Page 6 of Echoes of Fear

“We need you, Knox,” he says softly. “Something important has come up, and you’re the only person who can help in this situation.”

“I’m going to be sick,” I say when my stomach turns.

“The men are moving the seating around,” he tells me. “Everyone is going to be against the wall on the far side of the room. You can sit where there are multiple exits. You’re completely safe, sweetheart. One hundred percent in control.”

“I’m setting up conference cameras after today,” I mumble as I make my way to Steel’s side.

When I reach him, I stand there fidgeting with my hands. I need something, but I don’t know how to ask.

Steel reaches down and grabs my right hand in his left, holding it firmly.

Safety.

“You don’t have to do that,” I mutter. “Everyone will see when we get out there.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” he states. “They can think what they want, and no one would dare say a word to you about needing a little more security. Do you remember where Taylor works?”

“At Oasis,” I answer numbly.

“He’s also a member, little one. He and most of his club. They already know about you and won’t look at you as if you’re anything other than one smart dude that they desperately need at the moment.”

“They know I’m a Little? I mean, that I was one?”

“We talked with them before I came to get you,” he answers. “They know you ARE a Little and that you’re a scared one right now. They don’t know why, and it’s none of their fucking business. We only told them about your Little side because I knew they would understand and know how to treat you. I hope that was okay.”

“I don’t mind,” I shrug.

And I truly don’t. I’ve never hidden this part of myself from anyone. After my parents were killed, I went to live with my grandparents. My papaw was the one who actually told me his suspicions when I was seventeen and still loved cartoons, jammies, coloring, and toys.

He sat me down and said he had something to share with me.

That conversation changed my entire life.

“You ready?”

“Not even a little,” I sigh, gluing myself to Steel’s side.

Let’s get this over with.

Chapter Two

Taylor

“This is all we need. How in the hell is a manchild going to help when he can’t even decide if he’s a man or a fucking baby?”

Before I have a chance to react, Blaze has the idiot up against the wall with his hand wrapped around his throat.

A couple of my men jump to their feet, ready to interfere, and I simply relax back into my chair.

“Sit down,” I tell my team.

“Boss, he’s going to kill Ben,” Sullivan says.

“I would expect nothing less,” I say, raising my brows. “Are you going to tell me that what he just said didn’t piss you off?”

Shrugging, my men all sit.

“I’m only going to give you this warning once,” Blaze growls.

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