Chasing the storm

Chapter 41: The Breaking Point

(Rowan's POV –)

---

Caleb wasn't backing down.

And that was his first mistake.

Because I wasn't in the mood to play nice.

The storm outside was screaming, shaking the motel walls, rattling the windows like it wanted in.

But the real storm?

It was inside.

Between me and him.

And right now?

It was about to explode.

---

"You really wanna do this now?" I muttered, my fists already clenched.

Caleb scoffed, stepping closer. "You started it."

I smirked. "And I'll finish it."

Sienna was between us in seconds, her hands pressed against my chest, trying to push me back.

"Rowan, stop!" she snapped.

I didn't move.

Because he didn't move.

And if he thought I was about to let him get away with acting like he was some kind of leader—like he could talk back to me and walk away without consequences—

Then he was dead wrong.

---

Caleb's glare sharpened. "What's your problem, Rowan? Huh? You can't stand not being in control for two seconds?"

I tilted my head. "Nah, I just can't stand you."

That did it.

Caleb's fist came flying.

I dodged.

Then returned the favor.

My knuckles collided with his jaw in one clean hit, sending him stumbling back.

Sienna gasped.

"Rowan!"

But I wasn't done.

Caleb recovered fast, lunging at me, but I was faster.

I slammed him against the wall, grabbing his collar.

"You done?" I growled.

Caleb's jaw clenched. "Not even close."

Fine.

Then neither was I.

---

We weren't holding back.

Not anymore.

Caleb shoved me hard, trying to knock me off balance, but I was stronger.

I grabbed his arm, twisted—slammed him onto the floor.

His back hit the ground with a loud thud.

I could feel Sienna yelling behind me, could hear Ava and Oliver rushing over—

But the blood was pounding in my ears too loud.

And Caleb?

He still looked like he wanted more.

So I gave him more.

I grabbed him by the shirt, about to swing again—

Then—

"STOP IT!"

Sienna's voice.

And for some reason?

That was what actually made me freeze.

---

She stormed between us, shoving me back, her eyes burning.

I had never seen her this pissed.

Not even when we first met.

Her hands shook with anger.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she snapped.

I blinked. "He—"

"I don't care!" she shouted.

That?

That actually stung.

The storm raged outside.

The motel creaked, groaned, shook.

But inside this room?

She was the one destroying me.

"You think this is helping?" she demanded. "Beating each other up while the storm could kill us any second?"

She was breathing hard, like she had been holding this in for too long.

"Rowan, you're so obsessed with fighting," she hissed, "you don't even see the real danger anymore!"

I clenched my jaw, my fists still shaking. "And what, Caleb isn't?"

Caleb groaned from the floor. "I'm… literally bleeding, man."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

Ava and Oliver rushed in, finally stepping between us.

Mia hovered in the background, her eyes wide with worry.

Ava's voice was sharp. "Rowan, just stop."

Oliver's gaze flickered between me and Sienna, like he was piecing something together.

Sienna?

She just looked… done.

And I hated that.

---

I Need to Get Out.

My breathing was still uneven.

My hands? Shaking.

So I did the only thing I could.

I turned, grabbed the nearest chair—and threw it.

It crashed against the wall, breaking into pieces.

Everyone flinched.

Even Sienna.

And for some reason?

That made something in my chest ache.

I didn't say a word.

Didn't look at anyone.

Just turned around—

And stormed out of the room.

Because if I stayed?

I didn't know what else I might break.

---