Chapter 15
Callum
When I opened the door, I wasn’t surprised to see who was on the other side. I was more surprised that a punch didn’t follow the chin-nod period.
“I was expecting you earlier,” I said as I took a step back, letting Rune inside.
“Why do you think I’m going to hit you? The fact that you’re defiling my innocent baby sister? Or the fact that you kept it secret?”
The bite in his tone had my shoulders relaxing marginally.
Mostly because I’d been expecting it far earlier.
The fact that Rune and Atlas had been so calm at the game had worried me.
But perhaps they’d only acted that way because they had at least some self-control and hadn’t wanted to make a damn scene. But now, the only witness would be me.
“I don’t defile your sister.” I cursed as Rune’s eyes narrowed.
“To defile her brings on a whole other set of connotations and does nothing but harm Felicity. She’s not some piece of property.
She’s not on this fucking pedestal that is untouched and an object.
She’s Felicity. She makes her own choices.
And for some reason, she chose me. But the secrets?
You’re welcome to beat the shit out of me for that. ”
My best friend pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
“I’d ask if you have a beer, but you always have beer.
” He held up his hand before I could make it into the kitchen.
“But we’re heading out to the axe-throwing place that just opened up on the north end of town, and frankly, I probably shouldn’t be drinking before throwing axes while I’m next to you. ”
“I’m glad that you thought ahead.” I groaned and leaned against the counter, the weight of reality settling in. “I’m sorry for keeping it a secret.”
“Should I ask why you did?” Rune ran his hands through his hair, his tattoos bulging over his muscles.
“I’m not good enough for her. We both know that.”
“I think that’s bullshit.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
“I think it’s bullshit. I think my best friend deserves the world. So does my sister. Do I think it’s fucking weird? Yes. But that’s because I don’t want my sister to be with anyone. I want her to be virginal and in a nunnery.”
I snorted. “I think I said something similar about Briar when she met Gabriel.”
“And look at her. All married and a mom and seeing the world. Are you that protective of Teagan?”
“Yes. That’s why I know I’m no good for your sister.”
“Just don’t hurt her. I’m not going to ask what your intentions are or what you want. Because I know you guys aren’t that far into your relationship. But just be careful. She deserves the world, Callum.
“I know she does. Which is why I don’t know what she sees in me.”
“I don’t know either, with your dirty ass.”
“I washed my ass, thank you very much.”
“How about hairy ass then?” Rune said with a roll of his eyes.
“That’s what waxing is for.” I winked. “I just use your waxer. As long as they have enough wax after getting through with you.”
“Asshole.”
“I’m sure you wax that as well.”
We burst out laughing, feeling a little normal for the first time in weeks.
“I’m sorry I lied. And kept it secret. But this small town, man. You know I don’t date. You know I don’t deal with whatever gossip this town wants.”
“So you decided to break that rule and date my sister. You are dating, right? This isn’t just, well, I don’t even want to say the words.”
“I’m falling for her. And that scares me so fucking much.”
“Well, hell.” Rune pinched the bridge of his nose. “Did you tell her about Georgia?”
“I did. But for the life of me, I thought she knew about Georgia.”
“You don’t talk about her at all. I’m pretty sure most of the town doesn’t even remember you were married, Callum.”
“Well, I’m sure they’re going to dig that up and want to talk more about it once everybody figures out that I’m, well, with Felicity.”
“Well, you’re going to have to deal with the consequences. Because you know this town is not going to withhold judgment. It’s what they do. They judge everything.”
“As long as they don’t fucking hurt Felicity.”
“That’s what I want to hear. You protect my sister. Because if you hurt her, I’ll bury you in the backyard.”
“If I hurt her, I’ll let you.”
“Damn it. You say things like this, and it’s why I remember you’re my best friend.”
“Well, I’m glad somebody still thinks I am.”
“Hey, Atlas forgave you right away. I wanted to punch you.”
“I’m still waiting for the punch,” I said as I grabbed my keys and we headed towards our respective trucks.
“The punch can come any minute.”
I nearly ran into Rune as he froze.
“What is it?” I cursed under my breath. “What cat left a fucking dead bird on my porch?”
“I didn’t even see that. I’m looking at that,” Rune said, and I cursed again.
“Are you fucking kidding me? How long were you in here? Did you see anything when you walked inside?”
“I was inside your house for like five minutes, and I wasn’t paying attention to your truck when I walked by. Fuck. Who the hell keyed it?”
