Fatal (Portland Street Kings #2) - Evie Harper

Contents Title Copyright Author Note Books by Evie Harper Synopsis Dedication Warning Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Epilogue Tail - Book #3 Connect With Me Online Darkest Sneak Peek Darkest Sneak Peek Books by Evie Harper

About The Author Acknowledgements

THE PORTLAND STREET KINGS

Book Two

FATAL Copyright © 2016 by Evie Harper Published by Evie Harper. First Edition March 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. Except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For permission requests, email the author at [email protected] This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places are incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy of each person you share it with. If you are reading this book

and did not purchase it, or it was no purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work. Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers Editing: Swish Design & Editing Proofreading: KMS Freelance Editing Cover Images: Adobe Stock & Shutterstock

AUTHOR NOTE Fatal is book two in the Portland Street Kings series. Therefore Collision, book one, should be read before Fatal. These books are not standalone’s. The overall plot continues throughout each novel, however each story does have a new couple, plus the previous characters.

OTHER BOOKS BY EVIE HARPER

YOU LOVED ME You Loved Me At My Darkest (Lily and Jake) You Loved Me At My Weakest (Emily and Kayne) You Loved Me At My Ugliest (Alexa and Joseph)

PORTLAND STREET KINGS Collision (Slater and Piper) Fatal (Mack and Lana) Tail – Coming June 2016 Pursue – Coming 2016 Untitled – Coming 2016

Fatal Synopsis Mackson King’s past is a dark, horror-filled chasm that could swallow the toughest, most dangerous men. A member of the notorious Portland Street Kings, he’s impossible to intimidate—but he can be hurt. He learned that the hard way, thanks to her. Lana. The one woman capable of easing his nightmares, of soothing his demons, was the very woman who shredded his heart. She took away his torments, only to become one of them. Born into a family who lost their way long before she arrived, Lana Scavello has carefully enforced a steely interior that shields her heart from harm. But that doesn’t mean she can’t cry, and she’s spared Mackson King more tears than he ever deserved. Finding Lana at her most vulnerable, saving her when she felt the most invisible, he burrowed beneath her defenses to carve his own personal door to her soul. Only to decimate it, along with everything she’d ever known. Now, years later, fate has thrown the couple

together once more. Pain, heartbreak and betrayal will explode to the surface, leaving both of them raw, aching, exposed. And that’s when their true love story begins…

DEDICATION To all the readers who have fallen in love with the Portland Street Kings. I appreciate each and every message you send me. Thank you for loving the Kings as much as I do.

WARNING For Mature Audience 18+ Contains Adult Situations & Language

Prologue Della My palms sweat and as I run my hands along my new scratches, I can feel the dirt there, too. I’ve spent the last twenty minutes beating my car’s trunk lid, hoping someone on the road or walking by would hear my screams for help. My body jolts from side to side as I sense Rex take the corners dangerously. Abruptly my body rolls and hits the side of the trunk. I’m pushed into the steel with great force as the car comes to a quick stop. My body feels a thump vibrate

through the flooring, and then the trunk opens, and I’m forced to squint my eyes from the blaring sunlight shining straight down on me. A figure moves in front of the light and I’m able to open my eyes. Clearly, I see Rex standing there. What once was a good-looking man is now a shell of his former self. He’s lost all of his muscular appearance and looks as if he’s homeless and starving. However, the strength he used to grab and force me into my car defies his weak appearance. Rex grasps the top of my right arm painfully and pulls me from the trunk. I bend my knees, fearing I’ll fall backwards as my shaking body refuses to help with my balance, but I manage to

stay upright, relieved to be out of the small space. My long blonde hair whips around my face as my eyes instantly search the area, and right away I know where I am. It’s where my brothers and I used to come sometimes with Rex and his friends when we were younger. When we discussed where to meet we would say, “Meet you at the tracks.” There’s nothing here but green grass and train tracks, which bend around a sharp corner, and over further is where the woods start. The guys would build a fire pit between the tracks and the trees and sit around drinking and laughing. We’d come here quite a lot. Sometimes it was safer than the abandoned building we

were living in at the time. While Rex is shutting the trunk, I take the opportunity and twist my body around in a circle, forcing him to relinquish his hold on me as Rex’s wrist bends backward. He grunts loudly and then his grip releases me. I’m free. I don’t freeze; I start running, not caring what direction I’m going in. I hit the long incline down towards the tracks and my legs wobble from the speed I’m trying to keep up while going down a hill. My heart pounds against my chest and almost explodes when I suddenly hear Rex yell out my name; he’s right behind me. My breathing becomes erratic and

swallowing becomes near impossible with the dryness of my mouth. I come to the tracks, and before my mind can decide the best way to tackle getting over them with the speed I’m going, my feet are separating. I’m trying to take even bigger strides to get over the large metal rods. Stumbling, I lose my balance and fall, but stop my body from hitting the ground with my outstretched hands landing on a large, dirt-covered wooden plank. I keep moving. Dragging my fingers along each sleeper as I find my balance again and I’m over the tracks and running as fast as I can. Glancing over my shoulder, I watch as Rex takes the tracks perfectly with only a few long

strides. His cheeks puffing heavily as he races to me as quickly as he can. Chills race down my spine as I realize I’m not going to be fast enough to get away. A massive weight hits my back and steel arms fold around my body as I’m thrown to the ground with a heavy thump, which immediately winds me. My jeans and shirt protect as much skin as they can, but my arms are cut and begin to sting. I’m fighting furiously for my lungs to expand as terror grips my body until I’m able to take my next inhale. All I can hear and feel is Rex’s heavy and hot breaths against my cheek. Showing me how exhausted he is as well. His arms are like a tight rope around my center,

trapping my arms in too. “Get off me, Rex! What the hell is wrong with you?” I’m turned over roughly, Rex’s body on top of mine. I have nowhere else to stare except into his lost green eyes, which appear to be filled with deep grief, but for what I’m not sure. He gently runs his fingers down the right side of my face. “Did you tease him with this beautiful face?” Rex asks softly. My body locks up from his words and the meaning behind them. I harden my features. “Fuck you,” I grate out. At the angry tone of my voice, Rex takes notice and it appears to wake him

from whatever world he’s been lost in. He examines my face a little more and his eyes grow glassy. “How could he? He knew I loved you,” Rex says, his voice distant and calm. My body relaxes, though not from feeling safe, but from confusion and also sorrow. I knew Rex loved me, once upon a time. Before his father took what I had kept intact only for Rex—what his father took that wasn’t his to have. My lips tremble and suddenly years of emotions come to the surface, and a sob bursts from my lips. Rex jolts up in shock, but not enough to let me up. His face turns worried, his brow furrows and lines appear on either side of his eyes, showing just how much

he’s aged in the last five years. Not from growing, but from stress, sadness and anger. It’s ravaged his body and soul. “Were there signs?” Rex asks. “Why didn’t you tell me? I could have done something, stopped him before he hurt you. Then he’d still be alive, all of this could have been avoided if you just told someone,” Rex ends on an enraged shout. My heart stills and my mouth widens from the shock of his tone going from gentle to furious within seconds. Nevertheless, I don’t stay frozen for long. Injustice and anguish surge through me, to the point where I nearly give up— almost. Instead, I get mad. Frenzied rage vibrates through me.

How dare he blame me. How dare he put the last five horrible years on me. My fists bunch and I strike Rex. My hands colliding with whatever surface of his body I can get to. Thumping them against his shoulders, neck and head. In Rex’s attempt to catch my wrists, he leans backward and I take the opportunity to slip out from under him. As soon as I’m up, Rex is too. Arms out wide, his feet dancing from side to side ready to cage me again. Defeat slams into me and I raise my hands in the air, halting him. I look around and there’s nowhere to run, no-one to help me. There’s only my car and even if I could outrun Rex and get to it, it’d be a miracle

that the keys were in the ignition. We’re just going to keep running around in circles. My best bet is to stop and find out what Rex wants with me. “Wait,” I shout. “I’m not going to run, Rex. But what the hell are we doing here? You want to talk about your father? You want to blame me for your life? Then fine, let’s talk. Let me tell you some truths. Your daddy raped me… there’s no gray area on how I behaved or what I was wearing. It’s black and white. He took and I screamed and begged him not to.” I take a shaky breath in, desperate to get through this moment with my head held high and my point made. “Signs? What fucking signs should a woman look for in a man who’s going

to rape her? Or maybe it’s you who should get the blame? You were always there. I was hardly ever alone with your father, so why didn’t you see the signs? Why didn’t you save me?” My chin wobbles and I dash away my tears. Rex’s eyes bulge and he takes a step back as if I physically struck him. I sigh and shake my head, frustrated with the situation. I would never blame Rex for what his father did to me. “I don’t blame you, Rex. I’ve had enough bad in my life to know that no-one can control other people’s actions, any more than I can control the rotation of the Earth.” Rex looks up to the sky, the veins in his neck bulge as he grinds his teeth

together and then he lets out a guttural yell. My brow furrows, and I take a careful step back from him. This isn’t Rex, not at all. His eyes lower to me as fast as lighting and his lip curls up in a snarl. What the hell? His moods are all over the place. It’s then I think to look down at his arms. And what I find shatters my heart. Needle marks, not just one, but many. I knew this. Although seeing with my own eyes feels like a slap to the face, and waking up to a reality I didn’t want to believe in. I can’t even begin to describe the hopelessness that sets in. Knowing how far-gone Rex is.

Understanding that anything I say right now is just a waste of my own breath. A sick feeling hits my stomach as I realize only one of us may be leaving this place alive, and the chance of that being me is almost impossible. I clench and unclench my fingers as fear begins to spike inside me. I stare into Rex’s dark eyes and with a shaky, but mostly steady voice I ask, “Why did you bring me here?” As if being snapped out of a dream he peers around at our surroundings and then back to me. Rex’s face relaxes, tight lips soften and for the first time today I spot the Rex from my teenage years. The boy who helped me with my school work. The friend who taught me how to

draw. My first love. “You and I, Dell, we’re meant to be. But now, everything’s fucked up. I was gonna make you happy. I got more family, important people in the world. I’ve taken over what my father did for them and I was gonna give you everything you never had.” Rex bends at the knees and fists his hands, his veins popping on and around the track marks on his arms. “I had plans for us,” he grinds out. “Plans that went to fucking shit the moment I found out that it was you who killed my father and not fucking Slater. You.” Rex curls his arms up in the air, they tense as if he wants to grab and shake me mercilessly.

As I hold my hands out ready to defend myself, I scan the area frantically. Rex. Woods. Train tracks. Road. My breaths come hard and fast and my heart cracks wide open, because what Rex and I could have had didn’t end the day he found out I killed his father. We died the day his father raped me. There would never be a single moment in my life in which I could bear the intimate touch from my rapist’s son. It’s not Rex’s fault his father turned into a predator, but I could never lie next to Rex and not see his father holding me down. Bruising me. Prying my legs apart. Slapping me until I was almost unconscious. No part of me can ever separate the two. That’s a place I can’t

keep going back to for the rest of my life. Lowering my arms and straightening my back, I pull strength from inside myself and with quivering chin, I whisper, “I loved you.” Rex frowns and he stares back at me with anguish in his eyes. “You were my whole world, the only boy I’d ever thought would have my heart. You led the way and I followed. I whole-heartily trusted everything about you.” Tears begin to flow freely now and Rex’s form blurs. “I’ve had to survive all my life. I only got through my childhood because it’s what I thought was normal. I didn’t know regular beatings weren’t what all other children were going through. I thought all parents and families were the same. Then I lost

my sister and had to sit back and watch my brothers suffer every day so they could watch out for me… look after me, eat less than me, sleep less than me, steal for me, deal drugs for me.” I take in a shaky breath and continue, “Your father took the last shred of spirit I had left in me, Rex, and also the last of my humanity when I suddenly looked down at my hands and saw blood on them. I had seen the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel when I was with you, and then your father took that away from me. He destroyed my light just as easily as putting his hand up in front of the sun. You and I died that day, Rex, before we ever truly began.” Quickly I wipe the tears aside and

stare at Rex with sincerity and honesty. “I’m sorry I took your father away from you and Lana. I am apologetic that I didn’t have the strength to tell you it was me. For the rest of my life, I will have the blood of another on my hands. Please don’t think I take that lightly because I don’t. I regret what I did and I can’t take it back, and I can’t explain to you what came over me the moment it happened. All I can do is tell you how deeply broken I am, that this is my life now and that I hurt you and Lana, two people who I care about a lot.” Silence settles between us. Rex says nothing, just looks at me, but I can see his mind racing behind his hazel eyes. Abruptly, he pinches the bridge of

his nose, clenching his eyes closed as if he’s in pain. His mental state is deteriorating. I decide to take the opportunity to glance behind me into the woods and wonder if I should now make a run for it. How far do the woods stretch out for, until I could hit the Ohio River and possibly dive in and swim to safety? Would I make it or would Rex drown us both trying to catch me again? I swing my gaze to the car. Could I jump into the car and lock the doors? It could give me precious time to stay alive, and if the keys are in the ignition I would have my saving grace. I scan Rex’s jean’s pockets not seeing any bulge or hear any rattling when he

moves. Rex stands tall and pins me with a glare, one that sends a chill down my spine. His gaze alert and his jaw set. His expression exhibits determination. A decision he’s made which is now cemented to his core. “I don’t want to talk about this shit anymore. We’re here for a clean slate, Dell… a new beginning. We’re going to wash away all our regrets.” My eyes widen at Rex’s words. A new beginning? I’m almost too afraid to believe what I just heard. Trying not to spook him I calmly ask, “How do we have a new beginning—” The sound of a horn in the distance cuts off the rest of my words. I glance over

my shoulder to the bend as I recognize the sound and vibration of the earth. A train is coming. “It’s going to be beautiful, Dell, us together, a new beginning. Leaving all this bullshit behind.” I twist my head back to Rex and my brow furrows as I take in his words and try to understand them. We’re only about a meter away from the tracks, so I begin shuffling sideways. My sole concern right now is to move far away from the large oncoming train that won’t see us until it’s around the bend. I turn my back to Rex and inhale the fresh woods scent and feel a cool breeze against my skin from the wind blowing through the trees. All of those beautiful

sensations disappear when two strong hands grip my biceps from behind and begin to drag me back towards the train tracks. My eyes pop open and an icy sensation runs through me. Fear grips me. I knew it. My heart knew what we are really doing here, but my mind still fought for supremacy, for hope in a man who I will always love, in my memories. Cocking my knees, I begin kicking at Rex behind me. I wriggle my shoulders violently and as a result, a sharp pain shoots up my neck, but Rex doesn’t release his hold on me, his grip only becomes tighter. “Rex,” I say in a warning tone. “Let me go.” I sense Rex shake his head. “You and

I, Dell, we’re starting over. We’re leaving this world behind. We’ll wash away our regrets and sins and try again.” Oh my god. He’s unhinged. This isn’t Rex. This is a mad man. I continue to thrash my body around, desperate for Rex to weaken. “No, don’t do this. Rex, this isn’t you. Please.” I’m not ashamed to admit I’m whimpering, but my pleas go unheard as Rex shoves his arm under my right bicep and across my ribs, his hand digging into my left hip painfully. He then lifts my feet off the ground and carries me over the metal rails and onto the sleepers, stopping us exactly in the middle of the tracks. The vibration

from the train tracks travels all through my body. So much so, I can’t tell if it’s my shaking body or the oncoming train. The train turns the bend and the driver sounds the horn once, twice, three times. My heart, blood and pulse all freeze in fear. My sight is glued to the large metallic machine—the insignificant piece of metal, which has the ability to take my life from me. To splatter my past, present, and now my lost future all over the place. The horn sounds repeatedly, but it’s useless, no horn is going to stop a madman. I lose it. I’m like a feral cat, extending my claws and scratching him

wherever my hands can reach. I put all my body weight on his arm trying to bend forward to tip Rex over, and when that doesn’t work I kick my legs out, striking him harshly over and over again. Rexs’ grunts of pain prove I’m hurting him, but I’m still not moving him or lessening his resolve. My heart is close to exploding; each breath is harder to take. My vision begins to blur, but I can still see. I’m watching as death comes straight for me. “I beg you, Rex, beg you!” My voice becomes hysterical. “Don’t do this. Death is forever, there’s no coming back from this.” His hold does not falter at my words; he stays strong like a cement wall.

“You don’t see it now, but I do. Trust me this is for the best.” He’s fucking crazy. I scream. It’s high-pitched, long and unwavering, praying for anyone nearby who might help me, knowing that hope is impossible. I’m breathless, I can’t catch my breath fast enough to keep shouting for help. The train’s brakes activate and the squeal causes my eyes to clench closed for a brief second from the pain in my ears. Unexpectedly, a shriek, laced with so much agony and desperation fills the air. I look to the right and find my family and Brett running down from my car, toward me. Lana stays frozen. Rex twists his head toward her.

“Fuck. I didn’t want Lana to see this. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” Rex grates into my hair. Seeing my family gives me renewed strength, I throw my head back hoping to strike his face or nose. Rex’s fingers dig into my skin firmer than I ever thought humanly possible and I whimper still fighting through the pain. The train is upon us, mere meters away, I glance quickly to my right and watch my family running toward me, my heart shattering that the last thing I’ll see on their faces when I leave this earth is fear and pain. My gaze darts to Brett as he’s sprinting toward me, and I see the shock and desperation as he realizes he’s not

going to get to me in time. I mouth I love you. His eyes widen and even though it should be impossible, I see him move faster, pumping his arms harder and breathing quicker. My heart squeezes and twists. This isn’t what I wanted for him or for me. I wanted my end to be different from my beginning. Less violent, more love. I hear an anguished moan come from Rex. Wetness hits my shoulder. “My head hurts, Dell. I’ve done a lot of bad, but hurting you was never something I wanted to do. I’m sorry I dragged you down with me.” Rex’s sincere tone and sudden honest words come too late. The heat burns my skin, so much so that my eyes widen

from the pain and screams rip from my dry throat. Rex twists my shoulders to brace for the hit. The first crack of pain I feel from the impact is in my wrist as it shatters, along with my life.

Chapter One Mackson King and Lana Scavello A map of their beginning and disastrous end. Year 2003 Mackson - Sixteen Years Old Lana - Fifteen Years Old Lana Embarrassed. Mortified. I race out of my house, my father’s yells echo through the back door, his words spear my back like sharp arrows. Racing through my side gate and out onto the road, I look left and right, desperate for a way out. I hate this place.

My dad isn’t what you’d ever describe as father of the year, he’s not even close. I’m pretty sure he hates me. He always says I look too much like my mother. I have her white blonde hair and dark brown eyes. My father stares into them sometimes, lost, more adrift than his usual absent glare. My father has never looked upon me before and actually seen his daughter. My mother is all he sees and he doesn’t bother to think past her or the fact that she left him, us. I’m the one who’s paid the penance for her not sticking around. I peer up the dead-end street and into a field, it’s filled with nothingness, just like this town. I imagine one day driving straight out of here and never turning

back. Not having to live with a parent who doesn’t want me or regrets having to feed me. I wish I had the strength inside myself to keep walking. But what would I do for food and shelter, how would I survive? You little bitch. Always thinking you’re the best, the prettiest, and the smartest. You’re none of those things. I take a step onto the road and start walking to the field, my father’s cruel words driving me farther away. And the funny thing is, I don’t believe I am pretty or smart, so I don’t flaunt myself the way my father says I do. I’m the exact opposite. I hate being looked at, and I don’t have any funny comebacks or cool remarks. I’m nothing special and

even if I thought I could be, my father has made damn sure that spark would never light to a fierce fire. I’m pretty sure my spark is broken, just like me. Rain begins to sprinkle down over me. I lift my hands. Story of my life, everything always gets worse. The cold distracts my thoughts, but then I lick my lips and taste the salt from my tears, not even the rain can hide my pain. Heavy, wet pounding footsteps come from behind me and I glance over my shoulder to find Mackson running toward me. I face forward again, lowering my chin and closing my eyes tight. Mack has heard it all before, this isn’t

the first time my father has put me in my place with other people around. Embarrassed me in front of the boy I secretly crush on. Sensing Mack stop at my back, I can hear his heavy breaths along with the pounding rain on the cement road. If it weren’t for the strange crackling energy that’s always present when I’m near him, I wouldn’t think Mack was still standing behind me. However, I know he is and I’m afraid to turn around, to see the pity in his eyes. Does he believe my father’s words? Has he already seen how worthless I am? Someone who runs away when things get hard, just like my mother. “Lana.”

I clench my eyes closed when I hear the sympathy in his voice. I don’t want Mackson to feel sorry for me. I don’t need to see the pain in my heart written on someone else’s face. Pressing my lips together firmly, I shake my head. Fisting my hands, I continue to walk straight ahead. I can’t bear to turn around and see Mackson—a boy who lives on the streets, who has to steal to eat, a boy who has nothing— look at me with pity. I don’t deserve it. I have everything; a home, a brother who somewhat takes care of me, and a father who may not like me, but does feed me. I go to school and I have good clothes. I’m being selfish and I don’t want Mack to see me this way. Self-centered and

wishing away what I’m sure he would kill to have. I sense footsteps behind me. My heart begins to thump wildly. He’s following me? All of a sudden a wet, cold hand grasps my arm and I’m spun around. My eyes find Mack’s and there it is, the pain he feels for me, the pain I don’t deserve. God, my father is right. I only ever think about myself. “I’m fine, Mack. What are you doing out here? Go inside, I’m just being stupid.” “Stop that,” he admonishes. “You’re not stupid. Your father is an asshole and I came out here to tell you he’s wrong. You are pretty… the most beautiful girl inside and out.” My breath whooshes out

of me from his words. “I see you Lana, who you really are. You take good care of your brother and father. You cook and clean and your smile, if only you could see the people around you when you smile. The guys, your brother’s friends, all of them stare at you especially when you smile. You laugh at lame jokes and you listen, you truly listen when people talk to you. Your father is wrong about you. You’re one of a kind, not just a pretty girl, but a good person too. You’re going to get out of here and fly away, just like a dove. Because you deserve better.” Mack peers downward at his shoes and then back up to me. He pushes his wet hair out of his eyes and runs his

hand through his hair. His eyes pierce mine, telling me something, but I’m unsure exactly what it is. “Don’t let him win, Lana. Take it from me. Other peoples’ sins don’t have to be your downfall.” Breathing becomes impossible, each inhale a struggle as I try to hold back my emotions. If I exhale, I fear I’ll crumble and show how badly broken I am to the boy of my dreams. I always fantasize that Mackson King will ask me out, to the park, a walk maybe. But this is something else entirely. He’s observing me, truly looking at me and seeing who I am. Who I always wanted to be, who I constantly felt I was but kept questioning, kept

wondering if it was my vision which was distorted and not my father’s. Before I can even fathom a reply Mack turns around and walks back toward my house, but he doesn’t turn into my yard, he keeps going and I stand here staring at his back until he disappears into the dark of the night. With the rain easing, I look up into the night sky and search out into the vast universe feeling my lips tip up into a smile. My heart feels lighter and suddenly my future looks a little bit brighter.

2004

Playing basketball with the guys today, my hand touched Mackson’s, twice. The first time he was surprised and quickly moved it. The second time he held it still a moment longer than he needed to. My heart thumped wildly, and for the first time ever, I thought it would jump right out of my chest.

2005 I kneel beside my house, threading the chain through my bike, locking it up for the day. Hearing leaves crunching behind me, I glance over my shoulder to see Mack walking over to me, his head down, hands in his pockets.

I adore his presence. He’s not like the other guys who hang around my brother; they’re always loud and bossy. Mack is quiet, yet when he speaks everyone stops and listens to him. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t try too hard to get noticed because it’s natural for him. I lock my chain and stand to turn toward Mack. He stops close and looks up at me quickly before glancing away and inquiring, “I heard Corey asked you out?” My heart stutters and I try hard to mask the evidence of my surprise and joy. He’s interested about a boy who asked me out?

“Yes,” I cough after my one-word answer, trying to give myself time to come up with something better. “Yep, he sure did.” Mack’s eyes meet mine, but this time they stay fixed on me. “What are you gonna say?” He wants to know what I’m going to say? I say nothing for a long moment thinking over the reasons why Mackson wants to know what my answer to Corey will be. Does he want me to say no, so he can ask me out? Is he only curious? When enough time passes, I know I need to say something so, I decide to just be honest. “I’m going to say no. I don’t like

Corey that way.” Please ask me out, please. Mack nods his head slowly, glances around the yard awkwardly and then says, “Well, I gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I release a heavy sigh and my shoulders slump in disappointment. Mackson walks off quickly, out of my yard and onto the road toward Portland, toward one of his homes. I’m not sure which one they’re in at the moment. I’ve heard it’s either boxes in a park or abandoned houses and factories. Rex won’t let me go with him when he visits them; he says it’s dangerous, that there are too many other homeless people who are bad. So instead, I’m left at home

with a father who berates me every chance he gets, but at least, he’s the kind of bad I know I can handle.

2008 I run into my house, tears cascading down my cheeks. I hiccup as I pass my father getting a drink from the fridge. Slamming my bedroom door closed, I throw my college bag down on the ground. A burst of air hits the back of my neck as my bedroom door suddenly swings open. “Don’t you fucking dare slam the doors in my house! You got that, Lana?” my father grates out in an angry drunken

slur. I don’t answer him. I wait to see if his stare flickers over my red-rimmed eyes or the sadness still falling down his daughter’s face. “Just because you’re a lazy bitch who thinks reading at college is better than actual real work. I had to fucking work hard for this house, so don’t think you can come in here and slam my goddamn fucking doors.” I nod. Knowing any indication that I heard him will have him leaving my presence. Growing up with my dad, I can understand why my mother left. What I can’t fathom is why she didn’t take her children with her. My dad shreds my

confidence day in and day out, but I hate my mother more. He turns his back on me, grumbles something and walks down the hall. The next sound I hear is the front door slamming closed and his Ford pickup start and screech down the road. Please hit a tree. I wipe the thought from my mind, desperate to forget that I’ve wished for my father’s death. I hear the familiar sound of the front door opening and know it’s the person I was just running from. I close my bedroom door quickly and lean on it with all my strength. He’ll come barreling through here at any moment. As I place my feet against the leg of my bed, my door handle rattles and the door

opens slightly and then slams closed quickly with the weight of my body “Lana, open the damn door,” my brother demands. If my father were home now, he’d ignore all this. He knows exactly when to catch me on my own to throw his hateful words. “Get lost, Rex,” I say through the door. Suddenly the door opens again and slams closed. Repeatedly, my brother pushes while I desperately try to seal it shut. Nevertheless, I’m not strong enough when my bed begins to slide along the carpet. I growl in frustration and let the door go and Rex rushes in with another giant push.

I turn with my feet apart and hands clenched. “Why can’t you and everyone else just leave me alone and stay out of my personal life?” I ask in a frustrated tone. “He deserved that beating, Lana. Mack saw him Saturday night at a party with another chick. He was making out with her in front of everyone, disrespecting you.” I groan. “I know, Rex. Mack came and told me yesterday. I already talked to Brad. He said it was a mistake, he apologized and said it wouldn’t ever happen again.” Rex steps back as if I hit him. I know why, respect. It’s everything to him, to all the guys. It’s like their bible, their

code, it’s going to send them all to jail one day. “You fucking believe the slimy cunt wouldn’t do that to you again? Lana, once a cheater always a cheater, fucking trust me. I know how guys’ minds work. I’m not asking, I’m telling you to stay the fuck away from him or he’s gonna get worse next time.” And with that, Rex leaves the room, like the hand of God just laid down the rules. I’ve been given my orders and they aren’t to be taken lightly. Rex, Corey, and Kodi are now the Parkland Poison Boys and they’re called that for a reason. They aren’t kids anymore. Currently, they’re Parkland’s most feared gang. I don’t know what

they’re into, but I know it’s bad and I know they all take it very seriously. I hear about break-ins, fights, and my friends talk about seeing them run through their backyards right before the police come knocking, asking if they’ve seen any young men around the streets. There’s a tap on my window and I jump from fright, too lost in my own thoughts. It’s Mackson. I want to open my window just to slam it back down in his face. He flicks his head to the left asking me to come outside. My legs move before I give them permission to. My heart overriding my mind, going to the one man who’s owned it all along. I stop at the back screen door and wipe my face clean of tears, hoping no

trace of my sadness is left behind. Stepping through the screen door, I walk down the cement path toward the fence where Mackson is leaning, waiting for me. The screen creaks shut behind me and the sun's summer heat warms my skin. Mackson begins rubbing at the back of his neck apprehensively. I stop about a meter away from him, folding my arms over my chest, not wanting to get too close. I’m not sure if it’s because I might slap him or because I don’t like the way my body reacts when I’m near him. When I know he’ll never be mine because over the years he’s had hundreds of chances to make me his. But he’s never made a move, only continued

to treat me as a friend. “What do you want, Mackson? If you’re here to say you’re sorry for telling Rex exactly what I asked you not to, get it over and done with and then I don’t want to talk to you ever again.” My tone is accusing and cold. “I knew you’d be angry and I’m good with that,” Mack replies in a calm, husky tone. I swear his voice gets deeper every year, a sound I grow more addicted to every time I hear it. Today will not be one of those days. My eyes narrow and I straighten my arms out, clenching my fists in irritation, ready to give Mackson a serving, but before I can spit out my first word he beats me to it.

“You won’t stick up for yourself, Lana, then I’ll do it for you. And I’ll tell whoever the fuck I have to in order to make it happen.” My mouth falls open, making me look like a fool, but I have no idea what to say at this point. My throat closes up as my frustration builds, but I push the emotion back because Mackson’s right. I wanted to scream at Brad. I wanted to hit him and tell him we’re over. However, the pressure on my chest was too great, as I sensed myself building to fight, I held back and it makes me feel ill. Years of lowering my eyes to the ground and listening to my father’s venomous words have really fucked me

up. Now all the damn men in my life keep walking all over me. It makes me want to run, race as fast as I can in the other direction, because staying and fighting isn’t my style. How does a woman who’s still very much a child at heart, find the courage to take a power that I never had to begin with? My eyes lower automatically and I frown. Warm fingers lift my chin and my glassy eyes meet Mackson’s sad ones. “I never thought I’d be someone who made you sad, Dove.” My heart stutters at the nickname Mack only uses when we’re alone. “Still, I’m not sorry it’s over between you and Brad, assholes aren’t

your future, Lana.” “My father would say otherwise,” I whisper bitterly and pull my face from Mackson’s grasp. “Your father is a fool,” Mack growls angrily, his eyes piercing daggers toward my house. “Mack,” I call his name and my voice cracks at the end. His furious gaze swings to me and the fire in his eyes melts away. “How is it out of everyone in my life, you’re the only one who chooses to look beyond the surface? Who thinks I’m better than what I am?” Mack steps forward with his eyes piercing mine. He places his soft, warm hands against my cheeks. “I don’t

choose. I’ve only ever seen what’s true.” We stand in silence for a moment before unexpectedly, Mack’s large, calloused hands moves from my face to the back of my neck. His body presses up against mine. My forehead furrows as my eyes search his. And then suddenly, I feel his warm lips on mine. I inhale sharply, taken completely by surprise. Our breaths mingle and my heart flutters to new heights. Mackson’s kiss is gentle, opposite to what I expected from a man like him. His reputation tells a grisly tale that if you were to cross him or his family, you’d be lucky to come out alive. Even so, his hands and mouth hold me as

if I’m significant, someone worth handling with care.

2010 Mackson “Can I tell you something?” I say to Lana, staring up at the ceiling while lying on her bed, not sure how to look at her when I say this. Feelings, moments like this, I don’t handle them very well, not when I know they're coming anyway. “Of course,” she answers in a lazy voice, her head resting on my shoulder. My arm is wrapped around her waist holding her tight while her arm stretches

across my bare chest and her naked body is pressed up against mine. Heaven. “I saw something when I was a kid, in a magazine that I found in a dumpster where we were looking for food. The cover and back were ripped off, so I’m not sure what magazine it was or what the story was about, I couldn’t read then, but the couple looked at each other as if they would die for the other. The man was in an Army uniform and the woman in a pretty dress. They both showed off their tattoos, the woman had a key on the back of her neck and the man a lock on the top of his arm. “That sounds beautiful,” Lana murmurs. “I want that one day,” I admit quietly.

