GHOST: An MC Romance: DEVIL'S CREED MC (Devils Creed MC Book 2)

Chapter 10

Rae

Pain seared through me as I struggled to wake. My eyelids were heavy as hell, but I forced them open and was greeted by bright florescent lights and the smell of antiseptic.

Groaning, I turned my head on my pillow, my eyes dropping to the IV in my hand, then over to Ghost who was slouched beside what was clearly my hospital bed. His chest rose and fell, the frown on his face deepening as he slept.

My gaze drifted beyond him and widened at the two figures huddled, whispering in the corner.

“Daddy.” The words came out softer than a whisper.

What the hell was he doing here?

“…can’t believe she…” Daddy”s voice trailed off, and even though I couldn’t make out what he was saying, I knew he was pissed.

Pop muttered something back, his hand waving dismissively.

Whatever they were hashing out, it had nothing to do with hospitals and get-well-soons.

Seeing my Daddy there in New York, breathed life right back into my temper. I left Tennessee for a damn good reason, and now he was there—in my space.Sure, I loved him, but I didn’t need him showing up and trying to take over my life again. I was an adult, damnit.

Ghost shifted in his sleep, and I turned my head to watch him, my eyes tracing the bruises down his jaw.

Even banged up, my man was raw and masculine, but in that moment with his eyes closed he looked almost... vulnerable.

I knew there was a vendetta churning inside him, but from the looks of him, he’d been holding vigil at my bedside.

“Rae”s tough as hell,” Pop said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. “She”ll bounce back.”

“She has to,” Daddy grumbled. Physical pain sliced through my chest at the sound of his anguish, and I groaned, causing Ghost to stir beside me.

His eyes snapped open as his heavy boots hit the floor. In the blink of an eye, he was on his feet with his hand in mine. “Baby?”

“Payton?” I asked, squeezing his hand, trying to smile through the hurt.

Ghost leaned in, kissed my forehead, then whispered, “She’s fine. Misses you, but she’s fine.”

Thank God.

My daddy appeared over Ghost’s shoulder, his eyes searching mine. “I’m okay,” I lied, seeing the war brewing, knowing he was ready to take on the world for me.

“You’re not,” he growled. “Someone fucking shot you!” His voice went louder.

“I know, but I’ll be okay,” I said, trying to ease his mind some.

“You”re coming home, Norma Rae. This biker stuff, I didn’t raise you like this. As soon as you”re cleared, you”re coming with me.” I should have known that would be the first thing out of his mouth. He needed someone to blame.

“Like hell she is,” Ghost snapped under his breath, but loud enough for Daddy to hear.

“Watch yourself, boy,” Daddy warned, his eyes hardening.

“Get fucked,” Ghost retorted, cracking his knuckles as he returned my daddy’s stare. “She’s not going anywhere.”

Daddy”s eyes narrowed to slits as the muscle flexed in his jaw. Shit. He was really pissed. I needed to diffuse the situation. “You think you can take her from me?”

“You can bet your last fucking dollar on it,” Ghost growled, stepping closer into Daddy”s space. “She’s going to be my wife.”

Heart hammering and eyes wide, my head shot around to look at Ghost. Wife? This wasn’t something we’d discussed. We hadn’t even had the time. We were new—as in NEW.

His eyes were hard, but I saw the vulnerability shining through. “You heard me, woman. I’ll give you time to wrap your head around it but make no mistake. You’re mine and I’m yours.” His declaration was about more than possession and protection.

“Ghost,” I breathed out, fingers trembling as I reached for him. “I love you.”

He took my hand in his and brushed his thumb over my knuckles. “I love you too.”

“Why are you here?” I asked my father, catching the murderous way he was staring at the man who’d just declared I’d be his forever.

His shoulders pulled back. “The hospital called me. Said you were hurt. I”m still listed as your emergency contact.” That was something I’d need to be sure to change before I left.

I exhaled heavily. I wanted him to leave, wanted my life to go back to lazy mornings with Payton, and shower sex with Ghost. That wasn’t going to happen though, because with the shape I was in, I was going to need Daddy and Ghost getting along while I healed.

“Daddy, do you mind giving us a moment?”

He grumbled, but begrudgingly left the room with Pop trailing behind him.

