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  Malice’s Soul

  Devil’s Riot MC Southeast Book 2

  E.C. Land

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Devil’s Riot MC Members

  Trigger Warning

  Playlist

  Look into my Soul

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Available Now

  Coming Up Next

  Social Media

  Blood & Torment

  Nora’s Outrage

  Axe’s Devotion

  Entangled

  Spiral into Chaos

  Tyres’ Wraith

  Viking

  Keeping Reaper

  Protecting Blaze’s Mark

  Malice’s Soul

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

  Malice’s Soul. Copyright © 2021 by E.C. Land. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information, contact E.C. Land.

  With there being characters mentioned from Elizabeth Knox’s series, I have her permission to use these characters.

  Cover Design by Charli Childs, Cosmic Letterz Cover Design

  Editing by Kim Lubbers, Knox Publishing

  Formatting by E.C. Land, Knox Publishing

  Proofreading by Jackie Ziegler, Knox Publishing

  Created with Vellum

  For the people who are searching for the one who they’re meant to be with.

  To those who need to feel beautiful.

  And to the ones who need to see the way.

  Acknowledgments

  My Husband and Kiddos – To my husband, who has always been the one to support our family. If he didn’t encourage me to follow my dreams and give them a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He’s put up with my ramblings and throwing ideas around no matter how annoying I can be about it. Also, have to be thankful for him being there to send me inspirational music when I need it most. My kiddos, who find what I do, as they put it, cool and want to know how many words I was able to get in each day. They also like to try and help me come up with plot ideas. Some are just as wicked as my own. I also enjoy the fact they come to me when they need help with finding things wrong in their own work wanting to understand better how things are supposed to be done.

  My Brothers – No matter how much we go through, they’re always there for me. One may not be here in body but is always around in spirit. My oldest brother for being proud of me and not having a problem saying it.

  My Betas – You guys rock! Thank you all for being the first to read the stories as they come alive. It means the world to me. Especially when you all start to get mad. That’s when I know I’m doing something right. And in doing so, pushing me to keep going with all the different plots that form in my head. I’m thankful to you all for being ready and willing to read and give your input.

  My Knox Publishing People – If it wasn’t for you all being helpful and encouraging when I need it, I don’t know what I’d do without you all. You’re all wonderful in your own right and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The biggest thing I’ve got to say I’m thankful for most is the fact I’m able to be around those who understand the way my mind works. Each and every one of you has earned a special place in my life, one way or another.

  Liz – My sister from another mister, my best friend and Publisher/Boss. You’re my go-to when I need it. If not for you, I don’t know if I’d ever be where I am today with my writing. Thank you for always pushing me and encouraging me.

  Diane – Without you taking everything on for me, I wouldn’t be able to focus the way I do on my writing. Thank you for everything you do. You’re not just my PA, you’re my friend and I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you.

  Kim and Jackie – I know I’m a pain in the rear; however, you both put up with me. Thank you both for taking on all of my work. I love the fact I work with you both on each of them. Also, the fact when it comes to something I miss, you help me understand how to correct it so it doesn’t happen again.

  Devil’s Riot MC Members

  O – Ol’ Lady, C – Child

  Devil’s Riot MC

  Twister – Prez – Izzy – O

  Leanna Mercy– C

  Horse – VP – Kenny – O

  Jason Cole (JC) – C

  Kayla – C

  Caden – C

  Thorn – Sergeant at Arms – Lynsdey – O

  William Michael (Bud) – C

  Anna-leigh Cleo – C

  Rage – Road Captain – Cleo – O

  Reagan – C (deceased)

  Rosaline – C

  Devin – C

  Dragon – Medic – Connors – O

  Gadget – Tech – Connors – O

  Logan – C

  Kagan – C

  Keegan – C

  Hades – Enforcer – Emerson – O

  Alec – C

  Burner – Treasurer – Ally – O

  Lincoln –C

  Badger – Member – Jordan – O

  Nico – C

  K-9 – Member

  Red – Member

  Striker – Member

  Brass – Member

  Wolf – Member

  Sabor – Member

  Mace – Member

  Chaz – Member – Bethany – O

  Melody – C

  Tanner – Member – Alexis – O

  Lex – Member – Mackenzie – O

  Hunter – Member – Annaleigh – O

  Huntson – C

  Mac – Prospect (Deceased)

