Avery:
The gates groaned open with a low mechanical hum as we pulled into the compound, dust kicking up beneath Cruz’s tires. The sound echoing louder in my ears than it should’ve. Maybe because I knew this wasn’t just another ride.
This was real now.
Permanent.
I was in.
I’d made peace with it over a many sleepless nights. Swallowed my nerves. Told myself I could handle this—blood, grit, chaos, all of it. But my stomach still twisted as we crossed into Cruz’s world for good. And yet, with my hand in his, I didn’t feel fear.
I felt ready.
We stopped beside a weathered shed tucked near the back of the compound. It was ugly, honestly. Rust lining the edges of the tin roof, the padlock barely holding on, half a gutter hanging loose. A forgotten place. Overlooked.
But it was mine.
Or
