The Switch, Debra Kayn [best books for 20 year olds .txt] 📗

originals, we had never successfully completed the reversal process to the level we've experienced before." The handler's expression changed to hope and satisfaction. "Until now."

His fingers curled, and he couldn't stop his hands from forming fists at his side. It couldn't be the end. Bonnie would be left alone. She would never understand what happened to him.

The muscles in his neck tightened, and he fought the urge to remain at attention. Going against the program, he groaned as he unlocked his jaw. "You can't end me."

"That's where you're wrong." The handler held out the pill organizer. "You will start taking these tomorrow morning. A new pack will be given to you each week. We believe there will be no problems arising with the new dosage."

His throat closed, and the veins at his temples pounded. "What's going to happen to me?"

"Six months ago, you wouldn't have questioned us." The handler lifted his chin, appraising Trip. "If you continue the medicine, you'll retain your enhancements for the rest of your life."

The rest of his life? He looked between the two men.

The other handler stepped forward and held out his hand. "Congratulations. Your participation within the Alpha Bio Project is now over. You will not speak to anyone inside the program or outside about what transpired throughout the years.  You will continue as a member of Avery Falls Motorcycle Club."

"I'm out?" He had trouble wrapping his head around what was happening as he reflexively shook the man's hand.

"Yes."

"But the club?" He vibrated. "They're my family. They'll know if I'm not—"

"We'll take care of them."

Fuck. What were they telling him?

"One more thing, Seven." The handler stepped closer after using his code word. "You must do whatever possible to make sure Bonnie Durham-Murphy and her sons never find out what happens on the mountain. We have all the confidence that you will convince her to walk away. The same way you influenced the previous owner."

"What about the switch?" he asked.

"You're free to live your life, Seven." The handler raised his brows and corrected himself. "Trip."

He stood in the cave and watched the two men leave the area. Weak and confused, he fell to his knees, his arms slack at his sides.

The loss of the only thing he knew failed to register with him. His future was out there.

He looked at the current participants going through the early stages of the program, secured in their cells. Each one stared blankly at him, standing and at attention, where they would remain until two club members came in to start their training later tonight.

It hit him that he was them. They were him. The only difference was he'd gained feelings.

How could he walk away while still different? He wasn't made for living a normal life. He had enhancements that set him apart.

Needing to get out of there, he sprinted through the tunnel out into the fresh air. There was only one place he wanted to go.

He sat his Harley, roaring it to life, and raced away, winding down the mountain road. Coming to Bonnie's driveway, he turned left, spraying gravel as he made the corner in his hurry. He rode up to her porch, toeing the kickstand before he came to a stop.

At the door, he pounded his fist on the wood. "Bonnie!"

He tried the door handle. The house was locked.

Looking over his shoulder, he found her car gone. She wasn't home.

Checking his phone, he groaned. There was no cell service.

He jumped off the porch and paced the yard, trying to get a signal. The realization that he was out of the Alpha Bio project failed to hit him.

From as far back as he could remember, he'd always been a participant. Being on his own was something he'd never thought possible.

He could make a life with Bonnie. No more sneaking away to attend the men in the cave. No more late-night transfers when the handlers brought more men to them. No more training. No fear of them switching him.

A life with Bonnie and the kids, surrounded by his MC, and continuing to help Avery Falls thrive was all he wanted.

He stopped in the middle of the yard and let his head fall back. Closing his eyes, the pain of knowing the others hadn't been removed from the program irritated him.

Would he never be able to rely on Speeder to guide him through life's challenges? Would Prez stop depending on him before the others in the club?

Maybe he should've notified the handler of the changes they each were experiencing. Was there a chance all the originals could graduate out of the project?

Only the originals were experiencing changes. All the other Avery Falls Motorcycle Club members remained enhanced, emotionless machines, clueless of what was going on.

He walked over to his Harley and headed home. He'd keep calling Bonnie.

The handler ordered him to make sure Bonnie forgot about the cave and the activities around her house. He knew the right way to convince her that nothing abnormal was going on. She'd have no reason to discuss it with others.

He could protect her.

He'd done the same thing with Gene Durham, her grandfather. And he was able to live a long life without any hassle from the MC. His job with Bonnie's grandfather had kept the old man from talking.

Riding through town, he scanned the area for Bonnie's car. She couldn't be far. Tomorrow was Tuesday, and she'd need to get up early and open The Shack. The boys had school.

He took an extra pass down the main road, checked the grocery store parking lot, the diner, and had no choice but to go home when his search ended without finding her.

As soon as he crossed the bridge, he spotted her car parked in his driveway. He revved the engine. He'd deal with the situation after he got his hands on her and made sure she was safe.

Then, he planned on spending the rest of his life with her.

Chapter Thirty Five

Inside Trip's house, Bonnie held her backpack to her stomach after