Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
WILL
The club had rallied behind Tech as soon as they found out about Miracle. Crystal set the tone and assigned a task to everyone. Between getting Jenny settled in the infirmary, hiring a personal hospice nurse for her care, and getting Miracle's nursery together, she had been an absolute godsend.
It wasn’t a secret that Angela didn’t like that Tech was taking over Jenny’s care. But once he explained to her and Kenneth the safety that came along with Jenny being there, she relented. Jenny’s mother was still after her. She had been reaching out nonstop.
I was glad Tech was stepping up to ensure both Jenny's and Miracle's safety. People would do anything for a dollar, including taking an innocent baby.
Some of the Ol’ Ladies had been surprised at how receptive I was to Jenny and Miracle.
I knew most probably would have walked away, but I loved Tech.
And while he might not have been perfect in the past, he had been redeeming himself.
Every day, he showed me that I made the right decision in forgiving him.
Over the past few days, it’d been a little chaotic.
We had moved some things around the home so Miracle’s nursery could be downstairs with us.
Violet had the only other room that was downstairs.
She gave it up to fully move into Nova’s room.
Those two had been together for almost a year.
No one outside our home knew until recently.
Their story wasn’t like Tech's and mine. They weren’t scared or anything.
They just wanted to live in their little bubble for a while.
Doc had already done an expedited DNA test on Miracle and Tech. It was no shocker when the results came back. Anyone with eyes could tell she was his. She just looked like a more feminine version of Tech.
Every day, he was getting better at caring for her. At first, he was nervous, afraid of doing something wrong. There were so many times he tried to hand her off to me. I would always refuse. I knew he had to be nervous dealing with a baby so hands-on, but he had to learn.
Today, we were at Michael’s office to start the process of making sure Miracle remained in Tech’s custody.
With the DNA results, we were going to add his name to Miracle’s birth certificate and give her his last name.
Michael was positive Jenny’s mother couldn’t take Miracle without some concrete proof that he was an unfit parent.
She would have a hard time proving that, since the club had so many legitimate businesses and had never been caught up in any scandals.
The only thing that would rip Miracle away from Tech was Sire and all his bullshit.
I knew the club would try to handle him as discreetly as possible, but Sire was always making noise.
There had been another murder with the quote written in the victim's blood at the scene. The club didn’t know whether the police would piece the SW together. That made the club even more antsy to get a hold of Sire before he caused any problems for us.
Miracle's cries broke me from my thoughts. She was in her stroller between Tech and me as we sat across from Michael’s desk. Jenny was seated beside Tech in her wheelchair. She was too weak to walk at this point.
“I got her,” Tech said as he carefully picked Miracle up. He rocked her gently, placing her pacifier in her mouth until she slowly fell back asleep.
Jenny and I both watched him with a smile. Seeing him with Miracle always made my heart swell. He was so good with her.
“So, like I was saying, Tech, as long as you stay out of trouble, there won't be any chance of anyone taking Miracle,” Michael told him.
Jenny cleared her throat. “I know you said Tech has a great chance on his own, but wouldn’t it look better to the courts if Miracle were in a two-parent household?”
Michael nodded. “It would.”
“So, what if Will adopted Miracle? Would that help?”
I had just taken a sip of water and started choking. I didn’t think I would get added into this. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted a life with Tech and Miracle. I just didn’t think Jenny would suggest something like that.
Tech patted my back, holding back a smirk. “You okay, Dimples?”
I clutched my throat, trying to catch my breath. “Yeah. I’m just… shocked. That’s all.”
Jenny turned and faced me. “I was only asking for clarity. If you don’t want to take that kind of step, I completely understand. I jus—”
“No, that’s not it at all, Jenny. I was just genuinely shocked. I didn’t think you would want something like that.”
Jenny sighed in relief. “So, you would adopt her?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes. I would.”
I had already fallen in love with this little beauty.
She was such a good baby. She only cried when she was hungry or sleepy.
At any other time, she was full of smiles and giggles.
Crystal had already tried kidnapping her for a sleepover, but Tech wasn’t ready yet.
He wanted Miracle to bond with us before he sent her off.
Michael cleared his throat. “I could start the paperwork on that if you would like.” He looked at Jenny and me. We both nodded in agreement.
As they continued to talk, I could feel my bladder begging for a release. I tapped Tech on his shoulder. “I’m going to use the bathroom.” He appeared hesitant to let me leave. “Babe, the bathroom is right in the lobby. I’ll be fine.”
I got up before he could protest. Making my way to the bathroom, I quickly handled my business. While I washed my hands, I heard the bathroom door open. I figured it was Tech checking on me. Not bothering to lift my head, I chuckled.
“I told you I was going to be fine.” I froze when I finally looked up and saw an older man with eyes that matched Tech’s.
Except this time, I didn’t get that warm, fuzzy feeling I get when I stare into Tech’s eyes.
He was a tad bit taller and stockier than Tech.
This man made my stomach turn as goosebumps pebbled all over me.
While Tech's eyes were bright, warm, and inviting, his were cold.
It was like staring into a soulless monster. I was struck with fear.
Inside, I was screaming for help, but no words escaped me. Faster than lightning, Sire had his hand around my throat. He slammed my head against the mirror. I felt the glass crack. I pried at his hands, trying to get him off, but his grip was firm.
“I want you to give my son a message for me. Can you do that?” He squeezed tighter, prompting me to nod. “Tell him I’m coming for him. He will regret the day he betrayed me. I won’t stop until I ruin him and everything around him. Including you.”
By the time he finished, my eyes were rolling in the back of my head. I felt consciousness leaving me. He let me go, and I dropped to the ground, gasping for air. Sire left as quickly as he came. Tears poured from my eyes.
