I leave King's office and head to a quiet corner to call Mrs. Winters, the retired kindergarten teacher who's become Eli's regular babysitter. She agrees to keep him another night without pressing for details, one of the many reasons I trust her with my son.
She understands the club lifestyle enough to know when not to ask questions. And, although I'd rather have him here with me, it's too risky if the Eagles really attack the clubhouse.
With that arranged, I should follow King's advice and get some sleep. Instead, I find myself heading back toward the conference room. Luna and Claire are gone, probably to the residential area to sort out clothes and necessities.
I hesitate in the empty hallway, torn between checking on Claire and giving her space. There's no logical reason for me to seek her out now. Luna will handle her immediate needs far better than I could, but something keeps pulling me in her direction.
"You look like you're having an argument with yourself," a voice says behind me.
I turn to find Luna, a knowing smile on her face. She's holding a towel and what looks like a toiletry bag.
"Just trying to decide if I should crash here or head home for a few hours," I lie.
Luna's smile suggests she sees right through me. "Claire's using the shower in the guest quarters. She'll be fine, Rage. I'm taking care of her."
"I know that," I say, feeling suddenly defensive. "I just wanted to check if she needed anything else."
"Like what? Your personal bodyguard services?" Luna's teasing is gentle but pointed.
I run a hand over my short hair, frustrated by my own transparency. "She's had a rough time, that's all. Just want to make sure she feels safe here."
Luna's expression softens. "She does. Especially knowing you're looking out for her." She pauses, "But she needs space right now. Time to process everything that's happened. You hovering won't help with that."
She's right, of course. Trauma doesn't heal with more attention, especially male attention, no matter how well-intentioned.
"Get some sleep," Luna advises, echoing King. "You'll be more help to everyone, including Claire, if you're not dead on your feet."
I nod, accepting the wisdom in her words. "Jenny's bringing some clothes," I tell her. "Should be here soon."
"Perfect. I'll meet her at the gate." Luna gives my arm a gentle squeeze as she passes. "Everything's going to work out, Rage. It always does."
I watch her head toward the guest quarters, wondering how she maintains that optimism despite everything she's seen and experienced since meeting King. It's one of the things that makes her special. Her ability to believe in the good, even while preparing for the bad.
I decide to take everyone's advice and find a quiet room to crash in for a few hours. As I'm heading to one of the unused crash rooms, my phone vibrates with a group text from Steel:
*Movement at Cherry St property. 4 bikes arriving, 1 van. Heavily armed. Will continue surveillance from distance.*
Sleep will have to wait. If the Eagles are moving pieces into position already, we need to accelerate our preparations.
As I head toward the armory, I can't help glancing down the hallway toward the guest quarters where Claire is showering. She came to us for protection, but she may have brought a war to our doorstep in the process.
Either way, I'm going to make damn sure Tommy Reeves never lays hands on her again, even if I have to put him in the ground to ensure it.
Chapter 5 - Claire
The hot water stings my bruises but soothes everything else. I stand under the shower spray, letting it pound against my back, careful to keep the bandages around my ribs relatively dry. It's my first proper shower in three days, and I allow myself the luxury of standing there until the water begins to cool.
Luna provided a full set of toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash that smells like vanilla and lavender, even a razor and shaving cream. I use it all, cleaning away the grime of the past few days, as if I could somehow wash away Tommy's fingerprints from my skin.
When I finally step out, wrapped in a fluffy towel Luna provided, I feel more human, almost alive. I wipe the steam from the mirror and stare at my reflection. Wet hair slicked back, face flushed from the heat, bruises stark against my pale skin.
A soft knock at the bathroom door startles me.
"Claire?" Luna's gentle voice calls. "Jenny, Beast’s girlfriend, brought some clothes. I'll leave them on the bed for you."
"Thank you," I call back. "I'll be out in a minute."
I hear the outer door close as Luna leaves me to dress in privacy. I appreciate the consideration, the easy way she respects my boundaries without making me ask.
