Chapter Twenty
Link
LAST NIGHT WAS hugefor Annistyn.We celebrated her birthday at the clubhouse while all the gifts everyone got her were hidden at the house.None of us wanted to overwhelm her so this is how we chose to do things.Seeing her tears almost broke me though.I don’t ever want to see her cry again for any reason.Even if she says her tears are because she’s happy.Everyone made sure to go up and talk to her for a few minutes when she wasn’t looking completely overwhelmed.The only person missing was Roger.I called to let him know about the party we were having, but there was some kind of emergency on the ranch and he couldn’t get away.He’s pissed he couldn’t be there for his cousin but I know he’ll make it up to her somehow.The camera he bought her was something we talked about before he did it.He wanted to show her how proud of her he was and that was the only thing he could think of doing.We’re all proud of her for doing what she needs to for herself.
Annistyn opened the gifts in the privacy of our home as I watched her.It was like watching a child light up on Christmas morning.She took her time and was so genuinely happy with everything she opened.It didn’t matter if it was a card from one of the kids or something expensive one of the adults got her.Each gift healed a crack in her heart and she couldn’t stop smiling.When she was done opening everything up and threw away the wrapping paper, Annistyn carefully carried everything upstairs and put it away in her room.The clothes she got were put in her laundry basket so she can wash them tomorrow.For the first time I truly realize how horrible she was treated and how neglected she was by the people who were supposed to love her unconditionally.
That thought trail led me to ask questions about the accident that took her parents’ lives.I’m beginning to wonder if it was really an accident or if someone sabotaged their vehicle.After letting Annistyn know I was going to run down to the clubhouse really quick while she showered, I made my way there and straight to Master.He’s the one who will be able to help me.
Instead of drinking or hanging out with everyone, I find him in the room with all of his computers.He’s watching the cameras and making sure no one’s doing anything they shouldn’t be.Including the Prospects of all the clubs.
“What’s goin’ on, Link?”he asks when I walk in the room and take a seat next to him.
“Need your help with somethin’.I’ve been thinkin’ about everythin’ and I’m not sure the accident that killed Annistyn’s parents was really an accident.What if someone fucked with their vehicle and purposely caused the accident?They just didn’t plan on Annistyn makin’ it out alive,” I ask him as Master sits up straighter in his gaming chair and looks at me in that way he has when he’s trying to figure something out.
“Need me to look into it?”he returns, no hesitation at all.
“If you could.I want to make sure the people responsible for all of Annistyn’s pain and trauma are dealt with in the worst way possible.Prison is too fuckin’ good for them and they deserve to be punished harder than they ever hurt her,” I state as I look at one of the men I consider my closest friends.
“I’m on it.We’ve all got your back on this shit, Link.Annistyn might still be findin’ her footin’ when it comes to the club and all of us, but she’s family.She’ll always be family.We knew it the second you brought her in here and didn’t leave her side.Even when Doc locked you out of the medical room for her exam and treatment, you were right outside the door so you could be the first person she saw when Doc was done,” Master says as he looks at me before turning his attention to the computers in front of him.“I’ll make sure I find every fucker responsible for hurtin’ your girl.They’ll be served to you on a silver fuckin’ platter.”
“I appreciate that,” I tell him, laughter filling my voice as I stand from the chair and leave him alone to do his thing.Master always works better alone and really only allows Count in with him when he’s in the thick of some investigation.
I don’t stop or talk to anyone as I leave the clubhouse and head back to the house where Annistyn is waiting for me.If I know her, she’ll be waiting in my bed because we haven’t slept apart a single night since she walked back in the clubhouse.I really wasn’t expecting her to sleep in my bed so soon, but it happened.Her stuff is still kept in the room I gave her and she’s not ready to move everything in our room yet.That’s okay.I’ll wait as long as it takes because she still sleeps on top of me and that’s the most important part for me.
***
Iwake up later thannormal to find the bed next to me empty.Annistyn usually wakes up early and makes breakfast.If she didn’t sleep a lot the night before, she’ll go back to bed for a while once we’ve eaten.She tries to remain awake though.Getting up, I don’t bother changing for the day yet because it’s not necessary.I go to the bathroom and take care of business before making my way downstairs and straight for the kitchen.Annistyn is dancing around in front of the stove and has the largest smile on her face.
“Good mornin’, Pixie,” I say as I walk closer to her so I don’t scare her.There are days she’s still really jumpy and scares easily.We’ve all learned to announce ourselves as we enter any room she’s in.
“Good morning, Kreed.Did you get enough sleep?”she asks me while turning to face me.
“I slept really good.Did you get enough sleep, Pixie?”I return as I walk up behind her and pull her against my chest while wrapping my arms around her body to keep her against me.I need to feel her skin against mine any way I can.
“I got enough.Well, not really.I spent most of the night thinking about something,” Annistyn says as she turns in my arms and places a hand on my chest right over my heart.
“What kept you up, Pixie?You should have woken me up and we could have talked about it last night,” I ask her, confusion filling me because I didn’t feel her move once after falling asleep.
“I’ve been thinking about my parents.I’ve never been to their grave.My aunt and uncle always came up with one excuse after another to keep me away.I don’t even know if they have a proper burial spot.Obviously I didn’t ask questions until I was older and understood what happens when someone dies.I know nothing about what happened to their bodies once they were taken from the hospital.My aunt and uncle didn’t tell me anything,” she says and I know what today is going to bring for us.
Pulling out my phone, I pull up Master’s name and call him.He doesn’t hesitate to answer.
“Need the location of where Annistyn’s parents were buried.I’m gonna take her there today,” I say as Annistyn snuggles deeper into my chest.
“Have it in a minute.Need me to pass along a message to everyone?”he questions me as I look down at my girl.
“Need everyone to back off today.Give Annistyn the space she needs as she processes everythin’.If she wants to see everyone, I’ll bring her down to the clubhouse.Otherwise, my house is off limits,” I say as I look down at the woman who means the world to me.
“Got it.I’ll send a message in a minute with the address and coordinates of their graves,” Master promises me before he hangs up the phone.
