“This is Skylar. She’s from Utah,” Shep says.
Skylar doesn’t speak or lift her head. How does Mack handle stuff like this? We’ve never had one this quiet.
“Do you have an envelope for us?” I ask.
Shepherd unzips the black backpack. Most of the angels arrive with one. It’s a sign she was whisked away in a hurry. He holds it open so she can pull the envelope out with her right hand. A hand that trembles as she slides the envelope across the desk. Reluctantly, I open it and glance inside before passing it to Nina. I don’t need to read the reports. Seeing her little arm in a cast is enough for me. I want to find this man and rip him apart for hurting her. Nina reads the medical reports and nods.
“Well, Skylar. Welcome to Ariel’s Angels. You’re protected by the Viking Warriors now. You’ll stay tonight with Nina at The Haven House. She’s our house mother and will take good care of you. Jacob will see you tomorrow.”
Skylar’s head snaps up. She pulls her feet up, crawling into the chair. “What? Where’s this house? I want to go home.”
“It’s okay, Skylar.” Nina holds her hand up, but doesn’t move to touch the frightened girl. “You’re safe here. I promise, you’resafe. The Haven House is a regular house. It’s right here on club property. I live there. I’ll be with you the entire time. We’re surrounded by a fence with security cameras that are constantly monitored. And, there’s always a group of men at the clubhouse who will protect us if we need them. They’re good men. Most of them have wives and children. You can trust them.”
Skylar stares at Nina's face for a long moment. Nina doesn’t move, nor do the rest of us. A silent bond forms between the two women. Skylar presses her lips together and nods.
“Okay.” Nina stands and motions toward the door. “Let’s get you settled in. I’ll make breakfast for you. Pancakes are a family favorite for us. I can make them plain, with chocolate chips, or with fruit and whipped cream.”
Skylar stands and eases close to Nina’s side. Her head bobs up and down. Nina still doesn’t touch her.
I move cautiously behind them. “Shep and I will escort you, ladies, to the house. Coty will be on security detail.”
Coty groans. It’s more like he’ll sit at a desk and watch TV monitors for hours on end. Hopefully, it’ll be a boring shift for him. We’ll appoint a patched member to replace him this evening. Mack can take things over again tomorrow.
Shep walks ahead of the ladies. I stay behind them. They’re safe here on club property without escorts, but Mack insists we make sure angels get to the house safely or to their next stop if they aren’t staying overnight with us. We strive to keep a constant shield around the angels whenever possible. It’s crucial they feel safe.
Shep waits at the bottom of the steps while I walk the ladies to the door. Skylar hasn’t touched Nina, but she’s gotten closer to her since we left the office. If anyone can get through to the poor girl, it’s our House Mother.
Nina unlocks the front door and points inside. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen? I’ll join you in a couple of minutes.”
Skylar pauses before stepping inside. Nina seems to already know how to handle the girl and what she needs.
“Thank you, gentlemen, for escorting us.”
“If you need anything, just call.” I don’t want to leave. Things feel uncertain. I can’t explain why.
“I would invite you in and Shep in, but she’s not ready to be around people.” Nina smiles and waves to Shep.
“I agree.” I feel Shep’s eyes on my back. “If you need anything, let me know. I can send a prospect to town to get supplies.”
I’m an idiot. I’m rambling. What is wrong with me? She knows we have pantries in every house on the property, and one huge one at the clubhouse. There’s even a medical supply room.
“Thanks, Darin.” She steps inside the doorway and turns to face me. “Keep me updated on the others, please.”
Shep clears his throat. I need to go. She has a job to do.
“I’ll check on you later.”
“Please do,” she whispers before closing the door.
I release a long breath and walk down the steps. For a moment, I believe Shep and I will walk back to the clubhouse in silence. I should have known better.
He tosses an arm over my shoulders. “Well, Worley Bird. That was interesting.”
“Yeah. Glad we saved her.”
His head falls back in laughter. “Oh, man. You’re about to fall hard.”
I’m about to punch this idiot into next week. He has no idea what he’s talking about. Or does he?
