CHAPTER EIGHT #2
I don’t have answers. Not yet. But as I cross the room to join them, one thing becomes crystal clear.
I’m going to find out, no matter what Chief or anyone else has to say about it.
“Hey,” I say, sliding into the chair next to her. “How you holding up?”
She smiles, that same smile that’s been messing with my head all day. “I’m good. Your family is... nice.”
I snort at that. “They’re something, alright.”
“How’s your brother?” she asks, her voice dropping slightly.
“He’ll live. Coupla’ broken ribs, needs some stitches.”
Her eyes search mine, looking for something deeper, and I find myself wanting to give her more. To tell her everything. But that’s not how this works. Club business stays with the club, no matter how much my gut tells me she can be trusted.
“Good,” she says finally. “That’s good.”
Saylor interrupts, climbing into my lap. “Daddy, can Foxy stay for dinner? Please? She says Panda can do tricks!”
I look at Foxy, raising an eyebrow in question.
“Just a few,” she admits with a shrug. “Sit, stay, roll over. The basics.”
“You taught a raccoon to do dog tricks?” I ask, genuinely impressed.
“I had a lot of time on my hands,” she says, something flashing behind her eyes that I can’t quite read.
“So can she?” Saylor presses, bouncing on my leg.
I meet Foxy’s gaze again, and there’s that pull, that invisible tether drawing me in. “That’s up to her, princess.”
Foxy hesitates, and I can see her weighing her options. Chief would probably want her to head back to Jacksonville right away, especially after the incident with the Sinners. But something tells me she’s not in any rush to report back.
“I’d love to stay for dinner,” she says finally, and Saylor squeals with delight.
My mother stands up, clapping her hands together. “Wonderful! I’ll whip something up in the kitchen.”
“I can help,” Foxy offers, starting to rise.
Mom waves her off. “Nonsense. You’re our guest. Besides, I’ve been itching to try out this new recipe I found online.”
Jagger rolls his eyes behind her back, and I stifle a laugh. My mother’s cooking experiments are legendary among the club—and not always in a good way.
“Fair warning,” I murmur to Foxy as my mother heads toward the kitchen. “My mom thinks she’s a gourmet chef. Reality is a bit different.”
Foxy laughs, the sound warming something inside me that’s been cold for a long time. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m not picky.”
“We’ll see if you’re still singing that tune later.”
She nudges me with her shoulder, the brief contact sending a jolt through me. “Be nice. She’s your mom.”
The clubhouse door swings open, and several of my brothers walk in—Gator, Bash, Journey, and Story. They spot us at the table and head over, curiosity written all over their faces.
“Prez,” Gator nods, his eyes flicking to Foxy with undisguised interest.
I feel a surge of possessiveness that I have no right to feel. “You’ve met Foxy,” I say, my voice coming out a bit harder than intended.
Foxy gives them a small wave, and I don’t miss the way Journey’s eyes widen slightly as he takes her in.
“Where’s Bane?” Story asks, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Infirmary,” I reply. “Doc’s patching him up.”
The men exchange glances, and I know they’re itching to hear the details. But not here. Not with Foxy and my kids present.
“Church at eight,” I tell them, and they nod in understanding.
“Daddy, can I show Foxy my room?” Saylor asks, breaking the tension that’s settled over the table.
“Sure, princess.” I glance at Foxy. “If that’s okay with you.”
“I’d love to,” Foxy says, standing up with Panda still cradled in her arms. “Lead the way.”
Saylor jumps off my lap and grabs Foxy’s free hand, practically dragging her toward the door at the back of the clubhouse.
“She’s got a room here?” Foxy asks me over her shoulder, surprise evident in her voice.
“Yeah, but she wants to take you to our house.” I point to the door behind her. Although when I first got out, we stayed here at the clubhouse while the house was being built.
I watch them go, Saylor chattering a mile a minute, Foxy nodding along with genuine interest.
“She’s Chief’s sister?” Journey asks once they’re out of earshot, sliding into the chair Foxy just vacated.
“Yeah,” I confirm, turning back to my brothers. “And she just saved Bane’s ass from three Sinners.”
Their eyes widen collectively.
“No shit?” Gator breathes.
“No shit,” I reply. “Shot one of them point-blank.”
Story lets out a low whistle. “Damn.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Damn is right.”
Jagger’s been quiet, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. He’s smart, my boy. Too smart sometimes.
“So what does this mean?” he asks finally. “The Sinners making a move like that?”
I meet his eyes, seeing the concern there, and it hits me again how grown up he’s becoming. At sixteen, he’s already thinking like a man, already understanding the implications of what happened today.
“It means we handle it,” I tell him, my voice firm. “Like we always do.”
He nods, accepting my answer even though I know he can tell I’m not giving him the full story. That’s how it works. He might be my son, and one day he’ll fill my shoes, but he’s not patched in.
Not yet, anyway.
“Why don’t you go help your grandma in the kitchen?” I suggest. “Make sure she doesn’t burn the place down.”
He rolls his eyes but stands, doing as I’ve asked. “Fine.”
I laugh, watching him head toward the kitchen.
Once he’s gone, I turn back to my brothers, my expression hardening. “We’ve got problems.”
“No shit,” Bash mutters. “The mayor, now this? Someone’s making a play.”
“The question is who,” Story adds, leaning in. “Sinners are the obvious choice, but...”
“But it feels too obvious,” I finish for him. “Like someone wants us to think it’s them.”
Gator nods slowly. “A diversion?”
“Maybe,” I say, rubbing my jaw thoughtfully. “Or maybe they’re just that fucking brazen.”
We fall silent, each lost in our own thoughts.
There’s a storm coming. I can feel it in my bones.
And somehow, in the middle of it all, there’s Foxy—this wild card I never saw coming.
A woman who shot a man to save my brother, who’s right now showing my daughter the tricks she’s taught her raccoon.
What the hell am I supposed to do with that?