Page 36 of Claimed By a King

I didn’t believe them until Gunner showed me a newspaper with a chilling headline on the frontpage.

COMMUNITY LIVING IN FEAR AFTER THE NOTORIOUS REAPERS TAKE OUT THE LEADERS OF THE KINGS.

I only got to read some of the article before Irina snatched it from me while cackling about the only good King being a dead King.

“The roads of Santa Cruz that the self-appointed Kings have kept safe for years are now a playground for the infamous Cali Reapers.

The Kings and Reapers’ rivalry dates back longer than both clubs have existed. Though there’s never been any hard proof, many speculate that the Cruz Kings were created as a means to keep the Reapers at bay, and if that was the plan, they’ve now failed their community.

While their President fights for his life in the hospital, it seems they no longer have a VP.

We’ve tried to get a comment from Santa Cruz PD regarding the ongoing investigation of the vicious attacks on first, the Kings’ property, then later on the Reapers’ property, but the detectives involved and Chief of Police refuse to comment.

All we know is…”

The date of the newspaper was washed out, so I don’t know how new it is. Just as I don’t know if Rocco survived whatever happened to him. I hope he did.

While I don’t personally care all that much about the Prez of the Kings, I know his club needs him. Alana, Rose… all the Cunts will be in danger if they don’t have the protection of the Kings. And the Kings… fuck. I don’t even know what would become of them without their Prez.

I don’t realize I’ve completely spaced out, not even noticing my dad leaving until Gunner spins me around.

“Earth to Sugar,” he says, snapping his fingers in my face.

“S-sorry,” I stutter. I don’t bother pretending I wasn’t lost in my thoughts since it’s obvious this isn’t his first attempt at getting my attention.

“That was impressive,” he grins. “I think you almost made him cry.”

The sinister smile gracing my lips isn’t faked. “Good.” Venom coats the one word.

Still grinning, Gunner takes me into his arms. He nuzzles into the crook of my neck, licking my skin before blowing cold air on it until the skin pebbles.

“You look fucking beautiful wearing my marks,” he rasps.

Another memory stirs to life. The time Gray let me cut him, and how adamant I was in wanting to leave a scar behind. I even went as far as picking the scab while smothering the remnants of Mama C’s punishment in healing lotions so hers would disappear.

Closing my eyes, I tilt my head to the side. On the outside, it’ll look like I’m being pliable and giving Gunner better access. In reality, I need him to hurt me to chase the memories of Gray away.

Some day when I’m safe and this is nothing but a nightmare from my past, I’ll treasure my time with Gray. I’ll mourn him, and hate myself for not enjoying our time together more. Fuck, I’ll always regret not telling him I loved him.

For now, I can’t allow my subconscious to cling to all the times I shared with the man I went from hating to loving.

I once read in one of my psych books that the more you think about something, especially something unresolved, the more it’ll plague your subconsciousness. I can’t take that chance, which is why I need to bury Gray in my mind.

Zoe

“Are you ready, Sugar?” Gunner asks.

I’m so excited I can’t stand still, and instead keep shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “Yes,” I announce. The smile I give him is one thousand percent sincere.

This last week has been worth every demeaning moment since we’re now on our way out the door.

Gunner makes a big show of revealing the gun he’s carrying. “Remember what I said,” he warns, looking me right in the eye. “Don’t try any bullshit. It won’t end well for you.”

I know he means it, but it’s not enough to squash the impending feeling of freedom I’m high on. Today’s the day I get the fuck out of here.

As we leave, I turn around and grin at Irina. Then I flip her off just because that bitch is half my torment. She never lets a chance to come after me slip through her fingers. God, I hope she dies a painfully slow death.

Before opening the door, Gunner turns and gives me a once over. I know he’s probably looking for any signs of whether or not I’m up to something.

---