"I have to go to uncle Kernal's again," Stryker said. Jamie's face dropped. It was like a garden slab dropping on his chest. To escape the pressure, he did something dumb; he opened his stupid mouth. "I have to go and sign your papers. That way you're officially mine forever."

Jamie's eyes lit up. Stryker's heart dropped. He still hadn't been able to come to a solid decision. He knew that his dumb mouth had just made that choice for him.

That little piece of happiness that Stryker had given him, however, was enough to put a smile on Jamie's face and allow Skyler to lead them over to where...