“What about your grandparents?I mean, our grandparents?”I question him as I forget about taking pictures.“I don’t think I want to meet them at all.Not after everything they’ve done and all the damage they caused in our family.”
“Our grandma passed away about five years ago.She never got over the loss of your dad.When she found out about the accident that took his life, she gave up fighting.Grandma had been battling cancer for years and simply stopped because there was no chance of reconciliation with her son.Grandpa passed away two years later.Mom said it was from a broken heart because he lost his wife.I personally think it’s because he caused the rift in our family and knew it’s what ultimately killed his wife,” Roger says, a sad edge to his voice as he looks over at me.“We’re not bad people, we simply lost our way for a while.I think you’ll be the glue that holds us all together.”
“Do, um, do they know about my past?”I ask him as I turn away from my cousin because I’m not sure what answer I’m hoping he gives me here.
“They know the most minimum details.David will know more than anyone because of the case he’s building against your mom’s sister and brother-in-law.All of them have worked on the ranch since the very beginning and understand the importance of discretion and not bringing up such sensitive subjects before anyone else does.So, if you don’t want to share any of your story with them, they won’t bring it up to you.David might talk to you because of the case, but that’s only if it’s absolutely necessary.None of them want to make you uncomfortable or push you away, Annistyn.The only thing they want is to meet you and get to know you.They all feel the same way as Kreed does and want to do everything at your pace.Maybe start out small with only meeting a few of them,” Roger suggests, hope filling his voice as I turn my attention back to him in awe and shock because I’m not sure what I want to do.
I take a few minutes to truly think about the situation and know I have to meet my family at some point.Right now, I think I’d rather meet everyone at one time instead of prolonging everything.I’ve certainly been around a larger crowd with the men and women from the Feral Dragons, the Phantom Bastards, and the Wild Kings all at the same time.
“I think I’m ready to meet them, Roger.I’d rather meet them all at once instead of dragging everything out, I think.I mean, I’ve been around all those clubs at one time and I was able to handle it okay.If things become too much, I can step away for a minute to compose myself.The only stipulation I have is that Kreed is with me.Between the two of you I know I’ll be okay and nothing will happen,” I say as I prepare to take more pictures of the world around me.
“Kreed can be there if that’s what you want.He won’t ever be told he can’t come around the family.David knows him because of what the club does and is truly grateful for their work.You know what I’m talking about because you were one of the women the club has saved over the years.Kreed can explain more of it to you later on.Let’s get back to work,” Roger says with a smile on his face as he looks at me before turning and heading back to where he was.“I’ll set everything up with the family and let you know what they say.You’ll meet them all at once like you want.”
“Sounds good,” I say and focus back on taking pictures again.
Roger and I spend hours at the park.The only time I stop working is when I grab something to eat or drink.A young mom approaches me and I accept a job offer from her.Her son is turning three and they’re planning a huge celebration for him.I’ll be taking pictures of the event for her.Roger was so excited for me and I have to admit I’m happy as hell about the job.By the time we pack up and leave for the day, I have everything in mind for what I want to do tonight for Kreed.Hopefully I can get everything done before Kreed gets home.If not, I’ll explain what I’m doing to him.Everything between Kreed and I is built on trust and telling the truth to one another.I won’t change that because I want to surprise him.It will either work out or it won’t.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Link
WORK TODAY WAS brutal.We have a ton of vehicles to take care of and it was nonstop from the second we walked through the doors.Caleb didn’t spend a second in his office working on the paperwork as he typically does each morning so he doesn’t get behind and it takes forever to catch up.He spent the entire morning in the garage with us and worked where he was needed.Viper even came in to help us since he’s become a floater of sorts and goes back and forth between whatever business needs him.Today, we’re desperate for his help and Viper stepped up without hesitation.One of the many reasons we patched him in.This kid embodies every single thing we want in a member of our club and he has a horrible past.One we’re still figuring out because he hasn’t opened up a lot.That’s his choice to make, but I hate to see him carry the weight of it on his shoulders every single day.
I barely had the chance to message Annistyn knowing she was in the park with Roger for the day.I always try to check in on her if she’s away from the compound because she’s still out of her comfort zone when she leaves the safety of the gates behind.As I finish cleaning up my area of the garage, my phone rings and I find Sam’s name on the screen.I answer it immediately.Sam doesn’t typically call me during the day when she knows I’m at work.She waits for the evening to come around before she calls.Usually it’s just to check on me if she knows my mom has been busy.Lately, she calls to check on Annistyn before she calls her.Sam and my mom both refuse to call her if she’s having a bad day.
“What’s goin’ on, Sam?”I ask the second I’ve picked it up.
“Kreed, your mom is in the hospital.She collapsed at work and Playboy called an ambulance to come pick her up.It doesn’t look good, Kreed.She needs you here with her,” Sam informs me as my heart stalls in my chest before it starts racing out of control.
“I’m on my way,” I rush out, hanging up the phone and shoving it in my pocket.
I don’t say a word to anyone in the garage as they all stare at me.Rushing out of the garage, I don’t stop until I’m at my bike.I barely take the time to pull on my helmet and fasten it before straddling my bike and starting the engine.Immediately, I pull out and ride away from the garage and town.It’s going to take me hours to get to my mom and she needs me there.I can’t delay getting to her side for any reason.I don’t have a single thought in my head as I leave Glendale and race down the highway the second I pull on it.
I pass cars and trucks as if they’re standing still while I push my bike as fast as it will go.When it comes to riding, I rarely speed the way I am right now.I’d rather be safe on the road and ensure I make it home in one piece.Today, none of that matters to me.The only thing I care about is getting to the hospital and making sure my mom is okay.For so long she was the most important person in my life and the center of my entire universe.Now, that spot has been filled by Annistyn.My mom is still important to me and she always will be.She’s the woman who gave me life and raised me on her own.That’s the only thought in my mind as I ride to be at her side and ensure she gets the help she needs.This changes everything and I will have to talk to her about moving to Glendale so she’s closer to Annistyn and me.
***
