Page 11 of Soulless Deeds

“I want to do both,” I said, slumping into the chair next to Emerson.

Their expressions cleared with understanding—except for Psycho, who wore a confused scowl.

All of them wore various styles of biker gear. “Gosh, do you not have any variety in your wardrobes? Are we starting a motorcycle gang now?”

Ignoring me, Micah leant an elbow on the counter and swivelled to face me, Emerson between us. “How’d it go? We were waiting to hear from you.” Her voice was laced withsomething I could only identify as worry. I didn’t like it. That’s not how we operated. Love was making her soft.

Removing my earpiece, I placed the tiny gadget on the bar surface and regretted it instantly. The disgusting counter was grimy as the surface hadn’t been wiped down in the past century.

Inhaling sharply, I spoke my apprehensive words in a rush. “One: the new gang is called Khaos, with a K,” I snarked. “Two: their boss is a woman. Three: they are responsible for the Sovereign.”

Silence dominated for one split second. Then, all three Kings spoke at once.

“What—”

“Fuck—"

“Who—"

The confirmation, the significance, the repercussions of such information was inconceivable. However, those very same words had torn my heart to shreds, my soul yearning for a past that could never be relived.

Tanner’s casual persona disappeared, smoky brown gaze severe with their eagerness for more. “Start from the beginning.”

I relayed the meeting, including all attending parties, how Vice was not involved in the massacre of our house and the deluded Appleberry and his cult of thieves—leaving out the part about killing him, of course.

Micah and Emerson were shell-shocked, with Psycho watching over the former to see if he had to step in and save her. From what, I had no idea. Possessive fool.Like us, she’d hunted those demons long before him.

Tanner paced, his stubbled jaw flexing with urgency. “Where is he? This Applebee? I’ll bring him back to the crypts for questioning.”

My jaw popped open, then closed. I’d intended for something—anything—to come out. Instead, I shoved gum into my mouth to fill the void of my lost voice.

Micah sighed, disappointment rife in that one gesture, triggering deep seated emotions I never wanted to see the light of day. “Spencer, I told you this was an important?—"

Dangerous, noxious fucking feelings tunnelled to the forefront with aggressive assault, causing me to launch to my feet. “No, Micah, you don’t get to play that card. You killed Oscar Masatino without a second thought or any input from us. Our father’s former enforcer and best friend, who betrayed us! You killed him without any answers?—"

“Spence. That’s not?—"

“No. I’m not having any of this double standard bullshit. Yes, I fucked up, but can you tell me you would have done any different? After hearing him boast about ending our house, slaughtering our fucking familyandenjoying it? Tell me you wouldn’t have killed him!”

My chest was heaving.I can’t breathe.

Micah didn’t reply. Even worse, understanding engraved into her symmetrical features as she looked through me with that all-knowing amber gaze, the weight suffocating.Saints, I can’t breathe.

Psycho extended his arm over the counter, subtly skimming his fingers down Micah’s arm in comfort. The innocent gesture made red filter into my vision.I swear, if he says one fucking word, I will end him.

Emerson cut off my line of sight by invading my space. She was crowded so close, I could distinctly make out the minuscule red M tattooed on the peak of her cheekbone.

“You’re right. You did what any one of us would have done,” she said, sincerity lacing her tone. Micah and Tanner nodded inmy periphery, confirming her statement. “At least tell us he died screaming.”

I grinned wide at the memory. “I set him on fire.”

Psycho coughed while the rest chuckled. Once we sobered, I offered another alternative.

“I think we can ask Vice for an alliance. Aster was strange but definitely offended when the Sovereign was mentioned. I can continue to gain intel to see if that’s a viable option.”

Emerson tsked. “You just want to see that guy again. What was his name?Echo?”

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

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