Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“Yeah, we’ll make sure she knows.”
A half hour later, we’re throwing bean bags all over the fucking place, and Logan’s laughing maniacally as he steals them and runs to the opposite side to drop them directly through the holes. At least until Lash starts chasing Logan around pretending to be a dinosaur, and Tex walks by and joins in, too, stomping behind them in his boots and roaring.
Riot and Sinner walk past on the way to their bikes. Riot laughs at the chaos on the field. “We’re doing a breakfast run. Want us to get you something? Some breakfast sandwiches and drinks? Maybe some dino nuggets for the Lasheratops and Tyrannosaurus Tex over there?”
Lash flips him off as he runs by, which Logan finds hilarious and immediately copies. Shit, that’s probably not good parenting, right?
Sinner shakes his head. “This place is turning into a fucking daycare.”
“Not that bad, is it? He’s a good kid.”
“Nah, I guess not. I forget sometimes that time didn’t stop while I was locked up. In my head I feel like I should have plenty of time, but I suppose I’ll be pushing thirty soon.”
I nod. It’s not the same, but part of me feels like time froze when I should’ve died.
Logan comes darting my way, running through my legs while shrieking happily, then grabs my left one and uses it for cover, clinging like it’s made of dinosaur repellent. Lash and Tex growl at him, which makes him stamp his legs in mock terror.
Fuck it. This is too deep for this early in the morning. “Get me a sausage and egg.”
20
DAKOTA
My first thought when I wake up is that the bed smells like Jackal, and I like it.
I stretch out my hand and find nothing but cold sheets.
Where the hell is Logan?
The sleep fog burns away instantly, and my eyes pop open. The bed only has me in it, and I don’t hear anything on the other side of the curtain. Throwing the covers off, I jump out and rush to look, only to find the room empty.
Where’s Logan? Jackal? Anyone?
My heart leaps in my chest and thumps wildly until I take a few measured breaths. Think about it. Jackal wouldn’t just steal Logan away and leave me here. And Logan couldn’t have gone out without his help. For a very brief moment, that niggling fear in the back of my brain asks me how well do I really know these guys, but I push it away. I refuse to believe he’s done anything to harm my little boy. That’s when I notice the note on the coffee table.
Went out to keep Logan busy while you sleep. Come out when you’re ready. Coffee’s in the cabinet by the microwave.
If this wasn’t the very first night here, the idea of him entertaining Logan while I get to have a relaxing morning cup of coffee and wake up on my own, sounds incredibly nice. But today, I’m still too much on edge after last night. At least I know Logan is okay.
Except when I go to the bathroom, the shower is right there. The idea of a quiet shower without needing to keep the door cracked so Logan can talk to me, or for me to hear if he’s gotten himself into something is just too tempting. I’ll take a quick one.
Ten minutes later, I’ve showered, washed my hair with ultra-carbon mountain frost man shampoo—that just smells like pine to me—and dressed. I feel nearly human again. Should I lock? He didn’t leave a key or anything, so maybe locking up his quarters isn’t a big deal around here? But I’m feeling jumpy about locks and call Logan’s phone.
It rings a few times before Stiff answers. “Logan’s phone, Stiff speaking. Who may I ask is calling?”
“Honestly, I don’t know why I expect my kid to answer his own phone,” I say with a laugh. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
“Why is Logan carrying a phone in his helmet pillow thing?” Stiff asks.
“Because he’s been feeling nervous lately so it makes him feel better to know he has it, and he loves that stupid football helmet.”
“Motorcycle.”
I roll my eyes. “It literally has a—never mind. I just wanted to ask if I need to do something to lock up Jackal’s room when I leave.”
“Nah, it’s fine. He doesn’t usually bother.”
There’s something wild about how their reputation on the outside is so different from the community inside the walls, something I’d never have pictured if you’d asked me about the Outlaw Sons a week ago.
The sun greets me as I exit the school and then I can follow the sound of Logan’s bright laughter to the open lawn area bordering the parking lot. They have a game of cornhole set up, but that’s not why he’s laughing. He’s sitting on a freaking motorcycle, wearing a leather jacket that looks fifty sizes too big. I’d be a lot more worried if it was moving, but while he’s got a death grip on the handlebars, Lash is right there with him, his hands over his and showing him how to rev it. Every time the motorcycle roars, it’s followed by Logan laughing. He’s kicking his legs and having the time of his life.