Page 92 of Ghost

It’s ironic that I didn’t have a family until mine died.

Legacy’s parents took me in, and I learned what it truly meant to be a Twisted King. I’ve indulged in every phase of being a biker, from being a reckless prospect to gaining rank and taking on the responsibility of protecting my brothers. I patched in with my brother at my side, and I accepted the weight that comes with wearing the crowned skull on my back.

So many kids are drawn to the club because of sex, drugs, and violence. But those of us who prove ourselves know the burden we carry around weighs more than the perks.

It’s why kids looking for fun or an escape burn out before they’re patched in. To become a brother, you have to hand your soul over. You give up your life for the good of the club. You don’t become a Twisted King; the Twisted Kings become you and everything you represent.

It’s lonely and hard, and that’s why relationships rarely survive it.

Looking down at Luna, tucked against my side as we sit at one of the picnic tables, I wonder why the universe decided I should be so lucky to get something more. Someone who understands this world and doesn’t ask me to choose between my cut and her. I already got my second chance in life with Legacy’s family, so I don’t deserve another.

Why does this girl who outshines the sun want to be mine?

I shouldn’t think too much about it, or the world might take this away.

“Who wants to play a game?” Soul drops into one of the empty seats across the table next to Legacy.

“Can’t you just chill?” Legacy sips his beer.

“Speaking of chilling…” Soul reaches into his pocket and pulls out a joint, lighting it up and taking a drag. “Come on, you could use it.”

He hands the joint to Legacy, who takes a hit. On nights when Legacy has Bea, he barely finishes a beer, but she’s with Pearl and Austin tonight, so his eyes are already a little hazy.

“What should we play?” Soul rubs his temples. “Truth or dare? Never have I ever?”

“You’re serious?” Legacy chuckles.

“Are you surprised?” Luna smirks. “Soul can’t resist a bet, game, or challenge. Even if we all know he’ll lose…”

“I never lose.”

“The blackjack table says otherwise.”

“Buzzkill.” Soul grabs the joint and takes a hit.

“She’s saving you from yourself, brother.” I shake my head. “If not your wallet, then liver failure. Never have I ever? Really? What haven’t you done?”

“Things.” Soul grins.

Luna’s eyebrow hitches. “Really? Never have I ever fucked three girls at the same time.”

He chuckles, lifting his beer to his lips. “Point taken.”

“You’re disgusting.”

His smile widens at her grimace, and I’m sure he sees that as a compliment. “You think I’m bad because you’re seeing your man’s good side. Ghost was worse than me once.”

“Stop being an asshole.” Legacy knocks Soul on the arm, stealing the joint back.

“It’s fine.” Luna shrugs. “We all have a past, and Ghost knows I don’t judge him for his. If anything, I benefit from his experience.”

I look down at Luna sitting next to me, and her hand grips inside my thigh. She’s so fucking confident and secure. She has no reason not to be, but still, it knocks me on my ass sometimes.

“You’re right.” Soul takes a drink. “If I had a chick that cool maybe I’d settle down too.”

“On a cold day in hell.” Legacy laughs.

Soul leaves the joint with Legacy when he sees Havoc walking by. “I’ll be back.”