was Taryn. The girl who apparently had Jack's heart captive.

I saw Caleb visibly gulp as he took in my appearance, and I have never wanted to hide in a hole in the ground more than this.

"I see that I am right on time." A female voice spoke.

All heads turned to the figure in a black cloak; she stood on the railing overlooking the room.

She wiped out two guns, "You know what they say; a wedding is never complete without a burial following right after."

I could see her dark smile underneath her cloak as she shot at the men on either side of her, effectively killing both men from the British Empire and the Spanish Mafia.

And that my friends, was when all hell broke loose. The congregation scattered as people took cover from the shootout that was happening.

Danny and I ducked as a stray bullet came our way. I saw from my peripheral when Joey left the room through the same door that Charlie went through, and I visibly gulped.

Seems like my stepbrother saw it as well because he was about to make his way there, but I stopped him. Knowing him, he would make matters worse. He would charge in there with his emotions in charge of his actions, and Charlie would suffer the brunt of it.

I can't have that on my consciousness.

After all, it was my fight, not theirs.

"I'll get Charlie; you go make sure that Caleb and his posse make it out of here alive."

Danny nodded wordlessly. He got up and made his way through the crowd fighting them off. He was flexible to dodge the bullets and the weapons that were partly aimed at him.

Meanwhile, I removed the train of my dress and shrugged off my veil. I went to the private door at the other end of the room. It opened to a corridor, and I found myself at the other end of the house.

I cursed at myself quietly and decided to take the shortest route I knew.

I opened the door next to me and walked into the man; I would contemplate if they told me I could finally get rid of him.

My father, Troy Reynold Griffin.

He looked like a mess even though I wanted to hate him. The child in me that longed for a parent spoke volumes. She clawed at my insides, demanding an audience with her sperm donor.

"Peyton?" He questioned as if he was struggling to breathe.

I glared at him suspiciously, "Father."

I found it almost coincidental that he just happened to be here when chaos happens under his own roof.

I contemplated walking away and put the plan into action, but he stopped me.

"Can you listen to me for a moment?" I turned my head back to him so fast that I would have been whiplashed.

When did my father start using polite words; to not just anyone but the daughter he despised the most because I killed the love of his life.

I chuckled humouredly; I can't waste a second because I have a best friend to save.

"I would say yes, but you once told me not to tell a lie." I spat with venom and tried to storm out of the room again.

Keyword: Tried.

"You didn't kill your mother. I did."

I felt my breath get caught in my throat. But Father dearest did not give me the privilege of trying to understand what he was saying.

"It was planned at the hospital that night. I was too proud to actually take a good look at the nurses that they stationed that day. One thing led to another, and Faith lost so much blood."

I felt as if someone was trying to claw away my throat as I tried to speak. My voice was very hoarse, but the silence in the room allowed him to hear what I had to say.

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm trying to say I made a deal that went horribly wrong."

Again the being up there had a knack for timing today. Because at that moment, the door I was supposed to use to leave this room opened.

In walked Jack, Taryn, Caleb and Danny with angry expressions on their faces. I felt my throat clog for the second time today as Joey walked in after them. He had Charlie pressed against his front with his gun chucked up against her head. His other hand was in a vice-like grip on her throat.

"What a wonderful surprise, darling." Joey acknowledged my father. The endearment he used was laced with malice that didn't go unnoticed by Danny and me as we looked to and fro at the two men who apparently raised us.

My father snorted and spat out blood. He couldn't be dying, right?

"I would say that your timing was as impeccable as always, but I don't fancy lying to my daughter." My father retorted.

Joey rolled his eyes at him, "You claim her as your blood now? What happened to the last decade and a half of revolting against her?"

He hit a sensitive spot, and I winced at his choice of words which made everyone in the room take a glance in my direction.

"Ah, the bride of the hour, if you give me a minute or two, I'll call the priest, and we continue from where we left off, hmm?" He suggested.

Danny and I threw him a dirty look, and he chuckled at what must look like the funniest joke in the fucking year.

"Now, don't get snappy, kids. Your honeymoon will have to wait, but the wedding will still hold whether you like it or not."

"Not so fast," Joey cocked his head to the side as he looked me over, "You said that if I get married to your son, you will clear Shane's name?" I questioned him.

"Ah yes, the china man. See, as you said, that was the agreement, but you never speculated a particular time exactly. All you said was that I do it, and in return, you and Danny tied the knot."

Danny released a string of curse words. I agree that was wrong thinking on my part, but I did not see the day going like this.

Joey waved the hand with the gun dismissively in the air, "Now that you know that it wasn't completely your fault that your mother died. I think it's time that your father joined her, hmm?" He pointed the gun at my father.

