I follow him inside on shaky legs.The clubhouse is warm and a lot quieter than the last time I was here.
And there, in the main room, are five women.All looking at me with varying expressions of concern and welcome.
Devin's hand finds the small of my back."Enya, these are the Old Ladies.Chloe, Ailbhe, Mallory, Gráinne, Caoimhe."
A redhead with kind eyes steps forward first.“I’m Chloe, I’m Pyro's woman.It's lovely to meet you."
She takes my hand and shakes it, a beautiful smile on her face.
Then a tall woman with dark hair pulls me into an unexpected hug.“Hey, I’m Ailbhe, I’m Preacher's.You look like you need a hug, love."
I do.I really do.
A blonde with a sharp smile and knowing eyes nods at me.“I’m Mallory, I’m Raptor's woman.Tank’s finally bringing someone home?About bloody time."
"Mallory, Jesus," another woman says.Dark curls, bright energy."Give her a minute to breathe.I'm Gráinne.Bozo's woman.Don't mind Mallory.She's always like this."
The last woman, petite with gentle eyes, smiles softly.“Hi, I’m Caoimhe, I’m Cowboy's.Come on, let's get you some tea."
And just like that, I'm swept into their orbit.Guided to a couch.Given a mug of hot tea.Surrounded by warmth and acceptance.
Devin hovers nearby, protective.But the women wave him off.
"We've got her," Chloe says firmly."Go do whatever you need to do.She's safe with us."
He looks at me.I nod.He leaves reluctantly.
And then it's just me and them.
"So," Mallory says, settling beside me."Tank's been a right mess over you."
"Mallory," Ailbhe warns.
"What?It's true.The man's been distracted for weeks."
"He cares about you," Caoimhe says gently."A lot.Which means you're family now."
Family.
The word hits hard.I've been alone for so long.Just me and Warren and Mam.No one else.
"I don't want to be a burden," I say quietly.
"You're not," Chloe says firmly."And anyone who makes you feel like you are can fuck right off."
"She's right," Gráinne adds."We take care of our own.And if Tank says you're his, then you're ours too."
Ailbhe sits beside me and rubs my back in slow circles."What happened today?Tank said something about a note?"
I tell them.Halting at first, then everything spills out.The knock.The note.The terror.How Devin's been watching over me.How scared I am.
They listen.Really listen.No judgment.No platitudes.Just presence.
"That bastard," Mallory says when I finish."Someone needs to end him."
"Mallory!"
"What?It's true."She looks at me."The boys will handle it.They always do.And trust me, Declan won't know what hit him."
