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  I stand up from my spot on the fire escape and slide my way down the rickety old ladder. I walk down the dark street and make my way to Times Square. Peddlers and street performers are all over the place and the billboards are so bright, it’s hard to know how late it is. I take a seat on one bench and watch the people go by.

  There are so many types of people and cultures here in the City, it’s a sensory overload. I watch as families stop and see what the street performers are doing. One group catches my attention and I make my way over to them. They’re doing a bunch of flips and dance moves to music drifting out of their boom box. People are applauding and cheering them on, one kid goes around with a backpack and collects money from them. A quick way to earn a buck in this expensive city.

  I leave the bright lights and bustling area behind me and walk down a dark side street. Yelling, horns honking, and police sirens fade in the distance as I make my way over to Little Italy. It’s quite a distance from Times Square, but knowing my mother, she will never know I was gone and it will be awhile before she’s done doing whatever she does.

  There’s a group of teenagers dressed in black tshirts, jeans and red bandanas around their heads or biceps sitting on concrete steps of an apartment building. They’re eyeing me as I walk past them. One of them gets up and follows me.

  “Hey kid, wait up,” he says, trying to draw my attention.

  I keep walking with my head down, acting like I didn’t hear him when he falls in step next to me. I slow my pace and look him over out of the corner of my eye, trying to assess what he wants. I have no money on me and the only thing worth anything is my pocket watch my grandfather gave me. That’s tucked deep in a secret spot in my blue jeans.

  “Hey, I’ve seen you around before. You know it’s not safe to be out this late at night alone.” the guy says, standing in front of me.

  I stop walking and raise my head to look him in the eye. He’s about three inches taller than me, maybe a year or two older and has an air of authority about him. His dark skin and black hair standing out under the street light. His black eyes look me over and it appears he’s decided.

  “What does it matter to you?” I ask. I look around to see it’s just the two of us and breathe a sigh of relief when it is.

  “Hey kid, I know where you’re coming from. Broken home, no dad, mom a druggie. Am I right?”

  I clench my fist at my side, anger brewing under the surface of my skin. I look at him dead in the eye before I speak.

  “It doesn’t matter where I come from or what’s going on I’m not interested in anything you have to offer." My voice full of rage and hate. I hate this city. I hate my mother. I hate my father.

  “Actually, it does. You see we can help,” he gestures to the others. They’re now standing on the steps watching us.

  “How?” He’s got me intrigued now.

  “We are a family and that means something to us. Once you’re in and prove your loyalty to us, we have your back no matter what. Why don’t you come back and I’ll introduce you to the rest. What’s your name by the way?”

  I look behind me at the other kids watching us. It would be nice to have someone to hang with. It’s been lonely being in a big city, surrounded by people but no one giving you any attention or acknowledging you exist.

  “Nolan Sherwood,” I answer. I hold my hand out and he takes it and gives it a good handshake.

  “Well, Nolan Sherwood, good to meet you. Mine is Switch. That’s what everyone calls me. C’mon I’ll introduce you to the rest.”

  We walk back over to the other teenagers and they all watch me with caution as we approach.

  “Everyone, this is Nolan Sherwood. Nolan, this is everyone,” Switch says.

  Some give me a nod, others keep watching me like I’m some freak show, cautious but curious. I give them my best smile.

  “Hey everyone.” I say. I put my hands in my pockets unsure on what to do next.

  “C’mon Nolan, relax. We just hang out here when things get hard at home and we can’t stand to be around our family.” Switch says, throwing an arm around my shoulder.

  I stiffen at his touch and he removes his arm immediately. I don’t like to be touched. I’ve always been that way since I was little, and I think it’s from lack of affection from my parents. They never showed me love or attention and when someone touches me, my reaction usually isn’t good.

