Page 131 of Nest of Thieves
“Ten minutes.”
“I’m going to shower and game.” Vette glances at me. “Come find us when you’re done?”
“Always.” I check them out again, inspecting for injuries I might’ve missed. “You guys are okay?”
“Of course,” Mac says, rubbing his chest. “Those fuckers didn’t stand a chance.”
“You’re not Superman,” I mutter.
“Damn straight. I’m no hero, Kitten. I’ll be your villain, though.”
“We’ll be your villains,” Vette says, elbowing Mac. “Come on, bro. You’re covered in blood too.”
“Okay, Mom.” Mac rolls his eyes dramatically and shoots me a wink. “See you soon, Kitten.”
thirty-three
JO
I run my fingers over the letters on my chest. They’ve scabbed and scarred, leaving behind little raised pink lines. It’s hard to believe weeks have passed since Mac marked me and the night at the warehouse. The more time that passes, the more disconnected I feel to the killing. Almost as if it wasn’t me who pulled the trigger, more like the memory is from a movie.
Vette snores like a freight train, disturbing my thoughts, and I bite back a laugh at how obnoxious he sounds. He and I have met up in the gym the last few nights, working out until we’re both too exhausted to continue. Most nights, I end up with him in my bed, but sometimes Lark or Mac find their way into my room.
Not that I mind.
My phone pings. I roll over and grab it.
Tori: Mom is especially bitchy today.
Jo: That’s how she is. You okay?
Tori: Fine, fucking tired of being judged. She came to visit and didn’t like what I was wearing and spent the whole time ranting about what a whore I am.
I see red. My mom can be especially cruel to those she’s supposed to love.
Jo: You’re not a whore, Tori. You’re an amazing mom and mate. You’ve done so many good things.
And she has. Before she got pregnant, she had an online boutique where she sold her handmade jewelry. She still runs the business out of her home while taking care of the baby.
Tori: I know...I hate how she makes me feel.
Jo: I get it. Don’t forget how awesome you are. You’re my hero.
Tori: Don’t lie to me. What’s up with you? How’s school?
I’ve been keeping up with my online courses, but finals are coming up, and I’ll need to make sure I buckle down. It’s hard to believe that in another month and a half, I’ll be done with college.
Jo: There are so many papers to write. :’(
Tori: I bet. So...are you going to leave me hanging??? Did you really find a pack?
Jo: Maybe.
Three rapid pings follow my message. I silence the notifications and lock the phone, tossing it back on the table. I chew on my cheek and stare at the ceiling. I’ve wasted a lot of time. Even with what happened with the 609 Vandals and the Philly Vipers, I haven’t learned anything useful. Nothing actionable. I’ve been wasting precious days, but I’ve never been happier. Never felt more like...me.
That’s worth the wasted time.
I guess it couldn’t hurt to call the number on the card again. Peeking at Vette, I make sure he’s asleep before carefully climbing out of bed and grabbing my phone. I slip on my flats and tiptoe down the stairs, hurrying out the front door and walking across the dawn-lit lawn. Once I’m near the fence, I dial the number and hold my breath. The last few times I’ve called, no one has picked up.