  DRMC Originals

  Stoney – Prez – Rachel – O

  Horse (Scotty) – Stoney’s C

  Luca – C

  Corinne – C

  Sebastian – C

  Talon – C

  Tracker – VP – Victoria – O

  Jamie – C

  Jason – C (adopted)

  Blaze – Sergeant at Arms – Raven – O

  Matthew – C

  Mark – C

  Coyote – Road Captain – Tinsley – O

  Cody – C

  Chase – C

  Bear – Former Road Captain – Momma B – O (deceased)

  Rage (Travis) – C

  Jane – C (deceased)

  Nerd – Tech – Cara – O

  Shadow – Enforcer – Luna – O

  Daniel – C

  Ranger – Medic – Harlow – O

  Venom – Secretary – Amaya – O

  Lincoln – C

  Whip – Chaplain

  Viper – Treasurer

  Neo – Member – Harley – O

  Cane – Member – Parker – O

  Piper – C

  Cyprus – Member

  Fist – Member

  Aries – Member

  DRMC Southeast

  Hammer – Prez – Avery – O

  Malice – VP

  Axe – Sergeant at Arms

  Savage – Road Captain

  Gunner – Enforcer

  Cy – Tech

&n
bsp; Bruiser – Treasurer

  Dagger – Medic

  Rogue – Secretary

  Brass – Chaplain

  Glock – Member

  Ruger – Member

  Blade – Member

  Colt – Member

  Carbine – Member

  DRMC Tennessee

  Blow – Prez

  Nines –VP

  Keys – Tech

  Lucky – Sergeant at Arms

  Shiner – Enforcer

  Griz – Road Captain

  Surge – Treasurer

  Scorn – Chaplain

  Sniper – Member – Rain – O

  Nerd (Nick) – C

  Storm – C

  Flash – Member

  Switchblade – Member

  Torch – Member

  Devil’s Riot MC Colorado

  Grinder – Prez

  Blue – VP

  Driver – Sergeant at Arms

  Flicker – Road Captain

  Wrecker – Enforcer

  Tic – Tech

  Beast – Treasurer

  Rock – Chaplain

  Trigger Warning

  This content is intended for mature audiences only. It contains material that may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations, murder, rape, and extreme violence.

  Proceed with caution. This book does entail several scenes that may very well be a trigger to some.

  Also, tissues are a must with other scenes.

  Not for the faint at heart.

  If you don’t like violence and cannot handle certain subjects, then this is not a book you’ll want to read.

  Check out the playlist I listened to on repeat!

  The Patriot – Topher (The Marine Rapper)

  Dear Agony – Breaking Benjamin

  Gone in a Moment – OverTime

  Simple Man – Shinedown

  Without You – Breaking Benjamin

  So Far Away – Staind

  Gravity – Papa Roach

  Ain’t No Fool – OverTime

  Soul on Fire – Struggle Jennings

  Torn to Pieces – Pop Evil

  Anthem of the Angels – Breaking Benjamin

  Hear Me Now – Bad Wolves (Diamante)

  Look into my Soul

  When you look at me

  What do you see?

  Things all around us

  But only one can truly see

  The depths that are me

  Look into my soul

  And tell me

  Are you the one for me?

  Nothing can stop us

  We’re together for now

  Until my last breath

  My soul is yours

  As yours is mine

  Look into my soul

  And tell me

  You don’t feel what I feel

  That our hearts are one

  Same as our souls

  ~ E.C. Land

  Prologue

  Willow

  Some things are meant to be others aren’t. That’s what my grandpa told me growing up on the farm. He’s a wise man who I love and cherish, but I don’t get to see him all that much anymore. Unless I go home for a visit.

  Well, unless I went for a visit. Seeing as I’m now in my car heading home, it means I’ll see him. It also means I’m running away from things that scare me.

  Okay, so it’s more like I’m running from the man who scares the hell out of me more than anything. He brings out emotions within me I don’t even understand, and they confuse me. Honestly, they’re mind-boggling. From the first time I saw him come into the coffee shop I worked at, Rise-N-Shine Coffee, I couldn’t get him out of my head. Then spending time at the clubhouse around him during the whole mess going on with Avery, my boss but also my friend, didn’t help the whole situation I found myself in.

  A month and a half ago, I’d been kidnapped, and things weren’t great. All because Avery’s siblings wanted her to know they could get to her anyway they could. Meaning they used me in this way. They didn’t think this plan through so well. I knew this because they waited around. Then again, it could have been their plan to begin with as they waited around to watch the fire at Rise-N-Shine coffee. I worked there part-time while going to school. It was fun being a part of her employees.

