Page 55 of Wolf

“She’s, uh, fine,” he says, and I eye him quietly. There’s more to this than what he’s saying but I don’t have time for chick drama.

The Aces are all up in our asses. The sheriff’s plotting something and I heard yesterday that, that fucker Danny interfered in one of our places of business.

I warned him. I gave him a chance for my sister, but the little worm is getting on my last nerve. I would rather cut out my own eye than see my sister hate me any further than she already does, but I’m not going to endanger my brothers and their families so her shit husband can make money selling fucking drugs.

He had his chance to join something legitimate. He chose a different way. Now he needs to stay the fuck out of our business or he’s gonna hurt and I’ll be the one doing it.

Chapter 15

Lilli

On Monday, I muddle my way through my classes before plopping down on the bleachers for lunch. I have no appetite, but I chew my sandwich anyway.

My wounds, garnered at the hands of both Mama slowly heal but it’s an ache that follows me wherever I go. Over the remainder of the weekend, I pondered what to do and all I’ve been able to come up with is running away. Leaving this town altogether.

I don’t want to leave Rachel and Mercy, but I can’t stay, not without losing what’s left of my shriveled soul.

I need money though, which means squirreling away the tiny bit Mama pays us for working the booth at the Saturday Market.I don’t have much choice unless I tell Wolf about the trouble, I'm in, and that’s out of the question.

Over the next few days, I agonize over what to do while Mama ignores me, and Daddy follows suit. Although I don’t have anything to say anyway, shutting me out doesn’t feel all that great. It’s a technique she’s employed since we were little.

Back then it felt like the end of the world. Now I’m just tired. Tired of the rules. Tired of the pain. I have to get out before something worse happens.

“Lil?” Rachel whispers, pushing my door open. I glance at the hall in alarm, but she waves me off and closes the door behind her.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” I say, and she shrugs.

“Rae—“

“It’s fine. They’re in bed,” she says, stopping at the edge of my mattress. “You’re going to leave, aren’t you?”

Rubbing my brow, I smile weakly, and she collapses beside me. When I touch her shoulder, she pulls away, hiding her face in my bed covers.

“Rae, I’m sorry…”

“No, you’re not. I don’t blame you. As soon as I turn eighteen, I’m gone.”

The ferocity of her tone surprises me, and I lean back with a frown. “I thought—“

“What? Just because I’m better at playing the games doesn’t mean I don’t hate it here.”

Wow. Okay. I had no idea and now shame burns my chest because I haven’t been protecting her too. That’s what we do. As the oldest sister here, it’s my job to keep my sisters safe and I failed.

After a moment, I say through the lump building in my throat, “You’ll watch after Mercy?”

She slowly nods before stepping to the door. I watch her go before turning to my side and swallowing my tears. I can’t stay but leaving feels like the shittiest option ever.

The next few weeks are quiet. After class on Monday, I meet Rachel, who’s been cold since our conversation, by the fountain outside. I muster a wan smile which she ignores as we walk home.

I’m running through all the things I can say to ease her anger when we pass the auto body shop, and I stutter to a stop. Is that…? It is!

Maddox looks up from where he’s polishing an already sparkling motorcycle. Does he work here? Daddy mentioned all the businesses the MC owns as a reminder to avoid them, but I don’t remember him speaking about this one.

My heart thrums painfully and I do my best to ignore him but for the urge to look around for Wolf. I can’t be seen speaking to him and shaking away my desperation, I keep going only to pause on the sidewalk when he says, “Lilli?”

I can practically feel Rachel vibrating with curiosity beside me, but I’d like to shield her from this if I can. No such luck though because she stops, crosses her arms, and raises a brow.

Shoot.

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