A Lighter Shade of Blue (Kings of Chaos 2)

The blood drains from her face. “Wait…what?”

“Did you think it’d be contained? Even behind bars, there are eyes and ears. You stupid little bitch.”

“I-I found a cousin. I needed protection. Kings can only do so much—”

“I hope it was worth it, because it got my father killed.”

“What?”

“Yes, you selfish twat. You’re always taking. Now you’ve taken more than I can stand, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. You’re not welcome in this family anymore.”

“You have no right to do that.”

“Yet… I’m doing it. You come near Bolt again, and I’ll kill you. I don’t want him near any of this mess. You don’t believe me, don’t worry, I’ll make sure Stone comes and tells you in person.”

“You’re lying, Bluebell. I know you’re pissed at me. But this is taking things way too far.”

“Do you think I’d ever joke about this? I had to watch them lower my father into the ground.”

“Oh my God.” She covers her mouth. “I-I didn’t think. I would n-never.”

“But you did. The story of your life. You’re a piece of shit. He gave you everything. Who cares if your genetic code was different? You’ve always gotten so caught up in your petty emotions, you miss what’s actually happening around you.” It should make me feel better that she didn’t order the hit personally, but I can’t bring myself to care.

“You don’t know what it was like being different.”

“Yes, I do. You took away my place in the Kings. Pushed me out with your hate, cutting remarks, and tantrums. Funny. This is the life you always wanted and I’m living it.”

“What are you talking about?” she whispers.

I turn to the side and lift my hair to show her my tattoo.

“You fucking bitch!” She launches herself over the table.

I scoot back and slam her face into the table. Standing, I hold my hands above my head as the guards rush in. “Self-defense. She went a little nuts when I told her about our father’s death,” I say, forcing my eyes to water.

“I understand, ma’am, but it’d be best if you left.”

“Okay.” I tremble my lower lip and allow myself to be escorted outside.

The minute I taste freedom, I begin to laugh. I hope that bitch gets the hole for her bad behavior. She’s not the only Strong who can act. I feel like I got some payback for Dad. It soothes the ache his death has left. Mom and I are more at odds now than ever, and Bolton is caught in the middle. I play nice for his sake, shuttle him between the houses as he wants, but I know his loyalties lie with me and his Dad. It’s petty for me to care—I know it, but I also don’t give a shit. In my mind, my mother’s poor choices have taken enough from me.

Stone will continue to take care of her for my father’s sake, but he doesn’t want to see her around the club. It’s hard for her, but it’s more lenient than she deserves. You don’t get between brothers.

I drive to the cemetery. I know my father’s soul isn’t there, but it makes me feel closer to him somehow. I drive through the massive peaked gates that are open to welcome mourners. The lawn is green and well kept. Colorful flowers and statues break up the monochromatic green landscape. I turn around the curve and park my car off the road. We’ve been through a lot this car and I, but the same way she was rebuilt and restored, I was reborn a stronger person for the tragedies I survived.

The sun shines down on my skin and I swear Pop is sending me his approval from above. Anything for you, Pop. I climb the hill and stop short when I see Shadow.

He turns. “Hey.” His voice is soft and subdued.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask.

“Having a little one-on-one with your pop. Stupid, huh?”

“No. I came here to do the same thing,” I admit. He holds out his arm and I fit myself against his side. “You okay?”

“Yeah. It came down the pipeline. I’m going to handle his loose ends. Not right away. But after a while.”

I hug him tight. “Good. I’m glad it’ll be you.”