Page 21 of Manic

And at the center of it all is a girl with my hair and Meghan's eyes, a possibility I never dared to imagine.

The heavy thud of boots on the wooden floor announces my father's approach before I even see him.

His presence fills the space behind me, his voice gruff but understanding.

"I've been lookin' for you’," he says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "We got some shit to look into for Liam and Aleks. They'll be here in another week, and they'll be back next Friday for a club party. Just us, some allies. You know the situation."

I turn to face him, pushing thoughts of Meghan and Tindra to the back of my mind.

The club comes first, it always has.

"What do you need me to do?" I ask, straightening my shoulders.

Runes' eyes narrow slightly, assessing me. "I need you and Geirolf to hit the streets again. See if you can find more of those drugs with the Eagle emblem on the bag."

My jaw clenches involuntarily.

The Eagle emblem—the Patriot.

"I'm on it," I nod, already mentally preparing for the task ahead.

As I turn to find Geirolf, my father's voice stops me. "Tor," he says, his tone softer than usual. "Whatever's on your mind... handle it. I need you focused now more than ever, son. ."

I meet his gaze, seeing the mixture of concern and expectation there. "I’m good Dad," I promise, meaning it.

As I stride across the clubhouse, weaving between patches and prospects, my mind races.

The streets, the drugs, Meghan, Tindra—my life is complete chaos right now.

I just need her to come here soon, ‘cause Gods there’s a lot we need to talk about.

CHAPTER FOUR

Meghan

The soft morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the cedar wood floors of our new home.

I stretch lazily in bed, savoring the rare quiet moment before the day truly begins.

It's been almost a week since Tindra and I arrived in Tallahassee, and I'm still getting used to the idea that this beautiful house is ours.

Mine.

A step up from the type of home I could ever afford back in Atlanta.

I roll over and grab my phone from the nightstand, checking the time. 8:30 AM.

Later than I usually sleep, but it's my day off from Beans & Babes.

The new girls are managing the coffee shop today, giving me a much-needed break.

With a sigh, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and pad barefoot to the ensuite bathroom.

The cool tile feels good against my feet as I splash some water on my face and study my reflection in the mirror.

My ashy blonde hair is a tangled mess, and there are dark circles under my sage green eyes.

I look tired.

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