Chapter 36
LEAH
As soon as Zee goes back inside, I take a breath that doesn’t feel weighted down by the world. Glancing back at my aunt’s grave, I feel a sense of peace come over me. She would have loved him. She would have loved the others too.
It might not have been the grand design—a hunter and a killer—but it works perfectly well. Especially now that I know where I fit in for the first time ever.
Thinking back to all those years of pain and confusion… I’m thankful for the day I walked into that damn, kinky club.
I’ve never been a normal person. I was always different. At least now I know why.
I’ve survived countless broken hearts. I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been hurt. I’ve tasted regret. I’ve been mocked and laughed at. I’ve been pushed to the bottom over and over.
I got back up.
I’ve smiled. I’ve laughed. I’ve loved. I’ve lived my life the way I want to. I’ve learned the value of happiness.
I got stronger.
Now I’m not a victim anymore, and it feels so damn good.
As if fate has a twisted sense of humor, a pickup truck rolls into the dirt drive, slamming on its brakes as three familiar, slightly older versions of the Leonard boys climb out.
You’d think they’d have learned their lesson the day Victor stole their dignity and almost their lives.
“Told you she was back,” Tommy says, smiling wickedly. “Freak shows are hard to miss.”
Instead of running like I used to, I stand my ground, battling a smile instead of swallowing down a knot of fear. A lot can change.
Their eyes dart around, taking in the one Audi in the driveway. Zee has expensive taste for a low maintenance guy. The others parked in the barn in case other anointed drifters showed up here. It’s been a genuine concern for the two weeks Zee and I have been here.
But no one has shown up.
Until now.
But they’re not gifted in any sort of way.
“Leah, Leah, Leah,” Mack says, grinning like the devil as he walks toward me.
I move closer, stepping in front of the house as I wait for them to try and attempt their worst.
“Doesn’t look like your sick fuck protector is here anymore,” Tommy taunts, even though his eyes shift around the yard to look for Victor.
“Hasn’t been here in years,” Mack drawls. “And I’d love a little payback for that night.”
The third Leonard just smiles, ready for some good action.
Suddenly, their eyes pop up over my shoulder, and Tommy’s smile falls as he takes a step back.
“What the fuck is this? The freak convention?”
I glance over my shoulder to see Zee sitting on the railing of the porch with a dangerous smirk on his lips. The tips of his faux hawk are red, his arms are crossed over his chest, and his eyes are trained on the three boys who once made my life hell.
Shit. The Leonard boys might die if they piss him off.
Dice is standing beside him, clad in all leather—per the usual. Karma is propped up against Dice, amusement sparkling in her eyes.
“I’m hungry,” she says, smiling when Dice chuckles.