Her head shifts on my shoulder to look up at me, “Well, since you and your brothers aren’t hurting for money and you’re twenty-one, Mack, there’s nothing stopping you from getting a tattoo.” A short chuckle escapes my mouth quickly. Lana raises her upper body until we’re looking into each other’s eyes. “What?” “I’m getting tattoos, Dove. I got plans for a whole sleeve on my left arm, but what I meant was I want that kind of relationship with a woman, one where we make a life-long commitment to each other. And I’m not talking about a bullshit marriage with a piece of paper that can easily be torn up and deleted as

if it never happened. I mean ink, something engraved in us forever, that we will be buried with.” We stare at each other for a moment and I see a lot happening behind Lana’s beautiful eyes. My hope is that she’ll tell me to go to Hell for talking about a ‘supposed’ woman while I’m lying in her bed and she’s naked next to me. I want her to tell me that she’ll bitch-slap any other female who tries to take me from her. But I’m probably not being fair to her. I know my Dove doesn’t compete, or fight for what she wants. Right now anyway, but I’ll change that. Her father has messed her up too much. The asshole can’t distinguish

between the wife who took off and his daughter who lost her mother when she was eleven. Ever since I’ve been around, Jae Scavello has told his daughter what a disappointment she is because she looks considerably like her mother. That she too will let down those who love her because of her selfishness. The man needs fucking glasses because Lana bends over backward for her father and brother—they snap their fingers and she’s there for them. My brothers and I have watched this happen since we met the Scavellos. Not so much in the last few years, as Rex has gotten older and started pulling his father into line when he gets out of hand with Lana. Although the nasty words hang in

the air and the backhanded remarks still happen daily. I’m not sure what a father is supposed to be like, but seeing how Jae treats Lana, I don’t think I’m missing out on much. Lana lies back down, placing her head back on my shoulder, her arm across my chest. “You will have that one day Mack, you’re a good man.” Her voice is distant, but I hear the sincerity in it, that finding a good woman and being happy is truly what Lana wants for me. I rub at an ache in my chest. I’m partly to blame for her not realizing she’s the one I want in my future. We’ve kept our close relationship a secret for

too long, years in fact. Initially, it started with flirting, secret hand holding and stolen kisses, and next sex, first fucking and then something deeper, something so natural that I didn’t even realize it was happening. It snuck up on me one day when instead of ripping Lana’s clothes off I wanted to go slow, I wanted to cherish every moment and inch of her body. I’d fallen in love with my Dove and I’d been too much of a coward to ask her if she felt the same, until today. I turn on my side, lower my eyes and lift Lana’s chin until her stare meets mine. I search her features for sadness or rebellion. I’d love her to fight for us, but my Dove has been beaten down too

many times. And it’s my job to make her realize I’m not going anywhere, that who she is is exactly what I want. She’s enough. “You’re that woman, Lana.” Her eyes widen and her lips part. I can’t even smile at her reaction because it shows how far we have to go until she learns how worthy she really is. “I want that tattoo with you. I want everyone to know we’re together and have been for a while. I want to get you out of here and far away from your shitty father. Obviously, not straight away, we’ll plan it out, take it slow at first. I’ll need to talk to Rex and let him know my intentions are good. But soon, Dove, I

want you living with me, somewhere with people who are going to treat you good and with respect.” Lana’s shock is gone and is replaced with glassy eyes and a slight frown. “You want that tattoo with me?” This time, I smile. “Yes, Lana. I want you to get the key to my lock. I want that and so much more with you.” Lana stares off into the distance, biting her bottom lip. The doubts racing through her mind, they may only be in her head, but they’re as loud as screams to me. Lana likes to think she shuts down, that she throws up a wall and no one can see past it, but really she’s the most innocent person I’ve ever met. Sadness,

pain, rejection, I’ve seen each emotion on her beautiful brokenhearted face. She would call herself weak and it’s definitely how she acts, never talking back or voicing her pain, but to go through all of that silently. That’s real strength and I hope she realizes that one day. “I’m not sure, Mack. Maybe we should keep it a secret a bit longer, make sure you really do want this with me. I don’t know if I’m even built for a relationship… for more.” Lana stares into my eyes and I see longing there. She wants this. However, she’s scared it may not go the way she wants it to. That she’ll get hurt. I roll Lana to her back and pin her

down with my heavy body. “I see you, Dove,” I say with a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “I see the woman who would rather play a game of pool with the guys than watch girly singing television shows. The girl who cooks, cleans and would do anything for her family. I see the Lana, who laughs at her brother’s lame jokes because no one else does. I know you feed the stray cats even though your dad keeps telling you to stop. Lana, you care deeply about everyone, even those who don’t deserve it. That’s who you are, who I want in my life… forever. I don’t care what your father says or who your momma was because all I see is Lana.” She relaxes underneath me and nods.

Her frown lines twisting into a beautiful smile. “I want more too, Mack. I have for a long while now. I just wasn’t sure if you wanted me the same way.” “No more doubts, Lana. This is happening.” Lana gives me a genuine smile, one which finally reaches her eyes. I don’t smile because I can’t hold myself back any longer. I take her mouth and devour it. Tasting the same sweetness and feeling the identical warmth that spreads through my body every time I kiss her. When we pull apart, breathless, Lana holds me tighter, with a strength I didn’t realize she possessed, then my girl whispers, “Thank you for seeing me.”

***

“Tomorrow,” Mack repeats gravelly as he strips off my clothes. It’s been five weeks since Mack and I opened up to each other and decided to finally come out as a couple to my family and his. We decided tomorrow would be the day we both talk to Rex and then to my father. Mack is going to tell his brothers tonight. He’s not worried about his brothers at all, but I’m worried about my family. Rex might lose it for a bit. Nevertheless, I know he’ll come around, eventually, he loves the Kings. They’re

like brothers to him now. My dad, on the other hand, I have no idea what his response will be. It could range from thanking Mack for taking me away or telling Mack what a big mistake he’s making. “Lana…” my eyes swing to Mack at hearing his voice, “…it’s going to be okay.” “I know,” I reply. I believe no matter what my father says, Mack won’t leave me. “I’m just nervous, but more excited. I can’t wait to finally be able to hold your hand in public, show all those skanks at T.K.’s that you’re taken.” Mack grins, fists the back of his shirt and rips it off. “Hold my hand? I can think of better ways to show the dicks

who stare at you for way too fucking long that you’re mine.” I burst out laughing. “You’re crazy. Nobody stares at me, Mack.” Mack shakes his head. “Another reason why I love you, Dove. You have no fucking idea how beautiful you are.” I sense my face heating up, so I pull Mack downward before he can see me turn red. “Get down here before I turn into a puddle of goo.” I’m pretty sure I’m too late when he starts laughing and kisses both my cheeks. His lips travel down my neck to my naked breasts. I grasp Mack’s hair with my right hand and the bed sheets with my other. I lift and bend my knees as electricity shoots all over my body,

signaling what’s to come. Abruptly Mackson’s cell phone begins to ring. Mack tenses for a moment but doesn’t stop. While the phone continues to ring, Mack curls his tongue around my nipple and sucks gently. I whimper, loving the sensations he sends through my body. The ringing stops and then starts again almost instantly. Mack and I sigh at the same time, knowing he has to answer it. Mack has a rule with his brothers, if they call back straight away then they have to pick up the call since it usually means it’s urgent. “Christ.” Mack’s voice is thick and rough. He lifts his body off mine and reaches

to the dresser next to my bed, peers at the screen and then swipes quickly to answer. “Yeah.” Mack hops off the bed. “Whoa. Slow down, Kelso…” Mack pauses listens to his brother and then replies, “Okay, I’m on my way now. Be there in ten.” Mack hangs up and then grabs his shirt off the ground and shoves it over his head. “Is everything okay?” Mack looks around for his car keys and answers, “Something’s going on, he’s freaked. Slater wants us all home straight away.” I jump off my bed and throw on some clean panties and a long T-shirt. “Okay then, so I’ll see you tomorrow?” “Yep, tomorrow,” Mack says

distractedly putting on one boot and looking around my room for the other one. Quickly I find his brown leather boot covered in grease stains peeking out from under my bed. I grab it and hand it to Mack. He sees it, looks to me, and when usually he’d give me a cheeky grin he smiles awkwardly. My chest constricts slightly feeling as if something’s wrong between us, but I push those feelings aside knowing he’s just worried about his family. They aren’t your average brothers and sisters. Having grown up together in a place of nightmares, everything with them is just more; tougher bonds, stronger love, fiercer will to look after each other. Mack stands, walks to me and kisses

my forehead. Not my lips, like he usually would. No, Lana stop it. He loves you. If there was a problem, he’d tell you. My insecurities get the better of me and I quickly wrap my arms around his middle and squeeze tightly. Heaviness hits my chest, a weight that scares me because I know it’s love. It’s also trust, loyalty, and commitment, that’s what I offer this man and I’m terrified of how hard I’ve fallen. I look up and catch Mack quickly glancing at the window with a furrowed brow. “Go. Call me later.” He gives me another strained smile, kisses my hair and then he’s off,

climbing through my window, and running down the side of my house to his car which is hidden in an alley a few streets over. I chuck on some jeans, head out to the kitchen and check the time, it’s three p.m., plenty of time for me to start dinner and get to my shift at the liquor store at five. I decide on steak hamburgers for dinner. So I pull out the meat and set it on the bench to defrost. Then place the bread rolls on a plate to the side for now turning to begin slicing up the salad. An hour passes and I’m checking on the meat patties when I hear the front screen door squeak open. I glance up and wait to see who it is;

it could be Rex or Dad. They both finish at the garage around the same time. I pray silently to myself that it’s Rex. I could use a quiet afternoon before work, no snide comments from my father of how my cooking needs improving or how our house isn’t ever clean enough. It’s Rex who turns the corner and into the kitchen. The moment I see his wisps of blond hair and tattooed arms my body relaxes, but only for a second. His dark blue shirt and arms are covered in blood. He’s been shot. Fear grips my heart. I race to him and place my hands over his chest and stomach looking for the wound, but I find nothing. Looking at

Rex, I see him staring down at me. His eyes are glassy and his skin is pale. “What the hell is going on, Rex,” I demand in a shaky voice. “He’s dead, Lana. Dad’s dead.” I inhale, but my body refuses to exhale, refuses to release or allow any more air into my lungs. My head shakes back and forth. It’s all I can manage, any words or questions are stuck in my throat. Abruptly, Rex grasps my forearms with his red-stained hands and I watch as my father’s blood is smeared onto my skin. “He’s dead, Lana,” Rex repeats. His fingers dig into my arms, so deep it begins to sting, but I say nothing. I don’t move. “He’s dead and it was the fucking

Kings.” At his booming words, my head swings from my arms to Rex’s face, with a speed that should have hurt my neck. “It was the Kings that killed him. Slater fucking King.” Rex’s tone is so full of hate and rage that I barely recognize his voice. My tears finally fall and suddenly my knees can’t hold me up a second longer. My brother and I sink to the floor together. Rex still holding onto me tightly, as if trying to fuse himself to my body as if I’m somehow giving him strength or he’s hoping I can. Rex breaks down. His painful cries tear my heart apart. His howls aren’t silent or controlled, they’re pure agony to hear.

I try to say something, but instead of words, a sob escapes. Staring down at the blood on my arms. I cry because my brother is in so much pain. I have tears because people we trusted and brought into our home have betrayed us. I’m heartbroken because the man I love had a part in ripping my family apart, but mostly I’m shattered from guilt because I can’t find it within myself to truly care that my father is dead.

Chapter Two Present Day Mackson “Get your hands off me, Mack,” Lana seethes and yanks her arm out of my grasp. She peers around Della’s room, my guess looking for an exit, but she won’t find one. Only a window and a long fall to the ground. Slater wants Lana here for the next seven days, so this is where she’s going to stay. Hopefully, Rex comes to his senses and values his sister’s life more than his revenge and he agrees to Slater’s terms of ending this war once and for all.

I stare down at Lana with potent hatred and extreme need. My fingers itch to get lost between her white, soft strands of hair and my body begs me to skim against hers, desperate to feel the heat of her skin… it’s been a long time. She meets my stare, and for a moment, it’s as if taking a step back in time. “Hey, Dove.” The words leave my mouth before I can catch them and the soft, sweet tone betrays my true hatred for her. Anyone else would have missed the sharp inhale and a quick flash of shock which crosses her features. But not me, not the man who watched her so often as a boy, then a youth becoming a man, and

falling in love with the wrong girl. When I originally met Lana, the instant I saw her she reminded me of a dove. First because of her white, shiny hair and second, she looked too good for this place. If anyone was going to leave Portland and have a better life it was going to be her, or so I thought it would be. Apparently I was mistaken. My eyes trail down her curvy frame. Five years and Lana hasn’t changed much at all. Her normally pale skin now lightly tanned, but her five-foot height still only reaches my nose. Her body continues to torment me with a pair of denim shorts, cupping her firm ass and leading down to a pair of sexy legs. My eyes roam over her green top and land

on a gorgeous swell of tits. Lana takes a step back suddenly, and the movement forces my stare to shift from her chest to her chocolate brown eyes, which used to hold my salvation. If it was possible, I’m sure her eyes would be spitting sparks from the fury vibrating around her. “Don’t call me that.” Her voice is timid and breathless as if the wind was knocked out her. “Never again, Mackson. That time in our lives is over and done with.” Lana’s voice shocks me with the sudden fierceness in her tone. I might have even felt hurt if I hadn’t been so surprised by her display of strength and confidence. It appears Lana has changed. The Lana I used to know

was full of hesitation, she’d sooner turn her back on someone and stew on the problems than face the person head on. And she definitely never had a tone which went that low and angry. Why do I care? I don’t. However, her new defiance and show of courage sends a surprise jolt to my cock. Jesus. I need to get the fuck away from her as soon as possible or I’m going do something I will regret, something my shredded heart will hate me for later. My stare turns cold making sure she understands exactly how I feel about her and then I leave the room without a word. Not knowing where the hell Slater

wants me to put Lana, I leave the woman from my past in Della’s room and slam the door. I lean against the wall, struggling to get my breathing under control. Lifting my right hand I place it over my chest, my heart jackhammering against my ribs, each thump a betrayal, my own body working against me. I bend down and rest my hands on my thighs, breathing in and out slowly. “Fuck.” I shake my head, unable to believe after five fucking years she still affects me this way. Lana Scavello still owns my fucking heart, and that fact alone makes me hate her even more. I stand up straight having finally calmed down. I gotta get out of here for a while. As soon as Slater gets back,

I’m gone. Pacer comes running upstairs with one of the dining room chairs. I stand back while he secures the top of the chair under the door handle, making it impossible for the handle to be turned. Pacer begins to speak, but I put a finger to my lips to silence him. I want to see if Lana will go for the door handle when she thinks we’ve gone downstairs or if she will be a good captive and sit down and wait her time out. Lana from five years ago was full of doubts, she’d go inside of herself for hours thinking and stewing over everything before coming to a decision. At the same time our heads whip around to the door when we hear our

sister’s bedroom window being opened and a loud splintering sound. No, she wouldn’t? Both Pacer and I furiously start pulling the chair from the door when we hear the distinct sound of the fly screen window bouncing down the roof and off the ledge. Christ. “Lana, don’t you dare climb out that window,” I shout. My heart threatens to explode with thoughts of her walking across our roof and possibly jumping. No, she wouldn’t jump. Not the Lana I remember. “Screw you, Mack,” she yells back. My lips tip up and my mouth itches to call back that I already have, but then a frown crosses my features as I remember

where that screwing got me—a broken heart. We finally get the door open and my eyes find two legs hanging inside the window. “Shit,” my older brother whispers beside me. I jump into action and grab Lana’s ankle just as it’s about to disappear out the window. Lana screams and starts kicking her leg around crazily. “Lana, get the hell back in here before you fall and fucking kill yourself,” I growl. Lana stills for a split second and then her sandaled foot kicks straight into my dick and I grunt in pain, bending trying to

catch my breath from the surprise hit. Pacer grimaces and laughs at the same time. “Bitch,” I whisper. “I heard that, Mackson,” Lana yells. “Don’t fucking kick me then. Jesus, Lana, you got thick wedges on those shoes, it’s not a fucking walk in the park having one of them shoved into my goddamned dick.” Lana is using a lot of strength trying to pull her leg from me and she has her other foot on the roof on an incline. She must have hold of something, probably the bars that sit on top of the windows that are bolted to the roof. “Pacer, grab her other foot and pull it in.”

Hearing my words, Lana begins to kick her leg outwards in all different directions and then something catches my eye on her thigh just above where her denim shorts sit. It’s a tattoo… a tattoo of a key. Without thinking, I drop her leg, and Lana squeals loudly and Pacer curses while quickly stretching out his arms ready to catch her. I take a step back from the window. Memories assaulting me, sending me back to a time that I desperately don’t want to be dragged back to. “I want you to get a key to my lock. I want that and so much more with you.” There’s a loud grunt and I blink, my eyes clearing the fog I’ve gotten lost in.

Pacer is still struggling with Lana’s legs, trying to get her back inside the house. Not even thinking I stalk toward the window and climb up onto the ledge. “Let Lana’s legs go, I’m going up to get her,” I explain to Pacer on my way out the window. “Thank fuck,” my brother replies as he carefully places her feet on the ledge. I grab the edge of the window on the outside and pull my body up to standing. First, I’m hit with a warm breeze and next an icy stare from a breathless and flushed Lana. “Mackson, let me go or I’m climbing down this roof and if that ends in me with a broken leg or arm then so be it. I refuse to be a pawn in Rex and Slater’s

stupid games.” She reaches down, unstraps her sandals and throws her shoes off the roof. I don’t give a fuck about her words or her shoes. I need an answer and I need it now. I take one hand from the window and grasp the top of her arm. I know my grip is tighter than I would normally use on a woman. And that’s confirmed when Lana’s head swings to me, and for the first time I see real fear in her eyes, panic that I may hurt her. “You got my key,” I accuse in a harsh tone. Her eyebrows squish together and she frowns. “Your key?” “Tattoo,” I growl.

Lana’s whole body visually tenses. She quickly glances down to her leg and then back up to me. “Yeah, I saw it, and now I want to know why the fuck you got my tattoo on your body.” “It’s not what you think.” Her words are rushed and her voice is soft. The first sign of the Lana I used to know, the anxiety in her tone throws my mood off balance and my anger begins to recede. My grip loosens on her arm and I demand, “Get back in the house, Lana. Now.” Lana looks left to right; her hair blowing in the wind. She’s searching for an escape that isn’t there, the only way off this roof is by falling off it.

“Pacer,” I shout, and then quickly, I kick my right foot out and into the back of Lana’s calves. She squeals as her legs are taken out from below her, but it’s enough of a shock that she finally lets go of the metal railing and I’m able to catch and lower her to Pacer. I jump through the window and land easily on my feet, finding Pacer by the closed door and Lana on the other side of the room pacing like a caged animal. I pin Lana with a stare while talking to my brother. “Pacer give us a minute.” “Okay.” He drags out the word and I can feel his stare on me as he leaves. Through the now closed door I hear him say, “This day is getting weirder and

weirder by the fucking hour.” “No games, Lana. I want to know why you have that specific tattoo on your body, and I want to know right fucking now.” “Games Mack? That’s your form of entertainment, not mine.” What the fuck? “You know what that…” I point to her thigh, the tattoo still hidden under her denim shorts “…meant to me. It was meant for the woman I loved, the woman who stood by me, a strong woman.” Lana pales at my words and my chest physically aches from seeing the hurt on her face, knowing it was me who put it there. All these years, all the pain I’ve felt because of her, it’s all coming to the

forefront. I look to the ground and run a hand through my hair while trying to figure out a way to apologize to the woman who shattered my heart, who should be the one saying sorry to me. “I pity the woman who ends up with you, Mackson King,” Lana seethes. And there goes any apology I may have had on the tip of my tongue. “Yes, I got the key tattoo. But I got it as a reminder, so I would never forget that words are cheap, lies are everywhere, and trust is for fools.” Lana lifts up one side of her shorts and shows me the tattoo clearly. It’s beautiful. The bow of the key has an intricate design that flows all the way to the tip, where six cuts are made into

buildings. They appear to be drawn to look like castles and beneath the key in calligraphy are the words, ‘Once Upon A Time.’ “Love is just that… a fairytale. Stories, which came from someone’s imagination and not from our world because it’s not real.” Hearing Lana’s unemotional voice, I force my eyes away from the tattoo and to her face. “You had love, real love and then you fucked it up, Lana. You weren’t strong enough to hold onto it,” I say the last part gently because no matter how much anger I have for her, her insecurities back then weren’t her fault. They were her father’s, but as much as I’d love to

lay all the blame on Jae, he didn’t force Lana into bed with another man. A sarcastic laugh bursts from Lana’s mouth. “Real love? Well, Mack, if you had have told me five years ago that real love was killing my father, disappearing and never coming back, then fuck I would’ve held tight to that love.” “I came back for you,” I reply sharply. How fucking dare she blame me for us falling apart? I’m no goddamned saint, but I’m not the one who decided we were done. Lana’s whole body locks up at my words. “You did not,” she says quickly. “Yeah, I did. Right, when I saw just how weak you were. When you took

Corey fucking Lowe to your bed.” Lana stumbles a few steps and grabs hold of the bed frame. “You came back?”

Chapter Three Lana He came back? It’s strange, a heart I thought dead long ago begins to skip a beat. My mouth dries instantly and suddenly my chest refuses to inhale or exhale. The day my father died was the last time I saw Mackson King. He never called, he at no time wrote, and he never came back. His betrayal was like a knife being twisted in my spine. Slow twists —the first was to gain my attention, the second to get me to care, the third when he had me fall in love with him. And the

last—the most fatal twist of all—was when he had me believing in myself. And now he’s saying he did return, and at the worst possible time too. He’d not answered one of my calls, returned any of my text messages, and Slater had admitted to killing my father. I begged Mack for a reason; I told him I’d understand. All I needed to know was why. An answer to my question, it was something I deserved. It was two months later when Rex finally told me Slater’s reasoning for killing my father. A reason my brother fervently denied could ever be true. I didn’t know what to believe, but I would at no time stand up for my father whether he was innocent or not. He never earned

that right from me. But Mack gave me nothing, not a single word back to give me hope that I hadn’t just been fooled in the worst possible way. I was shattered, my brother broken and promising revenge on the one who killed our father and their entire family, one of those men I loved deeply. It had been three weeks, with no word from Mack, and Corey was just there. Right time, wrong frame of mind. Corey had been there my entire life and he’d cared for me long before I knew it. I never could see past Mackson King. It was a moment of weakness, one of many in my life. It’s taken me close to

five years to build up what my father stripped away from me. I didn’t have confidence instilled in me from birth like my friends. I never had a parent tell me that time passes and hurts would fade. My positive experiences all boiled down to seconds, minutes and hours with Mackson, and he broke my heart into a million pieces. “I knew Jae messed with your mind, but to do that to me? I made promises to you Lana, I gave you all of me, opened up and told you about my past, my nightmares, about my hopes and dreams for what’s to come. A future I wanted with you, and still that wasn’t good enough for you. Three goddamn weeks and you were in bed with another man.

Weak, that’s all you are.” Mack’s words sting, their truths the sharp points digging into my skin. I nod, agreeing with him. His eyes narrow and he closes his mouth tight, no doubt wondering what game I’m playing. After my father had passed, I had a lot to learn and I did it all the hard way. I had to find out who I was without my father putting me down or slamming shut every open door in my path. I had to respect myself before anyone else could. And that took me learning hard lessons about myself, and a lot of stumbling on my part. Real friends, fake friends, bad boyfriends and good guys, who I just couldn’t fall for. “I can’t imagine how it must’ve felt to

walk in on that, Mack.” My voice trembles as I imagine the reverse, if I had to see him with another woman. That would have rocked me to the core, destroyed everything inside me. Mack huffs, pain etched into his features. He places his right hand over his heart, his hand curling into a fist, grasping his shirt fiercely. “You have no fucking idea what it took for me to walk away. To not storm into your room, kill Corey and to show you the evidence of how badly you destroyed me that day.” Five years of searching every thought and feeling for who I am, making mistakes and also making right decisions, didn’t lead me to become a walkover anymore. I grew into a

woman, who learned what I do and don’t deserve in this life, and there isn’t much I don’t deserve. I’m a good person who had crappy parents and I’m proud of who I am today, who I’ve become. Those low moments and massive highs of finding myself didn’t lead me to stand here and take shit from Mackson King. In my eyes he’s still the man who left me when my father died, he’s still the man who didn’t have the decency to talk to me. He wants to talk about being destroyed, bring it on. “Was your mobile phone broken?” Mack’s head jerks back at my question. “Did you lose your voice?” This time his eyes narrow as he sees where I’m going with this. “Were your fingers

broken?” Mack’s stance changes as he readies himself to reply. “Were your legs broken?” “I. Came. Back.” He says each word clearly. “Three weeks, Mackson,” I point out bitterly. Mack’s head jolts back and his body stiffens from my sudden burst of anger. In any other moment, I might care about my appearance, knowing my veins are close to popping and my eyes are wide. I must look insane, but my rage is in control now. I will not take all the blame for us falling apart. I had a part, yes, but I’m not completely to blame. “You didn’t have the decency to contact me, to send me a quick text

message to say, ‘Hang in there’ or ‘I’m still here, wait for me.’ You ignored my pain and loss so easily, and then you turned every good memory we had into a painful one. When you disappeared at the lowest point in my life, you turned my love for you into hurt and confusion.” Mack steps back and his face pales. “Yes, I made a stupid decision five years ago to try to get comfort from someone who deserved better than a false moment, and it turns out that mistake had graver consequences than I could have ever imagined. I’m sorry I hurt you, but don’t stand there and put all of this… all we lost… solely on me. That’s not fair.”

“It was three weeks, Lana. Do you know how small of a time frame that is in life? That’s nothing. You didn’t even try to hold onto what we had. That shows me it never held any weight with you, that I was easily replaceable. I want a woman with guts, loyalty, and a strong mind, who will fight through the hard times, not run away.” I sigh. He doesn’t get it. “I should’ve gotten back to you sooner,” Mack replies in a hoarse voice. “Your voicemails, they killed me. Fuck did they kill me. But I got lost in my head, in the bottom of a bottle for longer than I care to admit. I hated Jae so much and the situation. I wasn’t someone to comfort you in the days following his

death, I was someone who wanted to kill him all over again.” “I can understand that, Mack. I don’t want to believe my father was capable of rape. But even me, his own daughter, I knew he had something dark inside him. Nevertheless, I needed you and it would’ve taken as little as an ‘I’m here’ in a text, Mack. I needed something.” Mack lowers himself to the bed and bows his head. “You deserved that. I realized my mistake a long time ago.” Silence fills the room and Mack stays frozen staring down at the ground. Everything about him appears the same as if five years of violence and fear hasn’t ravaged him as I feel it has me. But then again from what I know of his

childhood, the past five years has probably been a walk in the park. As I memorize each new scar on his hands while they flex through his short brown hair, I quietly admit to myself that I still love him. I never stopped. The hate I had built up—to keep him out if we ever crossed paths again—steadily recedes. Never had I imagined he had come back to me, and I’m not prepared to stop the flood of emotions, past and present. Do I want to stop those feelings? Years of wishing he had, and he did. It feels as if a tidal wave is building inside me, a gate opened, a bridge lowered, a yes which was forever a no. I want Mackson King and now I can allow myself to be okay with

that. What should I say? How do I ask him if he wants to rebuild what we thought was lost forever? Mack stands and his stare takes hold of mine. His next words cause everything colorful around me to turn gray, every hopeful thought to fall flat and my heart to cease its skipping beats. “But there’s no going back. I can’t forgive you for being with another man when I considered us together, in love. I need loyalty in my life, Lana, without it I can’t breathe. It’s essential to how I survive in this life.” I don’t speak nor do I move as Mack watches me for one last long moment before he turns and leaves the room,

shutting the door between us. I slowly lower myself to the bed. My body stiff while a painful tightness takes hold of my throat. That’s it then, over before it could begin, again. A little while later I’m staring out the window, sitting on a wooden chair, feet up and knees under my chin when Pacer walks into the room with a sandwich and bottle of water. He explains Slater will be home soon and then there will be a family meeting. He waves his hand around the room and says, “Della has girly shit to do in here until then.” He leaves and I hear the familiar sound of a chair being pushed up under the door handle. I used to play basketball with these

boys, teach them how to write and spell over dinner in my family’s kitchen, and now they’re locking me in a room and stopping me from being able to leave. I sigh and resume staring numbly out the window. I hope the guys got Rex to their doctor for the bullet in his leg. He’s taken them in much worse places before, so I know he’ll be okay, most likely a few days on some crunches and then Rex will chuck them away and limp everywhere painfully in order to not look weak with crunches. I huff out a laugh. Some time later, I hear raised voices and what I think are quite a few heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. I place

the book I was reading onto the desk and stand to face the door, assuming this will be Slater. The door bursts open, but it’s not who I thought it would be. A slender brunette stands in the doorway, her mouth wide and her eyes rapidly blinking as if she’s hoping I’ll disappear with each blink. “Oh my god,” she breathes. Slater walks in past the woman, his eyes on me until he stops between us and looks to the brunette. “I had to make a split-second decision to get my brothers and I out alive.” “Kidnapping,” the woman snaps. “I work for the government, Slater. Pretty sure kidnapping is frowned upon.” She works for the government? What

the hell am I mixed up in? Slater smiles. “Baby. Notorious gang, shootings and illegal car racing. Pretty sure that shit is already frowned upon. Anyway, kidnapping is nothing,” he says in a matter-of-fact voice while casually placing his hands into his jean’s pockets. “Plus…” Slater glances at me and winks “…Lana is an old friend, it’s more like a forced get-together.” The woman blows out a big breath and her eyes meet mine. “I’m Piper.” She smiles and sticks out her hand to me. I take a step back and look to Slater. “She’s with the boys in blue and you’re calling her baby?” “Piper isn’t a cop, she’s a protection

officer for kids,” Slater replies and my eyebrows shoot up. For as long as I’ve known the Kings, they’ve run from and hated Child Protective Services. “It’s a long story,” Slater replies to my surprised expression, and when he does Mack steps into the room and walks to the back wall. Leaning against it, he watches me. My blood boils instantly. Why does he have to be here? He’s made his feelings towards me quite clear. So why the hell is he anywhere near me? When I realize my stare has turned cold and angry, I shift my gaze to Piper and decide to see what kind of woman she is. Not just anybody can be with a street thug. I’ve watched enough women leave

Rex calling him insane and they’ve been right most of the time. “So you’re the one my brother is trying to kill,” I state in a detached voice. Piper's eyes narrow dangerously. “I hate your brother. If I ever meet him, he will not walk away with his balls still attached.” It takes a lot to hold back my grin when Slater bursts out laughing. She’s fiery, and this has to be one of the few times I’ve ever heard Slater laugh. Piper doesn’t take notice of Slater as she decides it’s time to stand her ground. “I thought you might be different from your brother. Actually, I’d heard you were. But it seems we need to get a few

things straight—” “No need,” I interrupt. “I’m nothing like my brother, in that I’m not upset about my father’s death.” Piper gasps as Mack and Slater visibly stiffen. “However, I do love him whether he’s an asshole or not, and while I couldn’t care less if he has balls, I will be the one who has to listen to him bitch about it.” I give her a wink to let her know I’m just messing around and Piper surprises me by understanding and smiling. “Ooh, I like you.” I smile. Piper looks to Slater. “You said she was shy and I’d have to be nice and gentle with her?”

My eyes meet Slater’s curious ones. “Well, it seems a lot has changed in the past five years. Can’t say I’m not happy you finally found your backbone, Lana.” “Slater,” Piper admonishes. “It’s okay, Piper. Slater’s right, back in the day I was pretty pathetic.” Piper frowns and Slater says, “That’s not what I mean.” And Mack growls, “Don’t talk about yourself that way.” I physically feel as if my eyes glaze over with ice as I turn my death stare toward Mack, but say nothing to him. We all stand in silence for a moment before I decide to break it, but not before I notice Piper’s curious eyes darting between Mack and me.

Did he keep us a secret all these years? “Not to burst anyone’s psychotic bubble, but I do know none of you are going to hurt me. I’m not Rex, who believes y’all are the devil incarnate.” Directing my next words to Slater I say, “You took the only family my brother has left. He hated you before for taking just one, how on earth did you think this would help?” Slater places two fingers between his lips and lets out a high-pitched whistle. Within seconds Pacer enters the room, my head twists left to right, noticing I’m suddenly surrounded by Street Kings. Just missing one–Kelso. “Because, Lana…” my eyes find

Slater again “…this is all we had left to try. If this doesn’t work then Rex will leave me with no other choice but to kill him.” My breath catches and my shoulders stiffen. “You can’t,” I declare softly, yet firmly. Slater sighs heavily. “What other choice do I have? Let him hurt Piper, definitely not,” Slater finishes with a growl. Piper moves to Slater and places a hand on his back and it seems to calm him down. My mouth opens and closes foolishly. I’m desperate to fight for my brother’s life, to save him, but I have no words to defend his actions. So many people have already died doing his dirty

work. Their own choice to do so, yes, yet still at his orders. Slater is as protective of Piper as I am of my brother, and it’s not her trying to kill Rex. I bow my head understanding there’s nothing I can say or do to help Rex, I can only pray that he loves me enough to give up this war for my life. “Lana,” Slater calls my name and the soft tone of his voice has my head quickly rising to find a frown marring his face and sadness in his eyes. Glassy irises search mine, for what, I’m not sure. “Will you understand why? Recognize that Rex left us with no other option? And will you tolerate us and let past sins lie?”

