Page 2 of Lost in Life

Killian, Rayth, and Damon are less than forgiving when it comes to their girl. I doubt Everly would have been able to accomplish what she has if it wasn’t for her three musketeers.

Blowing out a heavy breath, I fight against the warring frustration and fear raging inside of me, funneling the added anxious energy into prepping for the next helpless soul joining this damned society.

I need a damn whiskey.

One by one, each new initiate makes their way into my chair before kneeling for Everly. After which they funnel into a large observation room to await further instruction.

My eyes trail up toward the room beside us, landing on a rather squeamish looking boy as he directs the new members. His Adam’s apple moves as he repeatedly swallows, a sheen of sweat visible on his forehead.

I can’t help but chuckle.

Tavish and I have an understanding of sorts, but that doesn’t mean I won’t fuck with him given the opportunity. For every bit that I love my tattoo needle, the kid hates it.

Tavish meets my gaze and I wink at him, lifting my tattoo gun with a smirk. His eyes widen comically and he quickly averts his gaze, focusing on the new recruit in front of him. A shudder runs down his body as he instructs them on what to do next.

Setting the tattoo gun back down, I follow Everly and her men up to join the others in the observation room. Once inside, I snatch up a glass, pouring a heavy dose of whiskey before shooting it back and filling the glass once more.

Walking to an unoccupied space, I lean against the wall, turning to watch as Everly rolls her shoulders and begins her welcome speech. My eyes trail over tothem, finding both sets of eyes on me before they quickly avert their gazes.

Fuck.

Everly finishes her speech, calling out, “In morte vivimus!” Her loud exclamation pulls my attention back.

As one, we all shout, “In morte vivimus!” The sound of our voices echo throughout the room. I run my gaze over the new members one last time before turning to leave.

Welcome to hell, boys.

Chapter 1

Nova

Four years earlier

“Shut up, asshole.” I grumble, punching West’s arm.

The fucker has the audacity to laugh.

“Oh come on, Nova, you know you love me.” He snickers, winking at me while rubbing his arm. “Geez, that actually hurt, shithead.”

I roll my eyes, walking away as I mutter, “Serves you right.”

Don’t get me wrong, I love West. We’ve known each other for as long as I can remember. Our moms were besties before we were born and when they became pregnant within six months of each other it was kismet. Or so they say at least.

I hear him scramble after me, rolling my eyes again. “Just what makes you think I’d want to go along with this stupid plan of yours anyway?”

West slings his arm around my shoulders, nuzzling my hair. “Like I said, because you love me.”

My heart clenches as I shrug him off me. West likes to joke but he has no idea how Ireallyfeel about him. No one does.

Nope, that knowledge is safely tucked away inside of me and my diary.

Putting on a stern expression to mask my secret yearning, I sigh heavily and glare up at him. “Okay fine, let’s go.”

West beams at me and my breath hitches at how gorgeous he is. His dirty blonde hair has been gelled up into a fauxhawk, the sides shaved to accentuate the sharp peak. The piercings lining his eyebrows, nose, lip, and ears add to his punk rock appearance.

My lips twitch when he bows, gesturing forward with a sweeping motion. “After you, m’dear.”

I grab his outstretched hand and take off in a sprint.

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