Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Bull,” Skull snaps. “I did a double take when you walked by us.”

“You guys know I’ve changed,” I say with a shrug.

“Yeah, but changing and converting completely is two different things,” Wizard counters as we watch the kids play tag.

“I met her, and it just happened. You know what I mean?”

Freeze chuckles. “I think we all know that feeling.”

“You about to join the Dad Club, too?” Shadow asks.

“Ha. No. We’re good for now. I’ll leave all the procreation to you. Seems like you got it on lock.”

“It’s all right, we got your brother.” Skull pats Joel’s shoulder and I laugh.

“Yeah, he is. I think the world needs to recover from the birth of a new Spencer before I start thinking about it.”

“So what’s going on down in L.A.?” Shadow asks.

“Working. You know we’re doing the contest thing. It’s been intense.”

“Has it stayed quiet since the dethronement of Big?” Wizard asks. “I know Stone says it’s been quiet since they pushed out the bad element, but I worried they might sniff around you.”

“I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary. Is that why the big show of support at the food truck?” I’d been surprised when they all came out when I only asked for a few.

“Yeah, we wanted to show anyone who was watching we’re out in numbers,” Wizard says.

“Didn’t hurt to have good P.R. either,” Shadow adds.

“It looks like the girls have hit it off with her,” Joel says as we study them through the window where they’ve gathered around the table pouring drinks into fancy glasses and talking.

I nod. “Yeah, and I’m glad. It’s a lot for people to take in the first time.”

“I know what you mean, there was an education process with Blanche,” Freeze says.

The group splits off into pairs, and Joel takes me away from the group.

“Everything good? I was shocked that you came up here last minute.”

“Yeah, man, we just needed a break from the pressure the contest is putting us under. I took her to Dad’s last night.”

His eyes widen. “Jesus. How did that go?”

“I think it was what we both needed. I have been avoiding it for long enough. The truth about how we were raised, the screwed up things Dad did, and how none of it steals my love for him. I was living in this in between state.”

“And now?”

“Now I’m letting it go. I want a future with Xia, and taking that baggage with me will sink us both.”

“Damn, you’re finally growing up,” Joel whispers.

I scowl. “I haven’t been a kid for a long time.”

“I know, it’s not what I mean.” He pauses. “I see the man you were always meant to be today, and I’m proud of you.”

I smile at him. “Thank you, brother.”

“She’s good for you.”