Page 103 of Wraith

“It means I’ve spent my whole life running from hard things. Letting other people make choices for me. Being a burden instead of being responsible.” I set the mug down and meet his eyes. “I’ve run away from every challenge, every conflict. I let Dylan control me for years. I’ve never done the hard thing. But that’s over. New June doesn’t run. New June does what’s right even when it’s difficult.”

“What’s right is letting that asshole face the consequences of his choices.”

“What’s right is not abandoning someone who needs help.” My voice gains strength as I speak. “I know where he is. I’m going to get him out. Because that’s what New June does. She doesn’t let fear decide. She doesn’t run when things get complicated.”

“You’ll get yourself killed.”

“Maybe. But at least I’ll die being the person I want to be instead of the person I’ve always been.”

Evan looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. “June, listen to yourself. He tied you to a bed. He made a deal with the people who want you dead. Wraith doesn‘t deserve your help, he deserves to die.”

“This isn’t about what he deserves. It’s about who I am.” I stand, facing my brother fully. “I love you. You’ve protected me my whole life. You’ve sacrificed everything for me. But if you won’t help me, I’ll go myself.”

“The fuck you will.”

“Watch me.”

We stare at each other across the motel room, the air between us electric with tension. Then Molly steps between us, her voice calm but firm.

“She won’t be going alone. I’ll go with her.”

Evan’s head whips toward her. “Molly, no. You’re both being insane. You’ll get yourselves killed or worse. The Sons will take you both, and then what? Then I’ve lost my sister and my ol’ lady? Fuck no. I won’t allow…” He cuts himself off, but the implication hangs in the air.

Molly raises an eyebrow. “Allow what, Evan? Say it.”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, I really don’t. Are you saying you won’t let me go? That you control me? Is that the relationship we’re going to have?”

The question lands like a slap. Evan’s face goes through several emotions at once — frustration, fear, anger, and finally something that looks like determination.

“You’re both being idiots,” he says.

“Probably,” Molly says. “But she’s right. Running away doesn’t fix anything. And if June’s determined to do this, she shouldn’t have to do it alone.”

Evan runs a hand through his hair, looking between us. “Fine. Fine. But we’re not going with just the three of us. We’ll need backup. Real backup.”

“I have an idea about that.” Molly pulls out her phone and scrolls through her contacts. She hits a number and puts it on speaker.

It rings twice before a woman’s voice answers. “Molly? Everything okay?”

“Hey Riley. Quick question—do you still have those violence coupons from Havoc and Mayhem?”

A pause. “The what?”

“The coupons. The ones they gave you after that thing at the bar. Those coupons that say they owe you a favor, no questions asked.”

“Oh. Oh! Yeah, I still have them. Why?”

Molly’s eyes meet mine across the room, and I see something fierce and determined in them that makes my chest warm despite everything.

“It’s time to cash them in.”

Chapter Forty-Four

June

I see Wraith’s truck before anyone else does, parked two houses down like a ghost made of metal and chrome. My chest constricts so hard I forget how to breathe for a second. That’s his truck. Which means he’s here. Which means he’s still alive, or was alive twenty minutes ago, or could be dying right this second while I stand here staring at faded blue paint and a cracked taillight like they hold answers.