Heaviness hits my chest as I realize Slater’s worried I’d come for revenge. Just as Rex has for the past five years. Would I? If he takes Rex from me, then he’s successfully destroyed my whole family. Yet knowing he might doesn’t fill my veins with rage, only grief that I have been unable to save my brother. I couldn’t save myself against my father when he was alive, but I’m determined to keep my big brother with me; to piece together what grief and rage have taken from me. My stare bounces around the room from one person to the next. I’m trying to keep up with my thoughts and understand what I’m about to do. It’s then I notice Mack has moved closer to me—almost

within touching distance—yet I feel no warmth from his skin on mine to comfort me. Focusing back on Slater, I nod and a stray tear escapes. “I will understand and move on with my life. I would leave Louisville far behind.” My words come out strangled and I wipe at my face quickly. Slater lifts his chin in thanks and goes to turn and leave, but I’m not finished. “Wait.” Slater turns back around, his eyes swirling with curiosity. “Until that moment, I need to be with my brother. Separating us, you having me, it’s only going to send him further over the edge. Let me go home and I’ll

talk to him. Really show him how far he’s gone, I’ll beg if need be. He’s already partly seen how bad it’s gotten with Della being hurt, give me the chance to push him a bit further, please.” “We can’t.” It’s Mack who speaks this time. “If we send you back, Rex is going to laugh at us. They all will. We have to stay strong and act as if we will follow through with our threats. Otherwise, Rex is going to assume we’re weak and he will come for us sooner and less prepared. Then he’ll walk directly into his own death.” “Mack’s right,” Pacer adds. “Rex isn’t going to give up this war because his sister begs him to. I’m sure you’ve

already tried that anyway?” Pacer asks with a raised eyebrow, but I stay silent. The thickness in my throat doesn’t allow me to speak right now, to let them know that Rex has ignored my pleading over the past five years. “He’ll refuse you, and you’ll send him to us sooner, and we will be prepared. This way, he has a life he cherishes in his hands, he won’t take that so lightly… we hope,” Pacer finishes on a whisper. Rex, choose the right path, please. I wish I had the confidence in my brother to know, without a doubt, he’d do whatever it took to save my life. “Seven days, Lana,” Slater says gently. “Rex has seven days to save his own life.”

With Slater’s devastating words, they all walk out of the room. Mackson is last. I sense his hesitation, and for a split second, I consider begging him to stay, to hold me and tell me everything will be okay. Instead, I stay silent and he gives me his back as he closes the bedroom door. I walk to the window and stare out into the night sky, and with a jolt of hope shooting through my chest I decide to find a way to save my brother, even if I have to do it from afar.

Chapter Four Lana Sitting at the large table eating French toast, which Pacer made everyone for breakfast, I glance around the kitchen remembering when Della and the guys first moved in here. It had been bare except for a table and a toaster and some cutlery. Now it’s filled with furniture, pictures, bookshelves and many more things that make this house feel like a home. I finish my last slice of toast and take my plate to the sink, placing it on the side, where all the morning’s dishes have piled up. Turning around quickly,

eager to head back up to my holding room, I smack straight into a damp, bare chest. My palms are met with solid, defined abs. I blink once, then twice as I inhale sharply from the wondrous sight in front of me. A large chest covered in beautiful intricate tattoos, all in classic shadings of black, white and gray. Words across a hip, just above a pair of dark sweatpants garner my attention. ‘You don’t know what you’re alive for until you know what you would die for.’ The black calligraphy is wrapped around the word ‘family’ which is shaded in gray. It’s one of the most beautiful tattoos I’ve ever seen. My eyes swiftly rise to identify who

I’m looking at. Mackson. My gaze lands directly on irises the color of soil with speckles of gold throughout them, eyes I memorized over a decade ago and still couldn’t forget, even in my dreams. The carnal intensity swirling in Mack’s stare causes my heart to race and my skin flushes as if the lick of heat from a fire is nearby. My breathing becomes erratic and in an attempt to get a hold of my senses I take a quick step back, except my body is met with the kitchen bench. Mack takes that same step forward, plus a bit extra, and suddenly every inch of his body is pressed up against mine. I exhale in a rush from the shock of intimacy Mack is creating between us.

What is he doing? Do I care about the why? No, I don’t, the touch of his skin and the smell of the soap that’s coming from his freshly showered body is all I can think about right now. My eyes lock with Mack’s. I’m searching for his next move. Should I make it or let him continue to lead? His stare gives nothing away and my hands ache to explore his body, from the tips of my fingers down to my toes, my body tingles with anticipation. Swiftly every tingle and ache dissolves as Mack shoves a piece of French toast into his mouth, steps back, looks at me blankly and then walks out of the kitchen without a word. I glance behind me to see the plate

Pacer filled with toast for us all. Heat rises up my neck and my heart beats rapidly against my chest as embarrassment engulfs me. That asshole. He knew exactly what he was doing. I walk swiftly out of the kitchen, wanting… no, needing a shower to wash away my humiliation. I pass the living room, but don’t look to see who’s in there until I’m halfway up the stairs and I peer into the room and find Piper and Slater talking to Mack. I don’t spare a smile for Piper, who looks my way, all I can bear at the moment is a death stare aimed straight at Mack’s back. Argh. I hate him. After a long cold shower, I rummage

through Della’s drawers and pull out some clean underwear and a pair of black shorts with a matching T-shirt, which has a blue skull on the front. I love the top. I find myself staring out the same window I tried to escape through yesterday. Mack’s words that I would be killed were a bit overdramatic. Yes, a fall from here would hurt like a bitch, but I’d survive. I jump and yelp when the bedroom door flies open, feeling as if I have been caught doing something wrong. It’s Pacer at the door, first staring at me shocked and next he laughs out loud. “Am I really that scary?” He breathes on his hand and then sniffs his hand. “Or is

it my breath?” Mack arrives at my door, fully dressed this time, body tense and eyes darting around wildly, appearing as if he’s ready for battle just as I giggle at Pacer. Pacer pats Mack on the shoulder. “All good brother, it was just me. I should’ve knocked before opening the door.” Mack shrugs stiffly and then leaves just as quickly as he appeared. “If I were a nosey man, I’d ask you what the hell is going on between the two of you, especially after yesterday. But I’m not, so I’ll just say what I came up here for. Are you good with paper?” My forehead furrows and I scrunch my nose. “Am I good with paper?”

“Yeah, you know computers… words on paper? I got a whole lot of paperwork sitting on Della’s desk in the garage, and I can’t figure out what it all is and the phone is ringing off the hook with parts that we’ve ordered and need to be picked up. But I can’t figure where to find it all and Slater’s taken off for a drive with Piper and this shit can’t wait. I know, in the old days, when we knew you, you’d help your dad out in the garage so I just figured you could help me?” I sigh and throw my arm out. “May as well, not much else to do around here. Lead the way.” “Thanks, you’ll be saving our asses on this. Shit’s gone downhill since

Della’s been in the hospital.” A pang of guilt stabs at my chest since it’s my brother who put her there. It doesn’t take me long to find what Pacer needs. Della has kept everything up-todate and their ordering system is the same one we used at my dad’s garage. I write down the details Pacer needs and while handing it to him, he thanks me, but his voice is drowned out by a roaring engine, thundering down the drive past the house. Pacer turns, his eyebrows furrowing, then relaxing when he views the orange Dodge Charger. He twists back to me and shoots me a smile before he takes his mobile and walks across the garage, obviously wanting quiet while he calls the suppliers.

I keep watch as the Dodge stops in the garage parking lot and a man unfolds from the car. The dark blond hair poking out from underneath the backward baseball cap gives away who it is straight away. Kelso shuts the car door and begins walking to the garage. He spots me and winks. I can’t help but smile, the little brat was always the most flirtatious out of the Kings and damn has he grown up. His tight-fitting tank and jeans show how he’s changed from the small, scrawny kid he used to be, to the muscles-in-allthe-right-places and tattoo-covered arms man he is now. My eyes are on Kelso walking toward me when I hear the back screen

door slam closed. However, I don’t have time to look because Kelso picks me up and swings me around in a tight hug. I squeal in surprise but realize I shouldn’t. These guys were never mean or rude to me, they’re some of the kindest people I’ve ever met if you don’t get on their bad side that is. The last few years have changed how we all view each other. But it seems when we come back together, nothing has really changed at all… well, for all except one. Kel places me down, steps back, and sweeps his gaze up and down my body with a mischievous grin. “Slater said you’d changed, babe, but he didn’t say you’d gotten sexier. Who fucking knew it was possible?”

My cheeks stretch into a wide smile and I cross my arms over my chest. “I could say the same to you. Got a few tattoos, hey?” Kelso smirks, stretches one arm out and glances to the artwork across his skin. “Gotta find something to do in this boring-ass town.” Suddenly, his smile dies and his brows rise. He nods toward the house and asks, “They weren’t too hard on you last night?” I shrug, place my hands on my hips and reply in a matter-of-fact voice, “Nothing I can’t handle.” Kelso tips his head to the side, licks his lips and says, “I like this new Lana.” His tone sultry.

I shake my head and laugh. “You haven’t changed a bit, Kelso.” I’m about to tell Kelso to clear off when a deep, gravelly voice says, “For fuck’s sake, get a room you two.” My heart squeezes painfully at Mack’s words. He thinks so little of me. Kelso’s eyes narrow for a moment and then a slow smile builds. He places his palms up in the air. “Sorry brother didn’t realize you’d made a claim.” “He hasn’t.” “I haven’t.” I lower my chin and stare at the ground, wishing the earth would eat me whole. Six days. I can get through them, it’s not like my heart wasn’t ripped to shreds before I arrived. How could I

possibly leave any worse? Heavy footsteps are heard behind me, but not getting closer, they’re moving further away. I peer up to Kelso, who’s standing next to me with a frown. As the screen door squeaks open and closed, quietly this time, Kelso glances to me. “I knew there was history between you two.” Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I press my lips together and peer around the garage. I’m not talking if Mack never has. “He’s changed over the years.” Kelso’s words gain my attention instantly. “Mack is the strongest out of us all. He can move on where some of us have struggled to overcome our past…”

Kelso trails off and I watch as his eyes stare into the distance, seemingly lost for a moment. He recovers and continues, “However, somewhere along the way Mack lost what we all used to envy him for… his ability to be positive and hope for the best and his dreams for the future. He had so many and then one day they were gone. He got up each day, but he never actually lived, not for the future he used to hope for anyway.” I still, unable to move. Kelso’s words unknowing to him, shatter a piece of me, which used to be a part of those hopes and dreams. A fragment of my soul I thought broke a long time ago. “He was just, Lana. Whatever he’s telling you, he’s lying to you and to

himself.” My eyes dart to Kelso. His words cause my breathing to spike and something I haven’t dared to want in a long time, hope for Mack and I. “Oi, Kel, get over here and help me with this fucking ordering shit,” Pacer yells from the other side of the garage, his booming voice jerks me out of my thoughts and forces me to decide. “See you round, babe,” Kel says with a wink. I nod and turn on my heels and head straight for the house. If I ruined Mack and he broke me, then maybe we can put each other back together? I storm into the kitchen and spot a

furious Mack turning from the window to me. Pointing my finger at him, I say, “You’ve got some nerve you know that.” Mack’s eyebrows shoot up and he pushes his own finger into his chest. “Me?” he says in an astonished tone. “Yes, Mackson King… you. How dare you insinuate that I need to get a room with your brother? Don’t disrespect or insult me like that again. You know how Kelso used to be with me, and every girl in a one hundred meter radius,” –I throw my arm out– “, and he clearly hasn’t changed. It’s all in fun, nothing more.” “Hey, I take offense to that,” Kelso announces in the distance.

Mack and I swing our angry gazes to the window and catch Kelso and Pacer watching us with smiles on their faces. “Fuck off,” Mack and I say in unison, both of our tempers dangerously close to snapping completely. The guys throw their heads back with a loud chuckle and return to the garage. Mack’s body tenses and he growls, “Stop flirting with my brothers, Lana, then the next six days are gonna be a hell of a lot easier for the both of us.” Oh, he did not just say that to me. I breathe in, roll my shoulders and relax my body. “Mack, if I were flirting with your brothers then I’d have taken a slow step into their space.” I move toward Mack and his whole frame tenses

instantly and he grimaces. “I’d have angled my body slightly so they could smell my perfume and then lifted my eyes and gazed into theirs while licking my lips, slowly.” My tongue is unhurriedly sliding along my bottom lip when Mack swallows roughly. “And then I’d—” Suddenly, rough hands are on my hips, pulling me into a strong body. My hands fly up to grab hold of Mack’s shoulders, so I don’t fall backward as he sucks my tongue into his mouth and then kisses me deeply. I never have a chance to fight against the need, my body betrays me, kissing him back just as desperately and melting into his embrace. Warmth spreads throughout my

body as Mack’s hard dick digs deliciously into my clit. With as much force as he took me, Mack pushes my body away but still keeps hold of my hips. There’s no smile on his face, only intoxication of the moment, the hot intensity in this eyes, which I’m sure is mirrored in my own. Mack’s chest rises and falls heavily and in a husky voice he says, “Flirt like that with another man in front of me, and you’ll risk his life as well as your own.” My eyes grow wide and I gasp at the possessive words Mack allows to slip out. “You were jealous?” Kelso was right? “What, Dove, don’t think I still find

you attractive? I do. You’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And now with that feisty mouth of yours, my cock aches to be inside you, begging me to shut my damn mouth and tell you everything I need to, to have you one last time.” “Mack,” I murmur, wanting to talk about this. He wants me as much as I crave him. There has to be a way for us to move on from the past. “But I don’t fuck cheaters or selfish bitches.” His words don’t just sting this time, it’s as if his very touch is searing my skin, burning the words into my body like a brand. I push Mack off me. “I hate you,” I

seethe. “No, baby, you hate that you love me.” Mack turns and begins walking out of the kitchen, but before he’s out the door, he lays his final blow. “Feeling’s mutual.”

Chapter Five Lana Under the covers of Della’s blanket, I bring my knees to my chin and curl my body up tight. The heat of the midmorning sun shines through the window and onto the bed, causing a light sheen of sweat on the back of my neck, but I refuse to push the covers off and face the day. Day three, and still no word from Rex. How hard is it to decide to save your sister instead of feeding your revenge? There’s a soft knock on the door. I stay silent hoping whoever it is will go

away. All the guys except Mack have come in this morning trying to rouse me for breakfast. I refused to move or talk. I hate being here, loathe being near Mack, and I won’t go home unless my brother shows me I’m more important than a vendetta. I need Rex to choose me. It seems ridiculous, me wanting my brother to give up on getting justice for our father’s murder, but then no one would ever understand as they haven’t walked my path. However, my brother saw it all. I hope deep down that he sees I’m worth more than my father ever thought I was. I pray my brother doesn’t follow in my father’s footsteps. My body stills at the creak of the bedroom door opening. If it’s Mack this

time, and if he utters a word to me, I may just jump out of this bed and scratch his eyes out with my nails. That’s how explosive I’m feeling today. “Lana,” Piper’s gentle voice causes me to groan out loud. Damn. They sent in the one person I won’t ignore. I push the blanket back and blow out a breath to get the loose hair off my face. “They’re evil.” Piper giggles. “Yes, they are. However, it did take them two hours to figure it out. I enjoyed watching them try to work out how to get a woman out of bed who isn’t their sister.” I smile. “That does make me feel better.” Piper sits on the edge of the bed.

“You do need to get up though, Della wants to see you. So we’re all going to the hospital.” My heart accelerates and my stomach churns. I laugh awkwardly. “What, she wants to grill me for Rex attacking the Kings and blame me for all the terrible things he’s done? I’m really not in the mood to be told off by anyone right now.” “No,” Piper says quickly. “Della doesn’t blame you for what happened to her, no one does.” Clutching my stomach, I’m feeling ill. Seeing the woman my father hurt, witnessing the pain in the eyes of someone who used to be my friend, how can I face her?

“Okay, I’ll get up and dress.” My voice is almost a whisper. Piper stands from the bed. She offers me an understanding nod and a sad smile. I hate that look. “I don’t need you to pity me. I’m a big girl, I’ll get through this day like I have any other.” Growing up I always felt people pitied me more than they liked me. Up until recently, it’s how I thought Mack must have felt. He was sorry for the poor, tormented girl, and he may have seen some of himself in me. But not love or like, not enough for him to come back to me anyway, but he did and he still claims it was love. I do believe him. What man would come back for a girl

when he knows his family killed her father? One who must have wanted to try, through all the odds he wanted to try. And I was weak. But I’m not anymore and I refuse to let Mack torture me for the past mistakes we both made. Piper frowns. “I don’t pity you. That was not my pity face.” She darts to the mirror on the dresser and says, “I can control my pity face. I work with kids, I have to be able to control that look.” She anxiously pulls and pokes at her face and it makes me laugh. A knowing grin appears on Piper’s face. Oooh, she’s good. “Like I said, I work with kids. You might not know this, but I have a stutter.” My eyebrows pinch together. Piper

stutters? “I might appear sad by a situation, but I do not pull the ‘oh poor thing’ face. I’ve seen enough of them to last me a lifetime.” Piper heads for the door, but I want to ask the question that’s on the tip of my tongue before she leaves. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve never heard you stutter, I don’t think so anyway.” “I’ve learned to control it. However, eventually Slater will piss me off or God forbid get hurt and then you’ll hear a whole string of stuttering.” My chest tightens. Piper has been nothing but kind to me since I arrived. My brother tried to kill her and yet she treats me with respect, as an individual,

and she hasn’t once blamed me for my brother’s decisions. It sucks to think people may have treated her differently because of her speech. “Now you’re giving me the look.” “Shit.” Unconsciously my head swings to the mirror and I find a soft expression on my face, one of adoration, not pity. Piper laughs. “You’re great practice. I’m going to have these street kids eating out of my hands soon.” I can’t help but laugh at her words. Damn. I really like her.

***

Walking through the hospital, I’m surrounded by the Kings. Slater’s in the lead holding Piper’s hand. People move out of their way instantly, giving us a wide berth. I can understand why. The Kings’ swagger is one of confidence and danger. They don’t walk somewhere, they forge a determined path and make sure their outward appearance lets everyone know nothing will get in their way. We arrive at a lift and get in. Slater pulls out a keycard, swipes it and presses the button for the top floor. The lift comes to a stop and the doors open. We all step out and I gasp when my eyes find Brett standing near a reception desk. I stop, refusing to go any further, ready

for an all-out brawl when Slater steps forward. But his body doesn’t tense and no punches are thrown. Slater grasps Brett’s palm with his own –their hands in a fist- and they shoulder tap each other, something I know the guys do with only their closest friends. My mind is blown. They’re friends? I thought Brett was an enemy to the Kings, and a messenger they barely tolerated? “She’s good, sitting up and moving around a lot more today,” Brett informs Slater before winking at me; he steps into the lift and presses a button for the doors to close. I turn back around and find all the guys and Piper looking at me with grins on their faces. Pressing my lips tightly together I don’t say a word,

not sure how to take the fact that Rex has a friend who’s indeed working for his enemy. You think you know people. The woman sitting behind the reception desk gains our attention when she gives us all a chirpy, “Hello.” All the guys smile and lift their chins, however, no one stops to talk to her. We follow Slater and Piper up a long corridor and then finally, they stop at room number twenty-one. While my heart beats heavily against my chest, I rub my fingers across my clammy hands and then still my body as Slater and Piper walk through the door and disappear. Kelso, Pacer, and Mackson all stop with me and give me curious looks.

“I’m okay, just need a minute,” I inform them. Kelso and Pacer leave me be, walking into the hospital room. Mackson hasn’t moved. Peeking at him out of the corner of my eye, I find him rubbing the back of his neck and his forehead wrinkling with concern. “Lan–” “Don’t.” My chest rises and falls heavily. “I have nothing left for you. Yesterday you made damn sure of that.” Not wanting to hear Mack’s reply, or be in his presence another second, I propel my body into room twenty-one. My eyes find Della almost instantly. She’s smiling up at her brothers, but

once she sees me come through the door her smile dies. The room falls silent. Della’s eyes gloss over and her chin trembles. The urge to run away is great. I want to get as far away from here as I can. It’s taken me years to stop being one of his victims. Della’s agony is written all over her face, and it’s not something I want to memorize and never be able to forget. Slater coughs. “We’ll give you two some time to talk.” Della’s family leaves the room and now it’s just the two of us. All we do for a long moment is stare at one another. In my mind she’s a kid again, her laughter and happy smile

circling around in my mind. Abruptly Della lets out a sob and my heart squeezes and twists painfully. I move to the side of her bed, my eyes wildly searching hers. How do I tell her how sorry I am for what my family has put her through? “I’m sorry,” Della’s voice is strained as she forces her words through another strangled cry. Tears begin to fall and I shake my head furiously. Comforting words get stuck in my throat. What can I say to ease the pain of having a piece of your soul stolen? “Lana.” The determined tone in Della’s voice causes my body to cease shaking and I give her my full attention.

“There’s something you need to know.” What? My body freezes with fear. There’s nothing I need to know which I haven’t already imagined about the horrifying moments Della had to endure. Knowing the details, what my father did, those would destroy me. “I was the one who killed your father. It wasn’t Slater, it was me.” Della’s strangled voice rushes the words out, but they’re as clear as if she had screamed them. I take a quick step back from the bed. My eyes on Della, while my mouth falls. I was the one who killed your father. Light-headedness hits me hard and I have to grasp a tight hold of the railing

on the bed to stay upright. “It’s not something I ever intended to do,” she stresses and then lifts her hands and stares down at her palms. “I was angry. For the first time in my life things were going well for my brothers and me, and in a heartbeat your father stole that from me. Your father…” Della takes in a shaky breath, “…he was pulling his pants up so casually as if he hadn’t just destroyed my whole world. I remember looking up from the kitchen floor in his garage, and the first thing my eyes landed on was the knife block. I don’t remember picking up the knife or every slice and stab. Mostly, I remember the blood on my hands afterward and the sensation of my whole-body shaking.”

“Stop, please.” My voice comes out hoarse. Those words are all I can manage, my throat is dry and my mind like a hurricane. Her recount sends my thoughts surging through me like a storm. Della shifts awkwardly on the bed and sits up straighter. “I’m sorry I can’t,” she whispers. “If I don’t tell you, get this out, I’m going to explode.” I nod and let her continue. “I didn’t even know he was dead when I ran out of there. I went straight home and told Slater everything. Slater left to find Jae and I knew if he wasn’t already dead then he would be soon. But Jae did die at my hands, and when Slater was leaving the garage, Rex showed up.

Slater didn’t even try to talk to him, he knew what it looked like and it’s exactly what Slater wanted, to take the blame for me so he took off speeding away from the shop and the rest is history.” “If Rex knew it was you, everything would be different. He loves you Della and as much as that love would probably turn to hate, Rex would never hurt you.” This changes everything. Why are they worrying about kidnapping me when they’ve had the answer to end this war the whole time? “Rex can’t know, Lana.” I jump at the sound of Slater’s stern voice. I glance over my shoulder and see all the Kings and Piper standing around the doorway.

“Welcome to my world, there’s no such thing as privacy with these guys,” Della states and I don’t have to look back at her to see the exasperation I hear in her voice. “Why? He won’t hurt her. I can promise you that.” I direct my question and statement to Slater, and he kicks his foot out and stares at the ground, but I don’t miss the quick look he gives Mackson as well. There’s something they won’t tell me. “What aren’t you telling me?” This time, my eyes are on Mack when I speak. Slater’s phone rings and everyone in the room tenses as if there’s a call they’re all waiting on. Has Rex contacted Slater and they

haven’t told me? “Got it,” Slater murmurs into the phone and hangs up. Slater looks to me and says, “We have to go. Brett spotted Corey coming into the hospital.” “Did they contact you? Did my brother ask to talk?” Hope soars into my soul. My brother does love me enough to put me first. “No,” Slater informs me gently. “However, we know Rex has people watching us because the minute we left Portland, Corey’s car was following us, out in the open, not hiding at all. If Corey wants to talk to us or if Rex is on his way, that can’t happen here, in a hospital full of innocent people. We need to leave

now, veer off to a secluded spot on the way home and see if they follow to talk.” I nod in understanding and turn back to Della. The guilt shining in her eyes should never have been her burden. My father died the way a man like him should have—bloody and painful. It was his destiny. I wish it wasn’t Della’s. Words, there’s nothing I can say to make her nightmares go away. So I hope Della can see the forgiveness I openly offer her in my smile and glassy eyes. Mackson, Slater, and Pacer walk to Della and say a quick goodbye. Slater whispers to Piper and she nods and sits on the bed with Della while Kelso steps up to the door and waits there.

Slater is the first to walk out of the room and then Pacer gently gives me a push to follow. Again I find myself walking behind Slater with Pacer on my left and Mack to my right. Glancing over my shoulder, I watch Kelso close the door behind us and give me a cheeky wink. A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth and I hear Mackson sigh loudly. I don’t bother to look up. Instead, something strange happens—warmth flows through me and I feel lightness in my limbs. I recognize this sensation, it’s how I felt when Rex taught me how to ride my bike, and when I’d wake up on my birthdays to presents surrounding me. Rex would stay up late and wait until I’d

fallen asleep and then he’d fill my bed with gifts. Love. Family. Safety. Watching the Kings, I crave the past. I want my big brother back. Grief and vengeance have destroyed all our traditions over the past five years. I used to hate his over-protectiveness and how nosey he would be, but now that I’m invisible to him, I desperately wish for those days back. Rex always came home spewing hate and ranting how Slater disrespected and lied to him again. Viewing the Kings now—working as a family with a solid foundation and having each other’s backs—I feel a pang of jealousy. Rex and I fought so often these last few years

over his vicious ways and his on again and off again drug use. I love my brother, so much, yet I stand here and I’m struggling to remember a week where we worked together, toward something happy and good for the both of us. I should have tried harder. Been a stronger sister for him. I will. Things will change from this point on. When Rex chooses me, I’m not going to stop until I have my real brother back. Slater stops us near the entrance and takes Pacer with him to check the parking lot first, making sure no surprises are waiting for us. Mackson and I stand awkwardly together. He angles his body toward me

and I give him my back letting him know I don’t want to talk. As far as I’m concerned Mack said everything he needed to yesterday… for me to leave him the hell alone from now on. Mackson huffs and I sense him turn his back. My blood begins to boil and I fist my hands, my nails digging into my skin. That man. What does he expect? He called me a bitch and a cheater. I do not take that shit lightly. He needs to apologize and fast, or we’re going down an angry path I’m not sure even I can get myself off. I take a small intake of breath when two people I hadn’t expected to see, walk straight into my line of sight. Rex

gestures for me to follow him and I watch as he limps into a female bathroom with Corey walking closely behind him. Scenarios and thoughts race through my mind. Should I tell Mack? Or go to my brother? Curiosity wins and overpowers my thought process on right or wrong. I let Mack know I’m going to the ladies for a moment. I sense him on my heels and spin around at the toilet door, my eyes narrowed and my lips pressed together in anger. “I’m not a child, Mackson, do not follow me in here like one.” Mackson sighs heavily. “Couple of minutes, that’s all you have.” His tone isn’t anything I recognize. It sounds

defeated. My heart falters. Hating someone— pretending to—is much harder than I thought it would be. Mack stares into my eyes and I sense that we’re thinking almost the same thing. If only things could be different, but Mack is a stubborn man, he’s never going to get over our past. I turn and push through to the bathroom, stepping into the small room, which leads to another door. When I hear the door behind me close I open the next one. A strong smell of soap and bleach hit my senses as I spot Rex and Corey having a disagreement, both, whispering angrily toward one another. Corey ends the argument and rushes

to my side. “Did they hurt you?” However, I only have eyes for my brother. “What the hell, Rex?” I hiss. “Three damn days.” Rex nods. “I know, but they fucking shot me and made me look like a fool. I needed time to come up with a plan.” The warmth through my body tries to recede, but I grab hold of it with the claws of my soul. “Rex, you came here to talk, didn’t you? To tell Slater the war is over and it’s time we all moved on, right? For my safety, my life?” I need to know, yet, I’m scared to hear his answer. “I was never going to leave you with them for the seven days, Lana. I needed time to figure out a plan and I have one.”

The lightness in my limbs has now turned to heaviness and my heart begins to build walls, terrified of how lost my brother truly is, of how little I must mean to him. “That’s why Corey and I are here. To tell you that tonight, after everyone goes to bed, you need to get out of their house, out the window if you must. We’re going to blow the whole building while they’re sleeping.” Rex’s eyes never settle on me and his hands move through the air in crazy movements. He’s high, higher than I’ve ever seen him before. My eyes widen and I take a big step away from my brother. I look to Corey, who’s already staring at me with pain in

his gaze. He knows this is too far, he knows my brother’s slowly losing it, and not just his sanity but his humanity. I glance back to Rex and say, “No. That’s too far, Rex. The whole point of this week was to think on everyone walking away peacefully. Did you think about that at all?” “They killed our father, Lana,” Rex spits at me, his mood catapulting him straight past confused or pissed and straight to furious. “Rex, even if they did and not to mention we’ve always thought it was only Slater, you’re talking about killing a whole family. And I’ve seen street kids sneak and sleep in their garage. You could kill them as well. This is mass

murder. Madness!” Heaviness in my chest makes it difficult to breathe and a ringing in my ears begins to become painful. The plan, this stranger in front of me, it’s all too much. “Even if they did we’ve always thought it was only Slater,” Rex repeats my words and for the first time in my life, his low tone scares me. “You’ve been there two days and they’ve brainwashed you already? You gonna believe them over your own brother, your own blood?” “Jesus Rex,” I shout. “When the fuck was our father a Saint? When the hell did he deserve this kind of going-to-Hell blind devotion? You can’t say one hundred percent that he didn’t rape

Della. You’ve never talked about the possibility. Is it because you know he may have? You’re afraid of what you might find at the end of your thoughts. He was a drunk, Rex. You saw how he treated me, how much he hated women because Mom left him. Somewhere inside you, you must question if Della’s accusations are truths.” Abruptly a hand cracks across my face. A fierce stinging sensation causes a shriek to be pulled from between my lips as I stumble to the side, my body slamming into the bathroom wall. I don’t fall. My hand moves fast to hold me up as black dots dance in front of my vision. I squint and glance around as I hear shuffling and grunts, and assume

Corey is holding Rex back, but when my vision finally clears I find Mackson pushing Rex up against the wall, his forearm against Rex’s throat, my brother sputtering trying to breathe. My brother hit me. My chest constricts painfully, as if Rex reached in and crushed my heart with his bare hands, leaving nothing but ashes in his wake.

Chapter Six Lana “You hit me.” I can hear the disbelief in my own voice, even as my left cheek throbs with pain, my thoughts rebel against the idea. Rex kicks out with his legs, determined and relentless. Mack steps back and my brother falls, but he recovers quickly, not unhurt though, he grabs for his thigh and he grimaces in pain. “You ever lay a hand on her again and I promise you, a bullet wound will feel like child’s play,” Mackson’s voice drips with warning.