  A girl I didn’t notice before comes out from behind the other boys and makes her way over to me, a look of something in her hazel eyes I can’t quite place. She stands close enough I can smell her raspberry body wash, but not touching me. She has on a black tank top, black skin-tight jeans and a red bandana around her left leg. She has light skin, long blonde hair and big hoop earrings. Her face is covered with make-up, hiding a bruise I can faintly see under her right eye. She pops her strawberry flavored bubble gum before she speaks.

  “Name’s Tatiana, but everyone calls me Wrath.” she says with a thick east coast accent. Her hazel eyes looking into my brown ones.

  “Why do they call you Wrath?” I ask her.

  She rolls her eyes before answering me. “Because if you piss me off you meet the ends of my fists. Wrath of fury. This bruise is nothing compared to what the other guy looks like.” Wrath answers pointing to her eye.

  She doesn’t look like she could do some damage, but her knuckles are scarred and bruised. She cracks them while watching me and I swallow a lump in my throat. She’s hot and my teenage hormones kick in at her being so close, but not touching me. Wraths’ soft body sneaks closer so we’re only a hair's breadth apart. She’s got me under a spell I can’t shake and frankly I don’t want to right now.

  “This is going to be so much fun,” Wrath says giving me a wink.

  ********

  "Sir, we're here," the cabbie says, yanking me out of my memories.

  "Thanks." I reach into my pocket and slide the money through the bulletproof glass separating me from the driver.

  "Enjoy your stay," The driver says as I get out of his cab.

  He flips on the light above his taxi and speeds away, into the bustling street of Midtown. My eyes search the surrounding area, making sure no one is following me before I walk. Skyscrapers greet me as I make my way down the familiar streets of New York City. People are milling around me with earbuds in, ignoring everything around them and drowning out the horns and sirens floating around them. The tourists are easy to spot, stopping every few feet to snap a picture or pointing out massive skyscrapers in an expression of awe. If they only recognize the dangers that lurk around the corner, they'd follow the people who grew up here and keep their heads down.

  The tourists were easy prey for us when I was a teenager. We'd get them to watch one way, while we'd pocket what cash they'd have in their wallets. It was exhilarating and nerve wracking the first few times, but after doing it for a while, it became second nature. The guilt eating away at my subconsciousness stayed tucked in the back of my mind until I finished the job.

  Now, watching these kids approach the tourists, I have the desire to run over and shout to get away. I know they're probably just like I was, lost and alone, but I still wish someone would have told me back in the day, how wrong it was and guide me in the right direction. Exhaling a deep breath, I continue to walk down the busy sidewalk, leaving a part of my past behind me. I'm here to save Xavier and Izzy, not tumble down the rabbit hole I once was in.

  Approaching an intersection, I stop and wait to cross the street. People all around me are doing the same, waiting for the signal to cross. They're all like sheep, being herded and following directions. A boy around eight years old, with brown shaggy hair and light brown eyes, captures my attention. He's standing next to a girl who looks to be around fifteen. She's tugging on his shirt, trying to make him follow her down the alley. His familiar eyes connect with mine, a look of shock written all over his face. The girl tugging on him follows his sight and she does a double take when she sees me standing away from the re
st of the crowd. Her golden blonde hair and familiar hazel eyes widen in surprise. She whispers something to the little boy and nudges him away from me. They take off at a fast pace down the alley, out of my sight. Once the shock wears off, my feet are moving in their direction, eating up the pavement. I turn down the alley they disappeared to and they're nowhere in sight.

  I pull my phone out of my pocket and try to calm my racing heart. What the fuck was that about? Dialing Ashton, I strum my fingers against my jeans, keeping an eye out for the kids again. Pacing back and forth, I run a hand through my hair while I wait for Ashton to pick up.

  "Nolan, fucker. You can't do that. Where are you?" Ashton says when he picks up the phone.

  "Listen, I need you to run a check on a woman named Tatiana. Street name Wrath. That's all I know."

  "Are you going to tell me what the fuck is going on? Ashley is on her way here. She's pissed."

  "No, not yet. I need you to run a full check and get back to me A.S.A.P." I answer, hanging up the phone before he can reply.

