Unwritten (Woodlands 5)

“How do you know?”

“It’s my motherly intuition.” She taps the side of her head.

“Your baby’s three months old,” I laughingly protest.

“Hey, I was cooking that boy for nine months before he popped out. My intuition was being developed at the same time my belly got bigger.”

“Is that how it works?” I say. The lump in my throat is gone and my tummy is filled with nervous excitement.

“Damn straight.”

The door to the bus whooshes open and Rudd’s head pops inside. He’s wearing a “Pluck Me” T-shirt in forest green.

“Nice T-shirt,” I tell him.

“Davis gave it to me. We’re going to take the stage. You coming out or is Jack asleep?”

Berry groans but pushes out of the booth. “He’s asleep, but I’ll pop those headphones on and it’ll be fine.”

Rudd gives us a thumbs-up. “Cool beans. You coming too, Landry?”

“Wouldn’t miss it. We’ll be out in a few.”

“’Kay.”

“Wait for me, would you, Berry?” I say as I jog toward the back. “I want to put on some makeup and change.”

“You look fine,” she calls.

“I don’t want to look fine. I want to look drop dead gorgeous. This is a big moment.” I rummage in my makeup bag and reach for my contacts container. I rarely wear them, but if I have to fight for Adam, I might as well be battle ready. And it’s hard to wear glasses in battle.

“Point taken. Do you need help?”

“Nah.” After I pop the contacts in, I swipe red lipstick over my lips and dab on mascara. I pull out the short velvet miniskirt that made Adam lose control before and pair that with a white loose-fitting top that laces down the front. Tucking that in, I shove my feet into a pair of military-style ankle boots. Finally, I spray a sample of floral perfume that I found in the bottom of my purse, smack my lips together, and go out to meet Berry.

The makeup and outfit is more for my benefit than Adam’s. I want to claim him in front of everyone which means I need to look the part.

“What do you think?” I ask, one hand on my hip.

“He won’t stand a chance,” she promises. Jack is already tucked in his little papoose, his sweet head listing to the side. “Let’s go out and lay our claims on our men.”

“Done.” I slap her hand and lead the way.

Outside, a couple of roadies are helping Ian set up his drums while Rudd and Davis huddle around Adam, who’s holding their set list, one hand cradled around a mic stand. Berry goes to give Ian a good luck kiss as I saunter over to

Adam and the others.

I’m only a couple of steps away when I hear a commotion. A scuffle of feet, a curse or two, a girl’s cry. I turn to see what the problem is and that’s when I spot him.

Marrow.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Landry

My heart jams in my throat as Marrow runs at me. Fear races through my veins. His thin frame parts the crowd like a scythe. His hand is extended, holding something dark and shiny. A shove against my shoulder sends the whole scene spinning sideways. Everything is a blur. Someone shouts. My heart gallops uncontrollably as I try to regain my balance.

Adam lunges forward, but then I see a flash of green and Rudd drops to the ground in front of me. Marrow stumbles back, his hand empty. There’s a loud, sustained screeching. I clamp my hands over my ears but I still hear it. Worse, the shiny thing is now in Rudd’s gut.