Corey steps up and tries to help him, but Rex pushes Corey off and sets his angry eyes on Mack, his lip curling in anger, but then he directs that hateful stare at me. “A steel knife in my heart, sis, that’s what you just did.” “Right back at you, brother,” I say, my chin quivering and in the same moment I can’t hold back my tears any longer. I can’t breathe. Life as I know it is now over but I refuse to give in. I wipe quickly at my face and watch as Rex flinches. Finally, a sign, a piece of him is still in there. “This ends now, Rex. We’re going home and I’m going to get you help, real help this time. I want my big brother

back. I should’ve never let you get this bad…” I take a deep breath “…I promise, no more looking the other way.” He’s obviously been using something behind my back. All this time I blamed grief when it was probably drugs. “The Kings took another family member from me today,” he seethes. “I promise this is far from over.” Rex walks toward the exit and my heart pounds heavily against my chest. I’m going to lose my brother. I promised I’d fight harder, do better, I can’t let him leave without knowing the truth. “It was Della.” The words are out before I take my next breath. The world around me turns from gray to color as I

envision the future. One which shows me if what I’m about to do will be the right or wrong thing. Every bone in my body is demanding me to wage war, no matter the risks or costs. Isn’t that what you do for family? That’s what the Kings have done, they chose the path, which would protect their sister and by God I will choose the same for my brother. Rex fights a distorted reality, one where his enemies see clearly. I can’t fail to show him who he’s becoming, and I won’t lose him to those who tell themselves they’re doing what’s right when they are the ones who have filled my brother’s mind with lies. Rex stops dead. I knew he would. Any mention of her and he can’t help

himself. He doesn’t look at me though, he stays silent staring at the ground. “Lana,” Mack growls, but I don’t look away from my brother. I’m desperate for him to hear me. “Della killed Jae, she told me herself only moments ago.” Mack curses into the air, but I don’t stop. “He raped her, Rex. He broke her, after everything she’d been through and she snapped.” Rex turns to me, his eyes desperately hating the words I’m saying, but I know my brother, they’re getting through. “Lies, they convinced her to lie about being raped and now they’ve convinced her to lie about killing him.” “No!” I move toward my brother and both Mack and Corey step forward to

protect me. “I saw the pain on her face, the guilt in her voice, it’s destroyed a piece of her. She’s devastated at hurting us this way.” I straighten my shoulders and in a stern voice I say, “Rex.” When his eyes dart to mine and I know I have his full attention I continue, “I saw the truth in her eyes. She did it to survive and also out of fear. Slater went back after Della told him what happened. What you saw was Slater leaving after finding our father dead, seeing for himself what Della told him.” “She didn’t,” Rex says repeatedly as his hands run through his short hair in quick succession, to the point he’s tightly gripping at the strands and ripping hair out.

The bathroom door opens and we see Pacer stick his head inside and then glances over his shoulder and says, “Slate.” In no time both are in the bathroom crowding Mackson and me, making sure we’re unharmed. Slater turns to Rex, shoulders tense. “If you want to talk let’s go somewhere else.” Rex turns, his eyes darting around the bathroom as if only now realizing Slater arrived. “It was Della?” Rex chokes out, his words directed at Slater. Slater’s head jerks back and then his accusing eyes are on me. “Don’t look at my sister,” Rex roars, his nostrils flaring.

I jump and I sense everyone else in the room tense. Slater drags his gaze from me to Rex. “No. It was me, you saw me leaving there, I’ve admitted it. Now let’s get on with this shit, but not here.” Rex doesn’t budge as Slater tries to move him along. “The knife, my father, blood was everywhere, yet I don’t think I saw any on you.” Rex growls in frustration and then punches himself in the head. “Fucking, remember.” I gasp, my hand covering my mouth attempting to muffle my shock. My brother looks to Corey and then to me, his mouth agape, eyes wide. “You lying to me, sis?”

“No.” Fear grips my throat, but I know I must go on, continue down this path, it’s what’s right. “I swear Rex, Della told me herself, they’re trying to protect her from you. I told them you’d never hurt her, but they love their sister.” The last part comes out in a whisper as a jealous pang hits the center of my chest. Warmth lands on my arm, my head whips up to find Mack. His hand slides down my arm and he threads his fingers through mine, knowing I need the strength. I don’t pull away for that reason, as much as I wish I didn’t need anything from him, right now, I need to be held up. Rex limps to a stall and rests against it. “Leave,” he says in a hoarse,

penetrating tone. Slater spins toward me, anger beyond any I’ve seen in his eyes that are firmly directed to me. “Slater,” Mackson growls. “Don’t fucking look at her like that. None of this is her fault.” “Argh!” Slater’s whole body tenses, his veins popping as he stares at the ceiling for what I’m not sure. Corey takes a step out of the shadows and toward Rex. “Lana, come on, let’s get Rex out of here.” I untangle my hand from Mack, he doesn’t resist, but he does grab my hand again and squeeze. My eyes find Mack’s, his are sad and appear resigned. He shakes his head, not for me to stay, it

seems more like an apology. “No one leaves,” Slater exclaims, his voice penetrating the small space. Pacer moves to stand in front of the bathroom door. Adrenaline spikes through my body. My eyes dart back to Mackson, looking for an answer, but all he gives me is his back. He places his hands on the basin and lowers his head as if he can’t bear to watch. Slater cracks his knuckles. “Now we need assurances or things are about to get ugly.” Assurances? Rex stands up straight, his eyes piercing Slater’s. “I won’t come after Della or anyone else.” Rex grasps my

arm and we walk to the door. “Now fucking move.” Pacer doesn’t move an inch. “I’m not worried about you. I never have been. You’re not the only one watching, Rex. We know you’ve been here every night since Della was admitted, paying a nurse for information on her condition.” I narrow my eyes and glance over my shoulder to find Corey behind me, looking at me with a similar sadness Mack had moments ago. Rex turns back around, “I get it. And if you know that, you know it will never come from my mouth.” Slater shakes his head. “She needs to know, Rex. I can’t let you leave until she

knows who not to talk to, because, clearly I can’t trust Lana with shit.” I’m beyond pissed. I yank my arm away from Rex and step up. “Slater, clearly you’re angry with me and really I don’t give a damn, but don’t stand there and pretend that you actually believe I would go to the police about this.” Slater’s lips tip up into a grin and I lose it. “Don’t laugh at me,” I hiss. Everyone in the room freezes and it’s Mack who finally lets me know the truth. “It’s not the police, Lana. It’s the mafia, your mother’s family. They don’t let murders go, ever. They ruthlessly, to the ends of the earth, find out who’s responsible for killing one of their

family members and they end them, savagely.” They’re worried over nothing. We’ve not spoken to our mother since she left us, and never had contact with her family. My father used to, but not me and Rex. Over the years, my father has drunkenly explained to us about our mother’s mafia family. My dad was married in and he wanted to move back to his hometown, which was Parkland. My mother not so much, but she did what any good Sicilian woman would do, she came with her husband and made a home and popped out two children, but she became depressed, started drinking a lot and then one day she was just gone. I

was three and Rex was five. I’ve seen pictures of her–Elena. Rex and I have her chocolate brown eyes. However, my father couldn’t escape the Lucini’s so easily, he was still left with a debt. My mother’s family bought and funded the first five years of my father’s business. And in return, my father would on occasion, receive drugs and place them in certain ‘customer’s’ cars that came in for servicing. Rex and I have no idea how long this debt took to pay off or when it ended. After my father’s death, I found his contacts book. I was tempted to locate my estranged family and find out if they knew where my mother was, but how could I ever forgive her? There was one

letter from my mother to Rex. However, he threw it away, adamant we have nothing to do with them. So I dumped the book and never thought about it again. “We don’t see our family or have anything to do with them, we never have.” My eyes search out Mack and I’m close to saying, ‘you know that’ when I catch myself. “And Rex and I wouldn’t ever wish that on Della. I doubt they even remember we’re alive, and I’m sure if Rex was going to reach out to them about my father’s death at all, he would’ve done it long before now.” I glance at Rex as I speak for him and see him staring the other way, seemingly unable to look at me. “Rex… tell them.” Rex doesn’t answer me. Instead, he turns

back to Pacer. “Move before I fucking move you myself.” Stepping away from my brother I whisper, “Rex?” With his back to me, I watch as Rex’s head falls forward and he sighs. My sanity is at breaking point. Every damn step forward has been riddled with lies. My hands are shaking as I demand loudly, “Somebody tell me something.” Mack’s the brave one who steps to me and with placating hands in the air, as if he’s trying to corner me or keep me from lashing out, he says, “Rex took over your dad’s work with the family when he died. He’s been working closely with the Lucini’s family ever

since.” I spin to my brother ready to ask him what Mack is talking about, but he’s still standing with his head bowed, looking defeated. Glancing to Corey, he gives me the same sorrowful expression. He knew this was coming, so did Mackson. Time slows. The drugs. The weekends away. The secret phone calls I thought were girls. “How was I this blind for so long?” I rush Corey and grab his shirt, pushing him backward. “How could you let him do this? He’s in for life now, how did you not think to tell me. I’m his family, not you or the guys, me.” Corey frowns.

Weak. I push him back, my face twisting with a snarl. “All these years I’ve worried and planned with you to help my brother, and all along you knew how bad he was getting on the drugs… and now he’s in the mafia?” Suddenly memories flood through my mind. I gasp out, “Thomas.” A man in his late thirties, maybe early forties, always wears sunglasses, denim jeans, and a leather jacket. I saw him a few times a year, only when I turned up to the garage unannounced and he happened to be there at the same time. I asked Rex about him once, and he told me Thomas was a guy he’d hired to help him out in the garage when it got busy. I had replied saying he didn’t dress like a mechanic,

and Rex laughed my comment off. I didn’t question it; the garage, the business was Rex’s territory. He was vehement that I find something I loved and pursue that and leave the garage to him. “Thomas Cutillo… AKA Bone. An enforcer for the Sicilian Mafia,” Slater informs me. “This is none of your business,” Rex sneers toward Slater. “Thomas knows nothing. He arrives and leaves on the same day, and has no idea about my war with you all. The Caporegime, Paulie, he asks questions now and again when I go to meetings, but I’ve never led him to Portland. I’m not a snitch and I can dish out my own payback.”

Rex finally speaks to me and his voice is emotionless. “I had a house and business to pay for, and not to mention I had to keep food on the table and you were in college. This isn’t Corey’s fault. There was a choice to be made and I made it… end of fucking story. My guys were told not to tell you, and they followed my orders. They’re my crew, not yours. Now, I’m leaving, with or without you, Lana.” Rex’s jaw is ticking, his tight, tense body telling me to shut the hell up and go with him now. But his words feel like knives piercing my heart, they hurt me more than the searing slap across my face. I can’t leave yet. I’ve learned more in this crappy bathroom than I have in

the past five years of my life. I need to find out one more thing. “Since taking over, have you seen her? That letter. You told me you ignored it, you told me to let it go.” Rex’s expression turns pained. He shakes his head and begs, “Not here.” Betrayal of the worst kind surges through me, and it’s delivered by my own brother. How could he talk to her after she abandoned us? He was able to spend time with her? Get to know her and never told me. My own brother didn’t try and connect his mother and sister in five years? Emotions, so many are struggling for control. I’m trying to pick just one, but I

can’t, my throat feels as if it’s being strangled. I wanted the truth and that’s what I received. “Leave,” I say to my brother in a soft broken voice. “Lana,” Corey tries to approach. This time, I shout at him and Rex, “Leave! ” I swipe at my tears with the back of my shaking hands. Rex rubs at his temples as if in pain and says, “Fine. But remember I came for you.” You came to tell me your plan, not to save me. “You don’t want to come home, fuck you then. Become a Kings’ whore, but

know this, you aren’t welcome back home ever again.” My brother turns his back on me and walks out of the bathroom, never once glancing at me. The door bangs closed and it’s as if the room shakes from underneath me and causes my knees to give out. I don’t hit hard ground. I’m caught around the middle and land softly against a warm chest. I have no idea who’s holding me and I don’t care. All I can feel is my chest ripping open, a central part of me I thought was destroyed a long time ago. How wrong I was. This is what a real broken heart feels like, an important part of your soul shattering beyond repair.

Chapter Seven Brett “It was Della?” “The knife, my father, blood was everywhere, yet I don’t think I saw any on you.” “No, I swear Rex, Della told me herself. They’re trying to protect her from you. I told them you’d never hurt her, but they love their sister.” She deceived me. They all lied. I saw the signs and ignored them because I’ve been falling for her. Della’s a killer. Why would she kill him? Does it matter? She murdered somebody, a

father and has let her brother take the fall for it all this time. Piper has been targeted and yet Della still didn’t reveal the truth. I doubt Slater would let her even if she wanted to. We’ve become so close, why hasn’t she told me? Della knows I know everything, seen everything. Maybe all I know are lies and she knows that too, which would make me the fool in this scenario. Fuck. This is not happening. I got too close and now I’m feeling the sting of the inferno. “Leave!” Spinning around I exit out of the small entry room before the bathroom and take

a quick right, hiding behind a post while I watch Rex and Corey walk out and take fast strides out of the hospital, disappearing from view. Slater and Pacer exit next, and I decide to waste no time in finding out the truth. I walk over and Slater turns to me, his face strained. He pinches the bridge of his nose and begins to speak, but I don’t let him get far. “I overheard you all in the bathroom. It was Della all along?” As hard as I try I can’t take the accusing tone out of my voice. Slater’s head whips up and his eyes narrow, taking on a steely glint. “That’s family business, and you’re not family. Don’t mistake your place

here or the cash I put in your hands. Your only job is to watch Rex and get me information, that’s it.” Slater’s words are laced with frustration and warning. “I should have known this,” I seethe. “I risked my life going back and forth. I told you from the start, I only work for you as long as I know the truth.” Slater steps into my space. I hold my ground, balling my hands ready to either block his punches or throw one of my own. “I’m the fucking leader of a street gang. Did you really expect honesty from me… or from someone else?” Realization dawns, he’s right. I knew not to trust a soul during this mission. Agreeing to come into the Kings’ world

meant constant lies, death threats and selling my soul for gold. When the fuck did I forget that? “You’re getting too close to Della,” Slater states as if answering my question for me. “You need to piss off, take some time and get some pussy, then come back with a clear head.” Leave? Not see her every day? Suddenly taking my next breath is harder than ever before. It feels as if there’s no air left in my lungs. Looking left and right, struggling to regulate my out of control feelings, I think back through the past few months, trying to find the moment where my world turned upside down. Lies.

Slaughter. Lust. I’m losing myself. Watching the Kings, it’s so easy. Looking from the outside in, anyone would be jealous of their devotion, loyalty, and strength. It makes you forget who you are and where you came from. “I agree. It’s for the best,” I state calmly. “I got a friend I’ve been meaning to meet up with for a while, so I’ll head north for a few weeks.” I turn to leave when Slater sighs and rests his hand on my shoulder. “I do trust you to a degree, Brett. I’ve been burned too many times to give that over completely to anyone except my family. Maybe one day, you keep proving your

loyalty, and I’ll call you family.” Slater pats me on the shoulder and walks away. It’s too late. I’ve already destroyed that which Slater believes is solid. My heart is tearing in two. One side is set in stone. Justice must be served, she’s a killer. Yet the other side, which can’t seem to let her go, is about to be blown to pieces by my own predestined disloyalty.

Chapter Eight Mackson I storm into the garage, slamming the glass sliding door behind me and halt at the workbench. I lean over the greasy surface, my hands bunched into fists as I desperately try to calm my rapid breathing as my heart struggles against my body and mind. I’m fighting every fiber in my muscles and veins, they’re like tiny magnets that are stretching through my skin, trying with all their might to propel me out of this garage, through my house and straight to Lana. She didn’t say a word on the way home from the hospital as if there was

nothing left inside of her anymore. I know her heart is truly my other half, because I swear I could hear the fracture through her chest echo around the bathroom when my heart broke alongside hers. Growing up, I never saw Lana stand up for herself, she let things happen and she didn’t change them. The woman I saw today is far from that insecure girl I left behind. She took a hit, and still stood strong wanting to help her brother. I wanted to carry her out of the bathroom and demand she never see him again. It took everything for me to remember I’m not her knight in shining armor, I’m the man she didn’t believe in, someone she let go all too easily.

Anger seeps into every crevice and vein in my body. I can’t hold it in any longer. My heart beating uncontrollably, I slam my hands along the workbench, shoving all the tools and engine parts in my way to the ground. Thankfully the thundering of metal hitting the concrete floor drown out my tormented roar. My chest rises and falls painfully. I turn around and stare through the glass doors, up at my home. My eyes feel as if they could burn a hole right through the wall to the bedroom, where I know Lana is probably curled into a ball, crying. In a perfect world, I’d take her to my bed and make her forget. My fingers would caress every inch of my Dove’s skin, and my stare would convey the

thoughts in my mind as I’d remember each and every moment I fell more in love with her. Each thrust inside her would be a new promise that my devotion is forever. My rough kisses would sear Lana’s memories, causing the ashes of the past and present to float away. They have no place in the world or the future I would build just for her. She would never need another person again. But the world I live in is far from perfect. *** Dark shadows begin to creep over the engine I’m working on. Work has been a

great distraction to stop my mind from wandering back to Lana. I think about turning on the garage lights to keep going, but I decide it’s time to call it a day. If I could stay out here until I know my brothers are asleep to avoid their knowing stares, I would, but I’ve held myself off as long as I can to go in and check on Lana. I hope she’s eaten, showered and talked to one or all my brothers. I hope she gets all the shit she’s been through today off her chest because I don’t know if I can keep my distance if I see her break down again. I scrub my hands with soap in the garage sink, dry them and walk out through the glass door I almost shattered earlier

when I felt so raw. Walking across my backyard, the first thing I notice is the fresh-cut grass. I shake my head, surprised I’d gone so far into my own head that I never once heard one of my brothers use the mower. Almost to the backdoor, the smell of fryer grease and spices hit me. My stomach rumbles, reminding me I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I step inside and as I do, Kelso’s horrible out-of-tune singing voice hits me and I cringe at the sound. He’s doing equally bad dance moves standing over the stove with earphones in. A soft giggle to my right gets my attention and I find Piper watching Kelso while she stands behind Pacer at the entry of the

kitchen. There’s a phone in Pacer’s hand, the camera pointed directly at Kelso, who must be making his favorite stir-fry, the one he puts a fuck-load of spices into. I can’t help the grin that appears on my face, because when Kel finds out Pacer filmed him, it’s going to be on. Last time those two went at it, they almost broke all the photo frames in the house. Della had a shit fit and tipped the television forward and threatening to break it if they didn’t stop. Slater put the boys on their asses quickly at that point. We all know not to mess with Slater’s favorite toys. And after his Chevy car, that’s the television and PlayStation. Well, except our little sister, she can get

away with pretty much everything. My guess is that Piper and Pacer are using Kelso for their entertainment because Slater’s pride and joy big ass flat screen was destroyed in the shooting Rex ordered. We’ve managed to get the windows replaced and Pacer has started filling the holes in the drywalls with plaster and sanding them back. There’s no new television yet as we need to get the outside and inside back to normal first, so when Della comes home, there’s nothing to remind her of the shooting. I sense someone beside me and glance to my right. I find Piper staring up at me with a strained smile. “Just thought you might want to know that Lana hasn’t come out of the room

today… not once.” Her voice drops until it’s merely a quiet mutter. “She must be starving.” My heart grows heavy and sadness floods my chest. As much as Lana hurt me—ruined a piece of me that will never look toward the future for anything bright again—I know she’s also been destroyed time and time again by her mother, father, and now by her brother. Enough is enough. My heart might still be broken, but I don’t want my name added to that list. At the end of my life or Lana’s, that’s not how I want her to remember me. “I’ve tried to speak to her,” Piper adds. “Either she’s not ready to talk or I’m not the one she wants to talk to.”

Piper shrugs and walks out of the kitchen. For someone who claims not to be nosey Piper sure as shit has a lot to say. I walk further into the kitchen and witness Pacer almost falling on his ass from laughter, while struggling to hold the phone up and continue to film. I grab a bowl out of the cupboard and flick Kelso on the back of his ear to get his attention. He jolts alert, and then out of the corner of my eye I see Pacer frantically pocketing his phone and racing out of the kitchen. Kelso rubs his ear, cursing under his breath before he pulls out his earphones and tucks them into the back pocket of his jeans.

“That ready?” I gesture to the stir-fry. “Yeah. What, you hungry after spending the day hiding away in the garage?” “Shut up and give me some food,” I reply, not in the mood to deal with my punk-ass little brother. Kel fills the bowl while I grab a fork, and once he hands me back the bowl now full of food, I leave the kitchen without another word. Starting up the stairs, I look to the door that leads to the woman who has given me my greatest happiness and my indestructible wall to keep out others like her. She’s my addiction, a dangerous obsession I can’t shake. She’s the most important part of me, even gone and

unseen, she’s entwined in my heart deep enough that it beats solely because she still breathes. I go to her room, feeling the warmth of the bowl in my hands, hoping she eats some of it, and also praying that when she tastes it she doesn’t start choking from the amount of spices Kel chucks in his food. I think about what I’m going to say. Don’t be a dick; get along for the next few minutes. I don’t knock and enter. I decide she’ll see me whether she wants to or not. Christ. Okay, too late, I’m in the room. Don’t be a dick, starting now. I search the room and find Lana on the bed, wrapped up in the blankets, fast asleep. I walk quietly to the side of the

bed and then curse the moon. It’s soft light streaks across Lana’s soft features, causing her already beautiful face to appear angelic. Her blonde hair fans out over the pillow and her two hands press together under her left cheek. I know she hasn’t been asleep for long because I can still see the wet paths where her tears have fallen. Quickly, I grasp the bowl with two hands, stopping my need to reach out and wipe away the tear tracks. My stomach churns as desperation creeps in. My biggest internal struggle is pushing Lana away to protect myself, yet longing to have her near. What I said yesterday, that I hate to love her, it’s true. I’ve hated wondering

what she’s been doing for the past five years. I’ve loathed the fact that I’ve looked for her in crowds and have been disappointed when I didn’t see her. I resent the fact that I’ve looked for pieces of her in women that I’ve dated. When they’ve shown me selfishness, I’ve thought about Lana’s generosity. When they’ve shown me vanity, I’ve thought of Lana’s modest, humble approach to her looks. Worse of all was when they’d look me in the eyes and all I saw was blue, brown and green, no spark of fire lit inside of me, or them, and yet they were content to keep pretending. I couldn’t and never would be able to. I’ve held real love in my hands. I know with a

simple touch my heart can beat at an unknown speed. I’ve felt the high of looking across the room, seeing the one person who makes me feel invincible. I’ve always tried my best at everything, failing never used to scare me. That feeling went from being my normal confident nature to a euphoric sensation when I finally had Lana in my bed, head and heart. Knowing at the end of every day, Lana was mine. Knowing I was able to rest my head next to hers for the rest of my life, whether it was under a mansion or a crumbling shack, nothing else mattered. Failing with her beside me would never truly be defeat, I’d already won. Lana cut me to the core. She

demolished all we’d built. It was weeks later when I realized she hadn’t only taken my heart, but also my future too. Nothing had color anymore. I willingly let her in, and she left a mark. She scarred me beyond repair, brought me to my knees and broke me. She gave me hope and then all I was left with was longing, agonizing craving for the woman who shattered my heart. Five years later, and staring at her now, I wonder how the hell I held myself back for so long. How did my pride grow stronger than my heart? I move quickly to the door and close it quietly. However, I’m unable to step away. I slide down the wall and rest my head against it. Exhaling loudly, I turn

my head toward the room. I’m exhausted as if five years of heartbreak just passed through me like a ghost.

*** Lana I wake to darkness and a fresh breeze flowing in through the nearby window. Touching my left cheek, I remember the sting from my brother’s slap and the burning through my chest. A line I never thought would exist was crossed today, one that cannot be taken back. My stomach grumbles, so I decide to head downstairs and get something to eat. I quietly walk to the door not

wanting to wake anybody. I don’t want their looks of pity or worried glances. I don’t want a reminder of the day, just thoughts on how I’m going to move forward now, where I’m going to live and what I’m going to do for money. I have a bit in my savings, but not enough to rent a house and buy all the things that I’d need to live in it. Turning the handle on the door, I open it slowly and peek out through the crack. My eyes widen in surprise when I spot Mack sitting against the wall next to my door, fast asleep with an empty bowl beside him. Opening the door wider to step out, I cringe as the door creaks. Mackson doesn’t stir, he stays fast asleep, and the look on his face is one of

peace. My heart twists when I realize I’d forgotten what he looked like when he was sleeping. His lips always parted slightly and pouted, his features softened, and his messy hair gave him an adorable look that anyone would have trouble pulling their eyes away from. I sigh. What I wouldn’t give to be the woman in his life who was allowed to smooth down that hair and snuggle in between his legs and arms. I could sleep right there, in his arms sitting up, nothing in this world is more comfortable than being held by Mack. Trust me, I’ve tried to find other ways, other men. Nothing compares. My limbs grow heavy and I wonder

how I’ve gone on pretending so well for the past five years with this hole in my heart. I always thought the key was to ignore those feelings, the loss. But seeing him again, knowing my feelings are stronger now than years ago, moving away might be all I have left. So I can save the rest of my heart, and hopefully someone will accept what’s left of it. My head lowered, I turn around and walk toward the stairs. “Why?” a husky voice says out of nowhere. Stopping dead, I don’t move. Was he awake the whole time I was staring at him? My face scrunches up as embarrassment floods me. “Just tell me why?”

I turn around slowly. Mack’s expression is filled with defeat and sadness. I know he sees the same in mine because his eyes soften as my eyes finally meet his. I exhale loudly and slide my body down the wall on the opposite side of the door. I turn my head left to look his way. My body begs me to crawl to him and take him in my arms. I want to remove the hurt from his eyes, I hate seeing it there, and I hate myself even more for putting it there. “I was confused. At first, when Rex was threatening you all, I called you, I texted you, but you never replied. I held hope that you would contact me or come to my house when you thought it was

safe. But you didn’t, and each day felt like a week and each week felt like a year. I grew angry. I hated you. I lost the only parent I had left, and my brother was slowly slipping away from me every day with hatred and revenge. But that’s not why I slept with Corey. Whether you want to hear this or not, I needed someone and he was there. Everyone around me was mourning my father’s death; Rex, our friends, and the people who lived in our street. Yet, I struggled to find one shred of sadness inside of myself for him. I felt terrible. I was in more pain over losing you than my own father.” I bring my knees up to my chest and say in an almost whisper, “I thought there was something wrong

with me.” “Dove,” Mack says my nickname in a hoarse voice. I turn my gaze to him. “Corey was with me every day, he understood how much I was struggling. He didn’t know why, but he was there for me.” Mack turns away and pinches the bridge of his nose and mutters angrily, “I bet he was.” “It was only the once. We fell together out of my pain, and when I realized Corey wanted more, I backed off straight away. I hurt him and unknowingly I hurt you, too. I’ve never had a bigger regret than that moment.” I sigh and face forward, wondering if now there will be an awkward silence while

Mack rebuilds his walls and hatred for me. “I love you.” Mack’s words and anguished tone causes my head to whip around to look at him. My heart begins to beat painfully against my chest, each thump filled with its own emotion—fear, confusion, hope and love. “I needed to get that out,” Mack says as he exhales loudly. “I thought holding it in, ignoring it, would be what helped me through this week with you, but either way, it’s just painful.” Mack rubs at his chest. “I want a do-over. I’m so sick of fighting with myself to be with you.” Looking at Mack, I’m desperately trying to understand what he’s saying. I hear his words, but going by his body

language he seems exhausted, defeated, not a man who’s confessing his love to someone. “I love you, I always have,” I say as my hands shake. Mack turns his whole body to face mine. We aren’t touching. However, every nerve inside me comes alive at our closeness. “I believe you,” Mack states. “I’ve spent so much time convincing myself that you never did, that I missed how badly I’d fucked up. How much we both did.” My heart kicks into high gear. Mack’s words cause a spiraling in me that I haven’t felt for five years. “I want you, Lana. I fucking breathe

easier just by having you close to me. I know being with you will open up a whole new world to me again.” My breath catches and my pulse quickens as I savor the words I’ve longed to hear. Mack shakes his head, struggling with his words. “You scare me. No one can break me like you can.” I’m letting go of the controls and hoping by being honest with Mackson he’ll understand that he’s not the only one here with a lot to lose if we fail at love again. “Seven months after the last time I saw you, I took Rex’s gun from his top drawer in his room and went to Fourteenth Street Bridge. I didn’t go

there thinking I was going to kill myself. I wanted to decide when I got there when I had some peace and quiet to think.” Mack’s body snaps straight and his eyes widen. “I was in a lot of pain. Rex was distant. I’d lost you and hated myself for sleeping with Corey. My father was dead, and each day that went by that was peaceful and free of his taunts, was a good day for me. I was conflicted over my feelings and I had no-one to talk to.” I speak quickly so Mack doesn’t interrupt, and then slow as I continue, “And then, I’d brought a letter in from the mailbox and it was addressed to Rex, and on the back was my mother’s

name. I opened it and she was reaching out to him, asking to see him, only him. Nowhere in the letter did she mention my name or ask how I was.” I shake my head. “What was left for me? I felt unwanted and discarded, by everyone who I’ve ever loved and thought loved me.” I lean over and show Mack a scar behind my ear. He jumps up on his knees. “What the fuck, Lana! You tried to kill yourself?” “Actually, no. I also took a bottle of Jack with me to the bridge and drank half of it, and ended up knocking myself out waving the gun around and screaming toward the sky. A lovely lady found me and took me to the hospital…” I pause, inhale, exhale, and continue in a

whisper, “I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t able to kill myself. Nobody valued my life, but I came to realize that I did.” Mack’s face pales. “I would’ve died with you that day had you done it.” “I didn’t know that then. Everything has changed for me now, and I hate that I hurt you so badly.” “I love you,” Mack says in a determined tone while moving forward and softly pushing my hair behind my ear. “And I love you, but where do we go from here? We’re both still so angry. I don’t want this. I want what we had, I want our innocent and carefree love back.” “We talk, like this, we work through

it. I believe if we want it enough, we can forgive each other and move forward. Our relationship won’t be what we had before and it won’t be what it is now. But it will be new and exciting, and better than our first if we fight for it. For me, I don’t have a happy future without you, Lana. The possibilities far outweigh the risks. And I’m not one to shy away from a fight, not one I know will be worth the blood and bruises.” “I can forgive you,” I whisper. “I doubt I ever had a chance at trying to fight it. You own my heart, Mackson King. You always have.” Mack grasps my face with his hands and kisses me. It obliterates every thought in my mind. The past and its pain

evaporate. The soft caress of Mack’s lips becomes firm. My fingers dig into his arms. Never will I let him go again. Mack slows and whispers, “Is this real?” I exhale, it’s small, but it feels as if a huge gust of wind should have come from my chest. “Yes, it has to be because I can finally breathe again.”

Chapter Nine Two months later. Lana Every inch of Mack’s fit, sweaty body is draped over mine. He slams into me. I moan as my back arches and my body squeezes and pulses around him. It doesn’t matter that Mack’s taken me every day for the past two months, the burn and sensation of Mackson King stretching me continues to feel as if every time is the first, the best. The past couple of months I’ve felt like a well, a dried up abyss that’s being replenished with rain and each drop is better than the last.

“Shit,” Mack breathlessly whispers into my ear. He cups my ass with both hands and lifts my bottom off the bed. I moan as he drives deeper, thrusting in and out at a deliciously punishing pace. He’s aggressive and dominant yet the soft, lengthy kisses he places along my jaw and neck speak of devotion as if he’s worshipping me. “Fuck. I missed this. Your tight, hot pussy,” Mack growls out. Clenching my eyes closed, a blaring white light floods my lids. It’s calling to me, promising me bliss. I bite down on Mack’s shoulder just as ecstasy crashes over me and a moan rips from my shaking body. Mack’s spine locks up and

he growls low and deep right next to my ear, the vibrations of his masculine tone sends shivers all the way through me. Mack releases my ass and wraps his arms around my waist, flipping us over until I’m resting against his chest. Sated, I melt into his embrace, feeling heat on my back from the early morning sunlight, breaking through Mack’s bedroom window. “We’ll clean up in a second,” Mack says in a rough, exhausted voice as he gently tucks my head into his neck. “I want to feel your heartbeat against mine for a while.” My heart races and also squeezes painfully, not only from Mack’s sweet words but from the pain in his tone as he

said them. The past months have been incredible. We’ve fallen back into the Lana and Mack we used to be. Except now, there’s no what-if’s, there’s only us, forever, but that doesn’t take away the five years of heartache we’ve already experienced. I kiss Mack’s chest, over his heart and rest my head back on his shoulder as I close my eyes. “I know you’re still hurting, so am I. But trust in us, Mack. We will break through the pain.” Mack turns us to our sides and he lowers his body so his arms wrap around my middle and his head now rests against my chest.

I wrap my arms around his neck and snuggle into him. Mack positions his face into my body and inhales deeply. He turns his head back to rest on me and says, “My Dove.” “Always,” I reply. *** Staring back at myself in the bathroom mirror, I skim my hands down my arms, feeling the soft material of the black, deep v, long sleeved t-shirt. My eyes then fall to my dark, ripped denim jeans. I sigh and cross my arms over my chest. Pressing my lips together, I wonder how many times I’m going to

look into this mirror while wearing my new clothes and remember I brought them here because I can’t go home or haven’t had the guts to, yet. Eight weeks. Sixty days. And too many broken moments to count. The longest I’ve ever been away from my brother. My sight blurs and I quickly straighten. Shaking out my hands, I regain control over my emotions. Being upset and angry does me no good. No matter how many tears I’ve shed my brother still hasn’t reached out to me. Or is that asking too much of someone lost in a world of drugs?

