Chapter Four
Sera
Waking up in an unfamiliar room, it takes me a minute to gain my bearings. That”s right, I’m in my brother Shadow’s bedroom. Flame told me to stay in here last night, pretty certain that after hearing about everything, he wouldn”t be coming home. I guess Flame was right, as I didn’t get woken up last night by Shadow coming home and wanting his bed.
I know when I get up and leave this room, I’m more than likely going to meet the rest of my family, but I’m not nervous anymore. Not with how quickly Wrath and Flame opened their home to me last night, only knowing the bare minimum about me and that I was in trouble.
They didn’t care in the slightest. Opening their arms and welcoming me into their home like it was nothing. To me, it wasn”t nothing. It was everything. Growing up in the environment I did. I got used to not being welcome or wanted in my own home. Having them invite me in so easily felt like I was winning the lottery. I’m finally getting to be a part of a real family. I actually mean something to these people already. It’s fucking surreal.
When Flame originally told me I would be staying in Shadow’s room, I was a little cautious about what it would be like. I’ve seen enough to know that normally men”s bedrooms aren’t the tidiest. That couldn’t have been further from the truth as far as Shadow’s room is concerned, though. It’s spotless here. There’s no dirty washing all over the floor, and everything is put away in its own place. It’s well looked after. I definitely shouldn”t have stereotyped how his room would be in my head just because he”s a man. I don”t know what I really expected, but it wasn”t this. I’m not even sure my own room back home was this well put together.
I need to get up and downstairs to see what the plans are for today. I know I need to find somewhere to stay; I can’t take Shadow”s bed again. That’s just not fair, but I also know it probably isn”t the smartest move to stay somewhere on my own. That’s like asking for Patricia or Sabbatini to just come and grab me. I’m not willing to take unnecessary risks like that.
I did everything in my power to cover my tracks, but it isn’t going to take a genius to work out that I ran because of what I overheard and therefore learned about my family in the process. Once they figure that out, it’s going to be as plain as day where I went. I’m just hoping Devil’s Inferno has the power to protect me. Wrath, Flame, and Blade didn’t seem worried about Sabbatini; they were just angry. Maybe that means they know how to keep me safe.
Quickly jumping out of bed, I start to throw on the clothes I was wearing yesterday. I haven”t exactly got anything else to wear, leaving with only the clothes on my back, and I don’t feel comfortable going through Shadow’s stuff without his permission. I use the band on my wrist to tie up my hair in a messy ponytail; it”s the best I can do without a hairbrush. Walking into Shadow’s ensuite bathroom, I splash some water on my face and find a toothbrush still in its packaging on the side, so I open it up and clean my teeth. Looking in the mirror, when I’m done, I nod my head to myself. This is as good as I’m going to look right now.
Quickly turning, I leave the bathroom and make my way out of the bedroom and downstairs. When I walk into the kitchen, I stop dead in the doorway. Flame is at the stove cooking, and Wrath is standing behind him, hugging him to his chest with his head buried in Flame”s neck. There”s a young boy, who I’m guessing is Cam, sitting at the table, drinking a glass of orange juice. He sees me standing in the doorway and smiles.
“Come on in; you don’t have to be shy; don’t worry about my Dad and Papa. This is the norm around here. Oh, by the way, I’m Cam.” He says rather quickly and then holds his hand out for me to shake.
I can’t help the small chuckle I let out as I walk towards Cam to shake his hand.
“Good morning, Cam; it’s lovely to meet you. I”m Sera.” I say to him because it’s only polite after he introduced himself.
”Oh, I know who you are. Dad told me this morning when I got up, so I wouldn’t be surprised when a woman walked into our kitchen.” He then bursts out laughing.
He seems like such a sweet kid, and I can’t wait to get to know him better. He looks so much like his Dad. It”s a little eerie. Same dark brown hair, same brown eyes, same face space, same well everything. If he were older, I”d mistake them for twins.
“Hello.” I hear an unfamiliar voice shouting from somewhere else within the house.
“Kitchen Shadow.” Wrath shouts.
It looks like it’s time to meet my other brother. When he steps into the kitchen, I’m taken back by how much he looks like Wrath. I knew they were twins, but I had no idea they were identical. The only difference I can see between them is their tattoos. Where Wrath’s seem to be all black and gray, Shadow”s are all bright and colorful.
“Holy shit.” Shadow spits out when we lock eyes.
“I was about to say that.”
“Why?” Shadow asks, tilting his head to one side as he studies me.
“I didn’t realize you were identical twins.”
“Ohhh,” Shadow says, nodding his head.
“Breakfast is done.” Flame interrupts us, shouting from the stove.
I hadn’t realized he’d moved away from Wrath and had plated everything up, far too busy with Cam and Shadow. I make a move to get mine, but Shadow stops me with a hand on my shoulder.
“Let me get it for you? Please.” He asks, and I just nod, okay.
