Page 37 of Burning Truths

It’s not the first time one of the Wolves bitched about being in Del Mar where their name isn’t a threat falling from tongues. Where our name could straighten a man’s spine theirs is nothing but a cliff note. One mentioned out of curiosity instead of fear. In Del Mar the Wolves are a myth and Oakley would cut tongues if anyone so much as said that to her face.

“You’re with me. Let’s go.”

I don’t wait for her to catch up with me. My strides are long and quick. The first set of metal gates open into a long concrete walkway surrounding us by barbed wire fences. Haven follows behind me keeping up with my pace. Reaching the second gate a loud buzz sounds opening it automatically. Cameras are placed in several areas over us so I turn towards one to show my face fully and the look I convey isn’t one to ignore. Rolling my hand to motion for the second gate to hurry I step through as soon as I know I can fit. Haven sticks to my side like glue but I can seethe way she searches the walls looking for something interesting. She’s a curious little kitty.

Once we make it past the gate there are two double doors with glass rectangle windows. Tugging on the handle the door swings open letting a gust of cold air out as we step inside. The bright white lights bounce off the grey walls damn near blinding me but my eyes adjusted with a few blinks. Haven picks up her speed to keep in step with my long strides until we reach a glass box area where you check in to see the inmates. A beast of a woman with a name tag addressing her as Helga slides in front of us.

“Please sign in.” she says, her voice matching her looks. Gruff.

She stands almost as tall as me but my build makes me wider giving me an advantage forcing her to look up at me. Something I can tell she isn’t used to and I don’t give a shit. Haven looks between us before popping a hand on her hip to respond.

“We’re here to see Kane Kingston, so please move.” she smarts.

Her tone is soft but she doesn’t hide the bite in her words. Helga looks down at her like a lion ready for a snack so I sidestep into the beast’s line of sight to cut her off from Haven. The last thing I have time for is trouble with two over protective fuckers about a little brunette kitty cat.

“Ryker Stone.” I hold out my hand for her to shake.

Tossing out my name she snaps her eyes to mine but still she stands there blocking the entrance. I move forward brushing my chest against hers in a challenge when a small lanky arm shoves between us pushing Helga backwards.

“Mr. Stone.” a voice says to my left.

Turning to see a short blonde haired man with large oval glasses resting on his face, my brows furrow. He looks at Helga flashing her a lethal glare before turning his attention back tome with a grim smile. I know that look. The one behind his eyes. Pure fear. This man is pissing his pants right now but he hides it well so I respect that. Motioning with his head for her to move he waves his hand out for us to follow him.

“Well that was almost fun.” Haven whispers beside me.

Shaking my head without a response we follow the man through the metal detectors where he doesn’t flinch when it goes off. We continue past two large metal doors until we reach the third one on the right. The grey brick walls resemble high school walls but with less life. Depressing as fuck. Opening the door he steps back to let us pass him where we enter a large mess hall style room with over a dozen lunch tables spread around. Looking over the room I spot a few vending machines, inmates chatting with family, and guards standing throughout the space keeping an eye on things.

“I’ll have Mr. Kingston brought out. Please, sit anywhere you’d like.” He says, rushing off to do just that.

Snickering, Haven walks over to a table in the corner of the far back wall where we have a view of the entire room. There are three inmates at the table but she just crosses her arms and taps her foot. One of the men is covered in dark ink and swirls of black with a long ponytail down his back. You can tell he’s been here a while by the way body language adjusts when we approach. Sucking his teeth he smiles at Haven with intent but when he sits up straight to speak his eyes meet mine and he pauses.

“Well if it isn’t Ryker fucking Stone.” he laughs.

Looking at the men around him he nods his head when he looks back at me.

“Landon.” I state blankly.

Jumping up he rushes towards me and grabs my arm pulling me into him. Haven jumps back spinning towards me, but stops when Landon yanks me into a hug.

“Call me that again and I’ll beat the shit out of you.” he gruffs in my ear.

Pulling away I laugh, “And what the hell do I call you?” I ask.

Both hands slap his chest, “Python.”

We both let out a loud laugh pulling the eyes of the other people in the room.

“Like the snake?” Haven asks beside me, reminding me of her presence.

We both look down at her but Landon is already pulling up the sleeve on his white shirt flashing her the tattoo of a ball python wrapping around his arm spreading from his wrist to the crease of his elbow.

“That’s right, pretty lady. Snakes for life.” he winks at her.

Moving back to me his eyes roam over my appearance before asking me why I’m here.

“I have an appointment with a certain Kingston.” is all I give him.

He nods in understanding. Landon and his crew have been vital in keeping this place in line on the inside. Every once in a while I have to give Kingston a little visit to show him who still has control.

---