The Washington mountains rise up around us like guardians, their jagged silhouettes standing tall and strong. Everything seems to glow in the setting sun, and it brings me a sense of relief and calmness that’s needed right now.
The last few days, everyone has been much more welcoming, even Chaos gave me subtle little nods. We haven’t spoken, but I feel that’s progress in the right direction.
I inhale deeply, letting the cooling air fill my lungs, letting the fire chase away the chill on my skin. Club members sit in chairs around the fire, others standing around, all with beers, cigarettes, or joints in their hands. There’s no rush, no noise but the steady hum of nature, and the crackling of fire.
God, what a difference in company compared to the people Blake keeps around him. I had never felt so uncomfortable and out of place as I did at those stuffy dinners he brought me to, or all the glamorous events. But here at the clubhouse? This is easy now. The initial welcoming was rough, and sleeping the first night or two knowing everyone around me has probably committed murder wasn’t easy, but I’m choosing to have faith in Rhys and trust in his judgment. I know him.
Chaos stands from his chair, walking toward the fire as Rhys taps my thigh for me to let him up. He stands, joining Malice and Wrath in handing out glasses and pouring everyone a shot of an amber liquid. Rhys explained to me that since he wasn’t a member of the club, he wouldn’t be getting the same honor and processions a member would get, but because he was a respected and loyal employee of one of the businesses they run, they still wanted to honor him.
I accept the shot, holding the cool glass between my fingers while I wait for everyone else. Rhyssmiles at me, but I know his heart is hurting. Losing a building that he had spent so much time in, that has been around for most of his life, has to be painful.
“JJ was a good man, and we’re all thankful to have known him. He loved two things: whiskey and meatball subs,” Chaos says with a small laugh, others joining in; even I crack a smile, having not even known him. “We’re grateful for his service to the club, to Hell’s Asylum, to Amberwood, and to his family. May he rest in peace.” Everyone shoots their shot, so I do the same, the warm liquid burning fire down my throat. I hold back a cough, squinting and finding Rhys’ eyes burrowing into mine as he watches me. Then, he and Chaos pour a shot into the fire for JJ, the flames shooting up and hissing around the alcohol.
Despite the somber atmosphere and the reason for all being together, I look around at everyone here, the dozens of members, the women sitting together, some under the arms of some of the guys, and it really looks like such a family. A big, dysfunctional, messed up, loving, loyal family. I can understand why Rhys would thrive in this. I watch as Chaos and Rhys hug, Chaos whispering something into his ear. Rhys nods before walking back over to me.
“You doin’ okay?”
“I am. I actually need to talk to you about something.”
His eyebrows arch, head cocking to the side as he squats down in front of me. I reach out for him, the soft scruff of his beard tickling my palm. I take a deep, steadying breath, bracing myself for the conversation that needs to be had. I know Rhys just wants to keep me safe, and I have a feeling he couldpossibly push against what I’m about to ask him and use my safety as his biggest argument to make his case.
“I’ve missed too much work and these animals need me. Veterinarians from other places in the area have had to step in to save my ass, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful. But that doesn’t mean I can hide out forever. I have to go back.”
“I agree with you.”
“Wait, what?”
“I agree. That’s your happy place. If you’re ready to go back to work, then you should go. Do you mind if I volunteer while you’re there? I’ve gotta be honest, I miss Harvey, and I’ve been anxious as hell to see how he’s doing.”
For a moment, I’m stunned silent, the air leaving my lungs. God, this man, always putting me first. I should have known he wouldn’t be anything but supportive, as long as we’re being smart. I lean forward, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him in to kiss me. “Thank you. Yes, please volunteer, I miss being at the shelter with you. I miss my work, and the animals.”
“We’ll make a plan, since we haven’t found Blake, we’re going to need to take some extra precautions.”
“I’m okay with that. As long as I can go back. Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Do you mind if I use your phone? I’m supposed to have my weekly coffee with Kira, and she’s probably losing her mind having not heard from me.”
“Of course you can, we’ll go someplace this week and get you a new one. Are you okay losing everything on your old phone?”
“The things that are important are backed up in the ether somewhere. I have everything I need right here.” Rhys kisses me through his smile, and I melt into it, taking a deep, needed sigh.
I love him.
Ready to call my best friend and get the conversation over with and behind us, I step off to the side, walking around the perimeter of the building for some privacy. The sun has nearly completely set now, cloaking everything in darkness, the floodlights kicking on as I step in front of them.
I dial Kira’s number, the same one she’s had since she got her first phone, her voicemail picking up right away. “Hey, this is Kira, sorry I missed your call but if you leave a brief message, I’ll be sure to get right back to you!” Beep!
“Hey Kira, it’s me. Your phone had better not be dead again. Call me as soon as you get this, I have a lot to catch you up on. K? Love you.”
After I leave the message, I bring up a chat, sending her a text so she knows this is Rhys’ phone number and reminding her that I love her. So much has changed so quickly, but at least I don’t have to worry about her hearing everything from Blake. She hates him more than anyone on the planet. I wince, knowing she’s been right all along. I hate how long it took me to leave him and it’s hard to wonder if things would have escalated like this if I had left sooner, or if it was always going to end up this way.
The next morning,Rhys and I wake up together, the morning light spilling through the curtains of his bedroom, his armswrapped tight around my hip. I take a deep inhale, letting the slow moment seep into my bones, just as Rhys’ phone goes off.
“Hey, baby, you awake? It’s Kira.” Rhys hands me the phone and I quickly open it while he snuggles his face into the back of my neck.
Kira: All’s good over here! Lost track of the weekend. In Aspen Ridge. I’ll be in touch soon!
