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