Chapter 17
Seventeen
Luna
I don't know how long I've been sleeping.
Is it day or night?
I felt Brick get into bed with me last night. He held me close while I cried.
In fact, he did that the night before as well.
So, it's been two days.
Two days since I stood back and had to watch my sister be shot in the head because some asshole refuses to realize that he's already lost.
I know there was part of me that expected to lose Wendy, but I guess I never really believed it. I always thought there was a chance that we'd beat the odds again. Especially with Brick in my corner, I thought everything was going to go in our favor.
This grief feels like ice. It's holding me so tight I almost can't move. I can't breathe. All I can do is feel the hurt.
Wendy was my entire life, the only family I had left.
Now what am I going to do without her?
The realization that life is still going on without me is the only thing that gets me out of bed now.
My limbs feel heavy even though I haven't eaten in days. I put my feet on the floor and finally stand from the bed. I'm sure I look a mess, but I really don't care right now. All that matters to me is that I take a step forward. That's what Wendy would want me to do. She'd want me to keep on living. It's going to be hard, but I have to at least try to honor her in that way.
I don't hear anyone outside, and part of me wonders if everyone is being extra quiet so they don't disturb me. I feel bad that I basically barged into their lives and caused such chaos.
It's not what I meant to happen.
I inhale deeply through my nose, trying to summon up the strength just to show my face when I catch the very strong floral scent seeping in from under the door.
As I step out of Brick’s bedroom, the weight of the past two days hangs heavily on my shoulders. I’ve spent what feels like a lifetime wrapped in the darkness of grief, but now I’m emerging into the light, albeit a light that feels almost too bright to bear.
The moment I open the door, I’m met with an unexpected sight. A sea of flowers stretches out before me, vibrant and overwhelming. They spill across the floor, a riot of colors that almost makes my heart skip a beat. There are deep reds, soft pinks, and bright yellows, each bloom standing proudly as if to say, “We’re here for you.”
I step closer, my breath hitching in my throat. The flowers are a mix of roses, lilies, and daisies, each bouquet carefully arranged. Some are from Brick, his scrawling handwriting on the card familiar and comforting, while others are from the men of the Brutal Chains MC. I can pick out the rugged arrangements, the wildflowers tucked in among the more delicate blooms, each one a testament to their solidarity.
My heart swells with a bittersweet mix of emotions. I know I’ll never have my sister back. That reality crushes me like a weight I can’t shake off. But as I stand here, surrounded by this display of love and support, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I’ve found another family within this group of men.
Tears prick at my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I refuse to let them fall. I take a deep breath, grounding myself in the moment. I can’t start crying again; I’ve done enough of that already. Instead, I focus on the beauty around me, the vibrant colors that seem to pulse with life.
It's going to be hard, but I have to do this. Even if it's not for me right now, I'll do it for Wendy.
I deserve to be loved and cared for. I deserve to have people around me treat me with respect and compassion. I deserve this.
As I continue to examine the large display of flowers, I can't help but giggle when I realize that some of the bouquets are not placed in vases like normal but in other manly items. Some are placed in mason jars, others in pieces of pipe, and others in old electronic equipment. It looks like whatever they could get their hands on.
They went to all that trouble for me.
I wish I could thank them all right now, but I don't see anyone.
Pulling my shoulders back and doing my best to comb down the rat's nest I have on my head, I make my way to the front door just to see if they are all out there.
When I get there, I can hear a bit of commotion.
I open the door to see Light in a very animated story.
"I couldn't fucking believe it. She thought I was just going to give her a generator for free. I mean, I can sell my stuff for cheap, but I'm not just going to give it away."
"You're telling me you left that lady there with no lights while her son was on a respirator?" Hook tilts his head to the side.
"No, I fixed their lights, but that's not the point. The point is I don't give my goodies away for free. I'm no cheap bitch." Light flips his head like he has a head full of hair, and everyone around bursts into laughter.
As Light turns back to face the crowd, his eyes level on me, and the humor on his face is wiped away, replaced by a somber expression.
"Hey, Luna. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud. We'll shut up." Light instantly starts to apologize, and everyone looks in my direction, all of them with the same somber looks on their faces.
"You guys weren't being loud, and I hope all of you are not out here because of me. I'm not contagious or anything," I say, trying to joke a bit with them. I want to laugh, but I just don't have the energy.
"Nah, we just wanted to get some fresh air," the one I think is named Torch says as a way to ease my concern. I know what they're doing, but they really don't have to. I don't want them to feel like they have to walk on eggshells around me.
