Adrenaline Rush (Death Chasers MC 4)

We all just sort of blink at him. Drex exhales harshly as he drops his head and grips the back of the leather chair in front of him so hard it squeaks under the pressure.

“Dash is the one who rounds us out,” he says quietly.

A hushed silence falls over the small gathering of the ‘inner circle’ inside the meeting room.

“He’s the level-headed jokester who—”

“Drake could fill in,” I point out. “He’s definitely got jokes. I never find them funny, but it seems to ease the tension when he’s around the rest of you.”

Everyone cuts an incredulous look toward me, and Drex turns and punches the wall before yanking the door open and stalking out.

“Too insensitive?” I guess, glancing over at Sledge, who looks to be on the verge of coming across the table to punch me himself. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

I resume sharpening my knife. “Drex is too hotheaded to think rationally right now. Kara can’t go to a public function just to draw attention to herself. It’s insane, reckless, and—”

“It’s his call,” Sledge grinds out. “Not yours.”

“Where Kara’s concerned, it’s my call,” I tell him with a wink as I stand up. “Anyone who tries to break my rules will end up with a knife planted in them somewhere. Where it lands will depend on my personal affection toward the offender. Take your chances, people,” I add as I stand and holster my blade, walking out without a backward glance.

I think someone calls me crazy, but around here, I’m the sanest motherfucker there is. Everyone else just likes to pretend they’re sane.

The only two people I have to worry about defying me is Sledge and Drex. I’ll make it hurt, but I won’t kill those two. Mostly because Kara would be inconsolable if I killed her beloved brother.

He’s the closest thing to blood-related family she has.

But sooner or later she’ll realize I’m her real family.

Maya intercepts me before I can head up the stairs, and she props up as she casually starts speaking. “I’ve seen guys who are a part of organizations for the sake of forming the family they never had. There’s a deeply devout loyalty there. That’s not what you’re here for.”

“It’s why I joined,” I answer in distraction, glancing toward my door and idly wondering where Drex went.

He better not be in there freeing his naked sister.

“You’ve made an alliance with Sarah that stems deeper than the others. I’m curious if you plan to be here for the real fireworks that are definitely coming. She and her father will have a war that will make all this look like child’s play,” she goes on.

“She and her father are already in a war. He just hasn’t figured out who he’s fighting yet. Or maybe he has, and she’s just too crafty for him. For now. All solo fighters end up in the dead zone eventually.”

Her face is a blank canvas when I look back at her, betraying all emotion.

“What happens when Herrin’s dead? I’m asking for a friend,” she goes on.

I almost give her a shit-for-brains answer, but then I remember who she is. I decide honesty is the best policy with people like this. Especially considering how protective she is of Axle. Surely she’ll get it.

“After we’re done cleaning up the Herrin issue, I’ll take her away from here. We won’t live in the suburbs, of course, but I know a spot where we’ll be alone with nowhere for her to run. She’ll warm up to me again when we’ve had enough time alone,” I explain.

For a moment, she looks positively stunned. Maybe she’s not quite as crazy as I thought…because she looks slightly horrified.

The plan is genius…if you’re open minded.

“I didn’t peg you for a shrew,” I go on, pursing my lips as I study her.

“I didn’t peg you as quite this…delusional,” she volleys, still slightly horrified.

I bristle, not liking the horror in her eyes, considering this crazy bitch was spotted roller skating through a sea of dead bodies like Christmas came early, while she was picking their pockets.

“She used to love me. She’ll learn to love me again,” I continue, trying to make her understand.

This is why I don’t talk to people. People want to ignore their crazy and focus on mine like it’s a problem, but theirs is, of course, excusable.

She clears her throat and gives me a nod. I feel placated instead of understood.

“Does…she or Drex or anyone else know of this plan?” she asks in a deceptively calm tone.

“I can assure you no one will take her away from me,” I say with a cold smile, leaving it at that.

She slowly skates away in a careful, backward motion.

“Okay…then. Just checking,” she says as she continues backing away. “I’ll just keep that to myself then.”

I give her a nod of appreciation, because I can only assume she understands the purpose of such intentions. I’m sure she feels the same about Axle, given her constant hovering over the man who is far more capable of handling himself than she is…at least, in a fair fight that requires brute force.