reading!
Autumn
Acknowledgments
There are so many people I want to thank. Everyone who has reached out to me in one way or another—bought one of my books, recommended them to a friend, posted somewhere about the Lost Kings MC, left me a review, tweeted at me—thank you. Whether it’s to tell me how much you love Rock and Hope, or how much you want a Property of Wrath patch, I sincerely appreciate it.
My Beta Girls, I love you guys so much. I’m always hesitant to ask for help, but each time you guys respond with such enthusiasm, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
Amanda, Angi, Brandy, Clarisse, Elizabeth, Krystal, Nisha, Shelly, Iveta, Robin and Shauna-thank you so much for jumping right in and helping me out on such short notice.
Shauna, I think you’re the one who encouraged this madness. Thanks, I think.
Cara Connelly , thank you for responding with“send it over” to my panic-stricken email.
SNEAK PEEK #1
Lost Kings MC #3
Rock and Hope, Part 3
(Unedited and subject to change)
Copyright, Autumn Jones Lake
The thought of Hope wearing my property patch gets me harder than a motherfucker.
It’s time for me to announce my intent at church. Technically I don’t need the club’s approval. I can claim whoever I want. But if I’m going to give her the Lost Kings property patch, I need the votes of my officers. Even though she doesn’t yet realize it, being my old lady gives Hope a lot of power. She knows, or will learn shit law enforcement would love to know. Giving her this patch is more than decorative. It’s more than my caveman need to for everyone to know she belongs to me. It means not only am I taking one hundred percent responsibility for Hope, but so are my brothers. I trust her completely and I think my brothers know I don’t trust lightly.
Wrath looks downright exhausted as he hobbles in on his crutches and drops into the chair on my right.
“You feelin’ alright?”
For once he’s not smirking. “Yeah. Fuckin’ cast is bullshit.”
“Slowin’ your game?” Z asks helpfully from my left.
“Brother’s got no game, Trinity’s been carrying his balls around in her back pocket for weeks,” Dex snarks. Everyone chuckles, even Wrath.
Instead of some pissed off retort, my friend laughs and shakes his head.
Interesting.
Slow as turtles trudging through honey, the rest of the brothers filter in. The house is quiet, all of our guests from last night have departed.
Sparky is naturally the last one in. He’s jittery from being away from his plants for more than five seconds.
We go through regular club business and get it out of the way. Teller reports to us that earnings are good. All club accounts are flush and balanced. He reads the numbers off a sheet of paper, passes it around for everyone to review, then shreds it.
Sparky reports a fresh crop is almost ready. We have an increased demand from Green Street Crew, but we will be able to meet it along with the new pipeline I lined up. Sparky is excited about his newest strain. Stash asks for extra help with packaging.
Z and Dex report Crystal Ball is doing well and they’ve secured a few new feature dancers to replace the void left by Inga.
Wrath informs everyone he’s decided on a trainer to teach his classes at the gym. He asks the brothers to help him keep an eye on things while he’s laid up and we work out a schedule.
Murphy brings up a run that’s been scheduled for months. With Wrath unable to ride, someone needs to take his place. We still have time to deal with that, so I table it for later discussion.
Wrath offers to turn in his cut since he can’t ride. His offer is voted down with a “fuck no” from all members.
“There’s an exception in the by-laws for injuries, you fuckhead, so stop offering,” Z grouches at Wrath. Wrath flips him off and that discussion is over.
Once general club business is out of the way, I excuse everyone except my officers: Wrath, Z, Teller, and
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