I wasn’t a punk by any means. I had to defend myself my entire life. But something about Sire terrified me. His presence was pure evil. I didn’t know how Tech survived one day in that man’s care, let alone an entire childhood.
I didn’t know how long I sat there, clutching my throat and crying, before Tech walked into the bathroom. As soon as he saw me, he hurried over to me and took me in his arms.
“What’s going on, Dimples? Talk to me,” he asked hurriedly.
I was still trying to catch my breath. “Sire… Sire was here.”
His eyes darkened. “What?!” his voice boomed.
I ran down everything that happened. By the time I finished, his nostrils were flaring, and he looked pissed. He helped me up from the ground, checking me over.
“He will never get a chance to touch you ever again. You hear me?” He palmed both of my cheeks, bringing my gaze to his. I nodded as he pecked my lips a few times. “Come on, let’s go.”
When we walked back into Michael's office, Tech let him know we would finish everything up virtually. As we left, Jenny was watching us with a look of concern. She didn’t know about Sire, and I knew Tech wanted to keep it that way.
While we drove, I looked out the window, wondering how all of this was going to unfold.
Sire was under the impression that Tech had betrayed him in some way. I saw the look in his eyes. He wasn’t going to stop until he executed his revenge. I just hoped the club would find him before he could make his final move.
It'd been a few days since the incident at Michael’s office.
Tech had been consumed with trying to locate Sire.
After running everything by Viper, he was almost ready to put us on lockdown.
I really didn’t want it to come to that.
Lockdown meant nobody left the compound whatsoever unless it was an emergency.
Since Viper was considering putting the club on lockdown, Cara, Crystal, and Sara decided to go to Costco to stock up just in case. I had to beg and plead to be allowed to tag along. There were still a few things we needed to grab for Miracle. He only agreed if we took two prospects.
Ethan and Wyatt tagged along for the outing.
Tech and Viper made sure they both understood what would happen if any of us were harmed.
I didn’t like the idea of them being punished for something beyond their control.
So, I made sure to stick close to them. Especially since I had Miracle with me.
Tech had gotten a lead on Sire, so I took her with me so he could focus.
As we made our way through the aisles, people openly watched us. Probably because we had eight carts stacked to capacity. They just didn’t understand, even when shopping in bulk, that meant absolutely nothing with twenty-plus bikers to feed. Not to mention the children and their growing appetites.
While I was grabbing a case of baby formula, I heard someone call my name. I turned around and saw Tabitha making her way toward me. I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for her. I had so much shit I was dealing with. Tabitha would only further aggravate me.
Cara and Sara watched her with looks of disdain. I knew they would never forget how my family treated me in that hospital. Tabitha ignored the stares and made her way over to me.
“Well, it’s good to know you’re alive. Your mom says she called you a few times, but you won’t answer her calls.”
That was a lie. My mother hadn’t reached out to me since she walked out of my hospital room.
“Really? I don’t know who she called, but it wasn’t me.” I continued browsing the shelf, refusing to make eye contact with her. I wanted her to catch a hint, but of course, Tabitha never knows how to read a room.
“Even if she didn’t, that’s your mother. You shouldn’t go weeks without checking on her,” Tabitha chastised. She and I both knew she didn’t give a damn. She just wanted to find a reason to try and check me about something.
“Well, I’ve been busy. But thanks for the advice,” I replied sarcastically.
Tabitha stepped around Cara’s cart to stand beside me. “I see that. Whose baby do you have?” she asked as she reached out to touch Miracle.
Before I could react, Cara swatted her hand down.
“Keep those fish sticks to yourself.” Wyatt and Ethan chuckled while Sara and Crystal tried holding back their laughter.
Cara held out a finger toward Miracle, and she wrapped her tiny hand around it.
“Don’t you worry. Auntie Cara will keep that sea creature away from you. Yes, she will,” Cara cooed at her.
As if Miracle understood, she let out the sweetest giggle while smiling up at Cara. That made all of us laugh as Tabitha's face turned crimson with embarrassment.
Tabitha gritted her teeth, facing Cara. “If you don’t mind, this is a family discussion. So, can you back up and give us some privacy?”
Cara grinned, shaking her head. “Free Willy, we have been over this. You can’t be bitchy while smelling fishy. Get it together and pick a struggle.”
At this point, we were roaring with laughter. Tabitha was speechless. I thought Oscar was the only one with the ability to shut Tabitha up, but I guess Cara had the cheat code as well.
“I don’t need this.” Tabitha huffed and turned around, making her way down the aisle.
“You’re right about that. What you need is to get to the doctor and let him inject your ass with some penicillin!” Cara shouted.
Ethan and Wyatt were leaning over their carts, laughing hard. A few people eyed Tabitha when Cara said that. She picked up her pace, trying to get away from us.
I turned to Cara. “Why are you like this?” I giggled.
She shrugged her shoulders and pointed at Crystal. “Because of her.” Cara stepped forward and plucked Miracle from my arms. “Come on, sweet baby. Let's go see if we can find some yogurt samples or something.” Cara walked off with Miracle cooing in her arms.
Crystal shook her head. “Let's hurry up and get out of here before my child embarrasses somebody else.”
As we finished shopping, I thought about my mom. I hadn’t spoken to her in a month, but I knew the second Tabitha went crying to her, she really would be calling me. I wasn’t going to answer, though.
With each day, I was starting to see how much better off I was without them. For the first time in my life, there wasn’t any lingering resentment, anger, or hurt. I was just done at this point. Being around the Warriors showed me every day what having a family was about.
My mother drew a line in the sand a long time ago. She needed to stick to her choice and forget I existed.