Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“I raced back inside and got Mack. He was always so sad and broken before that night when it was just the two of us. Then you came and everything changed.
“You were our light. You made this a home for us both. I get it now, why you mean so much to him. You were his second chance to raise his daughter.”
“Huh? What daughter?”
“You know the picture in his office of the girl in the boxing gloves?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s her. She was killed by a drunk driver. Mack and his wife got divorced after. A few years later he found me and took me in, but he didn’t start to get better until you came along.”
“How do you know all this? He never answers questions about that picture.”
“Not while he’s sober. He told me about a year ago. She was the same age as you were when you arrived.”
“Wow.”
“You see? You have always been everything to us. I thought we would grow up and you would see we belonged together.
“I didn’t change my last name back to Ramirez to honor my family. I did so I could change your name from Salvado to mine. I was working to buy us a house and ask you to be my wife.
“When you came to me to ask for that favor with Ricci, I thought you were finally opening up to me. You were leaning on me like you do with Eddy. You were allowing me to be there for you … finally.
“I thought you finally understood I would sacrifice any and everything for you. Then this guy showed up and … and … Fuck. I can’t remember.”
Ardan growls in my head. I can feel his temper rising. I look to him and shake my head.
“Easy. He’s no threat to you.”
Ardan grunts in response, but he stops the growling. I look at Carson and note the confusion etched across his face. He continues after a few beats.
“All I know is I’ve been so angry, and you disappeared, and I couldn’t find the flight you used to take off and you stopped going to your place. Everything is so jumbled.”
“Car, maybe you should lie down. We can talk about this tomorrow or when you’re feeling better.”
He shakes his head. “I just want you to know I’m sorry. I would die for you, but I would never get in the way of your true happiness. I haven’t been myself and I’m sorry things got as far as they did.
“All I have ever wanted was to be your person. I’ve always been jealous of the bond you have with Eddy. I tried but you were never like that with me.”
His words hit their mark. I feel bad for always holding him at arm’s length. I thought it was best once I realized he didn’t see me as a sister. Not that I would have been big on showing affection if he hadn’t shown interest.
“You will always be important to me, Car,” I say as I tug him in and give him a tight hug.
“You will make a great mom. My nephews are cute. Don’t forget you have a family here too. Don’t make me have to become a biker. I don’t really think your dude likes me and I might never earn a patch,” Carson jokes sounding like the brother I know.
“How can I forget the boy who saved my life? Thank you, Carson. Thank you for going to get Mack and getting me a home.”
“Anytime, sis. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
I release him and stand as I can feel Ardan’s agitation through our bond. He’s trying and failing to block the emotion from me. I move to his side and lace my fingers with his.
“Come on, let’s head home.”
Setting the Play
Ihave never forced myself into a body this small. However, I don’t have time to adjust to his size. I need to find some useful information I can take back.
When the bishop gave me this assignment, that Carson guy felt like the right vessel. His obsession with her and the way he reeked of her scent caused me to choose him. I was sure he would get me close to her.
My luck, she cut him off the same day I possessed him. He will be lucky to survive all the time I’ve spent occupying his body. He’ll be dead by morning, being a human and all.
Ah, bingo. I won’t need to remain in this one long, but I will use him to set up a play, just in case.
I knock the little boy out so I can take control of his mind and body. He will wake when I exit. For now, I need full control.
“Grandpa Mack?”
“Yes, Beck.” The old man looks up from the drawer he’s digging through.
“Will you come to see us at the clubhouse?” I ask.