Page 37 of Journey

Frantically, I shake my head. “But he can’t be. He’s been in prison for twenty years. How would he run an MC from a cell?”

“I’ve heard of crazier things.”

“No. That’s nuts. I mean…” I tilt my head and stare at Journey. “Oh my God. Is that why you scare me? Because my mind recognized the similarity between you and him?”

“I’d say that’s probably a pretty safe bet.” He smiles, and I shiver. “Do I really scare you?”

“Yeah. A little,” I admit. “But you also intrigue me. Which, I gotta say, is a bit disconcerting.”

“Disconcerting?” He snorts. “Such a big word.”

“If all of this is true, what could my dad possibly want from me now? I haven’t seen him since the day of the…” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Let’s just say it’s been a while.”

“I think he’s kept tabs on you for all these years, and now he’s found a way you can be useful to him.” Regret flashes in his eyes, but he forges ahead. “Sorry, that sounds cold. But I doubt he has a selfless bone in his body.”

“It sounds cold because it is. But it’s also the truth.”

“I know you probably won’t understand, but I have to take this information to the Soulless Kings. They need to know.”

“I don’t think so,” I snap, moving toward the door. “This is my life, Journey. And I don’t want the details used as a punchline for your club.”

“Wren, no. That’s not what it is. But the Wingless Angels are gunning for us, and the only way to stop them is to take out their leader.”

“In other words, you wanna kill my dad,” I summarize.

“Well… yeah.”

“Look, I don’t give a rat's ass about his life or what happens to him,” I begin. “But I do care about mine. Just leave it alone.”

“I can’t do that. I swear, nothing will happen to you because of this. I won’t let it.”

Needing to get away from him, away from the reality of all that’s come to light, I push the door open.

“I don’t need you or the Soulless Kings,” I say over my shoulder. “I’m a big girl and can take care of myself, despite what you may think.”

CHAPTER 19

JOURNEY

As long as I’m a Soulless King, anyone associated with me is fair game in the eyes of our enemies.

“Still playing the long game?”

I down the rest of my Dr. Pepper and glare at Connor, the prospect working the bar at the clubhouse tonight. It’s been a few weeks since Wren confronted me at the shop, and I’ve spent every free minute trying to win her over. I’ve called, texted, sent flowers, and even went so far as to go to her apartment and talk to her through her door when she wouldn’t open it. And my efforts are being rewarded because she finally agreed to get together tonight.

“Always,” I say with a grunt as I tap out another text.

Me: Can’t wait to see you

I wait a few minutes for her customary ‘leave me alone’ reply, and when it doesn’t come, I take it as a win.

“Gotta say, Journey,” Conner states, pulling my attention away from my phone. “I definitely didn’t see you as the type to settle down, but it looks good on you.”

“Are you hitting on me, prospect?” I taunt.

His eyes widen, and his shoulders tense. “What? No! I’m a pussy guy for sure.”

I bust out laughing. “If you’re gonna become a Soulless King, ya gotta learn how to take a fucking joke.”

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