My heart tells me yes, but my mind can’t fathom how any amount of drugs could pull my brother away from me. How they could be strong enough that he would let his little sister go. My father was a drunk, a capable one. He went to work, paid bills and managed to have friendships with others at work and people on our street. He’d go to work, bring home a carton of beers and not one of those beers was left in the morning. He’d go to bed when the last beer was gone and not a second earlier. Then he’d get up no matter how little hours he’d slept and go to work and act like a normal person. As if he didn’t get drunk, scream slurs at his daughter all night until his son got home, and then

they’d muck around and laugh until he passed out on the couch. My brother would open my door every single night to check on me. Rex protected me from everyone, but our father. Boys at school weren’t allowed to disrespect me without payback from the Parkland Poison Boys, yet my father could call me every name under the sun and I know Rex knew what was going on when he wasn’t home because I told him, begged him to be home more often. He always shook it off and told me, ‘He’s our father. They’re only words, ignore him.’ He didn’t get it. He didn’t live it like I had to. On the days my father was drunk

beyond his usual, Rex and my father would get into an argument. Rex would tell him to stop taunting me, but it always ended the same, my father crying on the couch and Rex trying to console him while our father whined about how our mother tricked him. He’d warn Rex to be careful, he told him that love wasn’t real. I never asked Rex if he believed what our dad had told him. I knew love existed, along with forgiveness and patience. My head snaps up and my eyes watch through the mirror as my hands fist. Forgiveness. That’s all my father had to do, forgive my mother. Not even to her face, just inside himself, and my life

could have been different. My heart soars at the thought that I’m nothing like my father. I won’t hold on to the hurt. The only way to get through life is to let go and forgive. It doesn’t mean the person has to be in your life. It means your soul is able to heal and move on to the next open door. “Other people’s sins don’t have to be your downfall.” I smile. Mackson told me that a long time ago. I didn’t get it then, but I do now. Opening the door and walking out of the bathroom, I grin as the same deep laughter and loud chatter fills the Kings’ house. I walk to the railing and look down at the shiny wooden floorboards, which lead into the kitchen. I can’t help

but soak up the love in this house. It’s never said or hinted at, but it’s here, everywhere. It’s how they all work together. It’s how they laugh with their inside jokes that make no sense to me whatsoever. It’s Mack putting the barbecue sauce out on the table even though he hates it, but knowing Pacer doesn’t eat a meal without it. This house is either bustling with laughter, or peacefully and comfortingly quiet. It’s a home, not mine, but it’s a beautiful one nonetheless. “Lana.” Mack calls. “Yeah?” “Breakfast is ready, get down here before there’s nothing left.” “Yeah Lana, get down here before

Mack gets blue balls because he hasn’t seen you for five seconds,” Kelso yells with a smart-ass laugh. “Ouch. Fuck. Mack, that fucking hurt.” I burst out laughing. “Be right down!” I get to the top stair on my way down and freeze as a family memory of my own decides to creep to the surface. Slowly and sleepily I walked out of my bedroom and into the kitchen. I worked the night shift at the bottle shop yesterday and didn’t finish until two a.m. this morning, so my eyes were barely open. I groaned as my stomach growled, again. I smelled bacon. That was the reason I’m awoke when I should have been sleeping. Well, that

and the fact that I didn’t have lunch or dinner yesterday, so anything would have smelled amazing to my growling stomach at that moment. I stepped into the kitchen and grumbled as I took my seat and lowered my head to the table and closed my eyes. “Give me everything you’ve got. My stomach demands food and a lot of it.” I smiled when my brother chuckled. “Coming right up. Sure you’ll be able to sit up and see out through your sleep-closed eyes to eat anything at all?” At the clang of plates being placed on the table, I lifted my head and stared at my brother. “My stomach says I must

try.” Rex scrunched his face up in fake disgust and grinned. “Worst bedhead of the year award goes to Lana Scavello.” I pinned him with a death stare and replied, “Ha. Ha.” I pointed to my face and continued, “Few pieces of toilet paper there, brother. Does someone need some lessons on how to shave in a straight line?” Rex burst out laughing. “Nah, just need to start buying a better brand of shavers, these ones are shit.” He shoved some eggs in his mouth while I started on my bacon. My body sighed in response to the delicious taste of meat and grease. “And you know I’m kidding

Lana. You’ve got the Scavello genes, that means you’re beautiful all the time.” Rex winked and I smiled brightly, not only because I could count on one hand the nice compliments I’d received in the nineteen years I’d been alive, but also because Rex never missed an opportunity to talk up the Scavello name. That’s my brother, sweet, but still a dick. I grip the staircase railing with both hands, squeezing it with all my strength. I will be strong. I’ll find a way to mend our relationship. I refuse to let my brother go without a fight. With renewed determination, I continue downstairs and enter the chaos,

which is the Kings’ kitchen at meal times. The counter is covered with plates of bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, and onions. I grab a little of everything and turn around to the dining table to find my normal seat next to Mack free. I sit as Mack is finishing his meal and wiping his face with a paper towel. He gives me a blinding smile and bends to kiss the side of my neck. Everyone and all the sounds around me ceases to exist as I indulge in his attention. So much can change in such a short time. Two months ago we wouldn’t have wanted to sit at the same table, let alone been able to spend more than a minute in the same room together. I still remember the pain in my chest when Mack was

near. Now it’s a different kind of pain, or maybe that isn’t the right word. I ache for Mack. I love him so deeply that I fear losing him on a level I never knew existed before. When I was younger, I thought losing him was inevitable. Every day Mack and I saw each other, slept together, I prepared myself a little more each time. After all, I thought I was my mother. Self-centered and fated to hurt any man who dared to love me. Except, I’m not. I’m a good person. I’m strong, honest and I care about those I love. I’ve more than earned the love Mack and I have recaptured. And I’m not afraid Mack will walk away from me. He’s more than made me feel secure in our relationship.

No, I have this ache deep inside of me that comes with an everyday love. One where fears fester, and that I’ll wake up one unsuspecting day and all of sudden he’s gone. Taken from me by disease, car accident, shooting or simply falling down the stairs in his own home. Two months may only be sixty days, however, the time between then and now, the moments Mack and I have spent together may as well have been forever. Because I’ve never felt more content, more loved, or more at home than I have in the past eight weeks. And I’m guessing like most people in love or those who have wonderful families, these fears will always be there, festering away just below the surface,

underneath the heavy heart beats and bright smiles. Sound begins to filter back into my world and slowly my focus becomes clear again. I’m looking at Mack and he’s grinning back at me as if he knows I just got lost, but he’s patiently waiting for me to come back to him. I give him a full smile. Mack stands and takes his dishes to the sink. Staring at his back, my recent thoughts remind me of something. Mack has a whole other family out there. A blood family. People who probably think their little boy died a long time ago. I’ve asked Mack if he’ll seek them out. If he thinks about them often. His response was; “I’m twenty-eight. I’ve no

need for parents and I have enough brothers and sisters to look after as it is.” His demeanor is always calm and his response seems thought-out. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’d want to see them, even if only from afar. I look to my left. Della is sitting next to me staring at her breakfast, looking lost. She came home six weeks ago. On bed rest for four weeks and she’s been up and about for the last two weeks. Her bullet wounds have completely healed, except the scarring. Four days after Della came home she almost pulled some stitches arguing with Slater. Mack and I were walking up the front

porch steps when we heard Della’s angry voice loud and clear. “Where is he Slater?” Mack opened the front door quickly. Most likely wanting to know why his brother and sister seemed to be in such a heated argument. I’d been living with the Kings for just over two weeks and I’d never heard them fight like that before, not even little disagreements. Della had been home for four days, and each day I’d heard her ask all her brothers where Brett was. Their answers were all the same. “No idea.” But each day her tone had gotten angrier as if she knew they were hiding something. “Della, quit yelling,” Slater growled.

“You’re going to pull a damn stitch.” “Then tell me where Brett is. He left my hospital room saying he’d be right back and then he never returned. He won’t call me back. He won’t text me. Something happened, and all of you…” Della turned her gaze to Piper, who stood close-by, and then to Pacer and Kelso sitting on the sofa, and then to me and Mack at the front door, “…or one of you…” her accusing eyes fell back on Slater, “…aren’t telling me something.” Slater sighed. “He’s gone up north to see some friends and to get laid. He needed a break.” Della’s body froze. I peered up at Mack because even my

heart broke for Della then. Anyone could see that Brett meant something to her. “Jesus, Slater, harsh much,” Piper said with a ‘what the fuck’ look on her face. “Tell her the truth, she deserves to know. You can’t protect her from this. Della’s not going to give up as easily as you wish she would.” Slater fisted his hands and tensed his whole body, veins began to rise all along his arms and neck. He released his fists and the tension left his body quickly. “Dell, Brett overheard everything that was said in the hospital bathroom the day Rex was there. He came at me pissed off, and accusing you of being the one who killed Jae. He

didn’t seem concerned about you and what happened to you, only that neither of us had told him who really killed Jae.” Della’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. Her eyes darted to me then quickly back to Slater. “He heard it all? And that’s all he cared about?” My chest became tight as guilt slammed into me. I was so emotional that day, but I should have thought more carefully about what I was saying and where. A woman was raped, and there I was talking about it in a hospital bathroom. God. I felt terrible. That was not my secret to tell and then Brett found out, Della didn’t get to choose whether he knew about her or

not. I placed my hand in Mack’s and he glanced down at me. I stared up at him with tears in my eyes and pressed my lips together so I wouldn’t cry in front of his family, in a moment that was definitely not mine to take over. Mack noticed. He took my hand and placed it around his waist and pulled me into him, kissing my forehead. “That’s it,” Slater replied to Della. Della turned her back on Slater and whispered softly, “He didn’t even care what happened to me.” Piper took a step toward Della but she was too late. Della grabbed hold of the staircase railing and swung her body around and raced up the steps.

Slater started for the stairs, but Piper placed her hand on his chest. “Let me.” Slater nodded and requested, “Check her stitches?” “Yep, I will,” Piper replied and she gave Slater a quick kiss before heading up. Slater cracked his neck left and right and then spun around to look at Mack and me, and also Pacer and Kelso, who were no longer sitting on the sofa but standing as if they too were going to go after their sister. “That fucking bastard better not step foot in this house again. If he does, I’m gonna shove my fist so far down his fucking throat he’s going to choke on

it,” Pacer growled. Kelso nodded in agreement. “No,” Slater stated firmly. Both Pacer and Kelso glanced at Slater bewildered. Mack let me go and took a step toward his brothers. “Slate, you saw Dell, she’s fallen for the fucker. He’s obviously been messing with her head. She’s not stupid, she thought they had something and he just took off after finding out what happened to her. No fucking way is he getting near her again.” “Can’t do that, Mack. He’s already reported that Rex called him back, he’s arriving tomorrow. We still need him. I want someone on the inside with Rex

for a while longer.” Slater shook his head and continued, “And there was something about him when he found out it was Della who killed Jae. He was cut that he didn’t know, but it was more than that like he was hurt that Dell didn’t tell him. Brett does love Della. Whether he wants to or not, he does, but he’s also messing with her and possibly all of us.” Mack’s body relaxed and he stated, “So he’s in this for cash, he gets paid to pass on information. What’s it to him who killed who?” Slater pointed his finger at Mack. “That’s just it. He’s never questioned anything else. Never worried him he was conspiring against a mafia

member. Never worried him that he knew the guy who killed a mafia member. Only when that person was Della and I get that would worry him because he cares for her, but he was furious at the concept, not at Jae, but at Della and the situation.” Slater cocked his head to the side and looked to me. “Lana, do you know anything about Brett? He hangs out at your house a lot, anything you can tell us?” All the guys including Mack turned to me and waited for an answer. I thought back, trying to find something I could help them with to figure out Brett. But honestly, he was as good as a stranger to me.

“The best I can tell you about Brett is that he likes my cooking.” Mack’s eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms over his chest. Shrugging my shoulders I continued, “Most times the guys would eat out, but sometimes Rex would invite them in if there was enough to go around and Brett always accepted and had seconds if it was offered.” Slater threw out his arms. “I don’t fucking know, but when he’s back I want all eyes on him. He’s not one of us, don’t forget that. If something else is going on we need to know, and then we’ll deal with him.” I swallowed roughly because I knew what ‘deal with’ meant. For Brett’s

sake, I hoped he wasn’t hiding anything. Since then Brett had returned and all the guys had been watching him like a hawk. Mack, of course, said that Brett wanted more than just my food, but he thinks that about everybody except his own brothers, so I just rolled my eyes and changed the subject. Brett couldn’t have been less interested in me if he tried. My brother's other friends flirted with me all the time. However, I was lucky if I got a hello and goodbye from Brett. The first few weeks that Brett was back, he and Della did a stellar and

awkward job at ignoring each other. Slater kept reminding us all to ignore the tension. Next the fights started. First Della yelling, then Brett storming out of the house and spinning his wheels all the way down the road. Then both of them shouting about how their friendship was fake and full of lies. At one time we were all in the living room and everyone burst out laughing, because those two still wouldn’t admit that they were more than friends. Again, Slater told us to ignore them. Males. Piper tried to tell him that this kind of tension was only leading in one direction and that was to sex. But Slater and his brothers refused to acknowledge

their sister was falling for Brett, someone who might be hiding something dangerous. They wouldn’t believe their sister might fall for his act. Yet Piper was right. I caught them getting hot and heavy against the far wall in Della’s bedroom one afternoon a few weeks ago. I heard them arguing, again, and then silence. I thought Brett must have left so I went upstairs to check on Della, but instead, I got an eyeful of Brett’s bare bum. I closed the door as quickly and quietly as I could. And then I did what any woman would do. I whisper-yelled to Piper, who was in the living room to come upstairs. I told her what I saw. She

thought for a second and then asked me to rate Brett’s ass on a scale of one to ten. I said a nine. The next second a gust of air flew by my face as the door was opened and then closed just as quickly. Piper agreed he was a nine and we both pinkie promised never to tell our men what we just did. They already hated Brett enough. Piper and I raced down to the garage and got the guys together and begged them to take us out for lunch. We got lucky because Kelso was leaving to go to TC’s sandwich shop to meet his new ‘thing’ for lunch. The guys were more than willing to take us when they heard that. They’ve wanted to meet this new

girl, who’s held Kelso’s attention for longer than any other girl before. Unfortunately, when we got back it wasn’t to a happy or satisfied new couple. It was to a devastated and brokenhearted Della. Brett left that day and never came back. The most Piper and I have been able to get out of Della is that she and Brett had explosive sex—her words—and afterward everything was great, they were both happy. Della said they were downstairs getting some food afterward when Brett asked her to tell him about Jae. She did, assuming Brett already knew everything. However, Brett paled when she told him

my father had raped her. Della said he quickly grew angry and headed for the front door. She tried to stop him, but he told her what happened between them was a mistake and she’s better off staying the hell away from him. After his harsh words, Della said she let him go and promised herself to never be that stupid and naïve again. Her pact broke my heart because that’s what I promised myself five years ago. And Della can lie to herself all she likes, but her demeanor and sadness shows how much she cared for Brett.

Chapter Ten Lana I elbow Della gently. She looks up from what I’m sure is her now-cold breakfast. I place the garage keys on the table in front of her and smile. “Here you go, all yours, again.” I took over Della’s job in the Kings’ garage while she was recuperating. It’s how I was able to buy myself new clothes. Mack offered to pay for them about a dozen times, but I told him no. I can take care of myself. I don’t need my boyfriend buying me anything. Well, except the peanut M&M’s Mack brings

home for me in the food shopping. I’d never say no to chocolate. However, technically I paid for them because I pay a share of the food shopping. Slater wouldn’t take my money at first, but I told him if he didn’t I’d shove it in Chevy’s exhaust pipe every damn week I was living here. He looked to Mack, probably weighing up how long that might be and then he took my money. Yeah, I’ve heard them all talk about how much he loves that car. I’m not a leech. I pay my own way. I think they all understand that now. But now Della’s ready to come back to work and that means I need to make some hard choices. I still manage the liquor store in

Parkland. I called Craig, the other manager when all the shit hit the fan and he’s been covering for me with Head Office, saying I had a family emergency, but now it’s time to go back. I do love my job there. My usual hours are six p.m. to two a.m., Monday to Friday. I’m a night owl, so it’s perfect. I go to work and I’m home by the usual time I go to sleep anyway, then up around nine a.m. and I still have the whole day to enjoy. “Are you sure, Lana? I still have a ton of study to catch up on, so if you want the job for a few more weeks, that’s totally cool with me.” “Positive, I’ve already talked to Craig and I start back at my old job on Monday, but thanks anyway.”

Della relaxes back in her chair. “Well, thank God it’s Saturday then because there’s no way I could function at work today.” I laugh and Slater cuts through it and all the chatter in the room with a deep, authoritative voice. “Mack races Poison Boys this afternoon, so whoever doesn’t have anywhere to be, somewhere safe, you’ll be coming too. I want all of you where I know you’ll be safe or with me here today and at the track this afternoon. Piper’s going to the Fallon’s to check in on Jimmy and his new family.” Piper nods and quickly finishes what’s in her mouth. “I’m leaving straight after breakfast and I’ll be staying

late. I want to wait until the boys fall asleep so I can talk to Laura and Kevin in private about how Jimmy’s coping. I won’t be back until close to midnight.” “Midnight?” Slater snaps. “You aren’t driving all the way from Jefferson Town that late at night, Piper.” “Yes, I will be Slater,” Piper snaps back. “It’s important for me to see their night-time routine, and talk to the parents alone. I can stay over instead if you’d like? Kevin and Laura would be happy to have me.” Slater tenses, closes his eyes and then breathes out slowly. “I’ll come by at ten p.m. Wait in the car until I see you leave and follow you home.” Piper shrugs but smiles brightly at the

same time. Slater grasps the back of her neck with his right hand and pulls her toward him until they’re kissing. Pacer makes choking sounds while Kelso wolf whistles. Slater may hate that Piper works odd and late hours, but deep down we all know he adores her more for working her ass off to look after those kids. It’s something the Kings never had as children, someone looking out for them. Slater and Piper pull back at the same time, but they don’t part straight away, they lean their foreheads together and just breathe together for a moment. It’s beautiful. They’re so in-tune, in love. Piper straightens her head and speaks

to Slater, “I want Quint, Connor, and Bridge to come with me today. They’ve been asking to see Jimmy, and I want them to see that there are good foster homes out there.” Slater nods. “Done. Send them out to the car when you want to talk to the parents alone and they can sleep here tonight.” Suddenly, Della jumps up quickly and says, “I saw Quint walk down to the garage earlier. I’ll go let him know he’s seeing Jimmy today and tell him to fetch Connor and Bridge.” Della’s hand is on the back screen door when Slater calls out to her. “Della, what are your plans today?” She looks anywhere but at Slater

when she says, “I’m going to the library this morning, get some study done and then I’ll come home and catch a ride with you guys to the race.” Mack’s laughter comes from behind me. “Since when do you go to the library to study? Have you ever even been? Would you know where to find it?” Della hardens her stare at her brother and places a hand on her hip. “Since when is it a big deal if I go somewhere else to study?” Mack throws up his hands. “Hey, no problem here with you going to the library, but how defensive you’re being has my alarm bells going off.” Slater narrows his eyes on Della. “Spit it out. What aren’t you telling us?”

Kelso stands from the table with his dishes and pushes the chair out with a loud squeak. “Told you not to say library.” “Shut up, Kel,” Della hisses at her brother. Slater slams his hands down on the dining table and the entire room goes silent and still. “Someone better tell me something in the next three seconds or I’m going to lose my shit.” “I’m looking for my real family.” Della’s voice is timid and shaky. Slater’s eyes widen for a brief second before they relax and soften. “Why didn’t you just say that then? Why the lie?” “She thinks because none of us want

to find our families that we wouldn’t want her to either,” Kel informs us all. “I told her that’s bullshit, but you guys know how stubborn she is.” Della drops her shoulders and purses her lips at Kel. “I don’t want to find them to meet them. I just want to know where they are. See a picture maybe.” She shrugs trying to feign indifference. “I think that’s perfectly normal, Della,” I say, interjecting myself in their family discussion. “Lana’s right,” Piper agrees. “And if you find them and want to meet them, then we’ll be behind you one hundred percent. Won’t we, Slater?” “Of course,” Slater replies instantly. “Always together, in everything. I only

ask Dell, that you think carefully about it. We’re not the average family. We’re not a safe place for people to be, association with us can be deadly. I’ll always do whatever I can to make you happy, Della, you know we all will, and we’ll protect anyone who means something to you, but if something happens to them, you need to ask yourself if you can live with that?” Della nods and smiles. “I know. I’ve thought about it. I only want to know where they are… who they are. That’s it.” “That might not be as easy as you think it will be, Dell,” Pacer interjects. “Just knowing and letting them go.” “Let’s cross that bridge when we get

to it,” Slater states standing and taking his dishes to the sink. Everyone seems to take that as an end to the discussion because Della turns and walks out through the screen door. Piper and Pacer go back to finishing their breakfast and Kelso begins filling the sink with water to wash the dirty dishes. Mack starts taking the sauces and salt off the table and placing them away in the cupboard. “Pace, Kel, what’re your plans before the race today?” “Mickey brought in a priority last night. Chrysler Charger, he needs the paint and VIN numbers changed as soon as possible,” Pacer replies. Slater nods. “Mack, Kel, I need you

in the garage today then. We got work to do.” All the guys grunt in agreement. That’s that, they’ll be in the garage all day long then. Piper stands from the table and Slater pushes off from the bench at the same time. He takes the plate and glass from her hands and places them on the bench beside Kelso. Mack grabs a hand towel and begins drying the dishes as I take the last bite of my food. I stand and right before Slater steps out of the room, he pulls on Piper’s hand to stop and turns to me. “Lana. You’re staying here today?” If I had a life that might offend me, but since I don’t and my life now revolves

around the sexy man hand drying dishes I don’t care to look insulted. “Yeah, she’ll be hanging around here,” Mack answers for me and I cringe on the inside because I can only imagine the fight we’re about to have. Della walks through the back door just as I’m about to speak. “Quint’s gone to grab Connor and Bridge. He’s super pumped to see Jimmy.” Slater nods firmly and Piper smiles brightly. Della’s picking up her plate from the table as I clear my throat. “Actually, I’m going home today.” The clinking of dishes in the sink cease and Della freezes on the spot on her way to the counter. Nobody moves

or says anything. I look up from the table to Mack, who's staring at me dumbfounded with wide eyes and a gaping open mouth. “I want to see Rex,” I state nervously. “Talk to him.” “Like fuck,” Mack growls. “Look at the time, better get a start on that car,” Pacer states, standing from the table, leaving his plate behind and walking to the back door. Kelso shakes off his wet hands and dries them along his jeans. “Right behind you, Pace.” “Piper, don’t you need to be going?” Slater mutters and Piper nods quickly. However, in their rush to leave the room they both smack into each other. Slater

hastily turns Piper in the right direction and then they’re gone out of sight quick smart. Poor Della is still standing between the table and the counter, fidgeting left and right with her plate, unsure what to do and what will be the fastest exit. She decides to drop her plate haphazardly on the counter and murmurs, “Off to the library I go.” I sigh and cross my arms over my chest. “Way to clear a room, Mack.” Mack collects himself and goes back to drying the cutlery. “No way you’re going to see Rex. No way you’re stepping foot in Parkland, Lana. Conversation over. Am I understood?” My eyebrows rise and I freeze

momentarily from Mack’s domineering stance. I inhale deeply and release as calmly as I can. “Quickest way to end us, Mackson King, is if you ever talk to me that way again. Am I understood?” He shakes his head and leans on the counter, appearing exasperated with me, which only fuels my anger. “I’m confused, Mack. You know me, you didn’t think at some point I’d want to reach out to my brother?” Mack rubs the back of his neck roughly and raises his head to look at me with dark and serious eyes. “He hit you. Lied to you. Walked away from you.” Breathing becomes difficult. His words are as good as a punch to my chest.

“I know what my brother did to me, Mack. He’s fucked-up on drugs and needs help. I’ve sat back and waited for him to come to me and it’s not happening. I refuse to continue to do the same. One of us has to make the first move. We’re family, I should be there for him, helping him get clean. Especially now that I know what I’m fighting.” Mack walks around the counter and steps toward me. He stops with his body well within touching distance, but he doesn’t reach out for me. I straighten my back, steel my emotions and return the same unyielding stare Mack’s bestowing upon me. He will not change my mind.

“I don’t ever want to be the reason you’re sad, but I will take your safety over your mood, every damn time.” A nervous laugh bubbles up. “So you’re happy for me to hate you?” Mack doesn’t speak or move. He shows no emotion at my last words. “If you try to keep me away from my brother, I’ll leave you, Mackson.” That does it. A flicker of fear flashes quickly over his features before he schools them back to possessive and serious. “You could try. Even if you wanted to, which I know you don’t, you forget you’re mine, Lana. You love me. Have for a long time. I know, me protecting you will piss you off, but you won’t hate me and I won’t ever let you

leave me.” “Well, shit, I think the petrol fumes have finally gone to your head. ‘Cause baby, I’m walking out that door and you can watch my ass sway side to side as I say goodbye.” Mack’s lips tip up into a smirk as if the idea of physically restraining me is something he’s going to enjoy. “Baby, that attitude is cute, but you’re still not going.” Instead of continuing this silly war of words I spin around and head straight for the front door. I sense Mack behind me, but he’s not telling me to stop nor is he rushing to beat me to the door. I swear. Shit’s about to go down if he

tries to restrain me. As I’m approaching the front door I spot Slater on the porch, his back to me, hand up waving. Slater glances over his shoulder, probably from hearing the quick clicks of my ankle boots on the wooden floors. He spots Mack and me, breathes in deeply and then looks to the sky with closed eyes. “Lana,” Mack growls just as Slater slips into the house and shuts the front screen door behind him. I come to a halt, almost crashing into Slater who widens his stance and folds his arms over his chest. “Move Slater,” I state firmly. “Last thing I want to do is get in the middle of this shit storm, but I agree

with Mack. Right now Rex isn’t the brother you grew up with. He’s living off the highs and lows of drugs and that shit is unforgiving when you try to come between them and it. You can’t help your brother until he’s ready to fight for himself, then and maybe only then, might you be able to save him.” With a heavy heart I try to explain, “I know what you’re going to say, but I feel as if he’s over a cliff’s edge, and I’m the only one who can pull him back safely because I’m part of the reason he got there.” Slater’s features soften and his body relaxes. Mack steps around me and into my view. “Lana…” his voice is gentle and

his tone sounds as if what I said hurt him badly “…you have to know, you did nothing wrong. Rex let the pressure get to him.” Mack shakes his head. “No, that’s not right. He stumbled and couldn’t find his footing again. It could happen to any of us. Your father died. He lost his best friends. He learned his father raped the girl he was in love with. As much as Rex has always refused to believe that, doubt must have been there, eating away at him. Denial can live on the surface of anything, but truth, it festers and keeps eating away until it’s set free. Living becomes the hard part.” “Rex chose a path many have before, thinking they can conquer it,” Slater states. “So far he’s losing, and I know

the man he used to be. He wouldn’t want you to see him like that, he’d hate himself if he took you down with him.” I lower my hands beside my body and calm my breathing. I understand everything they’re saying. They’re talking complete sense. If Rex were a friend or an acquaintance, I’d warn people against putting themselves on the line as well. But they didn’t watch Rex pull a chair to the sink when he was five to fill up ice-block molds with my favorite red cordial, when all my father would make was lemonade ones—Rex’s favorite. They weren’t there when my mother left and my father refused to leave the hall light on for me. I was scared of the dark,

always had been and then scared of my father’s angry shouts at me for no reason. Rex snuck into my room where he’d lie on the floor, on the side hidden from my door and hold my hand. After a few times my father caught him and then Rex gave me his flashlight, so if I needed to I could find my way to his room. “You don’t get it. Neither of you do. You didn’t even see the best of him,” I choke out. I lost my brother in small increments through the years because of our father and the asshole he was. He shaped Rex to be this weak, angry person. I’ll be damned if I let Jae Scavello win. “We do,” Mack replies. “I have brothers, a sister.”

I nod. “Yeah, and I know you’d never sit back and let this just play out. You’d tie them to a chair, a bed, and lock them in a room before you’d ever considered giving up.” Mack opens and closes his mouth as if he’s lost for words. Slater lowers his chin and doesn’t look me in the eyes. They both know what I’m saying is true. “You’re right,” Slater confirms and steps aside from the door. Mack quickly takes his place. Slater mutters, “Good luck, Mack, you got your hands full with this one,” and he walks away. I place my hands on my hips, glance up at Mack and tilt my head, waiting for him to either move or to come up with

more excuses that I will also ignore. Mack breathes in deep, relaxes his body and loosely folds his arms against his chest. “It’s gonna go down like this. I’m not going to restrain you to keep you here. However, I will follow you and carry you back here, if by some miracle you actually walk all the way to Parkland.” A small smile appears on his lips. He thinks he’s so smart. I’m going to outwit him today, but holy hell he looks hot right now. Smugness actually suits Mackson. Legs apart, grin and arms folded. His biceps are huge, smooth, so strong… Focus, Lana. I straighten my arms and fist my hands

and stomp my foot. “Fine. Now move so I can get a move on.” I feign annoyance, but deep down I’m smiling. I can’t wait to watch Mack’s face as I’m driving away. I had a feeling Mack wouldn’t want me to see Rex, but I also wasn’t going to lie or go behind his back. But just in case, I grabbed Mack’s keys to his red Nissan Skyline from his dresser earlier. I pat my back pocket quickly to assure myself they’re still there, and when I feel the bumps of metal I have that assurance. Mack steps away from the door. “Sure you don’t want a water bottle for that long walk?” I narrow my eyes. “You know that’s

the one helpful thing you’ve said all morning. That would be wonderful,” I reply with a sweet smile. Mack laughs out loud. “That sassy tone is fucking hot, Lana. We need to do some role-playing tonight.” He gives me a wink. “We should add some ropes and whips as well. I think you need to be taught a lesson.” I mimic his wink. “Fuck,” Mack breathes out. His eyes darken and he steps toward me. “I got ropes and whips, baby. We can go upstairs right now and you can teach me a lesson or two.” My body warms all over and I swallow roughly. I stumble back a step and in an embarrassingly husky voice, I

say, “Got somewhere to be.” I almost added but definitely tonight, to make sure we book that in. However, after I steal Mack’s car and actually see my brother, I’m not sure he is going to be in the mood. Or maybe it will be me getting taught the lesson? I shrug. Win-win for me. Mack looks at me strangely, so I quickly turn and walk down the porch steps toward the front gate. “I’ll fetch you that water, let you get a head start,” Mack calls out and while I’m not looking at him as I only have eyes for his Skyline parked out the front of the house, I can however, hear the laughter in his voice. My palms begin to sweat from

anticipation as I approach the car. So close to finally seeing my brother after our longest time apart, and also being able to show Mackson up. Not sure which one is more important to me right now. The familiar sound of the screen door hitting the frame lets me know Mackson has walked inside. Glancing over my shoulder, it’s confirmed. He’s no longer in sight. With a pounding heart, I race to the red Nissan and pull the keys from my back pocket. I get to the driver’s side, push the key in and unlock the door. I jump inside and start Fang. A laugh bubbles up at the nickname Mack has for his car. What is it with guys and nicknaming their cars? I have a beat up

Nissan Altima, and while she has been around for a long time and been good to me, I’ve never felt the need to name it anything other than ‘she’ or ‘her.’ I reach across and buckle myself in while the engine continues to growl to life. The vibration of the powerful motor flows through me and it feels fucking fantastic. I press down on two buttons on the center console, which lowers both front windows. The instant breeze from outside is heaven compared to the stuffy heat inside the car and the blistering hot leather seats. From the corner of my eye, I notice a large figure come out through the front door. A quick glance shows me it’s Mack and he’s running straight for me

and his precious Fang. I release the handbrake, glide the stick into first and push down on the accelerator. The wheels spin as I’m taking off. Mack jumps his front fence and attempts to get to the car, but he’s too late, I’m gone. And as I’m going, I raise my left hand and wiggle my fingers as a goodbye with a wide smile gracing my face. I’ve always wanted to do that. Autumn’s cool, crisp air blows in through my window, tousling my hair and relaxing my tense body. Gliding through the gears, I push the car faster, but stay close to the speed limit. I know I don’t have long before Mack gets to one of his brothers’ cars and comes after me. I love him for taking

care of me and trying to protect me, but this is something that I have to do, something that has been coming for a long time now. I hope I have enough time to talk to my brother alone before the chaos ensues. And I pray Rex has seen the error of his ways and sees me for what I am. The sister who loves him more than anything else in this world and will do anything to save his life.

