Now I understand. Sometimes it doesn't take months or years to know. Sometimes it happens in an instant and fighting it is as pointless as fighting gravity.
"We should get dressed," I tell her reluctantly, bending to collect our scattered clothing from the porch. "It's getting colder."
She nods, accepting her clothes from me with a shy smile that seems almost comical after what we just did. We dress in silence, stealing glances at each other like teenagers after their first time.
Just as I'm zipping up my jeans, my phone starts vibrating in the pocket. I fish it out, checking the caller ID before answering.
"King," I say by way of greeting. "Everything good?"
His voice is tense, all business. "Mitchell's in town. Just checked into the Blackwater Motel about ten minutes ago. Shadow's just called me and said he got eyes on him."
My blood runs cold at the news, though part of me has been expecting it. "What about Rage?"
"He's with Shadow, too. I told them to hold position, not to approach until you get there."
"I'm on my way," I say immediately.
"Are you sure that's wise?" King asks, his voice measured. "You might be too... involved in this one."
The question stops me short. Am I too involved? After what just happened with Amelia, my objectivity is shot to hell. Part of me wants to tear Mitchell limb from limb just for making her afraid, let alone the years of abuse he inflicted.
"Whatever you felt when you met Luna," I say after a pause, "I understand it now."
King's chuckle is soft but knowing. "Then this is your problem to solve. Just make sure there's no blowback on the club. We've got enough heat with the Iron Eagles situation."
"Understood."
"Be careful, brother. Men like Mitchell, men who abuse their power and their families, they're unpredictable when cornered."
"I can handle unpredictable," I assure him.
"I know you can. Call when it's done."
I end the call and turn to Amelia, who's watching me with apprehension written across her face.
"Your ex is in town," I tell her, no point in sugar-coating it. "Checked into a motel about fifteen minutes from here. I'm going to make sure this gets solved before dawn."
Her face pales, but she doesn't fall apart like she might have yesterday. Instead, she straightens her shoulders, a determination settling over her features that I'm coming to recognize and admire.
She crosses to me, placing her hands on my bearded cheeks, her touch gentle but grounding. "Should I go with you? Confront him together?"
The question surprises me, though perhaps it shouldn't. Amelia has more courage than she gives herself credit for.
"No," I tell her firmly. "You should go back to bed, cuddle your daughter, and sleep. When you wake up, this will all be over."
Fear flickers across her face. Not of me, but of the uncertainty, the possibility that her nightmare might not end as cleanly as I'm promising. I pull her into my arms, another thing I'd never have considered doing days ago, and hold her close.
"You'll never have to worry about him or any other man again," I whisper against her hair. "I swear it."
When she pulls back, she's smiling. How the fuck did Mitchell have this beautiful, strong woman and choose to break her instead of cherish her?
"Good luck," she says, rising on her tiptoes to press a kiss to my cheek.
"Thanks." I reluctantly release her. "Let Beast sleep, he needs it. And keep an eye on him and Jenny. Don't let them get too close."
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "Are you really that worried about Beast and your sister?"
"Jenny deserves the best," I say simply. "And Beast is a good man, one of my most trusted brothers, but he's got demons to work through before he's ready to make anyone happy, let alone my little sister."