I scan the crowd but don't see the man I really came out here looking for.
"Where's Brick? Did he go on a ride?" I ask, a bit of anxiety inching into my tone.
"No, he's just in his shop. I can go get him for you," Hook answers and pushes off from the wall to walk in that direction.
"No, can I go? I want to stretch my legs." I take a few steps from the door, stopping Hook in the process. "That's okay, right?" I know they all have their rules, and I don't want to break one if I'm not supposed to go to Brick's workshop without his say-so.
It's amazing; a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have thought twice about barging in there without a care if it was against the rules or not, but I'm starting to get a hang on this lifestyle that these boys are living.
"Yeah, it's fine. If you walk down this path right here, you'll wind up right at his door." Hook points me in the direction I've been many times before.
With a soft smile from me, I put a hand on his arm and give him a tight squeeze. It's a silent thanks and all I can give right now. The group remains quiet while I walk in the direction of Brick's workshop.
I push open the door to Brick’s workshop, the familiar scent of sawdust and stone filling my senses. The space is cluttered but organized, tools hanging neatly along the walls, and I can hear the soft sounds of chiseling echoing through the room. As I step inside, my breath catches in my throat.
In the center of the workshop, Brick stands hunched over a massive piece of marble, his muscles tense and focused. The stone is a pristine white, almost glowing under the light, and as I step closer, I see him sculpting a bird in flight. Its wings are outstretched, capturing a moment of freedom, and the detail is breathtaking. I can see the delicate curves and feathers, all connected to a large slab that I realize is meant to be a headstone.
My heart sinks at the realization. This is for Wendy. The thought washes over me like a wave, and I’m instantly overcome with gratitude and sorrow. I take a step closer, my eyes welling with tears as I admire the beauty Brick is creating for my sister.
“Luna!” Brick exclaims, turning around, his expression shifting from concentration to surprise. “You weren’t supposed to see this yet.”
But I can’t help myself. I rush over to him, my heart swelling with emotion, and I wrap my arms around him tightly. The warmth of his body envelops me, and for a brief moment, I forget the pain we’re both carrying.
I lean in, wanting to give him a kiss, a way to express my gratitude and love, but he turns his head away, the moment slipping through my fingers like sand. “You don’t have to do that,” he says, his voice strained. “I don’t know how you can want to kiss me after what I’ve done.”
His words hit me hard. I pull back slightly, searching his eyes. I can see the guilt etched into his features, the weight of blame he carries. “Brick, it wasn’t your fault,” I say firmly, cupping his face in my hands. “You did everything you could. Because of you, I got to see Wendy one last time.”
I feel the heat of his shame, but I refuse to let him sink into it. “You don’t have to carry this alone,” I continue, my voice softening. “I don’t want you to leave me too. You promised me forever.”
He looks at me, his blue eyes searching mine for a moment, and I can see the conflict there. “I just... I couldn’t save her,” he whispers, anguish lacing his words.
I shake my head, my heart aching for him. “You fought for her. You fought for both of us. I know that.” I lean in closer, my forehead resting against his, hoping to share my strength with him. “Please don’t blame yourself. Wendy wouldn’t want that."
Brick sighs deeply and holds me tighter against his body before dropping his head down so his forehead rests against mine. "I'm so fucking sorry, Sweetness. I wish with everything inside me that something different would've happened. I'd give anything for that."
Rubbing his back, doing my best to soothe him, I whisper, "I know Brick. Trust me, I know."
This time when I lean up to press my lips against his, he doesn't move away; instead, he groans and drinks me in like I'm the nourishment he's been needing for the past few days. To be honest, he's that for me too.
Slowly he pulls away and gestures to the large piece of marble on the table.
"So, what do you think? I can do something different if you don't like it."
I smile wide as I look over the nearly finished headstone. "Brick, it's perfect. I didn't know you were so good with your hands. That's amazing." I lean forward and touch the wing of the bird. The detail is absolutely out of this world.
"Yeah, well, I learned a lot of things while I was locked up. It's no big deal, really."
"It absolutely is a big deal." I nudge him with my hip, but I don't take my eyes off the piece. Looking at it reminds me of something else I let slip through the cracks, though. I don't know where my sister is.
"Where's..." I clear my throat, trying to force the frog from inside it, "Where's my sister's body? Is it still at the railyard?"
"Luna, no!" Brick answers quickly. "Well, we didn't know if you wanted to report it or not, but we dug a grave for her in the back. It's marked now until I could finish the headstone. You want me to take you to it?"
