“It’s a memorial tattoo. For my sister,” I confess.
Her hand stops moving on the tattoo, and her brows furrow for a second.
“I thought you said she found a pack and everything settled down for her?”
“I lied. I didn’t know what to say. The wrong people took her, and I couldn’t protect her. Trying to find her is how I got most of my scars, but it wasn’t enough. Losing Leilani was the reason I joined the Dead Palms down in Miami. I was lost for a really long time and blamed myself for what happened to her.”
“I’m so sorry, Cash,” she whispers.
There isn’t much else to say. I’m not about to dig up the horrific history of what happened. It’s too painful, and I’m appreciative that Lily seems to get that. If anyone understands me to my core, it’s her.
“I think when you were taken, it brought up a lot of memories of that time. I’m not proud of the way I handled things, and I won’t tell you everything I did to get back to you. But Ihadto get you back. I couldn’t let history repeat itself.”
She snuggles closer to me, and it feels like both of us just get it. We’ve both lost a sibling in a horrific way. It’s hard to explain the kind of grief it leaves behind.
“I’m sorry for throwing a fit about it during my heat,” she grimaces.
“You didn’t know, and I kind of liked how jealous you got,” I reply, trying to keep the tone light.
It’s clear she’s not ready to talk about her brother, and I won’t push her. Just like she doesn’t push me for any more details. We can read each other better now that we’re bonded, and I’m grateful for it.
“I can’t promise I won’t throw a fit about it in the future. If I’m in my right mind like now, I’m fine. But during my heat, I seem to be very possessive.”
“I’ll just cover it up when you’re in heat. And maybe we’ll make sure there are no breakables when we build your new nest.
“You’re so good to me,” she sighs dreamily, her dog resting her head on Lily’s hand.
“That’s my job. You’re my girl.”
She snuggles closer to me, and my door opens again. I’m going to fucking kill someone if I can’t get more alone time with Lily. Of course, it’s Axel, having a house wouldn’t stop the needy Beta from sneaking into my room. He couldn’t stay away, and I don’t blame him.
At least he’s quiet as he comes to lie next to Lily on the other side of the bed—that’s way too fucking small for three people.
“I think tomorrow I’ll go check in on the other Omegas and see if they need anything,” she muses out loud.
I worry about her taking care of everyone else besides herself, but keeping herself busy is what’s helping her heal right now. I found staying busy with the club was what brought me peace when my sister died. Lily has to place her focus on helping in order to cope. I’m happy her vice isn’t harmful, at least.
“How many wound up staying?” I ask.
“Quinn and her cousin, Mason,” she says his name in an irritated tone. “The twins, Hannah and Maggie, and Ellie. The rest had families to go home to,” she says the last part sadly, and I’m not sure how to make this better for her.
“We’re a family now,” Axel interrupts, tossing an arm over her hip.
“We are,” I agree with him.
“I know we are. It still hurts though,” Lily says.
“You know she had to leave. There was no way she could stay here and be happy. There was no way people wouldn’t look at her differently,” Axel points out, talking about Lily’s mother.
He doesn’t bring up her stepfathers or Leon; though, I think it’s understood she’s lost more than any of us throughout this ordeal.
“I know, I just want to talk to her,” she mumbles with a sniffle.
“I’ll talk to Tate tomorrow, okay?” Axel offers.
“Thank you.”
We’re so fucking whipped, and neither of us even cares. I take this moment to relax and not worry about all the bad shit that could happen. Right now, we’re safe. My Omega is in my arms, my dog is on my lap, and my girl’s husband is somehow the voice of reason.
