Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
"Why the fuck didn't you go to Ghost with this?" Jack demanded, his voice remained steady and calm but he paced the small living room like a caged tiger, his massive frame seeming too big for the space. "The second you found that patch, you should have brought it straight to him."
"Jack," Honey warned, her arm still around my shoulders.
He turned to her, eyes narrowing. "And you knew about this?" His tone was incredulous as he pointed between us. "You knew she was mixed up with a fucking Copperhead?"
Honey didn't flinch under his gaze. "I promised her three days to figure things out before going to Ghost. To see if she could find out what his angle was."
"Jesus fucking Christ," Jack muttered, running a hand through his shaggy hair. "Three days? You gave her three days to do what? Get herself killed?"
"It wasn't her fault," I cut in, sitting up straighter. "I would have done it with or without her knowing. At least this way someone had my back if things went south."
Jack's massive chest expanded as he took a deep breath, visibly trying to rein in his temper. When he spoke again, his voice was gentler but no less intense. "Do you understand what kind of danger you put yourself in, right? These men aren't just another MC, Wren. These are fuckin' animals. The shit they do—" He broke off, shaking his head.
"I know what they do," I said quietly. “We all do. And I truly didn’t think Rocky was like that, that he could be a part of something like the Copperheads. Something still doesn’t feel right about the whole situation.” Jack and Honey exchanged a look I couldn't quite interpret. "That's why I came here first," I continued. "I knew you'd want to know about the meeting tomorrow. About the warehouse they're securing for Saturday."
Jack's eyes sharpened. "What warehouse?"
"I don't know. He didn't say. Just that they needed it secured before the main shipment comes in."
Jack nodded slowly. I could practically see his mind calculating his next move. He sat down on the coffee table in front of me, bringing his massive frame down to my level. His hands dwarfed mine as he took them in his grip.
"Listen to me, Wren," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle coming from such an intimidating man. "I'm not mad at you. Well, I am, but that ain't important right now. What matters is keeping you safe."
Honey's hand stroked my hair, a soothing gesture that reminded me of when I first came to live with Ghost how gentle he’d been with me when I’d been upset. How he was still gentle with me. "We'll figure this out," she said softly. "Together."
Jack squeezed my hands once before releasing them. "I need to make some calls. This information about tomorrow could be the break we need to get rid of the fuckers for good." He stood, towering over us again. "But first, we need to deal with Ghost."
My stomach dropped. "Do we have to tell him tonight?"
"He already knows something's up," Jack said. "Been pacing the compound looking for you."
"Great," I muttered, slumping back against the couch. "So I get to have this conversation twice in one night."
Honey's arm tightened around my shoulders. "You want me to come with you when you talk to him?"
I shook my head. "No. This is my mess. I need to face him alone."
Jack crossed his arms over his massive chest, his expression softening slightly. "He loves you, kid. That's why he'll be pissed. Not because you fucked up, but because you put yourself in danger."
"I know." And I did know. Ghost had taken me in, given me a home, a family, when I had nothing. His protectiveness came from love. But that wouldn't make the disappointment in his eyes any easier to bear.
Jack moved toward the bedroom, presumably to make his calls in private. Before he disappeared through the doorway, he turned back. "For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for coming to us with this. Takes guts to admit when you've been played."
His words, gruff but sincere, brought fresh tears to my eyes. I wiped them away quickly. I'd cried enough tonight.
Honey squeezed my shoulders. "You gonna be okay?"
I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure. "Eventually."
"Want me to walk you home?"
"No." I stood, steadier now than when I'd arrived. "I need to do this part alone."
She stood too, pulling me into a tight hug. "Remember you're not alone in this, okay? No matter what happens next."
I hugged her back, drawing strength from her steady presence. "Thanks for not saying 'I told you so.'"
She laughed softly. "Oh, I'm saving that for when you're feeling better and everything’s fixed. Along with a whole lecture about listening to your best friend's advice."
Despite everything, I found myself smiling. "Looking forward to it."