The deputy steps toward me, and I grab my backpack and sprint. He’s yelling my name now. Shouting at me to stop. The fliers on the wall become a colorful blur as I push myself faster than I’ve ever gone before.
People are in front of me, but I don’t care. My shoulder slams into theirs, and I mumble apologies as I pass, but I can’t stop. Pounding feet are too close behind and my eyes burn. I can’t fail this time. I can’t.
“Addison!”
I pump my arms as I near the exit. Five more steps, three more steps, two more…
A strong grip on my arm, I’m being pulled—away from the safety of the exit. The deputy—he has me. Down a hallway, then another turn and down another hallway then out a door. I’m outside. My heart thrashes through my chest, and a sob wracks my body. “Let me go!”
“Stop fighting, and come with me now.”
The door clicks shut behind us, and I shiver at the cold and indifferent voice. We’re in an alley in the back, and a utility light casts a glow over us. I look up and into the deepest brown eyes on the planet. This guy is taller than me, thick with muscle, doesn’t appear much older than me, but there’s a silent power about him that warns anyone within ten feet to allow a wide berth.
I’ve seen this guy before, a Reign of Terror member, but I don’t know him. I’m vaguely familiar with some of the members since my best friend Breanna has been dating Razor. A chill runs through me as I can’t decide if I should be thrilled it’s not the deputy or if I should run back into the arms of law enforcement.
“Who are you?” I ask.
“I’m Dust. A friend of Razor’s, and I was asked to watch over you. If you’re looking to run, I’ll help, but we have to leave now.”
“Where?” I’m thankful my voice comes out stronger than I feel, as my knees are super weak.
“Wherever you want, but your friend Breanna’s at the clubhouse. Do you want to start there?”
Breanna, my best friend. If I’m safe with anyone, it’s with her.
“We don’t have time for waffling. We go, or you walk back in. Take your pick.”
Terrified of heading home, I make the easy choice. “Take me to Breanna.”
Chapter 14
Pigpen
Rapidly moving pieces don’t make me happy. Especially when I haven’t had time to study the rules of the game, and I hate it more when all my players aren’t even on the field. In fact, most of my players are still listening to music in the locker room. Thank God Dust is in motion; otherwise, I probably would have lost the whole war. Losing the war is still a possibility, but at least now I have a fighting chance.
Even though we have problems, I’m slow maneuvering through the crowd in the clubhouse. Most people pat my back, call out for me to hang, even offer me beers. Though I’m in sloth mode as I slip out, I’m a man on a mission. There’s no sense being dramatic and stomping my feet. I’ve found I get my way by being cool, calm and collected.
If you act like you don’t give a damn, most of the time, people will hand you what you want. Must be some reverse psychology crap going on, but who knows.
Eli’s in the same place I saw him last, on the steps of the house, soaking in his daughter from a distance. Emily’s chatting with her friends. With the way Oz keeps looking at her and running his hand along her back, through her hair, it won’t be long until he’ll be searching for some time away from Eli’s watchful eyes.
I cross the grass, and I gape at the sight of Eli and Chevy’s mom sharing a casual conversation that includes some chuckles. This day is full of surprises.
I make a slow approach, go out of my way to step on a stick, slide my feet so that my footsteps are known. I was an Army Ranger and could go stealth at any point, but it’s better in this scenario if they hear me coming. It’ll break up this conversation faster.
Eli and Nina glance in my direction. Oddly, they’re both grinning. I didn’t know it was possible for either of them to show the slightest amount of happiness in each other’s presence. The four horsemen of the apocalypse must be at my six because this is unreal. “What’s