Once we were alone, I started to feel nervous. “Did you really mean that?”

“Mean what, hellcat?” He grinned.

“Don’t tease me right now. Did you mean it? Do you really want to marry me?”

Ghost leaned in, his hands planting on either side of my head as his face sobered. “I’ve never meant anything more in my goddamn life. Yes, Norma Rae Thompson. I”m going to put a ring on your finger, and make you a St. James. You’ll be my wife and Payton’s mother.”

“Okay.” I smiled watery as my heart skipped a beat.

* * *

A week went by, and I’d done nothing but rest like the doctor had instructed, but I was getting restless. Even with my body a patchwork of bruises, I was on the mend, and feeling better every day.

“Rae, you need anything?” I glanced up at Daddy leaning into the doorframe and smiled.

He’d been more than vocal about staying with us. Me wearing nothing but Ghost’s oversized MC tee made it worse.

“Thanks, but I”m good,” I replied, noticing the lines on his face seemed deeper than I remembered.

We both turned when Ghost came storming in, slamming the front door shut behind him. His keys were tossed onto the counter as he prowled into the living room, his gaze locked on mine. “Room feels crowded,” he said, eyes never leaving mine as he dropped into a crouch beside the couch, his hand finding mine.

“Your concern is noted, Ghost.” Daddy”s words were ice.

“Concern? Shit, old man, I”m past concern.” Ghost”s thumb circled my palm. “I’m all about action.”

“Action that puts my daughter in a hospital bed. You call that protecting her? Fuckin’ biker trash.”

“Enough!” I yelled. “No more throwing blame around. Shit happened, I”m alive, that”s it. Ghost, stop antagonizing Daddy, and Daddy quit blaming Ghost. Good Lord,” I growled. “You’re both acting like children.”

Daddy sighed and stepped back, surrendering ground for now. “I’ll be in the kitchen, baby girl.”

“Sure,” I replied, watching him leave, thankful the tension was dissipating.

“Hey,” Ghost murmured, dipping his head so our foreheads touched. “I’m sorry.”

A smile tugged at my lips, pain and love and everything else mashing into that one touch before his lips brushed mine. “I got something I need to do in a little bit.” He looked away, his tell that he was keeping something from me.

“Where are you going?”

“Club business,” he answered quickly. I hated when he said that. I was starting to think it was a bullshit way of avoiding the truth. I sighed, knowing it was pointless to ask for more. He wouldn’t budge so I wasn’t going to push. “You won’t be alone, yeah?”

Before I could ask who was on babysitting duty, the door slammed open and in strolled Nova and Sophia, trailed closely by the Devils Creed enforcer.

“Rae, honey, we brought reinforcements,” Nova called out, her tone all sass and no apology as she breezed into the room.

“Him?” I asked, nodding to Haze as he sat down what looked to be a sack full of groceries.

“No.” Sophia giggled. “We brought ice cream.”

“Thank God! I could kiss y”all!” I said, before squealing when Ghost tipped me backwards onto the couch, his face hovering over mine.

“I’m the only one who gets your kisses, baby.”

Shaking her head, Nova laughed. “We”re only here to fatten you up and gossip. Save the smooching for your man.”

Ghost planted a kiss on my lips then wrenched himself off the couch. “Alright, I”m gonna head out, baby.” He tucked a stray hair behind my ear. “Call if you need me. I mean it, Rae. If you need me, you pick up the damn phone.”

I tipped my face up and grinned. “I will. I promise.” Ghost dipped his head again, planting one more kiss on my lips before heading out the door with Haze on his heels.

“So, who’s fixing the ice cream?” I laughed, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling growing in my gut.

The girls jumped into action and before long we settled into an easy rhythm of ice cream and cards. It was almost enough to make me forget what was happening.

“Do either of you know where they’re going?”

“No.” Sophia shook her head. “Whatever they’re doing, Banner hasn’t shared.”

“Trust him,” Nova said, as if reading my thoughts. “If there”s one thing the club knows, it”s how to come out on top.”

The girls pulled me in for a gentle hug, and when we broke apart, I swiped the tears away with the back of my hand.

I loved my Daddy, but there, with Ghost, Payton, and the club, was where I belonged.

They were my family.