“And why would they key the word ‘dead’?”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I looked around the end of the cul-de-sac into the forest beyond. But I didn’t see a thing. Felicity was out with Keely, thank God, so she wouldn’t see this. But I pulled out my phone and shook my head.
“It has to be my dad, right? He’s such an asshole.”
“He needs to leave town or just leave this earth. Nobody fucking wants him here. Hell, Callum. How are you going to fix this?”
“Bodhi will know someone or something. Shit. We’re going to be late.”
“Well, call the sheriff’s station, and I’ll wait with you. But maybe we should go inside.” Chills slid up my spine, and I nodded. “Yeah, we should.”
By the time we dealt with the authorities, and I left my truck right where it was, Rune drove me to the axe-throwing place.
“Okay, I’m going to need to break some shit,” I growled.
“Damn straight.”
The others were already there by the time we showed up, and at their questioning glances, I explained why we were late. It was a small town, and the report was already filed. They would figure it out soon.
“Are you okay?” Bodhi asked, his voice low. “Did they hurt you or the house or anything?”
I shook my head. “No. Nothing else was out of place.”
“There was a dead bird,” Rune put in, and Bodhi cursed.
“A dead bird?” Thatcher asked, drawing out the word. “I don’t like the sound of that. Who did you piss off?”
“Well, I think I’m the only one you’ve pissed off recently, and I didn’t do it,” Rune said as he handed me a beer. I tapped mine to his and took a swig.
“What’d you do to piss off Rune?” Thatcher asked.
He had his attention on his phone, though, and I knew he was probably texting about his kids.
This was his one night off, and I was glad that he was spending it with us.
Sterling was working, and if his place wasn’t packed, with no reservations, we would have bothered him at the restaurant.
“He’s dating my sister,” Rune blurted, and I narrowed my gaze at him.
“Really?”
Kellan nearly choked on his beer. “Wait. You’re dating Felicity? Little Felicity?”
“She’s not little,” I snapped.
“Wait, we’re allowed to date your sister?” Finnian asked, eyes wide. “I didn’t know we were allowed to date sisters.”
“Finnian, you’re lucky that I’m too far away to hit you,” Thatcher snapped.
“Well, it’s about time that the rest of the world knows,” Bodhi mumbled.
“Wait, you knew?” I asked, blinking.
“Of course, I knew. You two aren’t really good at hiding it. You guys go gaga whenever you look at each other. And it’s ridiculous.”
“That’s what I said,” Rune put in and took a sip of his beer.
“What the hell? We were never out in public together.” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. Yes, Felicity and I are dating. The rest of the town’s going to figure it out soon. So don’t give her shit, okay? Be a dick to me, but Felicity doesn’t get anything.”
“Of course, Felicity doesn’t get anything,” Finnian said as he bounced on his feet. “She’s amazing and way too good for you. And I say this as a brother that loves you.”
“Fuck you,” I said with a grin. “Seriously, fuck you.”
“No, I guess that’s what Felicity’s doing now,” Bodhi said, and from the look on his face, it surprised him. I took a step forward, but it was Rune who smacked him upside the head.
“Really?” He shook his head. “That’s my sister you’re talking about.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Bodhi rubbed the back of his head, and I nearly smiled because that joke sounded so much like the old Bodhi that I thought it was nearly worth it.
“Well then, this is going to blow up in your face,” Thatcher said with a sigh. “Not that I don’t love you, but this town is going to eat you alive. And Felicity.”
My hands fisted. “They do anything to Felicity, and they have to deal with me.”
“And that’s why I’m letting this happen,” Rune put in as he gestured towards the axes. “Let’s get started.”
“Letting?” I asked, my eyes narrowed. “Don’t let Felicity hear you say that.”
“Don’t let Felicity hear you say what?” a familiar voice said as I turned around, and the woman that I was trying not to fall for stepped forward. She smiled up at me as the guys behind me all wolf-whistled.
I closed my eyes and counted to ten.
“Nothing. Other than the cat’s out of the bag.”
“I figured since everybody’s staring at me, and well, hi.”
“I’m here, too,” Keely said as she waved. And Teagan just laughed, shaking her head.
“By the way, you’re invited to dinner tomorrow.
And I don’t think you’re allowed to say no, or my mom might actually drag you.
” Felicity beamed, and I did what I wanted to do the entire time and moved forward to push her hair back from her face.
When somebody catcalled, and another person cursed, I ignored them.
“Okay, I guess we’re doing this.”
“I guess we are. Are you going to kiss me?” she asked, that smile far too sly.
“Maybe.”