Page 24 of The Price of Love

“We’re meeting in here because I expect complete confidentiality concerning what I’m about to discuss,” Wiz says. “I’d like a verbal agreement from each of you.”

What the hell? This is getting bizarre.

Wiz circles the table, getting confirmation from each of us before she continues. “Last night at the Iron Thorns’ church meeting, Frost, their VP, threw down a challenge to Storm, their president. The Thorns are volatile enough without being in the midst of a coup. If it blows up, we don’t want it dampening our event. That’s why we’ve been reluctant to share our plans with them.”

My mind whirls. This happened last night, but Wiz has refused to share the Hearth Haven run details with Dimples for a month. Something isn’t adding up. I consider asking how we know this, but true to my name, I say nothing.

Teeter doesn’t have the same reservations. “Are you sure this isn’t just grist for the gossip mill?”

Wiz shoots a withering glance at Teeter. “Our source is good.”

Source? Alarm bells ring in my head. How the hell does Wiz know what happened at the Thorns’ private meeting? Especially one that just happened last night. And why would she have a source? The Thorns aren’t a club we should mess with. My stomach churns. I have enough disharmony in my life, so I don’t want more.

“Can’t we just tell them to stay home?” Sloth asks.

Edge laughs. “Sure, a club like the Thorns will graciously listen.”

“But aren’t there rules that an outlaw club can’t take part in a legit club’s event?” one of our newest patch sisters asks.

Edge holds up two fingers. “There are two problems with that statement. First, as badass as they think they are, they’re not one-percenters. But they don’t stay within the law, fancying themselves as modern-day Robin Hoods on two wheels. And two, do you really think they’ll comply with our polite request?”

“Can’t Sheriff Clark put heat on them?” Teeter asks.

“Not until they do something wrong,” Wiz answers.

Teeter scowls. “Well, can’t Sheriff Clark talk to the sheriff in Cinder Ridge?”

“Things are different up north,” Edge says. “The community embraces them—protects them.”

“Aren’t they like two hours away? Why would they want to attend our event anyway?” the newest patch sister asks.

“Because they can,” Sloth says. “They’re assholes, and they’re slinging their dicks—or should I say their straps—around. Can’t we—”

Wow, this meeting has taken a turn.

Wiz slams her fist on the table. “Enough. We need to finish up.”

The murmuring in the room quiets.

“As committee members, we’re relying on you to keep an eye on them. But we’re especially concerned about Storm and Frost.”

“I’ll stick close to Frost,” Edge says. “VP to VP. We’ll have a common bond.”

Sloth chuckles and looks at Wiz. “Then you’ll take Storm?”

Nobody has ever confirmed when the feud between the Thorns and Graces began. Rumor has it that it started between Aces, the Thorns founder, and Wiz. I’m not sure if Edge knows the truth. If she does, she’s not talking.

Wiz straightens the papers in front of her and looks to her right. I wish Wiz and Edge would stop sharing not-so-subtle looks. When I glance around the table, the other girls seem oblivious. Maybe their exchanges aren’t the flashing neon signs I think they are. Living with Margot for eight years has taught me to be alert for subtle shifts in gestures, looks, and moods. Self-preservation.

I feel Wiz and Edge’s eyes on me, but I don’t look directly at them. Another trick I learned from living with Margot. Never make eye contact. It didn’t save me from Margot’s razor-sharp tongue, but I knew if I mustered the nerve to look Margot in the eye, I’d pay.

“Shadow?” Edge says.

“Yes?” I lift my gaze from the table and stare at Edge’s chin, so it appears I’m looking at her.

“You got your name for a reason,” Edge says.

I swallow hard, not liking the direction this is going.