Chapter Eleven Lana Parking behind Corey’s blue Mazda I jump out of Fang, keys in hand. I slam her door closed and take swift steps toward my home. I’m approaching the front screen as it flies open and Corey appears. His eyes are wide and his mouth hangs open. The same surprise flashes through me quickly before I straighten my posture and change my expression to stony. “Is Rex home?” Corey’s features soften, but he still doesn’t let go of the screen’s door handle or move aside so I can walk into

my own house. “It’s good to see you, Lana.” His voice is welcoming and pleading all at the same time. “I don’t have time for this Corey. Is my brother home or not?” I demand, stepping from foot to foot trying to look around Corey’s big body. “Yeah, but Lana, right now is not a good time.” I stop fidgeting and freeze. “This is my home Corey and that’s my brother. I’ll decide for myself if I’ll stay or go. Now move your ass before I get a run-up and move you myself.” Corey grimaces, glances over his shoulder into the house and then back to me. “Seriously, Lana, he’s not having a

good day.” Done with this conversation, and knowing Mack will be here any minute, I search for a weak spot on Corey so I can push my way past him. Using all my strength, and with two hands, I shove Corey’s right shoulder and he stumbles back a step and when he does I slip straight past him into the living room. “Fuck, Lana,” Corey bellows. I spin on my heel, point my finger at Corey and glare. “If you ever try to keep me out of my own home again, my boot will end up your ass. Got it.” Corey’s face falls. “You’re gonna wish I tried harder.” He gestures to the right. “He’s in there.” My chest tightens as I stare toward

Rex’s bedroom door. “Lana,” Corey calls and the sadness in his voice compels me to look his way. “I swear, I tried. Kodi, Reed and I, we thought we could help him.” I swallow roughly. “What am I going to see, Corey?” Exhausted and anguished, Corey rubs his hands up and down his face. “I don’t know, but I can tell you, you’re not going to see your brother.” Breathing becomes difficult and I grasp onto the sofa for support. “Kodi and Reed are on their way over. We’re taking him to the hospital today, he needs more help than we can give him.” My chin trembles. I’m scared. My first reaction is to wait for Mack. I need

his warmth and the feeling that comes with being near him, the sense of knowing everything will be okay. But I know that’s a terrible idea. No matter Rex’s state, he’s never going to like seeing his sister with a King. “Mackson is on his way. I don’t want any trouble when he gets here.” Corey’s eyes widen and he goes to speak, but I beat him to it. “I mean it, Corey. Mack’s only coming to make sure I’m safe. No fighting or accusations. Peace… even if it’s only this once, I will have it today.” Corey reluctantly nods. “I’ll let the other guys know.” “Thank you. I appreciate that,” I reply softly.

“You’re really one of them now?” Corey questions with a frown and a bitter tone. “I’m not with them and I’m not with you guys. I’m me, Lana, sister to Rex, daughter to… a monster. If you or my brother had taken one-second in all these years to truly know me, then you’d both realize this war was never mine. That I would never fight for a man who treated me so badly. The fact that you guys have fought so hard for him has broken my heart a million times.” Corey’s face turns ashen, but I don’t stay to work it out. Our friendship died years ago when all the lies began. I reach Rex’s bedroom door and place my hand on the handle. As I twist

it and open the door slowly, I hear the familiar rumble of Chevy pull up out the front. He’s here. My body relaxes all on its own knowing Mack has arrived. And then I freeze. My mind is screaming. My heart is breaking. I’m unable to move my body past the entrance to the room. There lies a man, but he isn’t my brother. He’s too thin to be Rex. He’s too scarred to be Rex. His skin is too yellow to be Rex. My healthy, strong brother is gone. My world spins. Nothing could have ever prepared me to see my big brother lying helpless on his bed. Face, arms and legs covered in bloodied, scabbed

sores. Dark circles under his eyes, and hollowed cheeks with yellowing skin. God, is his body bruised? Moving slowly toward my brother, I’m too frightened to touch him in case I’ll hurt his fragile body. I cover my mouth trying not to wake him with my heartache. Muffled voices come from the living room and then Mack appears in the doorway. However, I can’t rip my eyes from my worst nightmare. So I don’t see the stunned look on his face, but I hear it as Mack sucks in a big breath and then in a pained voice says, “Christ.” I gesture to Rex with my hands and try to quietly say, “What’s wrong with him?” However, my words come out

unclear and high pitched. “Dove,” Mack says softly and then stops speaking suddenly. I know what he was going to say, what he’s thinking. He tried to warn me. He attempted to stop me and protect me from seeing my brother this way. Mack tentatively steps toward me. I spin my head quickly to look at him. He’s being cautious, because I know he wants to get me out of here, and assumes I won’t go quietly or willingly. But I’m torn. I want him to take me away and help me forget I ever saw my brother this way, although I also want him to take charge, do something to make my brother better. “Mack what happened to him?” I

plead for answers. He wasn’t this way when I lived here. He wasn’t this way two months ago. “Don’t let his peaceful expression and ravaged body fool you. It took myself, Kodi and Reed to wrestle Rex to the ground yesterday,” Corey interrupts. My eyes widen. “You need to explain what the fuck has been going on Corey because he was not like this two months ago. Not even close.” “After learning it was Della who killed Jae, Rex grew distant and started pushing everyone away. The guys assume it’s because you chose not to come back, Lana. Kodi and Reed are the only ones who know the truth.” “That information wasn’t for you to

share.” Mack’s deep, angry voice rumbles throughout the bedroom. “Yeah, well, fuck you, Mack,” Corey spits back. “Kodi and Reed deserved to know the truth. None of us wanted this war, but we supported our friend. I know and you should too, they wouldn’t do anything to harm Della.” “You mean like ordering a drive-by that almost killed her. That was supposed to kill another woman?” Mack steps forward in an intimating manner. Corey doesn’t budge. He stands his ground. “We didn’t know about that. Rex said he had plans, but none of us knew how far he’d gone to get back at Slater. He didn’t tell us for a reason, because he knew we’d try to talk him out of it. You

might think we’re your enemies, Mack. But truthfully we’re the real reason he’s stuck to some semblance of rules and honor throughout the years. Honestly, Rex hasn’t had a sane thought on his own in five years.” I lower my chin and stare at the ground ashamed, because I know Corey’s right. My brother has been teetering on the edge of that cliff for longer than the past two months. “Anyway, we decided to give him a week to get his head around what we’d learned. Except, he never called us after a week or even after two. Reed and I stopped in to see him and we found him passed out on the sofa with a needle in his arm and a bag of ice on the coffee

table. We’ve spent the last six weeks trying to get him clean. Even trying to get him on something less damaging like Ecstasy. But it’s been fucking hard, he’s unreasonable and paranoid all the fucking time and when he’s coming down he’s downright dangerous. He’d kill one of us to get his next hit. I have no doubt. When he tried to kill Kodi with a knife yesterday, he was calling him the devil, because he refused to drive him to get on. He’s been asleep ever since. That’s been his typical comedown symptoms which we’ve been experiencing on repeat for the past few weeks.” “He’s hallucinating,” Mack states calmly as if it’s a normal part of the

process. Corey nods. “He thinks he has bugs under his skin, hence why he has so many sores from scratching his skin and he mutters to himself a lot about moving on to another life. Ending this one and getting a clean slate for the next.” “I don’t understand,” I grate out in frustration. Mack walks over and embraces me. I don’t hug him back. I only want answers. I push away from him and focus on Corey. “If you’ve known about this for six weeks, why didn’t you call me? Why is he still so bad if you’ve kept him here to get him clean?” “Look around, Lana. The window

behind you is boarded up with cardboard because he smashed through the glass with his bare hands to get out. All the locks and glass on the entry doors have been smashed or broken with your steel meat hammer. We’ve managed to keep him clean for a few days here and there, but it never lasts, he manages to find a way out and then he’s gone. By the time we find him, usually near the train tracks we used to drink at, it’s too late, he’s already taken the shit. And there was no way we were calling you. Rex would never want you to see him this way.” “That’s not my brother,” I state angrily, pointing at the thing lying in my brother’s body.

Unexpectedly an agonizing moan sounds through the room. We all freeze and look at Rex, who begins to groan louder and roll around on the bed as he wraps his arms around his waist as if in pain. “Shit,” Corey curses. “Why does he seem like he’s in pain?” My voice shakes as I stare at my brother. “He hasn’t eaten for two days,” Corey replies while walking over to the other side of the bed next to Rex. Mack kisses my hair and mutters, “It’s a side effect of the drug. Rex doesn’t feel the hunger pains.” “It’s why he’s lost weight,” I whisper to myself, but Mack answers me anyway,

“Yeah, Dove, that’s why.” Suddenly, Corey pulls a syringe from his jean’s pocket and removes the plastic cover from the tip. “What the hell are you doing?” Mack moves toward Corey. Corey doesn’t even glance at Mack, who’s approaching him, he looks straight at me. “I told you earlier we’re taking Rex to the hospital.” Corey lifts the needle in the air. “This is how we get him there.” Mack stops and asks, “What’s in the needle?” Still looking at me, Corey replies, “It’s morphine. It’s going to take away Rex’s body aches and make him feel sleepy, but not pass out. It’s how we get

him to the hospital without anyone getting hurt. Doctor Evan Angelos from Clarke Memorial Hospital gave this to me. He’s waiting for us. We’re going to take Rex to Emergency where two security guards will be waiting. They will take Rex up to recovery where Dr. Evan is going to put him on methadone for two days to dry Rex out. Then when he wakes, we’re going to make sure he signs rehab papers. Dr. Evan knows of a good facility in Jefferson Rex can go to for six months.” My heart’s racing and my mouth is dry. It’s as if there’s a ticking time bomb in the room and everyone’s waiting for it to explode. “Lana, I don’t need your approval to

do this. But I respect you enough to do this with you in the room or wait until you leave if you don’t want to see this,” Corey announces. “I’m good. I’m all for this plan. It’s something you should have done weeks ago,” I reply in an accusatory tone. How much can one needle hurt? My brother has been pricking himself for months now. “Mack, I’m going to need you to go to the other side of the bed. I need to find a vein on his forearm and he’s not going to like anyone touching him, so we’ll need to hold him down.” Mackson moves to my side of the bed and I shuffle backward to give him room.

“Lana,” Corey calls my name with a firm tone, “if Rex starts flailing, I need you to grab one of his legs and hold him down as best you can, okay?” I nod. All at once, Corey and Mack grab a wrist each and turn Rex gently to lay flat on his back. Rex starts to moan louder and pulls his arms toward himself. Corey searches for a vein while Rex slowly realizes that he’s being held down. The moment between the silence and the furious roar my brother lets out is shocking. My eyes widen and my body goes cold. In mere seconds he went from being sleepy to a bucking bull, thrashing about. His angry and desperate pleas to be let go break

my heart. Mack pushes down on Rex’s shoulder and wrist trying to keep him as still as possible, but it’s not enough to help keep him immobile for Corey to insert the needle. I try to grab his kicking foot, but I’m struggling to catch it. Abruptly, Kodi and Reed race into the room and I’m pushed out of the way. They have Rex pinned down to the bed and Corey inserting the needle into his vein in no time. Rex is yelling and cursing us all, redfaced. I cover my mouth, trying to muffle the heartache desperate to escape. Rex jerks his head in my direction and his body freezes. His eyes grow glassy, and when

I thought it could never be possible his cheeks grow pink. I’m desperate to look away. I don’t want to see my brother so low and now riddled with shame. A jolt runs through my body as I realize I need to be here for my brother, not be the scared little sister. Rex deserves courage and strength from me, and in order to be there for him I must be strong. I walk to the side of the bed, looking directly at Rex’s face and drop to my knees. His body relaxes as the morphine takes effect. Kodi and Reed slowly loosen their grip on Rex’s legs and step back from the bed. Mack and Corey remain, holding his wrists down. Rex is still staring at me as if I’m a

wonder to behold and also a curse. “It’s going to be okay, Rex. I promise. We’re going to get you help. Soon this nightmare will be over.” He relaxes his head back onto the pillow, his eyes still staring intently at me. “I need to wash away my regrets,” he says with a hoarse voice and mournful tone. His words slash at my soul as if I’ve just witnessed my brother give up and say his goodbyes.

Chapter Twelve Lana My brother’s calm, contented and drugged up body is gently laid down on a hospital bed and taken by two security guards along with two nurses into an elevator, and we’re told to wait in Emergency. As soon as Dr. Evan is done treating and making Rex comfortable, he’ll come down and take us to my brother. Mack walks us across the room to two blue, beat-up old seats by the doors closest to where the doctors and nurses are coming and leaving through. That was two hours ago. I’m almost

at breaking point. Sitting on the edge of my seat, bouncing my legs anxiously, I rub my sweaty palms against my jeans to try and relax my body, but it’s not working. Corey, Kodi, and Reed are sitting in chairs by the automatic front doors. I fidget in my seat more and push out a frustrating breath. At that time, Kodi and Reed walk over. Their expressions are gentle with slight frowns and their arms hang loosely by their sides. I stand instantly. I don’t remember a time when they weren’t in Rex’s life, therefore, mine too. They might not feel the same, but Rex’s friends were the closest thing to a family that I had

growing up. Mack also stands and wraps his arm securely around my waist to stop me from stepping forward any further. Kodi and Reed’s eyes turn hard on Mack, and I can’t fault them for it. They would never hurt me. I shift my body around to face Mackson. I smile reassuringly and kiss him on the side of the neck, lingering for a second longer than normal. Then step out of his arms and embrace the men, who won’t ever realize how much of a part they played in my young life and who will always have a small piece of my heart no matter time or distance. I burrow between Kodi and Reed and sigh contentedly, taking in the warmth

and their familiar smoky scents. “We’ll get him through this, Lana. Don’t you worry, Rex is gonna be okay.” I nod into Kodi’s chest while listening to Reed’s words and hoping with everything that I am that he’s right. I take a step back from them and force a smile. Pretending to be okay is exhausting. Acting as if this waiting game isn’t killing me is crippling. I’m on the verge of losing it. I’m desperate to tear down every door between my brother and myself. He needs me. Heat hits my back and Mack takes a hold of my hand. Strength surges through me, and the tears recede. My heart’s rapid beat slows and the terror flowing

through my veins ease. Corey appears and murmurs in a strained voice, “We have a problem.” “What?” Mack questions. “Delivery day and Bone is at the garage and asking where Rex is. He’s fucking pissed.” “Shit,” Kodi whispers. “What do we do?” My body tenses and I fist my hands. “That asshole needs to know what he’s done. What my whole damn family has done to Rex, to one of their own,” I try to whisper, however, my voice rattles with so much anger, that I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to hold in this rage. “Lana, they can’t find out Rex is

addicted to the drugs,” Corey demands. “Why?” I question angrily. “They’ll kill him, Lana. He’s a liability they won’t hesitate to take out to protect the secrets of the Family,” Corey answers. I shake my head. “No, no. I know they’re ruthless, but he’s family, no matter what they protect their Family.” Mack squeezes my hand. “The mafia’s love affair with power, money and drugs is greater than that of their own family members. It’s been this way for generations, Lana. Those brought up in the family know the repercussions of getting addicted to the drugs. Yeah, they take the shit, but Rex is way past doing it for fun at a party. He’s so far gone that

he would spill their secrets to anyone, to any pig, who would help him get a hit.” “Shit, shit, shit,” I say, losing it right here in the Emergency Room. Mack grasps my elbows and I grab hold of his biceps. He gently walks me around the corner. Corey, Kodi and Reed following closely. I’m dizzy, lightheaded and breathing is becoming difficult. Mack pushes me up against a wall to help me stay upright. “Breathe, Dove… in and out… slowly.” His words are gentle, but their soothing tone isn’t working to calm me down. The two inhales I try to take are ruined by my trembling chin and shaking body. I take hold of Mack’s shirt,

needing something to ground me. I wrap the material in my fingers. “If the drugs aren’t killing him, it’s my family.” My own words hit me hard and I begin to fall, but Mack squeezes my arms tighter to hold me up. “We won’t give up, Dove. I promise we’ll do all we can to help him.” “I can’t lose him,” I state in an achingly sad voice. Mack’s face turns pained and his eyes fill with sorrow. He stays silent and I know it’s because there are no words, no promises he can make to ensure my brother’s safety or life. Mack straightens and we embrace, holding each other tighter than we ever have before. While still holding me, Mack

instructs Corey, “Tell Bone, Rex was racing and he hit a pot hole and spun out hitting a tree on River Park Road, down by Shawnee Park. A car crashed into the tree along that road only four days ago, there’s still debris and old police tape. Tell Bone, Rex has a head injury and you’ll keep him updated on his recovery. How often does Bone deliver?” “Every two to three months, it depends on how much he delivers today on when he’ll be back,” Corey replies. “Two months minimum then to get a story together and a strategy, for his next visit.” Everyone agrees with the plan. Peeking through my swollen, wet eyes, still clinging to Mack, I spot the

guys nod to him with respect and then give me one last lingering stare before they leave the hospital, promising to return as soon as they can. Minutes pass and I calm. While Mack is comforting me, we hear a friendly and formal voice. “Miss Scavello. You can come up and see your brother now.” I turn quickly and find one of the nurses who helped take Rex up when we arrived. She’s holding open one of the Emergency Department’s automatic doors as if giving us the magic key to get through and finally see our loved one. I don’t look at Mack. I don’t need to. We take each other’s hand and quickly walk through the open door and listen to the nurse as she instructs us on how to

find Rex. We nod and quickly move through the hospital to the fifth floor and room ninety-seven. Entering a large room with sunlight streaming in through the huge glass windows, the light hits the bed in the middle of the room. If Rex was awake, I know he’d have to shield his eyes from the brightness of it. But he’s not awake; he’s passed out and has numerous tubes and cords coming from his body. The soft drip of the fluids and the beeping heart monitor is like a sad song. Each beep closer to giving life or should I savor them? Will it be the last time I hear the rhythmic beeps of my brother’s life? Looking at him now, helpless and lost, all I see is misery.

Mack pulls the curtain halfway across the long window and the sunlight dims in the room. I walk over to Rex and place my hand on his shoulder. A chair bumps the back of my legs and I glance over my shoulder to see Mack gesturing for me to take a seat. I do. “Lana, I have to go to the race. I’ll fill Slater and the others in when I’m there. I should be back in an hour since Corey and the guys won’t be able to make it to Speed Wars. Mickey will call a noshow.” “What happens then? To Parklands chances at the Death Race?” I ask. “They’ll lose points for not showing

up, and I’ll automatically win the race and get the points.” I swallow hard and look at my unmoving brother. “Speed Wars really didn’t mean anything to Rex,” I inform Mack quietly. “He found out you guys were entering and had to compete against you all.” “Yeah?” is all Mack replies and we have silence for a moment before he continues, “Rex is a great racer. Slater always beats my brothers and me, easily. But Slater was always rattled when he knew he was going to race Rex.” That pulls a small smile out of me. Yes, he is a great racer, he even taught his little sister a few moves. Mostly if I ever needed to turn quickly in case of an

accident, or what would happen if I pressed on the brakes suddenly and had to control the car. We did take some time to muck around and race as well, but Rex was always miles ahead of me, even before my tires stopped spinning and I was able to take off. Mack spins my chair and cups the back of my neck. “Back soon, okay?” I nod and Mack kisses me. It’s soft and sensual. It causes a fluttering sensation in my chest. He bites gently on my bottom lip and ends our kiss. He gifts me with one last kiss to my forehead and whispers, “One step closer to two million dollars, Dove. See you soon.” And with that, he’s walking out the hospital room and I’m left breathless.

Two million dollars! I swing my gaze to my brother and stand from the chair. “Two million dollars?” I whisper to myself and also as a question to an unconscious Rex. I lean on the bed and look down to the stark white sheets and blue blanket. That’s a lot of money. My eyes find my brother again. That could change Rex’s life. Get him out of Parkland. Hell, out of the States. He could move to the other side of the world, somewhere the mafia and my mother could never find him. I step to the window and look out at the car park. Mack would be driving out about now, to a race he thinks he’s already won.

I glimpse over my shoulder at Rex. I told him I’d fight harder this time. I promised to help him. Biting my lip anxiously I go over the scenario of me turning up to Speed Wars and racing my own boyfriend. Mackson won’t be happy. His family took me in for the past two months and treated me as one of their own, and now I’m going to try and take something away from them that they’ve been fighting hard to get for months now? I rub my knuckles over my pressed lips conflicted. Decide Lana. Before it’s too late. Turning back to Rex and walking over to his bedside, I take his hand. I’ll go against the man I love and race for my brother.

Mackson will understand. I pray he does. Because if I don’t do this, if I don’t at least try, I fear I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.

Chapter Thirteen Mackson “What the fuck are we waiting for Mickey? No-one’s coming,” I yell to Mick, who’s in his caravan, which is the headquarters at Speed Wars. It’s covered in dirt and dust and is surrounded by security, who are there to make sure any trouble makers or fights that break out are dealt with quickly. Mick slowly steps out of his caravan, his black Speed Wars shirt appears first then his tall frame ducks under the small door and his full head of gray hair can be seen. He grins at me excitedly. What the

fuck is he smiling about? Mick never smiles. I glance over my shoulder to Slater and my family all leaning against Fang. Well, everyone, but Lana. I need this shit to move along so I can get back to her. Slater’s looking at Mick with a curious expression and also a pissed off one. We need to win this race. And Parkland can’t turn up in time. We’ve already got word from a mate who drove past Rex’s garage and said Corey’s Mazda is still there. They’ll never make it here before race time and therefore, be disqualified. I hear Mick approach with a deep chuckle. “Hold your horses, Mackson. You know I can’t call a race until the

time comes and they aren’t at the starting line, ready to race.” I sigh. “We already got word where the Parkland members are, and they can’t make it here in twenty minutes even if they wanted to. I got somewhere to be, Mickey, can we fucking just call it?” Mickey grins, wider this time. “A tip from me, boy, go get ready to race.” I narrow my eyes at Mickey’s back as he walks away. “That fucker knows something.” Slater appears at my back. “But what? Rex is in the hospital. Corey, Kodi, and Reed are still at the garage. Only those who signed the contract can race. There is no way Parkland is racing today. Mick’s

probably just messing with us for kicks.” I turn and pat Slater on the shoulder. “Come on, I’ll get ready and then when they don’t show we can get the fuck out of here.” We walk over to Fang and Slater fills everyone in on what’s going on. Della decides to walk over by the fence so she can watch some races while we wait around. My brothers stay with me while we warm up Fang and I get her in the lineup. Four rows of cars are in front of me, no car beside me. My arms tense and I squeeze the steering wheel brutally. I should be back with Lana by now. This is fucking bullshit. Slater, Pacer, and Kelso are off to my

right waiting near the fence, all of them looking around the dirt field for any sign of my competitor. Suddenly, I notice them all stand straight with shocked expressions. I quickly look at my rearview mirror and spot Lana. She’s walking away from a cab and toward Mick, who just threw her a set of keys. No fucking way. Watching as she awkwardly waves to my brothers, who can only stare back at her stunned. Mick calls her name and she races after him to a Nissan Silvia. No. Fucking. Way. I turn my stare to my brothers. Slater is pissed. Pacer’s face is still scrunched

up in confusion and Kelso is laughing his ass off. They walk over to me. Kel’s the first to speak. “Your girl’s got balls, Mack. Fuck, definitely not the little Lana we remember.” “How’s Mick letting her race? She’s not on the contract,” Packer asks. “She’s family,” I say between gritted teeth, squeezing the steering wheel so hard it may break. “Family can race if someone on the contract can’t race due to a medical problem.” Slater shakes his head and looks me in the eyes. “You two fight?” “No, I left her at the hospital with Rex. We were fine. Fucks me why she’s doing this.” I unbuckle and get out of the

car and watch as Lana maneuvers the Silvia to the lineup. “Whatever her reasoning, you’ll beat her. There’s no way she has the experience you do,” Slater adds confidently. He’s right I will beat her, but I don’t want to have to race my damn girlfriend. I want her at my back, supporting me in my race. “I’m talking to her first. This doesn’t make sense,” I say as I round the back of my car. I stop and cross my arms over my chest, watching as Lana pulls the black Silvia up next to Fang. “Lana looks smokin’ hot in a turbo. I’m getting a woody,” Kelso stupidly says beside me, mucking around and

adjusting himself. I’m never in the mood for his jokes, but especially not now. He’s just pissed me the fuck off. I push hard on Kel’s right shoulder and he stumbles sideways, falling face first into the dirt. Pacer busts a gut laughing and Kelso gets up quickly dusting the dirt off his clothes and knees. “Fuck. You and Slater, so touchy about your women. I’m getting you both vibrators for Christmas to go with your pussies.” “Let Mack talk to Lana,” Slater orders my brothers and they walk back over to the fence. Lana jumps out of the Silvia as soon as it’s parked and looks at me warily. “I know this looks bad, but please let me

explain.” I scoff. “By all means, tell my why my girlfriend is racing against me when she knows how badly I wanted the points for this race. You’re not going to win, Lana, so why do it at all? It’s only going to cause problems between us.” I throw my arms out annoyed. “The money,” she states quickly and I’m thrown by her words. “I need the money for Rex, Mackson.” Lana reaches out for my hand, but I pull away and step back. Her expression saddens, but continues anyway, “If Parkland can win the two-million dollars, Mack, we could get Rex away from my family. He could go somewhere far away to hide. He could be free of

them. No more drugs, no more anything. For once he’d have a chance at a normal life.” She takes a big breath in and out. “I couldn’t control my mother leaving. I couldn’t control my father being an asshole. I couldn’t control Rex getting attached to the mafia or addicted to drugs. But this… I can try and control this. Helping him get away from it all and healthy again.” My eyelids blink rapidly as I try to process her words, but it’s not long before my body and mind lose the fight. The desperation in her words and also actions cut deep into my chest, sending cracks all through my body. She’s seeping in again, just like before, there’s no stopping it and I wouldn’t

want to. She’s magnificent and she’s all mine. The easy way would be to walk away from her drug-riddled brother and fucked up family and come with me, with my family. We’d protect her and I’d make sure she’d never want for anything. She’s grown into a stronger woman than I could have ever imagined she would. I’d take her in a heartbeat, if she took the easy road. But damn, her fighting with everything she has to save what little family she has left only causes me to want her more. I crave her loyalty for my own. “Mack?” Lana calls, pulling me out of

my daze. There are no words for how I feel right now, so instead I decide to show Lana. I pull her to me by grasping her shirt and she tumbles into my arms, where I lower my mouth to hers and we kiss. I wind my arms around her back, pulling her flush against my body and push my hands under her shirt, loving the sensation of her warm skin against mine. When we break apart for air, Lana asks breathlessly and with a smile, “I’m forgiven then?” I lean my forehead against hers. “I understand why you want to do this and I’m proud of you.” I let Lana go and look into her eyes. “We both have family we

need to take care of. Not being cocky. However, I am going to beat you, Dove.” I grin and Lana’s smile gets wider. “We’ll see about that. I still have some tricks up my sleeve.” I laugh out loud. “Let’s race then.” I’m walking back around my car almost to my driver’s side when Lana calls out, and I look across Fang’s red roof to find Lana staring at me intently. “Mack, I will understand if you win, but I’m going to try my best to beat you.” “Wouldn’t want it any other way, Dove.” I grin and jump into my car and buckle up. My stomach churns and I’m not sure if it’s the normal pre-race jitters, or if it’s

the fact that I feel the urge to give Lana the race. Which goes against everything I believe in and have worked toward to get to Death Race. Seeing me back in the car, Slater runs over to my car window and leans inside. “I don’t know what’s going between you two, but remember, we’ve got big plans for that money. Lana is included in those plans if you want her to be, she wins both ways today,” Slater states, but he doesn’t get it. “She wants the money, Slate… for Rex. To get him far away from Louisville. Away from her family, so he can get a fresh start.” Slater presses his lips together, squints his eyes and looks out over the

dirt, sprint track. “I can respect that. She’s doing it for her family, but so are we, and it doesn’t change the fact that you will beat her.” Slater bangs on the roof and says, “You got this.” He backs away, heading for the fence, but his eyes stay on me, examining me. Can he sense how conflicted I feel? I watch as Lana stares straight ahead with a focused, intent glare. She grips the steering wheel tight with both hands and lowers her chin. I notice she mutters some words to herself before she looks back up to the road. The cars in front of us take off for their race and Lana and I drive forward slowly. In only a matter of minutes we’ll be taking off too, and only the best racer

will win. Winning will mean taking away Lana’s hope. I know she’d never hold it against me, but I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I will hold against myself. A skinny blonde in tiny shorts and a white bikini top steps out in front of Lana and me and says, “Get ready, lights go green in two minutes.” The woman leaves the track and I rev the engine three times. Fang sounds beautiful. The bar jumps up in RPMs nicely and the rhythm sounds like a dream. My gaze once again finds Lana. My center, all that matters in my world. She’s busily throwing her hair up into a high ponytail and I notice her chest is

rising and falling heavily. This is Lana’s first race and so much rests on the outcome for her. I wind the passenger side window down. Lana sees me and does the same. Leaning toward her, I state, “Calm breaths, Dove. I’m with you, all the way to the finish line.” I point to the end of the dirt strip. “You take off the same way as you did from my house this morning and you’re gonna do fine.” I wink and then notice the racing light turn orange. Ready. I grip the steering wheel and stare down the long four-hundred-meter racing strip. All of this will be over in only six seconds. Whether I win or lose, the Kings will still be in the top three to go

into the Death Race, but if I lose today and if we lose our next two races, we’re out of the top three, no advantage going into such a dangerous game. And worst of all, Slater’s plans will be lost to the wind. He’s told me of his intentions for our family. If we win and if Slater’s ideas come to life, our futures will change drastically. Right now we’re in the lead, the team all the other teams know they need to knock out first, during Death Race, if they want a chance at winning the money. Being in the top three means we get a head-start in the deadly race, one we need. Yellow Light. Set. I shift gears to first and my breathing quickens.

I wrap my hand around the handbrake and continue accelerating Fang. My body tenses and the vibration of the engine flows through me like an adrenaline rush you can’t get anywhere else. There’s no feeling that compares to this. Breathing in the petrol fumes and soaking up the strength of my muscle car. It’s as if I’m a man becoming a superhero. Strong, immortal—the possibilities endless. Slater got into racing to feed and house our family. It’s how we all started, and Slater still sees it that way, but not me. Now it’s a passion I could never give up. Once your heart races to the point of exploding and your breathing

quickens, all that’s left is freedom. The car, the dirt road and me. Nothing but a long stretch of nothingness. Peace. Stillness on the inside. When memories of my childhood come to the forefront, it’s not an easy task to lock them back away. Racing definitely helps. Along with the garage, my family and Lana, they give me purpose, something to focus on. And usually, I find I don’t think or have nightmares about my past for months at a time. I live for today, tomorrow and the future. The past is the past. Gone. Slowly I’m replacing each torturous memory with a better one. Some would say I need to see a

shrink and talk all that shit out, but that’s not me, never will be. I’m not something to fix. I’ll deal with the brutal and vile memories one step at a time, in my own way. It also helps that I know the fucker is dead and that he died at my hands. Those who say revenge never helps have obviously never tried it before. And yeah, a lot of people would pity me for my start in life, but I think about my brothers, my sister, and Lana. I consider my now self, to be very lucky. Peering over to Lana, my chest squeezes painfully. She’s freaking out. Her hands seem to be slipping off the steering wheel and she’s trying to dry them on her shirt. She’s also blowing out enough breaths to start her own tornado.

She wants this. Desperately. Glancing at my brothers, I spot Della with them. My family who are depending on me to win. Fuck. Green. Go! I drop the handbrake and floor the accelerator, my tires spin as I quickly change up through the gears to third, and then like always the thrill begins. I’m pushed back into my seat while dirt flicks up and all around my car. I’ve crossed the starting line in no time at all. I peer into my rearview mirror looking for Lana, but I don’t see her. My heart pounds against my chest. Is she okay? I glimpse over my left shoulder and fuck me, she’s right by me. Our bumpers

moving back and forward, both of us fighting to be in front of the other. “Wahoo! Fuck yeah, baby,” I shout out. However, Lana doesn’t look over or give any indication she heard me. She’s staring straight ahead, arms straight out on the steering wheel and her eyes focused intently on the finish line. We must change our gears straight into fourth and then into fifth at the same time because we both take off and neither of us gains any ground on the other. Suddenly Lana shoots straight past me and my smile dies instantly. Too soon baby. Too soon. I press the red NOS button on my steering wheel. I’m pushed back into my

seat as I shoot past Lana easily. The finish is coming up, the race is mine. Lana pushes her second hit of NOS, she’ll make it to me and then I’ll take the win with my second push. I glance over my shoulder as Lana comes up alongside me and passes by, her car, half a length in front of me. My finger hovers over the NOS button. Fuck, my heart is beating a hundred miles an hour. Press it, Mack. Win the damn race. My thumb lowers, but suddenly as if a rope around my heart suddenly tightens, I pull back. The finish line appears. I’m over the line. I lost.

