Page 1 of Rage

prologue

MEADOW

The First Time We Met

As we pull up to the Grim Sinners’ clubhouse, the rich aroma of sizzling meat and the sound of raucous laughter hit me like a wave.

My stomach does a little flip, a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbling up inside me.I scan the parking lot, taking in the rows of gleaming bikes, their chrome catching the afternoon sun and nearly blinding me.

“Come on, sweetheart,” Dad says, his voice softer than usual as he opens my door.“Time to socialize.”

I step out, my hands automatically smoothing down my sundress.The fabric feels too thin, too flimsy against my skin.I take a breath, trying to calm my racing heart as we make our way toward the crowd.

That’s when I see him.

He stands out like a beacon in the sea of leather and denim.Tall, impossibly broad-shouldered, with eyes so blue they make the sky look dull in comparison.Those eyes lock on to mine, and suddenly I can’t breathe.It’s like all the air has been sucked out of the world, leaving only him and me.

“Who’s that?”I manage to whisper to my brother, my voice barely audible over the thumping of my heart.

I feel rather than see my brother’s frown as he follows my gaze.“That’s Mason, the Grim Sinners’ VP’s son,” he says, his voice low and warning.“Stay away from him, Meadow.”

But I can’t look away.Mason’s eyes are still on me, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.It’s not a friendly smile, not really.It’s more… predatory.Like he’s spotted something he wants and is figuring out how to get it.

I should be scared.I should listen to my brother and keep my distance.But there’s something about Mason that pulls at me, like a magnet drawing me in.My brother’s warning echoes in my head, but instead of fear, I feel a thrill of excitement.

“Dangerous, huh?”I murmur, more to myself than anyone else.I straighten my shoulders, meeting Mason’s gaze head-on.Two can play at this game.

As we get closer to the crowd, the noise grows louder.The smell of barbecue intensifies, making my mouth water despite my nerves.But all I can focus on is Mason, still watching me with those intense blue eyes.

Mia, a princess in the club, walks up to me and Tiana, who’s a princess to both clubs, since her grandfather and uncle are members and her mom is an OG princess.

Rose, who’s technically my aunt, even though we are almost the same age, is beside my grandparents, Kayla and Torch, the VP in the club.

My uncle Trenton is off doing missions for the military; he’s a navy seal and I miss him dearly.It weighs not only on my grandma, but his ole lady is dying for him to come home so he can be with her and Matthew.They’re both dating Morgan, and Matthew is the son of another Devil Souls MC member.

Kayla sees me and walks over to hug me.“Hi, sweet angel, you look beautiful in your dress.”

I smile and hug her back tight.She’s the best grandmother and I hope to God that I look like her when I’m older.

I pull back from Kayla’s embrace, my eyes darting back to Mason.He’s still watching, his gaze burning into me.I force myself to focus on my grandmother once more.

“Thanks, Grandma,” I say, my voice a little shaky.“You look amazing too.”

Kayla’s eyes narrow slightly.She follows where my gaze was a moment ago, her lips tightening when she spots Mason.“Be careful, sweetie,” she murmurs, her voice low.“That one’s got trouble written all over him.”

I nod, but my heart’s not in it.Trouble.Dangerous.Warnings from all sides, but they only make him more intriguing.

Mia grabs my arm, pulling me toward a table laden with food.“Come on, Meadow.Let’s get something to eat.”

I let her lead me away, but I can feel Mason’s eyes on my back.The hairs on my neck stand up.

“So,” Tiana starts, leaning in close.“You’ve noticed our resident bad boy, huh?”

I try to play it cool.“Who?”

Tiana rolls her eyes.“Please.We all saw you eye-fucking Mason.”

Heat floods my cheeks.“I wasn’t?—”

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