  I walk back out of the alley and cross the street. Fuck this waiting bullshit. Horns blare in my direction, but I'm done being a sheep. One menacing glare from me has the drivers laying off the horns and throw their hands up in the air. That's right motherfuckers, I'm back and I'm out for blood.

  Chapter 4

  Ashley

  The commercial plane touched down at MBS airport and Redline and I make our way through the terminal towards the waiting area. Rush and the rest of my crew are getting a direct flight to New York City in a few days. Ashton is pacing back and forth next to a set of black plastic chairs. The closer I get the deeper the stress lines appear on his handsome face.

  "Ashton, what's going on?" I ask as he pockets his phone.

  "It's not good. C'mon I realize you're jet lagged but hang in there. The jet is fueled and ready to leave. You can nap on the flight over."

  Redline grabs our bags off the conveyor belt and drags them behind him. We make our way to a private terminal and Ashton opens the door for us. A gentle breeze greets my skin and the sun warms my face when I step outside. I inhale the country air and a peaceful serenity wraps around me. I love this about Michigan. You don't find this sense of peace anywhere else. I soak it in for a few seconds before all hell breaks loose.

  A white, shiny jet waits on the tarmac. The door is open and I walk up the steps and into the beige, plush interior of the jet. Nolan's woodsy scent wraps around me like he's standing right next to me. I close my eyes and inhale his essence deeply. Opening my eyes, I move to a double seat on the right side of the plane, next to the windows. Peering out into the bright sunlight, I wish Nolan wouldn't have left without us. I wish he would have confided in me to help. That hurts the most, but he was there for me when I needed him. So, I'll be here for him, even if he pushes me away. I will not lose him to his past.

  The doors close and the seatbelt sign lights up. The captain’s voice comes across the speakers and I tune him out. Redline takes the spot next to me and settles his hand on my clenched fist. Ashton takes the seat directly across from me and scowls at Redline.

  Redline and I have come a long way from where we once were. After the whole Shaun incident, he finally realized something misguided his heart. We were never meant to be together and once he figured that out, things have been great between us. He finally sees me as the leader and sister I was always meant to be, not a lover like he thought. Someday he'll meet his other half and when he does, she'll knock him on his ass.

  Familiar voices to the left of me snap me out of my daze and I peer over Redline’s massive body. Mia and Christian come into view and she lets out a squeal when she sees me. When did they get on board? God, I'm losing my mind. I need to stay alert if I want to help Nolan.

  "Ashley? Oh, my God. You're here!" Mia squeals again. She forces her way over to our seats.

  "Hey Mia, how have you been?" I ask.

  "Better now you're here. Who's this?" she asks, cocking an eyebrow at Redline. She dyed her short black hair red and blue this time. Last time I saw her it was all assorted colors.

  "This is Redline, he's part of my crew. Redline, this is Mia, Izzy’s other best friend." I introduce the two.

  "Good to meet you, Redline. Now move it or lose it." Mia says, propping her hands on her hips and cocks one to the side. "Ash and I need to talk."

  "Well, it's nice to meet you too." Redline’s rich voice responds. He releases my clenched fist and stands up.

  "Oh, good looking and a deep voice. The ladies must fall at your feet. Now move it." Mia says. I try to suppress a laugh bubbling up my throat but fail miserably.

  "It's all right Redline, go sit next to Christian. Mia and I need to talk." I reassure him. He grunts a response and moves. Mia quickly plops into his seat. She's a ball of energy and does it gracefully. She gently lifts my hand and I relax my grip.

  "How have you been?" she asks.

  "OK. Just going through a lot right now and Nolan pulling this stunt threw me for a loop. Scared we won't make it to him on time. Worried he won't be the same after this. Terrified for Izzy and X." I answer, shrugging my shoulders.

  I lean my head back in the seat as the jet takes off, the ascent dips my stomach to my toes. Mia does the same and we both stare off into the distance, lost in our own worlds. She is the only person who can make you open up about things you rarely talk about. She lets out a little sigh and swings her head in my direction.