From the look in his eyes, doing this for me means something to him. I”m not used to people waiting on me or even doing anything for me. I”ve been looking after myself since I was old enough to pour my own cereal. It’s a nice feeling that Shadow wants to do something for me, even if it”s a small thing like grabbing my breakfast.
Breakfast was fucking delicious. Flame can definitely cook for me anytime he wants. Just as I’m finishing my coffee, I hear the front door open and close. I look around, but no one seems even remotely worried, so I just carry on sipping my coffee.
“Where are you?” I hear another new voice ask.
“Kitchen Dad.” Wrath shouts.
I sit staring at the doorway, waiting for my Dad to walk through so I can get my first ever look at him. He steps into the kitchen doorway and stops as soon as our eyes lock. I feel my eyes start to fill with tears. I can see myself in him. I may have my mother”s hair color, but the rest of my features I definitely get from my Dad.
He sees my tears and immediately rushes towards me, bends down, and wraps me in his arms. The moment his arms lock around me, I feel millions of different emotions pass through my body, but the main thing I take away from it all is the safety I feel in my Dad”s arms and the feeling of home. I can’t help letting the tears in my eyes fall.
He whispers in my ear, “Hi sweetheart. We may not know each other yet, but I already love you. I have since the moment I found out about you last night. I promise you”re safe and loved here.”
That just makes me hold on to him tighter and cry harder. My Dad, though, doesn’t seem to mind and just keeps hold of me while I get myself under control. Letting me unleash the turmoil of emotions in the safety of his arms. I thought Wrath and Flame accepted me easily, but this with my Dad is something else. It’s a fucking dream come true.
Pulling back from the hug, I let out a watery smile before saying, “Hi Dad.” I hadn’t realized that while I was in his arms, everyone had left the kitchen. ”Shit, I didn’t mean to get all emotional and run them out of their own kitchen.” I exclaim.
“You didn’t run them off, sweetheart; they were giving us both a minute to meet without an audience. If anyone understands the emotions we”re currently feeling, it”s the people in this house.” He tells me while smiling, his eyes do look like they have tears in them, but he hasn’t let them fall.
“Sorry, I really don’t know what I’m supposed to say to you. I’ve always wondered about you, but growing up with a Mom like mine, I’m not used to all this hugging and feelings. This all feels like a dream.” I explain.
His eyes flash with anger at the mention of my Mom, but he quickly blinks his eyes, and it’s gone.
“Sweetheart, you’re a fully grown woman; you’re entitled to feel however you want to, but I hope you would want to build a relationship with me. I love my boys, but I can’t lie and say I haven’t always wanted a daughter.”
“I’d love that, Dad. I’ve always wanted a Dad.” I say with a watery laugh.
My Dad gets up and takes a seat next to me before shouting, “YOU CAN COME BACK NOW!”
As soon as he”s finished speaking, everyone is reentering the kitchen and taking seats. Thankfully, no one comments on the fact that my eyes are no doubt red and puffy from crying.
“So, what’s the plan? I can’t keep sleeping in Shadow’s bed.” I say to the room.
“Well, I was actually thinking about this last night. I have a house just a little further around The Compound, and if you”re willing, you can come and stay there with me. It’s plenty big enough for us both.” Dad says.
That actually sounds rather good to me. I know I’d be safe staying with him, and Shadow could have his bed back. It will also give me time to get to know my Dad. It”s a win all around.
“I really like that plan, Dad, if you’re sure?” I just have to double-check. I can’t help it.
”Yes, I’m sure.” He says, smiling brightly at me.
”Well, that’s sorted then, and we definitely won’t have to worry about you being somewhere safe if you’re staying with Dad.” Wrath says, smiling reassuringly. “I’m going to talk to Tech as soon as possible and get him to search for anything online we can use to keep you safe. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes, god, yes. Anything you can do, I’d be so grateful.”
Wrath just nods his head and stands; Flame stands at the same time.
“Right with that said, we’re going to go over and have a talk with Tech and get to work. We will see you later, sis.” He blows me a kiss and leaves with his husband right behind him.
“Come on then, let”s get you over to the house and get you settled in.” Dad says to me while getting up to stand.
I follow him to his house, which is only a couple of minutes drive further into The Compound. I’m using one of the MC’s SUVs. Last night, after we arrived and I explained about my car and the junker I was driving to Flame, he got on the phone and had someone come and take it away. Wanting to be sure it wasn’t anywhere, Sabbatini could easily find it and lead him to me. I’m so glad that’s taken care of, and one less thing for me to worry about.
As I pull up next to my Dad, I get my first look at his home. It’s beautiful; it’s two stories with a pale gray trim. It has steps leading to a wrap-around porch, which is also the same pale gray as the house”s trim. It”s definitely well looked from what I can see out here.
As I get out of the SUV, I follow my Dad inside and can’t help but love the inside of the house just as much as the outside. It”s very open and vibrant, and it’s clear he takes pride in his home.