"No, not yet. I trust you. I'm sure it's the perfect spot." I smile up at him and turn my head to look at the sculpture again. It truly is perfect for Wendy. Her body may not be here anymore, but I know her spirit is as free as a bird now. She's happy. There's no more pain, no more addiction, no more sadness. It's all I could ever wish for her. I lean further in, Brick's gasp escaping him, and just let his love for me wash through me. It's not hard to see what kind of feelings this man has for me. He may never have said it, but it's there, clear as day.
I’m curled into Brick’s side, the warmth of his body wrapping around me like a safe cocoon. The chaos of the past few days feels distant here, if only for a moment. I breathe in the scent of wood and stone, mixed with the faint hint of sweat, and it calms my racing heart. I close my eyes, letting myself sink into the comfort of his presence.
But then, suddenly, Brick tenses beside me. I feel the shift in his body, the way he becomes a rigid wall of muscle. Before I can even register what’s happening, he yanks me behind him, his protective instinct kicking in. My heart races, panic flooding my veins. I swear I hear him growl, a low and primal sound that sends chills down my spine.
I peer around him cautiously, my breath hitching as I spot a woman at the door. She stands there, uncertainty etched across her features, and I can’t help but feel a rush of fear. My heart pounds in my chest, memories of the chaos from the past days flashing through my mind. I take a small step back, ready to retreat into the shadows if necessary.
“Get out of here!” Brick barks, his voice a low, commanding growl. I see the woman flinch, her eyes wide with fright.
I glance up at Brick, confusion blending with my fear. He’s on high alert, ready to protect me at any cost, but I can see that the woman is harmless. Something about her demeanor softens my fear, and I step around Brick, my heart racing as I approach her.
“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice shaking slightly. “Do you need anything?”
The woman stutters, her gaze darting between Brick and me. “I’m looking for the electrician… the one who came to help me the other day. I was told he works in this strip mall.”
I feel a wave of relief wash over me, my heart rate slowly settling. Brick relaxes a little too, his posture easing as he assesses the situation.
“Light?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re looking for Light?”
The woman nods, her fear beginning to dissipate as she senses that we’re not a threat. “Yes, that’s him! I need some help with the wiring at my house.”
"Just wait outside, please. I'll get him over here for you." Brick nods his head, and the woman agrees quickly, making her way out of Brick's workshop.
"Jeez, you were about to scare that woman to death," I joke around when she’s out the door.
Brick shrugs a shoulder. "Sorry about that, on edge, I guess."
"Yeah... I get it." I pull away from him while he plucks out his phone and dials Light.
A second later, he goes to put his phone back in his pocket, but it rings while it's in his palm.
All I'm doing is waiting to get back in his arms, but when I see his face fall, I know whatever message has just come through is not good news.
"What is it?" I ask, trying to get him to focus on me and not what he's reading.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
Shaking my head, I lift my hands to wrap around his face. "Don't you do that. We're in this together. In all things. Be honest with me. I can take it."
I don't want him to start seeing me as fragile. Right now, I may be weak enough that a stiff breeze can knock me over, but I won't always be like this. I want to be Brick's partner, not just someone he feels like he has to take care of.
"Are you sure?" he questions, and I nod my head again to set his mind at ease.
"That was Dutch; he thinks Daly is going to make a play today for him. He wanted to know if I wanted to be there so I can see firsthand the threat has been taken care of."
I gasp at his words and feel myself stumble backward.
When Wendy's body went stiff in my arms, I thought that was the end of it, but I should've known Brick would never just let Daly get away with something like this. This is the same man who stalked and kidnapped his father because the justice system didn't properly avenge his mother. It makes sense that he'd do something of the same sort for me.
"You can't come, Luna. Please don't make me argue this. I won't let you be there," Brick quickly adds to his statement.
Part of me is pissed that I don't get to be the one to deliver that bastard's final blow; after all, he's the one who killed my sister. But I know Brick is right. It's going to be dangerous, and right now I don't think I'll be able to handle any more death.
"You'll take care of him for me?" I look back up at him and keep his gaze so he knows I mean what I say. "Make him hurt?"
The determination is thick on his expression. That fire I know rages deep inside of Brick reflects in his eyes.
"He'll wish he never touched a hair on Wendy's head before I'm through with him."
With a gentle nod, I wrap my arms back around Brick. "Then do what you have to do, just make sure you come back to me," I whisper, and feel him kiss the top of my head.
"Always, Sweetness. Always."