Like a reflexive action, I moved to stand in front of him. I may not be over the moon that he had made his way into my good books, but if I wanted the man who raised me dead, I would have done it myself long ago.

I can compare all I want, but the difference between Klaus Mikaelson and me has never been transparent. Sure we are ready to do what it takes to protect one of our own, but I draw the line at watching my father die before me.

"Not gonna happen." I declared as I stared my stepfather down.

"Ah, so now you have a backbone. What happened to the little you who wanted her father to shower her with love every time he hit her? Or when he chose to spend his time with your sister and not you."

Joey did know how to play his cards right; he hoped that if he poked at my weakness more and more. I would lose my cool and act irrationally, but I think someone should tell this man or remind him that stubbornness runs in the veins of Griffins.

My father coughed out more blood, putting the attention back on him, "You do know that if you kill me, Sam will have your head, and you will be more wanted than the China man that you used as your sacrificial pig."

"I think I'll take my chances." Joey declared, "Step aside, child," He addressed me, "This doesn't concern you."

"Neither does it you!" Danny's anger decided to make an appearance.

"I think you should learn not to leave your office open after you meet with your staff. I know what you plan on doing with my grandmother, and I think we both know that has to be the most absurd idea that you two have come up with in a while."

I'll ask again for the third time this morning, what am I missing?

Joey rolled his eyes, not the least bothered by his son's words. "As I said before, I'll take my chances."

Charlie struggled against his hold and kicked his shin, but the man remained unmoving.

"If you wanted me to give you attention, then all you had to do was ask, Charlie. I'm sure my son wouldn't mind sharing." He used the gun to rub the end of Charlie's chin, and I saw the fear of what was the outcome of her position in her eyes.

"Okay, that's it." The girl, who I presumed to be Taryn, finally spoke up.

"I think it's clear to everyone here," She gestured at us, "That you have some serious mental issues, and it's obvious that you have a bone to pick with these people."

"Way to have a go at it, captain obvious," Charlie spoke as she tried in vain to get out of Joey's hold on her.

"Do you two know each other?" Jack asked as he looked from his girlfriend to my best friend, and I found myself asking that same question.

"Shoot me for trying to buy some time so that you make it out of this alive." Taryn glared at Charlie, and the latter returned a favour tenfold.

Is it just me or do they look scarily alike right now?

"If it comes down to it, you have no reason to even have a bone to pick anyway?" I took over from Taryn and tried to distract the psychotic man that held my second sister at gunpoint.

"You haven't figured out my motive yet?" He asked as a dark expression took over his face.

He turned to face Caleb, "He's a part of the reason. I'm sure you're still clueless about it."

I hate to admit it, but he was right. I have no idea why he is doing this, but thanks to Danny. I'm just gonna go on a hunch that he is doing it because of Danny's grandmother.

"It seems like your trip to Miami was a waste if it never occurred to you what my alibi was." He said in a condescending tone.

Not gonna lie, I only knew half of the reason he acted like a maniac. I never got to find out the full story.

"Would you stop speaking in tongues and get to the point, damn it, old man!" Taryn cried out, frustration in her tone.

"Patience, little girl," At that comment, Taryn narrowed her eyes into slits.

"I know that I'm not that tall, but I think I'd like to say that your dick is the size of the world's largest ant." She said with satisfaction in her voice.

Charlie rolled her eyes and beat Joey to the punch, "Would you stop provoking the dude! In case you've forgotten, he has a pistol pointed at my brain."

"Enough! Joey, this madness has gone long enough."My father began. For a second, I forgot that he was there.

"It's me that has the information you want, but I'll give it to you if you let the children go." He surprises me once again.

He wants to tell a secret that will be crucial just so that I may live?

"Ah, where's the fun in that." Joey turned to me, "You said that you found out my biggest secret. Mind sharing it with everyone, especially your little boyfriend?" He gestures at Caleb.

Caleb looked at me with furrowed brows, and I looked away.

There was no way I would allow him to know the answer to the question I once heard him mumble in his sleep. With how far he has come, I'm not sure I want to know what will happen if he goes down that road.

"Penny, what is he talking about?" I looked around the people in the room and wondered if now was the time to be selfless or selfish.

Joey scoffed when he knew that I was hesitating. If he says the secret I planned to keep over his head till eternity, no one will leave this room without getting damaged.

"I think I'll do the honours. Danny, are you aware that you have a sibling? A brother to be exact." Joey drawled while smirking.

He was enjoying this too much.

"Joey, for fuck's sake! Now is not the time for you to behave like a fucking saint and pretend that what you are about to say won't have a lasting effect on them." My father grunted and spat out another dose of blood.

"What are you getting at, old man?" Danny stared his father down.

"Peyton's boyfriend over here is your long-lost sibling."