Page 263 of Outlaws of Tulsa

She sucks in a sharp breath before pinning me with a look that could melt glaciers. Dragon isn’t a psycho because of his time with the Royal Bastards. He’s a psycho because it’s genetic.

“I’ve lost one child. I can’t lose another.” She swallows and smooths out her long dark hair with a shaking hand. “Mitch is just angry. Avoiding us.”

“Angry?”

“It’s the only explanation. He knows how I feel about him checking in with me. I’m adamant about knowing who his friends are and who he hangs out with at all times because…”

“Because you lost Chase.”

Her head snaps to mine and a sheen of tears forms in her green eyes. “You’ve read up and done your homework, I see.”

“Is it possible,” I hedge, “that the same person who took Chase also took Mitch?”

“Get. Out.”

“Ma’am,” I say, holding my palms up as I stand. “Hear me out—”

“I said, get out,” she snaps, also rising to her feet. “I want you out of my house.”

“Okay. We’ll leave, but can you tell me more about the friend he’s supposed to be with?”

“Mitch and Taylor are friends. Taylor isn’t answering his phone either. It’s not unusual for them to go hiking and camp out. They go all the time with Taylor’s father.”

“Have you spoken to Taylor’s father?” Nees asks. “Has he spoken to Taylor?”

“Who are you and why are you two so concerned with the whereabouts of my son?” she demands, not answering his questions.

“I’m your son’s boyfriend,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

“That’s impossible. Mitch isn’t gay or even bisexual…”

No, lady, but your other one is.

Dragon

I’m antsy as fuck.

I can’t sit in the Tahoe and do nothing. Not when Mitch is missing and Cove is talking to my mother. A sharp pain sears through my chest at the brief glimpse I’d gotten of her standing in the doorway of the house.

Still the same.

Over a decade since I’ve seen her up close and she’s the same. Somehow the same fierce, beautiful woman who’s well-respected and confident in every aspect of her life.

Filter keeps texting with someone while wearing a stupid grin, so I’m assuming it’s Cove’s twin, Calla. Maybe he actually likes her. There’s no telling with Filter. This could all be some scheme to get back at Stormy for fucking with his heart. But you also can’t fake a goofy smile. Filter, normally a bitch-ass punk, looks happy.

It makes me wonder if I look like that when I’m near Cove…

My phone buzzes with a text from Katana.

K: Me and Prez just drove by the old warehouse. Nothing.

A shudder trembles through me, earning a confused glance from Filter. Just the mention of that place makes bile churn in my stomach and the memories from the night of my escape burn like acid in my mind.

He screwed up.

Night Giant screwed up and didn’t snap the lock on the chain all the way. I knew if I complied and distracted him, eventually he’d slip up. Puke threatens to spew out at how well I complied to earn his attention, but I can’t think about that now. Not when escape is closer than it ever has been.

As quietly as I can possibly move, I unlatch the lock and slip my ankle free. I take a second to move it around before gaining my bearings. My whole body aches from the continuous strain Night Giant puts it through. I find my boxers and a shirt in the corner of the place he keeps me. Sometimes he rewards me by letting me wear clothes. Most times, I’m not worthy enough.

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