Page 80 of Slashers & Secrets

I black out my phone instantly, dropping my arm to my side. “It’s nothing. George wants me to come home. My father called a meeting.” I roll my eyes, trying to make light of it, because the moment I make it a big deal, I’ll have the entire crew at my back.

“What does he want?” Reign barks.

I walk back to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of liquor and pouring it into an empty shot glass on the counter.

“Lake,” Reign warns as he makes his way toward me.

“Hmmm?” I hum, tipping my head back and swallowing the drink in one go. I drop it to the counter, and it clanks as it hits the granite.

His hand goes to my elbow, and he spins me around, just as the liquor hits my belly. My blood instantly warms, and an ounce of the stress flows from my body.

“What does he want, Lakyn?” he grits through his teeth.

I pull my arm from his, trying to keep light, even while I’m freaking out inside. Thoughts run through my mind at the possibility he’ll ship me away again, that the police will be there when I show up. Any and every horrible thought runs through my mind, but I keep my face blank.

I won’t allow him to control me this time. I’ll fight back.

I glance up into Reign’s eyes, my head cranking backward. He’s so tall, so dominant, it feels as if he could conquer the world if it was at his fingertips.

The world isn’t, but I am, and I feel he is already conquering me.

“They just want to talk. I don’t know what about.”

The horn honks outside, and I bite my lip as nerves tear through me.

“We’re coming,” Creed barks from the living room.

My eyes widen, and I turn my head toward him. “No, you’re not. I’m going by myself. Let me be an adult for a fucking second.”

Archer’s face screws up. “You can be an adult and still have an army, baby.”

I want to scream, but Reign’s hand lifts, caressing my jaw. “The secrets build, baby, but they’ll all come out eventually,” he murmurs.

My eyes shutter automatically, and I lean into his hand. “Sometimes secrets are necessary, Reign. They can protect us all.”

His thumb moves to my chin, and he swipes up, right against my lower lip. “The thing you don’t understand, baby Lake, is that I’ll uncover all of yours, whether or not you want me to.”

I shiver, my heart pounding in my ears. I shift away from him, because the other alternative is falling into him.

“I’ll be back soon,” I whisper.

The horn honks again.

I head down the hall, wishing I could change out of these damn funeral clothes, but soon George will be on my front step, and I know that won’t end well.

“Lakyn!” Posie shouts.

I pause in my step, glancing over my shoulder.

“Be careful,” she whispers.

I nod, sensing her fear of me being taken away again.

I head outside, walking down the steps, passing the large skeleton that’s hanging from the porch, blowing lightly in the breeze.

“Lakyn, let’s not keep your father waiting,” George says as he holds my door open.

He’s wearing his typical dark suit and tie, with the wire attached to his waist and curling around his ear. I walk up to his Escalade, folding my arms across my chest. “What is the reason for being summoned today?”

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