  It sucks I didn’t tell her I was leaving. Instead, I put a letter in the mail and sent it to the clubhouse for her to get in a couple days. That was two days ago.

  Turning down the lane to my grandpa’s my heartaches. I don’t understand this feeling of hurt. It’s not like he and I were in a relationship. Shoot, the man is a heck of a lot older than me as it is. Well, technically, he’s nine years older than me. But to me, I didn’t see a problem with it. Too bad he did. Evidently, he thought I was too young for him. It’s why I decided to leave.

  Alright, so I decided to run away from the life I’d been starting for myself. I screwed up by making such a fool of myself with him and am now hurt by the fact I’d been an idiot to fall for a man who could easily push me away. Okay, so in his defense, he didn’t really know how I felt about him, but still, he made the decision of not wanting me after taking me to his bed that one night.

  As the house comes into view, a sigh slips past my lips.

  Home.

  A place I can escape the pain of seeing someone who means so much to me, show he doesn’t want anything to do with me.

  With my feelings so jumbled the way they are, I’m surprised I can see clearly enough to drive straight.

  Part of me wants to say this was a drastic decision leaving the way I did. However, another part of me says it was for the best. Dropping out of school, leaving everything and everyone I’d come to love behind, coming home to the safety of the farm where I can separate myself from the rest of the world.

  Here I can ride on the tractor, help my grandpa with the field, get back to my roots and simply be me again—no college to stress about. No Malice to stare at me with that look in his eyes saying I’m not someone he wants to deal with.

  This is the part that really confuses me because the night after everything happened, he’d been so sweet with me. Held me to him, comforting me through the rest of the night. It felt nearly magical being in his grasp that something overcame me and he didn’t stop me when I kissed him.

  Kissing Malice turned into way more. Like all the way more. To me, this was the most beautiful thing to happen in my mind because he’d been my first. The next morning though, I woke up alone and he went back to being cold and distant, if not more so.

  Over the weeks that past so much changed. Malice stayed clear of me as much as possible. It got to the point that the moment Hammer let Quinn and I leave the clubhouse to go back to our normal lives, I avoided going back again for anything. I didn’t want to take the chance of seeing Malice with one of those clubwhores, or as I told Avery, they should be called slobber-crawlers.

  It had been hilarious the first time I said it. Avery laughed so hard she’d fallen out of her seat. Hammer came over to ask what was going on. Of course, my friend doesn’t keep anything to herself and told him what I said. This had him throwing his head back and laughing alongside his ol’ lady. Avery informed me later on that he’d told his brothers about those skanky women being called slobber-crawlers and they all started using it.

  Sighing, I give myself an inward shake of the head and put the car in park. It’s time to put it all behind me. There’s no going back and I couldn’t if I wanted to. It would mean facing Malice again and I’m tired of him hurting me with his coldness. I’ve been through enough in the time I’ve known him. Okay, so not really. But in my life, I have. I was called the geeky nerd farmer girl because I didn’t do anything but study or help my grandpa. I did this because I had no other choice. My mom and stepdad wanted to sell me to a group of people to pay off their debts and my grandpa put a stop to that. Grandpa has always been my hero and because of him, I wanted to do my best to show him I was worth i
t.

  Didn’t matter to me how many times he said I just needed to be me.

  Getting out of the car, I press a hand to my stomach and look at the beautiful house that I grew up in. It might look old, but my grandpa takes pride in his home as it’s the heart and soul of this farm. He told me that all of his family grew up here, including my dad. God rest his soul. Inside his picture sits proudly in the foyer with him in his military uniform. I wish I remembered him, but all I have are the memories my grandpa tells me and the pictures of him.

  The front door opens, and I smile at the man who comes out the door.

  “I might be getting old, but my eyes aren’t fooling me, now are they? My baby girl has come home for a visit finally,” Grandpa says, leaning against the banister.

  Smiling, I do my best to hide the emotions within me. “No, Grandpa, your eyes aren’t fooling you. I’m here and it’s not for a visit. It’s time to come home.”

  “What do you mean come home?” he demands, not missing a beat as I get closer to him. He might have silver in his dark hair, but my grandpa still looks as healthy as ever. He and my grandma had married young. Like really young and had my dad around the same time. So to say my grandpa isn’t in his sixties is saying something.

  “I missed home and need a break from everything else. I need to figure out my next step in life and the best place to do it is right here,” I murmur, holding his eyes.