  "Are we ever going to get a break and just enjoy life?" she asks.

  "I don't know. I hope so, but I doubt it'll be soon. When was the last time you talked to Izzy?"

  "A couple of weeks ago. She called and told me she was heading back to L.A. and visit you, now I feel horrible for not seeing this."

  "Hey, it's not your fault.” I cover my hand over hers and squeeze gently. “I thought they were back here with you. Living it up and having a good time. I had no idea Nolan's past put them in jeopardy. I wish I knew how they were taken."

  "I know," Ashton mumbles.

  "How?" I ask, snapping my eyes in his direction.

  Christian and Redline are leaning towards us from the seats across the aisle and Ashton gestures to them to come over too. Mia stands up and Christian slips into her seat, pulling her down onto his lap. Redline takes the seat next to Ashton. I'm not sure where the rest of their crew is.

  “A couple of weeks ago, Xavier received a phone call. I'm not positive what they spoke about, but whatever it was had them boarding the first flight to New York City. From what I could dig up, they hailed a cab from the airport and traveled into Manhattan. From there, they went into a decrepit apartment building, the same one Nolan grew up in, and the rest we all know. I'm thinking it was Switch that called him. He might have threatened Nolan's life or someone else.” Ashton takes a deep breath, folding his big hands in front of him. “Being the type of guy Xavier is, I would stake my left nut Switch threatened Nolan, and Xavier thought he could deal with it. Only thing is that Switch has been in the life for a long time and knows how to manipulate people. He can bend them to his will, and they don't stand a chance. Which is why I didn't want Nolan going by himself. They have a terrible past and Nolan's come a long way from where he once was."

  Ashton stares at me. I know what he means, and I shake my head. They don't need to learn what kind of torture he's been through and how hard he fought to get out. He assumed he was protecting me by not telling me everything, but I know. I have my own ways of finding things out. Which is another reason I hopped on the first flight here. We need to work on this together. Bring Nolan back home to us. He's will be battling his demon, and I'm the only one who can talk him off the ledge. I'm the only one who can break through and reach him. He's my other half and I'll do whatever it takes to make these assholes pay for forcing him to go through this. That's right motherfuckers, I'm coming for you at full throttle.

  Chapter 5

  Nolan

  I walk three city blocks in both direc
tions near the motel I'm staying at before entering. I wanted to make sure no one was following me and honestly, I was also hoping to see those kids again. I don't know why, but I'm still shocked at seeing that little boy. There's something about him that caught my attention. The girl is a spitting image of Wrath, but there's no way she's her kid. She was fifteen when we met and had no kids. Maybe it's a little sister or something. Ashton still hasn't called me back with the information I asked for.

  I glance up at the building and take in the surrounding sights. I've learned to tune the noises of the city out, so instead of constantly hearing horns blaring, people talking or sirens going off, it's all white noise. From my time spent here, I know this place used to be an apartment building back in the day. Someone bought it and turned it into a motel. It's tucked between several other buildings in the heart of Manhattan. If I look just right, I can see the Empire State Building, towering behind it about four blocks over. The warm sun shines down upon me and I walk inside the dark building. A security guard stationed at the door gives me a once over and then continues reading his paper.

  Approaching the counter, I set my bag down on the dingy carpet in front of my feet. The smell of Lysol trying to cover up body odor overruns my senses. The woman at the desk eyes me up and down, shamelessly. Her dark eyes appraise my body before resting on my face.

  "Can I help you?" she asks in a seductive voice.

  "Need a room for a week. Top floor if you have one." I grunt out in response.

  After blatantly staring at me and licking her red lips for a few minutes, she turns to the computer. I've seen this look from many women in the past and I roll my neck on my shoulders, making popping sounds, trying to keep my temper in check. Exasperated at this woman's intense ogling, I knock my knuckles on the fake wood, making her jump.

  "Are you done checking me out or do you need more time?" I ask.