Chapter Fourteen Lana I can’t believe I actually won. How the heck did I win? Who cares, I won. I’m giddy. My walk isn’t just a normal stride. I’m bouncing. Mack just dropped me off out the front of the hospital and I’m on my way up to tell Rex the good news. Mack’s driving back to the house for a few hours before he comes back to pick me up, later tonight. I’m not sure how I expected him to act if I won. Heck, I never thought I had a chance against him. However, he’s actually happy for me and it’s not

pretend because I can tell when that man lies, he presses his lips together and looks away. Solid giveaway. Slater also seemed pleased that I won. He hugged and congratulated me. Entering Rex’s room I find Corey, Kodi, and Reed sitting around my brothers bed. They jump up when they see me and Corey asks, “Did you win?” I called Corey from hospital phone when I knew that I wanted to race. He was apprehensive at first, but I explained why and he couldn’t argue with me any longer. Corey called Mickey and set it all up, the car and me racing in Rex’s place, even though Corey was the one meant to race today. That bit

of information we didn’t fill Mickey in on. Anyhow, Corey said Mickey was excited about the idea. “Come on, what happened?” Reed begs. My mouth widens into a grin and I squeal, “I won.”

*** Mackson Stepping into my house after dropping Lana off at the hospital, all I want to do is head up for a shower, but I know I have to go and sort out shit with Slater first. He knows I didn’t use my second

NOS. He’s pissed and I understand why, but he’s going to have to get over it. I did what I did and there’s no changing it now. I wouldn’t change it even if I had the chance. The pure joy on her face when she jumped out of the car. Her smile. The hope she exuded was suffocating and hard to ignore even for my family, who congratulated her excitedly, even Slater. Which I’m grateful for, because for the first time in my life I knew that if Slater or any of my brothers treated Lana as an enemy or disrespected her for winning that race, I would have harmed one of them. The shock hit me hard as it came out

of nowhere. I’ve never felt the compulsion to protect anyone over my family before. Yet Lana has it, and now she owns me. Slater didn’t give me one look, not even a single glance. He left almost straight away. The rest of my family following him closely. Walking straight through the house toward the back screen door, I pass Pacer on the sofa and Dell and Kelso in the kitchen getting dinner ready. No one says a word. They know where I’m going and what’s about to go down. At no time has Slater ever been the brother to be disappointed in us. Never raised his voice or fist to us. He’s the father figure of our family, but he’ll

never admit it. He already carries around a heavy weight on his shoulders for us even though we’re safe, healthy and strong. Adding a title he deserves would only seem to burden him further, especially if anything were to happen to any of us. I accept our past and can move forward without it weighing me down, but that’s where each of my brothers differ, we all carry our scars in a different way. Slater moves on by making Piper, me, and my brothers and sister, his top priority. I’m not sure when he’ll stop and look around and notice what we have or keep fighting his whole life for us to have better, to have more. I reach the garage glass door and

slide it open. I’m hit with a cool breeze from the blaring air-conditioner. Slater is leaning on Chevy’s bonnet sipping a beer. “Slate,” I start, my voice rough, ready for a battle, but he cuts me off before I can go on. “Don’t,” He grits out, still looking away from me toward the tool wall. “I get it.” He pushes off Chevy and turns to look at me, pointing his finger in my direction, the same hand holding his beer, he continues, “I know why you did it. I don’t fucking like it, but I understand it.” Silence stretches through the garage as Slater walks over to the beat-up old sofa we have in here for lunch breaks.

He sits and sighs. “Fucking women. When we made our plans, we never thought we’d have to think about more than our family.” I nod and walk over to Chevy and lean on the driver’s side door, facing my brother. “Doesn’t have to change our goal, Slate, just how we get there.” Slater takes another sip of his beer. “Yeah, I know. We’ll be good. I got backup plan, after backup plan.” Gesturing to the house. “You gonna fill them in yet? Slater shakes his head. “No. Not until we have solid plans which won’t be for a while yet. I don’t want to get their hopes up.” I nod in agreement and Slater stands

and we fist bump, both of us acknowledging we’re all good. “The future still looks bright, brother,” I state. “Brighter now that you have pussy on tap,” Slater replies with a sneaky grin. I laugh out loud and we spend the next few hours shooting the shit in the garage until Dell calls us up for dinner. After a delicious meal, I go pick up my girl and when we return we head straight up to our room. I’m stripping off Lana’s top and jeans, leaving her only in a black bra and panties when she says, “Kodi said you let me win. He said there’s no way I should have won today.” Stopping, I look her in the eyes. “Motherfucker needs to watch his mouth.

You won, fair and square.” It crosses my mind to tell her that if I’d used all my NOS, then I would have beaten her. But I didn’t use it. I was indecisive and too slow, so technically she did win by being focused and intent on winning. So I’m not going to take credit for something that isn’t mine to take. Lana lowers her eyes and smiles at the same time. “From memory, you only pressed your NOS once.” My eyes pop open. “Who the hell has been teaching you shit about race cars?” NOS isn’t noticeable, it’s as if someone just moved up in gears, to know… you’d have to be looking for signs of someone boosting at the right time. Lana laughs. “Rex has shown me a

little, but you forget I’m around car fanatics all the time.” She points to her ear. “I listen.” Lana’s smile turns into a soft straight line. “I can’t believe you did that, Mack,” she whispers softly. “I meant it when I said losing the race wouldn’t come between us.” “I know. And honestly, you won. I was slow to hit my second NOS, a split second can make or break a race, Dove. You won today, end of story.” “Well, for the record I want a do-over soon. I will beat you, and next time you will use all your NOS,” she says poking my bare chest and grinning. I bend and wrap my arms around Lana’s thighs. She squeals as I throw her backward

onto my bed. I climb up her body slowly. Taking in every lush curve. Licking my lips as my eyes roam over her tanned, smooth skin. “We can race again, for a price,” I tease as my mouth touches her warm neck and my body begins to hum with need. “A price?” Lana asks, breathlessly. “I win, we fuck on Fang as many times as we can, on the race strip, late at night when no-one’s around.” “And if I win?” Lana asks softly as my mouth moves down toward her pert nipple which is poking through her lace bra. I suck hard on the material over her nipple, causing Lana to moan and fidget

on the bed. “Anything you want,” I reply, lifting my head to look into her eyes. She smiles. “If I win, I want to have sex on your car, at the race strip, late at night when no-one’s around.” My mouth widens to a broad grin. Christ, I love her. “Well, tonight, I’m gonna see what a winner tastes like and then I’m gonna drive us both crazy while I try and make ecstasy last as long as possible.” Lana moans. “Stop with the teasing then and start reciting the alphabet.” She pushes my head down to her sweet hot spot and I feast on my girl. ***

Three days later. Lana Corey dropped off my car at the hospital today, so I could finally start driving myself around. Although getting into my crappy Altima after being driven around in Mack’s Skyline really sucks. I’m kind of wishing I wasn’t so independent for once. I come back to Mack’s to grab some lunch and to also have a break from the hospital. Rex was weaned off the drugs yesterday and finally woke up last night, and since then it’s been really tough. Dr. Evans warned me of the withdrawal symptoms–heightened anxiety,

psychosis, paranoia and profound depression. Even after hearing the doctor say he may have some of these symptoms nothing can prepare you for when you’re talking to a loved one and they beg you to kill them or untie them and let them go. Rex is bound to the bed because he lashed out at a nurse trying to leave, and spouting that he needed to wash away his sins. How my heart can still break anymore is beyond me, but it still does each time I see him writhe on the bed like a madman, a stranger. On the outside, that’s not my brother and I’m scared that it won’t be long before his insides match his exterior.

But when I arrive home, I go in search for Mackson and find that he isn’t here. Freezing, I realize that word keeps popping up in my thoughts. Home. Nowhere will be my home, but the house I grew up in with my brother. But as I look around the interior of the King’s house I can’t help but feel safe, cared for and always welcomed. I can have two homes, right? Something suspicious seems to be going on, because when I appeared at the garage, all the guys were surprised and each of them give me a different location where Mack was supposed to be. Then Slater adds, “He’s on errands today, he’ll be going to all those places and it’ll take him a few hours.”

Smiling brightly, I turn and bounce on my heels all the way into the house and then stop and shake my head. Men. They’re terrible liars. Walking purposely through the house to the living room, there’s something I’ve learned since living here. Slater is a control freak with his siblings, especially since Della was shot. He now has a little black book with dates and where everyone will be. I’ve only heard from Mack what it was like for them to be nowhere near home when Rex threatened Piper, and I can only imagine the pain Slater and his brothers must have gone through on that car ride home. I reach the television unit. It’s new and there are drawers along the bottom.

The top one is Slater’s and everyone knows it’s where he keeps his PlayStation games. I happened to see him slip his black book in there once as I was walking past. Opening the drawer, I spot the book and pick it up quickly. Flicking through the pages, I come to the middle of the book and the last page with writing on it. I scroll down the names and stop when I see my own. Lana - Hospital. He added me? Warmth floods my chest. Slater cares about me? Wetness pricks my eyes, but I dash it away feeling silly. I continue to search the list. Piper – Work. Della - Food shopping.

Mackson - T. I scrunch up my face. T? What does T stand for? Maybe for the errands he’s running? Perhaps I’m thinking too far into the guys’ reactions to me being back early. I shrug and place Slater’s book back exactly how I found it and decide to make my lunch and hope Mack drops back in while I’m here. I’m halfway to the kitchen when I hear the familiar rumble of Macks car. My lips split into a huge smile and I turn immediately to race to the front porch, to see the one person in this world who can take all my worries away. Mack is walking up the front steps when he sees me. His eyes widen, but

the surprise is quickly replaced by joy. I notice a white bandage sticking out from the top of his gray T-shirt, just near his neck, but before I can ask what it is a black SUV pulls up out the front, right behind Fangs. Mack turns and automatically my body tenses when I sense his does the same. However, it’s Brett who jumps out of the SUV, which is both a relief and a surprise. I’ve never seen him in anything that flashy before. He’s also running around the black car in nice-looking dark blue jeans, white shirt and what looks to be an expensive leather jacket. Did he win the lotto or something? Mack steps up to the attached porch

railing and leans on it with both arms. “What the fuck are you doing here, Brett? Pretty sure Slater made it clear what would happen if you came back or tried to see Dell.” “Mack…” Brett lifts his chin and takes on Mackson’s hard stare and glares right back “…I got information for you and your family, knowledge you will all want to hear. And my name’s not Brett, it’s Dom Haynes and I’m the man Frank Lucini sent to find out who killed Jae Scavello. I got wrongs I need to right and you guys are going to let me do just that.”

Chapter Fifteen Lana Swiftly Mack steps back from the railing and looks at me with serious eyes. “Lana, go and get my brothers now.” I don’t hesitate, turning and racing through the house and out the back door, over the grass and bursting through the garage door. All three men turn to me with smiles on their faces as if they just shared a funny joke. But in an instant, their grins die and I spit out, “Brett’s out the front, but he says his name is Dom Haynes and he

works for Frank Lucini.” My words come out so fast I don’t take even a breath. Slater’s face pales and he drops the tool he was just using, it causes a clinging sound to echo through the garage. “Holy fucking shit,” Kelso whispers. “Pacer, get the handgun out of the top tool drawer. You go around the side and stay out of sight unless I need you. Kel, you’re with me, we’re going through the house. Lana, follow Kelso and me, but stay inside the house.” I nod frantically at Slater’s demands and we all move at once, following his instructions. I still when we reach the living room and Slater and Kelso head straight

through the front screen. Peeking out through the mahogany-colored curtains, I watch as Slater jumps down from the porch, not even taking the steps, and he’s at Brett in no time. Oops, Dom I mean. Dom lifts his hands up into the air, as if surrendering, trying to show he has no weapons. Slater picks him up by his nice leather jacket and spins them both around and pushes Dom up against the house. They go out of sight and then Mack and Kelso race off the porch toward a furious Slater. Before I know it, I’m on the porch leaning over the railing watching Slater with his hands wrapped around Dom’s neck.

“Talk,” Slater orders in a dangerous tone. “Lucini paid me to find out who killed his niece’s husband, or how he put it, his mule for Portland,” Dom replies in a hoarse voice, struggling to speak through Slater’s intense grip around his vocal cords. “I passed on—” Dom has to stop and cough. He raises his hands to Slater’s wrists and in a gravelly voice says, “I’m not going anywhere. This will go quicker if you let me breathe.” Slater narrows his eyes and his arms tense further. Dom’s eyes widen and fear is clear and present in his eyes. Mack takes a cautious step forward. “We need his information, Slate. You kill

him now, we have nothing.” Abruptly Slater takes his hands away, and Dom falls to his knees coughing and spluttering. “Take him inside now. Quickly, before I change my mind.” Slater’s tone is low and dangerous. Dom gets up on one knee and looks up to Mack and Kelso as they take an arm each and roughly walk him inside. Pacer comes from around the side, placing the gun into the back of his jeans. As Mack passes, he gently states, “Dove, inside.” Biting my lip I nod my agreement. Waiting for Pacer to pass me, I catch a glance of Slater walking with purpose

toward the road. Unsure of what he’s about to do, I decide to keep watching. He approaches the black SUV Dom drove up in. I watch as he curls and uncurls his hands. He’s looking around wildly and suddenly as if struck by an idea he goes to Fang, opens her back door and pulls out a metal bat Mack keeps in the back for protection. Uh oh. “Mack,” I call out. Slater proceeds to smash the bat into Dom’s front windshield of his once flashy car. Mack’s at my side swiftly and sighs when he sees what I’m worried about. We hear another loud smash and glass shattering as Slater continues to beat the hell out of the window.

“Well, at least, it’s not the fucker’s face… yet,” Mack murmurs. My lips tilt up into a small smile. This shit should disturb me, but it only makes it feel more like home. Slater turns, bat in hand and makes purposeful strides for the house. Mack takes my hand and leads me inside. I glimpse to my right and spot Pacer and Kelso standing guard over Dom. Their arms crossed over their chests, staring daggers at him. Dom sits on a sofa that’s been shoved into the corner of the room. He watches me and Mack walk through with a steady and alert gaze. There seems to be no emotion over Slater smashing up his car. Mack halts and tips my chin up to

look at him. “Stay in here, Lana. Slater’s fit to make the walls red with that rat’s blood, and I don’t want you within seeing or hearing distance if that happens.” Scrunching up my nose and wrinkling my brow, I prepare to disappoint him. “Well see, now that plan doesn’t work for me. Yes, I want to stay safe, but Dom said Frank Lucini was my mother’s uncle. I know nothing of my family. And only a few seconds ago, I found out… first, that I have a great uncle and… second, who he is. I want in when Dom explains everything.” Mack’s brows drop over his narrowed eyes and his face turns intense as he readies himself for battle with me.

I exhale loudly. “I really don’t want to fight over this, Mack. I trust you. If at any time things start getting out of control and dangerous, say the word, and I will head straight upstairs. But until then, please give me this. Everyone else in my life has hidden this part of my life from me, please don’t do the same thing,” my reply comes out thick, with a pleading edge to it. “Christ,” Mack murmurs more to himself than to me. When his eyes drop to the floor and I realize he won’t deny me this, I smile, give him a quick kiss on the lips. Turning on my heel to head back into the living room, I arrive just in time to see Slater barrel across the room, bat in hand aiming to strike it right at Dom’s

head. Well, that didn’t last very long. Mack’s warm hand wraps around my bicep as if he’s about to throw me out of the room. However, Slater halts suddenly. “Talk and if I even sense you might be lying, I’m going put a dent into your face,” Slater rasps out, his tense body and voice revealing how hard he’s trying to hold onto his control. Dom sits back on the sofa and appears to be unaffected by Slater’s threats. However, his arms are stretched out on the sofa and his fingers are digging into the material, as if ready to move or pounce at any time. “I was contracted to work undercover

with the Kings and Poison Boys until I found out who killed Jae Scavello. Rex knew nothing about who I was, he was never told anything by the enforcers who he was meeting with.” Dom’s expression turns sincere. “Fuck, Slate, you told me you were the killer three weeks in. And as weak as this is going to sound, it’s the truth. I couldn’t do it. And every month that passed had me sending Lucini and Bone more unimportant information and lies. I got lost in your world. This is the first time I’ve taken a job like it before and I thought I was prepared, I was wrong. I’ve battled black market monsters and sat on the front lines of a war.” Dom lowers his eyes and shakes his head. “None of those situations

prepared me for this sort of war. Living with the enemy, falling for the enemy,” he whispers the last part, and his achingly sad tone causes my heart to skip a beat. Della. Dom lifts his head and his sorrowful gaze goes directly to Slater. “I got no family left in this world, but I got good friends. Friends who are also like brothers to me and I saw in you all, what I see in them. Good men, tough situations, and no fucking around to protect what you love. I belonged here; you all belong in my real life with my real friends. It didn’t take me long before I saw you all trying to survive and live a respected life, by working hard and playing hard.”

Slater lowers the bat and his body releases some of the tension he’s been holding. Dom takes a deep breath in. “But I fucked up. Colossal fuck up. Three times, not once, not twice, but three. The first time was when I overheard you all in the toilets. When I first found out Della was the one who killed Jae. I felt left out, insane as it sounds, but I did. Part of that has a lot to do with Della and me, but I thought I had all the information. My ego took over and that was the first time I went to Lucini with the initial piece of real information. I told him to look into Della.” Slater’s mouth thins. Kelso and Pacer curse and Mack takes a seat on the long

sofa and rests his head in his hands. It’s shocking to hear, but from the moment Dom said he worked for Lucini we’ve been waiting to hear those words from his mouth. “The second time I fucked up has been a long time coming.” Dom’s expression darkens and his jaw clenches. “I never knew Jae raped, abused or harmed Della. I never figured out the big secret to why you supposedly killed him. It’s the one piece of information I always knew was missing, and you warned me early on it’s something I’d never find out, so it’s something I never pushed, but I didn’t stop trying to find out.” Dom’s eyes swing to me. “I knew you and Rex had

an idea, but neither of you ever talked about it, with anyone.” Suddenly, all eyes turn to me and I have a strong urge to confirm Dom’s words. “That’s true. Rex refused to believe our father would ever hurt Della. No one in the crew knew except me, Corey, Kodi, and Reed. Rex forbid us to ever speak about Slater’s allegations. Rex told everyone else the Kings wanted Parkland Territory and that’s why Slater killed my father. That was until months ago when you took me, and the rest of the Poison Boys heard why you did it. And Brett, sorry Dom, wasn’t there then.” “He was at the hospital, guarding Della,” Kelso adds.

“I never told Lucini Della killed Jae. Although, after Della told me what Jae did to her I raced back to Lucini’s side. I needed to fix my mistake at any cost. My third fuck-up was thinking Lucini cared that a woman was raped. When I tried to play it off as it could have been anyone who cared for Della to get revenge, all I did was personally hand deliver Della as a suspect to Lucini and give him a motive. So I decided to stay close to him, listen and watch for any signs of Lucini making any plans for Louisville. What I found was so much more than I could have ever thought possible.” Slater drops the bat to the floor and with a pained expression he asks, “Is that why you’re here? Lucini’s coming

for our sister?” Dom sits forward in his chair and hastily replies, “No. At the moment, Lucini is in Mexico and he has bigger problems than one of his drug mules being murdered. However, those problems are why I’m here today.” “Mexico?” Mack’s voice first comes out bewildered and then resumes to his normal confident tone. “We got no connections that way. Nothing out there could have anything to do with us.” Dom throws his hands up and growls, “Secrets and games.” I jump, realizing I’m more on edge than I thought I was. I seem to be the only one, the guys just stiffen slightly, but no one appears threatened by Dom

anymore, more curious to hear him continue. “I’m taking credit for all my mistakes and for acting before I had all the information, but if you’d been honest with me from the start, I would’ve made different choices.” Dom turns his stare to Slater and opens up old wounds, brings the past into the future and causes all of them to jump to their feet and for the first time in my life I see The Portland Street Kings truly frightened for one of their own. “Della’s real family is what’s in Mexico. Michael O’Connor, her father, who freely handed her over to the recently deceased escapee and child pedophile, Phillip Wiltse, when she was

only two-years-old. Michael O’Connor is one of the most dangerous and coldblooded men in the world. He owns the Guerrero coastal route that brings the drugs in from South America.” “Della has three brothers and one cousin. They’re currently plotting her father’s death. They only need one last piece of their father’s sadistic puzzle to finally get rid of him, and that was to find out if their sister was still alive and where she is in the world.”

Chapter Sixteen Mackson “What the fuck.” My words come out gravelly. “He gave her to that fucking piece of shit? Knowing what kind of man he was?” “Yes, that’s the information I’ve been told, and trust me, knowing Michael even for a short time, I didn’t need to ask myself if what I was told was the truth or not. Michael thinks women are inferior. Having one in his own family, someone who could possibly inherit his greatest possession, his empire, didn’t sit well with him and he disposed of what he considered to be a problem, not a child.”

Kelso rushes up the stairs. “I’m gonna be sick.” I swallow hard, trying to hold down my own bile. Lana’s staring at me. Her hand is over her mouth and her eyes are wide and glassy, her beautiful tears pooling at her fingers against her skin. I’ve confided in her about the depths of Phillip’s savagery. The beatings the girls took and the abuse we boys went through. I can only imagine the horrors playing through her mind right now. My own movie begins to play through my thoughts. A little boy’s voice I recognize all too well. Screams.

Begging. Crying. Soft, petite hands cup my jaw and my eyes push open. I inhale heavily not realizing I’d closed them. “Hey,” Lana whispers. “You okay?” I nod my answer, too afraid to speak the words, in case they come out rough and give away how far my mind traveled. Lana sees through my attempt to appear unscathed by the sudden topic of my past. Her face softens and she kisses my lips gently. Words aren’t needed, she understands me. Stubborn maybe, but she respects the fact that I don’t want nor need to talk about what just happened. I have enough strength inside myself to find my way back to the

real world and be okay. Slater walks to the window and opens it. He closes his eyes against the breeze and appears to try and calm himself with the fresh air. Everyone’s silent for a moment, not knowing what to say next. Pacer’s sitting on the sofa, elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together tapping on his forehead repeatedly, harder each time. “We just killed one sadistic fucker, and now we have another one? Possibly two? This shit never ends.” My heart pounds against my chest painfully. I walk to my brother and place a hand on his shoulder and squeeze. I try to give him the strength he needs to take

yet another hit and pull himself together. “You won’t need to worry about Michael, his sons and nephew are on a whole other playing field compared to your world. They hate Michael with a vengeance I can’t compare to any other. By now they will know their sister is alive and where she is. Michael could already be dead or be in a very uncomfortable position being tortured mercilessly.” Slater shifts to face Dom. “Della’s mother?” Dom shakes his head. “Died a long time ago. I don’t know the specifics, but what I could find out; she was a good mom and a good woman. Her sons loved her very much.”

Slater nods, appearing to have composed himself and returning to the same leader who always pulls us through these shitty times. “This is a lot of information to take in and Della will be back soon. I don’t want her walking in here and finding you here or hearing this shit from you.” Dom clenches his jaw and grits his teeth, he wants to say something but decides to stay quiet. “ “You need to go, and as far as I’m concerned you're dead to us Brett… Dom… whoever the fuck you are. I’m an understanding man until it affects my family and you ruined everything my brothers and I have fought for. For five years our sister stayed safe from this

secret and now you’ve destroyed that. The fact that you went back to Lucini and prepared to put your life on hold to protect Dell? I don’t give a shit. Too little too late. You should have come to me and told me the truth.” Dom lowers his eyes to the floor and nods. He stands and moves to the front door, but stops before he takes a step through, turning to face us all. “I’ve never regretted anything as badly as I regret what I’ve done to Dell. After I left, I mourned her, grieved for the girl I fell in love with because I knew I’d crossed a line and that you all would never forgive me. But know this, I’m not going to run away. I’m going to burn if need be to save her. I’m going to fight,

work and even wound myself to my grave if that’s what it takes to right my wrongs and make sure Della is never harmed by any-fucking-body on this earth.” Dom leaves and the entire room grows silent. Each of my brothers wears similar expressions. Wide eyes and slack jaws, even Kelso who stands at the bottom of the stairs is speechless. “Is it just me or is that guy damn hard to hate?” Lana interjects into the silence. My lips twitch and Slater grunts. I walk over to Lana and kiss her head. She tips her head toward me. “I should head back to the hospital soon. Rex is worse today than he was last

night. He’s thrashing around like a crazy person and Dr. Evans thinks he may have to put Rex back on the methadone if he doesn’t calm down soon, as those straps on the beds aren’t built to hold someone down, more so to hold them still during needle injections and surgeries.” “Shit, he’s still that bad?” She nods and then a loud rumble comes up the street and all heads turn to the front of the house. I know that car. “Corey?” Lana says out loud. Slater and Pacer are the first ones out the door followed by Kelso, Lana and me. Corey’s parked on a weird angle behind Dom, who’s on the phone, probably to a tow-truck company.

Corey jumps out of his car and looks around wildly, and when his eyes finally fall on Lana, he slams his door closed and runs over to the group of us. “Hold the hell up,” I say while throwing out my hands in front of me signaling Corey to stop. “What the fuck are you doing in Portland or anywhere near our house? Lana has our protection and help, you sure as fuck don’t. So I suggest you get back in your car and get outta here before shit gets ugly. And next time use a go-between or a fucking phone.” No fucking way a Poison crew member is just going to walk up to our front door and we’re going to invite him inside. Lana is standing to my right. “Corey,

you should be with Rex.” In my shock at Corey just appearing at my house, I miss looking him over and noticing his disheveled appearance and the fear in his eyes. “Rex left, he got out of his restraints and we can’t find him,” Corey rushes out the words without taking a breath in between. Lana gasps and then fists her hands and glares at Corey. “Where the hell were you, Corey? You were supposed to watch him.” “Getting some lunch,” Corey fires back at her furiously. “I was starving.” I hear Slater talking to my left and look over. He’s on his phone talking, “Piper. Where are you? You safe?”

Slater pauses and then exhales in relief. “No, it’s okay, we’re all safe. Baby, please calm down, breathe. That’s my girl. Now promise me you’ll stay put at work, okay?” Silence follows and then Slater says, “I love you, too, see you soon.” I’m drawn back to Lana and Corey arguing. “Why the hell didn’t you ring me, Corey? That would have been a lot quicker than driving all the way out here.” Corey reaches behind his back and we all take a step back and tense. He pulls out a cell phone with a purple case around it. Lana’s phone. “Because you left your phone in Rex’s hospital room.” Lana’s expression turns apologetic.

”Oh. I’m sorry. Thanks for bringing it to me.” Dom walks over and offers, “I can help you search for him, Corey.” As if only noticing Dom for the first time, Corey replies with a curious expression, but decides now isn’t the time to ask what he’s doing at our house. “Thanks, Brett. Why don’t you try T.K.’s and the garage? I’ve been to the garage already, but he might have turned up after I left.” Dom nods as Lana begins to panic. “No, no, no,” while peering down at her phone. I place my hand on her arm to try and calm her down. “Lana, what is it?” “Rex is the only other person who

knows my phone’s password, and I have a text message on my phone from an hour ago, that I never wrote to Della, asking her where she is. And she replied straight away saying she was at the Save-A-Lot food store in Portland.” A huge weight hits my chest and I have trouble swallowing. Lana looks up to me and in a quiet voice says, “He wouldn’t hurt her. Rex won’t...” her voice trails off as does her eyes into the distance. “What the fuck would he want with her then?” Slater and Dom both ask at the same time, both in furious voices aimed at Lana. I stand in front of her and with dark eyes I look to both of them and growl,

“Back the fuck off.” I turn to Corey and repeat, “What the hell would Rex want with my sister?” “I have no idea,” Corey sputters. “I’m calling Save-A-Lot. Maybe she’s still there,” Pacer announces. “Fuck,” Slater growls. “Could today get any worse?” He turns to Pacer. “If she’s still there, make sure they tell her we said to stay put inside the store.” “Got it,” Pacer answers and races inside to use the house phone. Slater speaks to Kelso next. “Grab my keys Kel, and get Chevy out. If Della isn’t already on her way home, I want to follow her home from the store.” Kel disappears into the house next. I grab Lana’s hand and spot the fear in

her eyes. “It’ll be okay, Dove.” “Rex wouldn’t hurt her,” she whispers. “But that man who woke up last night, I don’t know who that is, Mack. I’m scared for Della and I’m scared for my brother, too.” My palms sweat and my heart beats rapidly. Panic begins to set in. “Lana, what do you mean by ‘that man’?” Slater presses. I answer for her, “Right now Rex has a huge disconnect between what’s real and what’s going on inside his head. He’s been having psychotic episodes during his withdrawal.” Slater’s face turns ashen and I swear to God seeing my big brother die a little more inside, every time he thinks he

could lose one of us, never gets easier. Dom begins to pace. He joins his hands and puts them on the back of his head and slumps forward as if trying to stay calm. “He’s got her. He has to,” Pacer says sprinting out of the house. He comes to a sudden halt in front of us all, breathless, but continues anyway, “Manager says the trolley boy brought in a purse and spilled groceries just over half an hour ago… and it’s Della’s… it’s her license. He said he called the police and he’s still waiting for them to turn up.” Dom rushes to Corey and grabs the collar of his gray T-shirt and starts shaking him. “Where the fuck would he take her?”

Corey stutters and then his eyes widen and he finally answers, “Train tracks. The bend we used to drink at, down by the Ohio River near Shawnee Park. The last few times we’ve found him there lying on the tracks completely out of it. We’re lucky we made it a few times, trains still go through there regularly.” Dom drops Corey and he only just catches his balance in time to not fall on his ass. “I’m gonna fucking kill him this time,” Slater growls and points at Corey and Lana. His face is bright red and his veins are popping out. “He lays a hand on her I’m gonna slice him open from his neck to ass crack, whether he’s fucking

sane or not,” Slater’s hysterical yell rings through the air. I’ve never seen him so out of control. I stretch my arm out in front of Lana, not sure if I’m going to have to hold my own brother back from my girl. Lana’s holding tight to the arm I’m protecting her with, and I can feel her shaking. But is she shaking out of fear for herself or Rex? I don’t know. Chevy’s rumble comes up the drive. “Pace give me the gun.” Slater extends his hand to my brother and Pacer hands it over quickly. Slater checks the clip, takes the safety off and races over to Chevy with Pacer following. I grab Lana’s hand and lead us over to Fang immediately, ready to follow my

brothers to find our sister. I’m stopped by a hand on my arm and Dom’s panicked voice asking, “Let me ride with you?” I nod immediately, not caring to argue about anything right now. My sister’s life could hang in the balance. I sit a shaking Lana in the front seat of my car and Dom jumps in the back. I’m in and starting Fang while Slater speeds out of the driveway and fishtails all the way up our street. He’s fucking reckless right now. I’m accelerating and catching up to them in no time. My palms are sweating with a slight tremble and my heart’s racing a million miles an hour. This is nothing like racing; I have a sick, ugly

feeling in my gut. There’s no peace here on this road today, only a heartwrenching panic that’s slowly taking hold of my body and mind.

Chapter Seventeen Lana Please be okay. Please don’t hurt Della. Please be okay. The shaking turns to an all-body trembling. Mack reaches across to try and calm me, but I push his hand away. I’m not angry with him. I’m scared for him, for his sister, and I feel a terrible guilt that again it’s my brother who’s possibly hurting their family, but in particular, Della again. The long back road toward the tracks is empty and we can hear a train’s horn off in the distance. The drivers toot their horns often through these parts to alert

any cars crossing roads that a train is close by. Swallowing and breathing become difficult as we come to the bend at the train tracks we all know so well from our childhoods. We spot Della’s car up ahead and Slater swings his car to the side behind her blue Mazda, spitting up rocks and dirt from how quickly he steps on the brakes. I’m forced forward in my seat, the belt pushing against my neck roughly as Mackson makes the same quick stop. We’re all jumping out of the car at the same time and racing over to Della’s car. Slater, Pacer, and Kelso are opening the doors and checking inside, but we can easily tell they find no sign of her.

