Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)

“Stone’s pissed. We never heard Battle got his walking papers. That’s a problem. Stone wants to make an example of them. We’ve had enough drama lately, and he wants some peace and quiet.”

“He’s also been extra cranky, so he’s probably going to unload on those two.”

“Pixie is dangerously close to being cut off, man. I hope for Blue’s sake that’s not the case. I know she has hopes of reconciliation. Especially with Calla due to get out next year.”

“Oh, shit. Are you even ready for that?”

“Man, it’s like trying to prepare for a natural disaster. No matter how much you tuck away for survival, it still hands you your ass every single time. My saving grace is that Bolton is grown and she can no longer use him for leverage. I refuse to let her drama touch Delphine, though. I couldn’t stop it with Bolton, but the cycle damn sure won’t be repeating.”

“You want me to stay here or ride with you?”

“No, I want you to stay here. Knowing they’re all safe will let me do what I need to. I’ll call you as soon as I have something concrete and know which way the wind is blowing. I’m going to say goodbye, and then I got to get ghost.”

I follow him back inside and watch as he whispers to Blue who nods her head. Bolton is already in bed on the floor a few feet away from his sister. I turn away as they kiss and wrap an arm around B’s shoulder.

“You did good, babe.”

“Just showing them a little Southern hospitality.”

Shadow kneels beside Bolton, and B moves to Blue and guides her over to the breakfast bar where she has a mug of coffee ready.

Shadow stands, and I walk him out the door. I know I won’t be sleeping tonight.

I post up in the chair I’ve moved up against the far wall by our bedroom door. Blue and Blanche talk for a bit more before Blue decides to call it a night.

“Are you going to be out here all night?” B asks.

“Just a precaution.”

“You think they were followed?”

“Not with Shadow driving. I’m just paranoid.” I kiss her lips. “You need to go to bed and get some sleep.”

She nods and disappears into our bedroom. I find a comfortable position and wait.

Two hours later the phone vibrates in my pocket.

“Yeah?”

“I’m calling with an update. It wasn’t Battle. It was his younger brother, War.”

“That makes it much better,” I say dryly.

Shadow chuckles. “Agreed. He said he was headed back to his charter when he realized how close he was to Pixie and decided to visit and play catch up. She’s been talking to Battle again, and they’re petitioning to reopen his case because of new evidence they claim to ask. I don’t know. War claims the family wants to get to know his Calla better.”

“What did Stone say?”

“That he’d never keep them away from their family, and he’d help any way he could as long as the family wasn’t around to cause problems. Once we realized it wasn’t Battle, all the urgency dropped off.”

“Glad it was a false alarm.”

“Me too. Calla ain’t even back yet, and she’s already causing drama.” He gives a harsh laugh.

“You coming back?”

“Yeah, I’m just going to crash there with them.”

I hang up and rest my head against my wall. Never a dull day with the club.