Dad takes me on a small tour of the house, and I can’t get over how fucking nice it is. The kitchen is amazing; it has a double stove that apparently was needed when the twins were growing up because they ate so much food. Which doesn’t surprise me really; my brothers are big men, and imagine that’s always been the case. I can’t imagine they were small as children or teenagers. The middle of the kitchen has a free-standing island that has seats all along one side. His living room has multiple oversized sofas and chairs, which I”m guessing he has because none of the men I have met so far are exactly small; I don”t think they”d fit on normal sofas and stuff comfortably. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and Dad”s office. I haven”t seen inside all of them yet, just the room Dad has given me.
My room is fucking massive compared to what I’m used to. I’ve got what’s got to be a king-size bed in here; I’m used to just a standard double. I’m not sure I’m going to know what to do with all the space. It’s decorated in neutral tones that give the room a warm and light feeling. I am definitely happy with the space he’s given me, that’s for sure. I”ve even got my own bathroom, which has a freestanding tub and separate shower stall. I can’t wait to test them both out. I do love a good soak; it always leaves me feeling settled and refreshed.
The house is obviously where he raised the twins, as there are little marks from history all over the place. Like the doorframe into the living room with the little marks going up it, which measured their heights on every birthday since they were big enough to stand. Each mark has a number next to it corresponding to their age, and their names are on the top of each frame. It sort of breaks my heart that there isn’t something like that for me. I hate how I missed out growing up with a parent who actually cared about me; instead, I was stuck with a mother who only saw me as another way to make money. Shaking off the thoughts of my mother; I don’t want to be thinking about her right now. This is a time to focus on the new, not the old. Dad has told me to make myself at home; he wants me to feel welcome, and it really warms my heart. I’m not used to someone caring like this. I’m sure after a little time of being around my family, I’ll get used to it. They all may be big, tough bikers, but from what I’ve seen, they’ve all got hearts of gold and don’t hide when they care about someone.
We spend the rest of the day just talking and getting to know each other. I’m thankful that the topic of my mother hasn’t come up. That’s not a conversation I’m looking forward to. I know he isn’t going to be happy when he finds out all the details of my life. He might not have said anything, but I can tell he’s mad enough about the situation she’s currently put me in with Sabbatini. God knows how he’s going to react when he finds out the ways she used me to make money in the past.
When I was younger, I used to be ashamed of the fact that my Mom sold my body to some sick freaks. Even from a young age, I knew what she was doing wasn’t right. I couldn’t do anything to stop it, though. I had no power in that situation; I was the child, and she was the adult. It took a lot of work on my part, but I’ve come to terms with it all. What happened to me wasn’t my fault; I was just a child who had no control over what was happening to me. My mother should never have put me in the situation she did. I’ve never actually told anyone what she did to me, but I have a feeling I will be telling my entire story sooner rather than later. I just hope no one looks at me differently when they find out. I’m not sure I could deal with that.
Dad spent the time explaining to me the full story of what had gone around here recently. Blade had only told me about Cam arriving and having issues with his Mom. The full story is definitely a lot more than that. Finding out just what poor Cam has been through made me wish I’d arrived a few days earlier. Just so I’d have had the chance to inflict some serious pain on the bitch. In my opinion, she got off easy just being killed. She deserved a hell of a lot more pain and punishment before her worthless life ended, but I understand why the guys didn”t; it goes against what they believe, even if the woman deserved the extra pain because who the fuck does something like that to a child all because he looked like his father? Sick bitch. You wouldn’t think to look at Cam that he’d gone through all that at such a young age; he’s such a happy and well-adjusted child. He clearly loves Wrath and Flame.
When I told Dad I wished she was still alive so I could get my hands on her, his eyes flashed with pride, and he got a massive grin on his face. I think he liked the fact that I’m a little bloodthirsty. I think it comes from my own experiences. I know evil; I’ve lived through it, and fuck if I’m going to let evil continue on in this world if I can do anything about it. I don’t care if the person is a man or a woman; if they’re evil, they don’t deserve to be breathing. No one should underestimate me; I’m more than I look at first glance.
When tea time hits, neither of us can be bothered to cook, so we order pizza from a local takeout place that Dad swears is amazing. When it arrives, we settle down to watch some TV. I think we’re both a little emotionally wiped out after today. It’s a lot to adjust to in such a short space of time. We might be father and daughter, but we’re still strangers, treading lightly until we’re both more comfortable.
Finishing my pizza, my eyes begin to drop, and the next thing I know, my Dad is shaking me awake.
“I think you should go get in bed, sweetheart; it”s got to be more comfy than falling asleep on the sofa sitting up.” He says softly as I open my eyes.
”Yeah, I think you’re right, Dad.” I reply with a yawn.
Standing up, I drop a kiss on his cheek and take myself off to bed. I don”t even bother to undress; I just fall onto my mattress face first. I”m asleep instantly, my body knowing it can rest, and I”m safe.