As if everyone realizes at the same time the car is a dead end, we hear a loud screeching. We all look down toward the tracks and the world tilts on its axis. A train horn blasts and I blink, once, twice and then I grab at my stomach, bend and scream with everything I have, all the anguish and terror I’m feeling surges through my body and out my lips. “Rex!” My brother looks toward me as each of the guys begin to sprint toward Della and my brother, my lost and damaged big brother who’s now holding a flailing Della against her will on the train tracks, their bodies facing the fast oncoming train.

I can’t breathe. I can’t move. I can’t think. The blast of the train’s horn sounds… Once. Twice. Thrice. Right down to the moment it extinguishes the life of my brother and my friend. Anguished shouts rip through my dry throat, but it’s nothing compared to the pain of the sensation of barbed wire tying itself around my heart as my brother stares death in the face and doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move. I clench my eyes closed unable to watch the demise of my flesh and blood. Della’s screams rip through my body

like sharp knives tearing away at my skin. The ear-piercing sound of the train’s screeching brakes seems to stretch on forever. Dirt hits my knees and spots appear in front of my eyes. My trembling fingers touch the earth. I want to grasp something firm to steady myself and stop the painful beats of my heart. My body begins to rock backward and forward of its own accord. “Please God, no. Don’t do this to me. God. Not him, not my brother.” My hoarse voice ends in an inconsolable cry. I dig my fingers deeper into the ground, pushing brutally hard, desperate to feel the dirt under my nails. Praying to endure something, anything other than

this unbearable heartache.

Chapter Eighteen Slater Indescribable pain slices through my body. I can’t see anything. Only Della’s face with a blackened background. She smiles, but I know it’s not real. It’s my pain. I’m frozen in fear, but the pain in my chest tells me I’m still breathing, still here. When she’s not. I sense the stitches holding together my well-kept existence snapping apart. My family was all that kept me together.

Chapter Nineteen Dom I’m too late. She’s gone. Dead. Bile rises and my knees crash to the ground as the train continues to pass me by at a punishing speed. Wetness coats my cheeks, but I can’t focus or think straight. All I can do is grasp my head in my hands, squeezing my scalp, crushing it with all my strength, begging reality to be full of lies. Agonizing yells surround me. I’m drowning in their sorrow. Finally, the train comes to a complete

stop, and the heat from the wheels finds it’s way to my chest and face. Did Della feel the heat? Did she feel pain? Oh God please, no. Abruptly and without warning I look up into the sky and a mighty scream rips from my mouth. I can physically feel the veins on my face near popping pressure. All of a sudden I hear chatter and look at the train to see people in the windows staring down at me, confusion and sadness coating their features. I glance over my shoulder and I spot Mack standing with his mouth hanging wide open with an ashen expression on his face. Kelso is on his knees, next to his brother, hands covering his face while

his shoulders shake with his silent grief. Slater is close by them with a horrified stare on his pale face, his eyes still glued to the spot where his sister was standing just moments ago. In the distance, Pacer races to the front of the train and on his way stopping to look underneath. Looking for Della’s body? Maybe in his mind, he thinks he can still save her, that she could’ve survived such a brutal impact. Right before I look away, he halts, chest to the ground looking under the train, then he spins quickly and I watch bile explode from his mouth. He found her. Della. The woman I love.

I stare down to the ground and then lift my palms, examining my hands, remembering a time when my flesh touched hers. I groan as a new wave of blanketed darkness covers me and what’s worse, I can still feel our love pump through my veins, our bond stronger than ever, as if it alone keeps my heart beating. Muffled voices and pounding on the train windows cause my blurry eyes to look up. Their dull words don’t make sense. However, they keep pointing to the other side of the train. And then I focus on one woman’s lips… “She’s alive.” I must be imagining it, my reality distorted, unable to handle the grief

which slams into my mind, body and heart with each second that ticks by. I sense movement next to me and I look up to find Mack and Slater staring at the people also. Slater slams his body down on the ground, chest first and then stills, before shouting, “Della!” My eyes widen massively—it’s a shock at first—and then I’m chest to the ground, searching under the train. And then I see her. On the other side of the tracks, lying on the grass, whole, but unconscious. I place my hands under me and stand to find a way to her. Wetness coats my cheeks, but I’ve never felt so unashamed to cry.

Slater is banging on the train doors, trying to get the strangers to press the button for the glass to open. I don’t wait for the strangers to figure out what he wants. I start sprinting toward the closest gangway connection. My chest is rising and falling heavily. What if she’s dying right now, what if she needs urgent attention? Strength I didn’t even realize I had catapulted me onto the gangway and then I’m leaping off and toward Della’s lifeless body. I hear heavy footsteps behind me and spot Slater and Mack jumping down from the train, through the opposite side glass door. I slow and slide my body by Della’s, not wanting to hit her at the speed I was

going. The first thing I notice is blood splattered across the right side of her face and hair as well as her wrist which is turned on an ugly angle. My gut churns with fear. I place my hand over her chest and my other over her mouth. The guys are all around me, almost on top of me, looking over their little sister. “She’s breathing,” I shout. The sound of sirens breaks through my terror-fueled mind. Other noises begin to filter in one at a time after that. Slater’s calling Della’s name. Mack says he’s going to go get the paramedics. Pacer asks what’s wrong with Della’s hand and Kelso’s trying gently to move

Della’s hair away from her head to see where the blood is coming from. All the noise and commotion disappear once more when Della flutters her eyelashes open slowly and pins me with her stare. Della. She’s alive. Now to never let her go.

Chapter Twenty Lana The priest speaks as they lay my brother in the center of the pit. Encased in a shiny brown box which holds nothing but mangled flesh and broken bones. My brother is unrecognizable. I placed photos on his scarred and unbeating chest. Pictures of us as children, during happier times. How did I get here? How could I let this happen? My knees wobble and Mackson swiftly lets my hand go and wraps his arm around my waist, holding me firmly.

The Kings stand beside him, strong and sad, an unshakeable silent bond between them all—except Della. A woman from the hospital who helped care for Rex drops a rose into the earth and turns to me and says, “He’s at peace now.” People keep saying that to me and it’s taking all my strength not to scratch their eyes out and tell them to shut their mouths. He is nothingness now. I twist my neck, trying to loosen my tense muscles. I’m not sure how much longer I can pretend to be okay while hiding this fury. Nobody wails around me. Our fucking mother didn’t even turn up. I feel

the anger throb and course through me. It’s as if a small fire is building, growing more uncontrollable with each moment I’m to stand here before my brother’s grave. I sense Piper move closer to me on my left and I glance her way and my gaze gets caught on Corey, who’s staring into the deep, black hole in the ground. Parkland crew stands around Corey. They’re Rexs’ men; men who followed him anywhere, who did so recklessly, who put their lives on the line for their fearless and now dead leader. My fingers inch to wrap around Corey’s neck and squeeze. He should have reached out to me sooner about Rex’s addiction.

I badly want to blame Corey. I need to place blame somewhere. Someone has to pay. And as much as I know Corey tried his best, I wish he’d tried harder. I long to rewind time and wish Corey had thought more about the consequences of hiding such dangerous circumstances from me. But it’s my family who is truly to blame. I drag my eyes back to the coffin. I’m not only angry with men who were once like family to me, and my own screwed up family, but with Rex. I’m mad at him most of all. This is what it took Rex? Are you happy now? Your vengeance and pride finally killed you. But what about me?

You had a sister. Why couldn’t you have thought of me? Why am I always left behind? My strength depleted, tears prick my eyes and my body bows as a sob catapults up through my chest and claws its way out of my mouth. Mack follows me gently to the ground and holds me tight to his body. I shamelessly beg Mack, “Please don’t leave me. Don’t ever leave me behind.” Mack softly murmurs into my ear, “Never, Dove.” He jolts my body as if to say, feel me, I’m solid. “Hold on to me. I’ve got you. I’m never leaving you.” Mack’s still holding me hours later, after everyone else has left and long

after the last shovel of dirt was placed over Rex’s coffin, signaling this spot is now a grave. His tombstone reads: In Loving Memory Of Rex Scavello Tragically Taken From Us Too Soon. Dearly Beloved Brother To Lana and Cherished Friend To Many. Tenderly I Treasure The Past, With Memories That Will Always Last. The sun sets. It’s bright yellow hue dimming to a beautiful gold. Shadows

appear and the cool night air wisps around my face and bare legs. I pull my black dress down as far as it will go, but darkness takes its inevitable turn, and I decide it’s time to say my final farewell and go home.

Epilogue Lana I’m up. I’m struggling. Nevertheless, I’m trying. Sitting at the table across from Mack eating toast, I’m attempting to stomach food for the first time in three days. My throat’s been too raw from crying to eat before now. Today I woke up and found my tears had dried up. Did I run out? That was my first thought, and then water hit my eyes and I realized no, they’re still there, but today I found I could control them a little bit better than yesterday. I showered, dressed, and came

downstairs on my own to a shocked room full of men. Mack has been with me almost 24/7, but I’ve pushed him out of our room a few times to get information on Della and Dom. After Della was taken to the hospital, they found the bones in her wrist were shattered, but her head was fine. She has scratches and bruises from some sort of impact. But Della says Rex pushed her out of the way at the last second, so the doctors think it could have been her hitting the ground or possibly the train, but they said that’s really not probable and if it was, then it’s a miracle she’s alive. The police questioned everyone at the

scene and Slater had an argument with Sheriff Johnson, who mentioned Della had only recently been discharged for a bullet wound. He told Slater straight out if he wasn’t such a disgusting criminal then maybe his sister wouldn’t get hurt. Mack and Pacer had to physically remove Slater from the Sheriff’s presence before Slater did something he’d regret. Della was in the hospital for three days, two days post her hand operation before Dom got word that Lucini had heard about Rex’s death and he was sending his enforcers to pick Della up. Dom said my great Uncle Frank Lucini wouldn’t hear that Rex committed suicide. He said if Rex was unstable,

Bone would have noticed and reported back to him. He thinks it’s foul play and he’s coming for Della. Lucini considers two deaths an attack against the family. Dom and Slater got into it badly. I was lying on Mack’s bed, surrounded by tissues. But even I got up and out of bed after hearing the shouts. Opening the bedroom door, I went to the window at the end of the hall and peered out through the glass at the two men on the ground fighting and throwing punches. Mack said that Dom came up with a plan, but it entailed him taking Della with him to his hometown up North, to Dom’s friends and to Della’s real family. A twenty-five hour drive across the country.

Slater forbid it. Della and Dom still left. Della left behind her brothers’ backs, willingly. Slater promised to go after her, but Piper talked to him. She explained what we all knew, Della was doing this for them. She knows the safest place for her brothers is for her to be far away from them. And as long as the Kings are still in Portland and are seen going to visit their sister in the hospital each day, the enforcers have no idea Della’s already left town and it will give Dom and Della the head start they need. However, Slater has sworn, the moment they get even a hint that the enforcers know they’ve been played, they’re going after their sister. Della and Dom are on their way to

Minnesota. Once they arrive and Della meets her new brother, William—who’s going to be in Minnesota with his cousin Joseph and his partner Alexa—they will decide where to go from there. Della’s other two brothers, Matthew and Alexander, are still in Mexico putting plans together to offer Lucini a trade for Della’s life. Mack says the brothers understand that kind of life, they know the only way to save Della is to make a trade for something Lucini wants and they think they have something he won’t be able to refuse. “Lana,” Mack calls to me softly. “Thinking pretty hard there, Dove.” I lift my eyes. “Just thinking about Della.”

“Slater’s already been in contact with them this morning. So far so good. No tail.” I nod. “That’s great.” “Lana, I want to take you out tonight. Get you out of the house. You good with that?” I’m surprised at the small spark of excitement that ignites inside me. I force a smile. “Sounds great.” “Don’t do that,” Mack states. “What?” “Push out a smile when it’s not real. I don’t want you to be excited or happy about going out tonight. I want you to feel how you feel, and I’m gonna get you out of the house because I think it might help, but no pretend bullshit with me,

Lana. I’m here, even if it takes you years to grin again because your beautiful smiles are worth waiting for.” Water hits my eyes. I mean what does he expect after he says all that. Mack walks around the table and bends on one knee and holds me and I say, “These are happy tears.” I feel his body shake as he says, “We’re getting somewhere then.” Gosh, I love this man. *** Mack and I are lying under the stars, on the lush grass of Iroquois Park, twenty minutes south of Portland. He brought me to an open space, where

there are no trees, only open sky and millions of beautiful stars. He placed a picnic blanket down and a basket, which I knew held Chinese food. I could smell it since the moment he got back home from running an errand, and rushed me to get dressed. I quickly threw on a wallflower patterned playsuit and then Mack hustled me into Fang and the smell of my favorite takeaway caused my stomach to growl all the way here. Two hours later and quite a few of my favorite prawn spring rolls, Mack pulls me down to lie against his chest and we lie in silence. Only listening to the crickets and feeling the fresh cool breeze against my skin. I close my eyes and

enjoy this peaceful, beautiful moment with a man I thought I’d lost five long years ago. A few minutes pass and Mack wriggles his arm free from underneath me and we both sit up at the same time. “I have something to show you,” Mack says. Immediately, I think he’s trying to joke around with me so I reply, “If it’s two inches long and wrinkly. I’ve already seen it before.” Mack’s expression turns serious and his brow furrows. I grab my stomach and laugh out loud. Strangely enough, it feels as if it’s the first in a long time, but really it’s only been just over a week. Mack’s lips split into a wide smile.

“Very funny. Seriously, though, I have a surprise for you.” I rub my hands together and cross my legs and say, “More than this picnic? What is it?” Mack reaches over his shoulder to his back and pulls the black T-shirt off he’s wearing. My eyes roam up as the shirt disappears. Smooth, tanned and toned abs. My eyes continue to go up over Mack’s sexy sprinkle of chest hair and then I freeze and gasp. Mack has a new tattoo, over his heart. A dove with a keyhole in its chest. The words, ‘Happily Ever After’ are etched in the exact same calligraphy that I have on my thigh.

Mack has matched my, ‘Once Upon A Time’ writing. He’s matched our tattoos. I trace the intricate lines and shading of the stunning dove. Moving to the lock, I'm surprised to find it’s shaped like a castle. My eyes blur and I wipe at them quickly, not wanting to take my stare off the matching tattoo Mack got for me. “Ink, something engraved in us forever that we will be buried with.” My sight blurs as Mack repeats the words he said to me a long time ago. Words I had re-lived in my mind many times. “You’re my life-long love, Lana. I still want to give you a ring and have you take my name, but this…” he places

his right palm over my hand and our tattoo “…this is forever.” Mack rubs his thumb across my cheeks. “Don’t fall apart yet, Dove.” He smiles, “I have one more thing to show you and then you can cry your happy or sad tears.” I laugh because damn there’s nothing that can top this. Mack pulls a white piece of paper out of his back pocket and says, “You told me you don’t want to visit Rex’s grave because you don’t believe he’s there. You think he’s passed on, gone to Heaven.” I nod, tilting my head to the side, waiting patiently, but curious as to what Mack is getting to.

“Well, now you have a new place.” Mack points to the night sky and says, “I bought you a star and named it Rex. The lady from the local Astronomy group told me if I brought you to this park and if we looked up, Rex’s star would be directly above us. I also have coordinates and a new telescope for you in the car so you can see it clearer anytime from home. You can look up and find your brother, whenever you need him.” My chin trembles and fresh tears threaten to spill. I’m not sure what to say. How do I thank someone for giving me a beautiful place to talk to my brother? A gift to remember who I saw Rex as; my shining light in a dark world.

My big brother who will always be looking down on me now and I have Mack to thank for that. “I don’t know what to say,” I stutter. “You don’t need to say anything, Lana.” Mack kisses my lips gently. “I’m going to give you everything, Dove. I’m going to bust my ass every day to make you happy, and in a few years when things have calmed down and we can build a life together, we’re going to have a family. I’m going to give you as many babies as you want, and I’m going to love them as much as I love you. We’re going to keep them safe. Love them. Encourage them. Tell them they can be anything they wanna be.” I shake my head and smile. “Where

did you come from, Mackson King? It’s as if you were created straight from my dreams as a little girl.” "I might have been, Dove. Because if there's one thing in this life I'm certain of, it's that I was made to love you."

The End

Would you like to read the next book in the Portland Street Kings series? Tail (Dom and Della) is due to release on June 24th, 2016 Until then you can pre-order it here: iBooks Nook Kobo Follow my newsletter HERE for updates on Amazon buy links. If you’d like, in the meantime you can read another series of mine. The You Loved Me series. There are three novels and the series is complete. Keep flipping to find a sneak peek of You Loved Me At My Darkest, book one.

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Sneak Peek

You Loved Me At My Darkest Book one in the You Loved Me series.

PROLOGUE Hopelessness wraps around my body like a tight cord. Alone and beaten, each breath comes quicker. My eyes are almost swollen shut, with only tiny slivers of light shining through to let me know it’s daytime. Thick, rough rope scrapes harshly against my wrists. A dirty white dress, held up on my shoulders by thin straps, covers my shaking body.

What have I done? I failed in my escape, caught in the grasp of evil again. Have I failed Lily too? Will I die down here—never being able to let my sister know how thankful I am that she did everything she possibly could do to save me? I would give up anything in this world to tell her how much I love her, and to tell her to keep fighting. So many hits to the head has left it pounding like it never has before. I've vomited twice already. I dread more may be coming up. My lip quivers and my chest expands heavily. Tears squeeze through my swollen eyes and spill down my face. I hear the door opening, and I sense movement near my body. Hot breath

heats my cheek letting me know someone’s there. "Sasha, you need to reveal to us who helped you, or things are only going to get a lot worse for you." A gruff voice I know all too well causes bile to rise and threatens to empty again. I turn my head away and say, “I will never give up who helped me.” Only my words come out all wrong and slurred. What's wrong with my speech? He sighs. "Fine then, the hard way it is." I laugh in my mind. Given what I have already been through, I thought that already was the hard way. I'm pulled upwards by the ropes around my wrists, and he begins

walking. I fall to my knees as soon as I try to take my first step. "Get up," he growls. My hands are yanked up, and my shoulders scream from the pain. A whimper tries to escape but can't get past the lump in my throat. He grips my elbow and pulls me along with him. Light explodes between the tiny cracks in my swollen eyes and heat from the sunshine hits my skin. I realise I’m outside. I smell the salty ocean air and feel the chilly breeze. He continues to walk me for a moment, and then stops. I'm pushed to my knees, and then my hands are lifted above my head and tied to something round. I feel it with my fingertips; it’s hard and rough, and feels

like a wooden pole. "Now, boys, watch and learn. This is what we do to slave girls who try to escape and protect traitors." I can hear the sick excitement in his voice. He has been gunning for me ever since I arrived. My head is still thumping painfully, and my chest is rising and falling fast, waiting for the first punch to come. Trying to predict from which angle, so I can brace for the pain, I feel it. A scream is ripped from my throat as a searing sensation runs down my back. I arch in response to the blistering pain. I sob when I realise he's whipping me. I try to move forward to get away. When I feel it again, I scream. My back

forces itself forward, trying uselessly to get away from the attacking whip. Trying to force my hands out of the ropes to defend myself has caused my wrists to throb with pain. I want to crawl into a ball and try to protect what piece of untouched flesh I have left. I scream again as the whip slashes through my thin dress and skin. The pungent smell of metallic fills my nose. The sliminess of my blood as the whip flicks down my back, seeps downward. The pounding in my head is growing. My eyes are begging me to open them to see, to escape. My body arches again along with a piercing scream from another strike. Tears overflowing through my swollen

eyes, I can taste the saltiness on my lips. My head sags to my chest, my breathing heavy. I sense my body going faint. I'm so tired. The promise of unconsciousness whispers on the edges of my mind. Darkness begins to envelope me. All of a sudden, I hear screaming in the distance. I recognise that voice. It's Lily. She's getting closer. Oh, thank God, I can tell her how much I love her. How much she has been the best big sister anyone could ever ask for, and demand that she keeps fighting. Suddenly, I'm turned over. I hear her sweet voice talking to me; she's crying. Lil's arms feel so warm around my body. Home. I'm finally home. I love you, Lil. I

try to say except my mouth won't move. I scream it in my mind to her. I love you, Lily! These are my last thoughts as darkness surrounds me and the light drifts away.

CHAPTER ONE Carefree and Flying High Taking a seat and looking through the enormous glass window, I watch a plane move down the runway, building up speed, until it's up, and flying into the sky off to some exciting place in the world. I look down at my bags, butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. Finally, a packed suitcase and passport in my hands. I'm finally here, Sydney airport, and I'll be getting on a plane and leaving Australia, my home. I love my home, but seeing the world has always been a dream of mine, and today that dream is

finally coming true. I, Lily Morgan, will be getting on a plane to travel the world. Excitement vibrates through me like fireworks ready to show the world just how happy I am. I look around the airport terminal at the people bustling around me; some on their phones, a couple trying to get their children to behave, and others just sitting, looking out at the runway. I wonder if they are like me, in awe of doing something they have only ever dreamed of. I feel movement on my denim shorts and look down past my white shirt to see Sasha poking me. I look over at my sister. She looks like she's ready to burst with joy as well.

"Lil listen." Sash is jumping on her bum like a little kid, her yellow dress bouncing with her. She points to the ceiling, and I hear the man on the voiceover announcing our gate is ready for boarding. People start walking over and lining up with their tickets. We've been talking about going overseas since high school, but we kept putting it off. Then three years ago, our parents were killed in a car accident. A drunk driver ran a red light and hit my parents, striking the passenger’s side of the car. They both died instantly from the impact. Sasha and I crumbled when we lost our parents, but we managed to pull ourselves through some pretty tough times and have slowly moved on with

our lives. My eyes start to water and I feel a familiar palm squeeze my hand. I look over, and Sash gives me a sad smile. She knows what I'm thinking about, and like always, she is there for me. I bury my pain and put a smile on my face for her; she has suffered enough. I don't want to remind her of how much we have lost. When our parents passed, the first place we went was the family farm. We climbed up into our childhood tree for the first time in many years. We cried together and said our goodbyes to our parents. Sash may be my little sister, but she is also my best friend. Living on a farm far away from any neighbours, we only ever

had each other, and that's all we needed. Being only two years apart, we were always into the same things. We shared secrets and practiced kissing on the back of our hands, giving each other tips. All of this in our favourite tree, we would climb, sit and talk in our willow tree for hours after school until mum would call us in for dinner. Many people ask if we are sisters, but we can never understand how people pick us out. We don’t think we look alike. Sash has Mum’s beautiful straight, light brown hair, blue eyes, and her outgoing personality. At twenty-eight, I have more of my dad's dark blond, thick straight hair and his green eyes. Sasha’s and my body types are similar though,

generous in the bust area but not overthe-top. We're both tanned and athletic from growing up working on the farm. With our parents gone and no one to keep the wheat farm going, Sasha and I decided to move back home. It’s been in our family for four generations. One day we knew one of us would take it over. It meant too much to our dad to just see it go to a stranger. It was hard at first to live where our parents had. Sometimes I think I can still hear my mum call us in for dinner or hear my dad's laughter. My parents were in love; not just any love, they were soul mates. They never fought. They argued, but not for long, and usually only if they believed the other was going to get hurt

or letdown. They would have done anything for each other. I suppose it was right they died together. I think if one had lived, they would have died of a broken heart anyway. After working the farm for three years and acquiring some trustworthy employees, Sasha and I decided it was time to do some travelling. We didn't want to keep putting it off and one day regret never doing it. It's what our parents would have wanted. Mum and Dad were both adventurous. They wanted Sash and I to see the world before we settled down. We have no set plans, but our first stop is New York City. It's the one place we both want to visit first.

"Lil, let's go line up," Sash’s excited voice sends butterflies to my stomach. We stand from our seats, pick up our suitcases and start toward the ticket desk. My heart beats wildly, and I have a huge smile. I glance at Sasha and see she has the same sized grin on her face. Yep, this is going to be a trip of a lifetime. ***

I clock her as soon as she gets off the plane, fucking perfect. One of the most stunning smiles and perfect bodies I've ever seen. Every man turns his head as she walks by. It helps she has a mini version right next to her. Country girls, easy to pick with their clothes. And first-time travellers. The

dumbstruck look on their faces says it all. She would be fucking perfect for what Marco’s looking for. He’d probably fall all over his feet to have her. A pang hits my chest, knowing these happy, carefree girls would soon be caught and caged. ***

After stepping out of JFK Airport in New York, we quickly realise we have made the journey to a whole new world. It doesn't take long to get a cab; they are everywhere. Half an hour later, we are at our hotel checking into our double room. After a quick glance around and look out the window, we decide to head

to the bar downstairs to have one drink before calling it a night. Looking around the bar, I'm in awe of all the different types of people. No one seems to be relaxed. Everyone is dressed up in suits, sophisticated dresses and heels, just to a have a drink at a bar. I peek over at Sasha and grin at our clothes. Sasha is in a denim skirt and a tank top. I’m in ripped Levi jeans and a plain white t-shirt, and we’re both wearing our flat sandals that we wear everywhere. This is what everyone wears back home at our local bar or pub. "What?" Sash asks, seeing me smiling widely. I laugh while I explain. "Look at us

and look at everyone else. We stick out like sore thumbs." Sasha looks around. Realising what I’m saying, she smiles and says. "We do, don't we. Maybe we should have dressed up a little bit." We both burst out laughing and I reply, "Next time we will. Lesson learned." We finish our drinks and head back to our room. After our showers, Sash and I lay in bed, facing each other, both giggling and talking about what in New York City we want to see tomorrow. Sash drifts off to sleep first, and I follow soon after, thinking of all the wonderful places we’re about to experience and will remember for the

rest of our lives. ***

Days, I've watched her. Her smile lights up a room, people can't help but look when they hear her soft, sexy and musical laugh. She senses something. She looks back now and again, and I see her shiver when I imagine undressing her. She feels me, without even knowing I'm here. Her light hair flows like fucking silk. I almost touch it when I get too close. Clenching my hands, I need to remember to keep my distance. It's becoming harder and harder every day I watch her. She's fire, and I am a

stupid motherfucking moth who wants what I can't have. And what I can't have is Lily Morgan. I searched their room while they were out and found their passports. My contacts have been able to tell me they’re from New South Wales, Australia. Lily and her sister Sasha own a wheat farm, no known relatives, only employees looking after it. My contact has checked their mobile numbers and there have been no calls home to anyone to check in. They are making this too simple. Two girls, travelling the world and having not one person to care if they are okay.

Stupid girls, you have a fox chasing you, and you are going to be so easy to catch. ***

I’m awoken when my bed starts to bounce. I then see light brown hair whip past my face and hear a giggle. "Wake up, Lil. It’s another beautiful day in New York City," Sasha booms across the room as she enters the bathroom. I roll over and look out the window, a smile gracing my lips as I take in the beautiful view of a warm, sunny New York day. We shower, dress, and head out of the hotel ready for day five in this marvellous city.

A truck drives past with a sign saying P!nk will be at Madison Square Garden tonight. I grab Sasha's hands and start bouncing on my feet, pointing and shouting about it. Sash sees what I’m so excited about and starts squealing with me. We end our squeals and look around to find people staring. We huddle together and giggle as we begin our walk to the Liberty Island ferry. What's that saying, when in Rome, well, when in New York, squeal because you can't contain your excitement. On our five-minute walk to the ferry, I get goose bumps and that same strange feeling I’ve felt had a few times. I can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. It’s an instinct that tells me to look behind me and

search the area. I tell myself it's nothing, just being in a new place; that's all. We get on the nine-thirty ferry. It takes only twenty minutes until we step onto Liberty Island. Looking up at the Statue of Liberty feels like a dream, like I still see it through the TV screen or in the travel brochure. Until we are inside the crown. Looking out over the water, it finally hits me that we are really here. My parents’ smiles flash through my mind. They would be proud of Sasha and me. The hard work we have done on the farm to get it back on track after their deaths. So many things we had to learn, that we didn't realise our parents did while we went off and played, enjoying our childhood. But we’ve done it, and

now we are seeing the world. I know my parents would be happy. My smile grows as I glimpse Sash to my right, taking millions of pictures. I close my eyes, and for just a moment, I let myself feel the loss again, the devastation. Knowing I will never see my parents again, never hear them say they are proud of me and that they love me. When I feel the tidal wave about to take me under, I lock my emotions back down, pull on all my strength and turn around to smile at my sister. ***

Two torturous weeks I have followed her. I've seen her happy, watched her

squeal all girly shit with her sister. Laughed my ass off when they touched the fucking central park grass for ages. When her sister isn’t looking, she breaks down, silently. Why is she in pain? Wanting to know almost has me introducing myself. Fuck, this girl has power over me, and she doesn't even know I exist. ***

What a day! Every day in New York is full on and different. Today we visited Times Square, and it was amazing. Another place and another memory I will always cherish. We get back to our room and drop to

our beds exhausted. Our legs are killing us from all the walking. On our way back to the hotel, Sash and I decided it’s time to move on. The last two weeks have been wonderful, but it's time to see more wonderful places. New Orleans will be our next stop. We booked a flight for tomorrow night. Excited about heading to a new place, the air hums with our renewed energy, ready to leave New York with a bang. We settle on a rave party we saw signs for today. Bring on our final night in New York City! ***

Standing on the balcony looking out over the sea of dancing, sweaty bodies, all I can think about is her. I need to

get her out of my head and feel another woman's warm pussy around my cock. Yeah, that will make me forget about her. I need to burn this energy off, so I don't go back to the hotel and wait around like a pathetic loser to catch a glimpse of her. I’m scouring the dance floor, looking for any woman who looks like she will be an easy fuck, someone who won’t want the bullshit talking beforehand. That’s when I spot Mick walking up the stairs to the balcony. "Well, fuck, you eventually decide to turn up when I ask. Where the fuck have you been for the past two weeks? You haven't answered any of my calls. Marco's been asking for progress

reports, you find anyone?" I have. She's perfect. But I can't do it. She's too innocent, too fucking special. "No, I didn't find anyone who matches what Marco wants," I reply, still scanning the dance floor. “Well, I found someone an hour ago, and she is exactly what Marco asked for. She comes with a bonus as well, plucked them right off the street, easy as pie.” Mick pats my shoulder and says, “So it's time to go home now." Thank fuck, they finally found someone. I can leave this fucking city and stop my growing obsession for this woman from getting any worse. I push back from the railing and

follow Mick down the small hall and out the exit doors, where we walk down the stairs on the outside of the building. There're two black vans parked at the underside of the stairs. "Take the second van, Jake. It has the package. I'll lead in the first van, with the bonus package." I nod and walk to the van. Opening the door, I take a step in and freeze. All the blood drains from my face, and my heart completely stops. I'm looking straight at her, Lily Morgan. Bound and gagged, she’s staring up at me with wide, terrified eyes. In the end, the innocent lamb was caught by the blood thirsty fox, just by another fox.

BOOKS BY EVIE HARPER

YOU LOVED ME You Loved Me At My Darkest (Lily and Jake) You Loved Me At My Weakest (Emily and Kayne) You Loved Me At My Ugliest (Alexa and Joseph)

PORTLAND STREET KINGS Collision (Slater and Piper) Fatal (Mack and Lana) Tail – Coming June 2016 Pursue – Coming 2016 Untitled – Coming 2016

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Evie is an Australian author whose passion for reading lead her into writing. Evie spends her days writing heartbreaking, suspense filled love stories with happily ever afters. Evie’s characters are strong alphas with even stronger heroines who bring sexy sass to the relationship.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS As always, I need to thank my wonderful husband and beautiful children who standby me and encourage me every step of the way. To, Mandy, I remember your first email to me about Darkest and I was terrified that you hated it. Lol! I love your personality and attitude toward the book world and also to me as your friend. You’ve never hesitated in helping me and often gone above and beyond what you needed to, to answer my questions and also make my MS the best it can be. Saying thanks just isn’t enough. You’ve supported me and given me something which I cherish, our friendship. xx To Ivy, my amazing book bestie, or should that be author bestie now? Still encouraging me and supporting me, from my first book to my fifth and I hope many more. I’m getting teary. lol. You already know how much I adore you and our friendship and would be lost without you and your advice. Thank you for always being there for me. xx

To my best friends Mel and Amber. THANK YOU. You guys know how much you mean to me. The quirks and strong personalities my characters take on are written from those who I have around me. I know how to write strong women because my life is full of them. Thanks for always having my back. xx To my wonderful editor, Kay, from Swish Editing & Design. Thank you for your guidance and support. You’re a beautiful lady. Huge shout-out to Haha! Thank you all for your advice, friendship and laughs. I love talking to you ladies! Dear Evie’s Collection… THANK YOU! For loving my characters as much as I do. You ladies always put a smile on my face.