Michael cleared his throat. “I could start the paperwork on that if you would like.” He looked at Jenny and me. We both nodded in agreement.
As they continued to talk, I could feel my bladder begging for a release. I tapped Tech on his shoulder. “I’m going to use the bathroom.” He appeared hesitant to let me leave. “Babe, the bathroom is right in the lobby. I’ll be fine.”
I got up before he could protest. Making my way to the bathroom, I quickly handled my business. While I washed my hands, I heard the bathroom door open. I figured it was Tech checking on me. Not bothering to lift my head, I chuckled.
“I told you I was going to be fine.” I froze when I finally looked up and saw an older man with eyes that matched Tech’s.
Except this time, I didn’t get that warm, fuzzy feeling I get when I stare into Tech’s eyes. He was a tad bit taller and stockier than Tech. This man made my stomach turn as goosebumps pebbled all over me. While Tech's eyes were bright, warm, and inviting, his were cold. It was like staring into a soulless monster. I was struck with fear.
Inside, I was screaming for help, but no words escaped me. Faster than lightning, Sire had his hand around my throat. He slammed my head against the mirror. I felt the glass crack. I pried at his hands, trying to get him off, but his grip was firm.
“I want you to give my son a message for me. Can you do that?” He squeezed tighter, prompting me to nod. “Tell him I’m coming for him. He will regret the day he betrayed me. I won’t stop until I ruin him and everything around him. Including you.”
By the time he finished, my eyes were rolling in the back of my head. I felt consciousness leaving me. He let me go, and I dropped to the ground, gasping for air. Sire left as quickly as he came. Tears poured from my eyes.
I wasn’t a punk by any means. I had to defend myself my entire life. But something about Sire terrified me. His presence was pure evil. I didn’t know how Tech survived one day in that man’s care, let alone an entire childhood.
I didn’t know how long I sat there, clutching my throat and crying, before Tech walked into the bathroom. As soon as he saw me, he hurried over to me and took me in his arms.
“What’s going on, Dimples? Talk to me,” he asked hurriedly.
I was still trying to catch my breath. “Sire… Sire was here.”
His eyes darkened. “What?!” his voice boomed.
I ran down everything that happened. By the time I finished, his nostrils were flaring, and he looked pissed. He helped me up from the ground, checking me over.
“He will never get a chance to touch you ever again. You hear me?” He palmed both of my cheeks, bringing my gaze to his. I nodded as he pecked my lips a few times. “Come on, let’s go.”
When we walked back into Michael's office, Tech let him know we would finish everything up virtually. As we left, Jenny was watching us with a look of concern. She didn’t know about Sire, and I knew Tech wanted to keep it that way. While we drove, I looked out the window, wondering how all of this was going to unfold.
Sire was under the impression that Tech had betrayed him in some way. I saw the look in his eyes. He wasn’t going to stop until he executed his revenge. I just hoped the club would find him before he could make his final move.
It'd beena few days since the incident at Michael’s office. Tech had been consumed with trying to locate Sire. After running everything by Viper, he was almost ready to put us on lockdown. I really didn’t want it to come to that. Lockdown meant nobody left the compound whatsoever unless it was an emergency.
Since Viper was considering putting the club on lockdown, Cara, Crystal, and Sara decided to go to Costco to stock up just in case. I had to beg and plead to be allowed to tag along. There were still a few things we needed to grab for Miracle. He only agreed if we took two prospects.
Ethan and Wyatt tagged along for the outing. Tech and Viper made sure they both understood what would happen if any of us were harmed. I didn’t like the idea of them being punished for something beyond their control. So, I made sure to stick close to them. Especially since I had Miracle with me. Tech had gotten a lead on Sire, so I took her with me so he could focus.
As we made our way through the aisles, people openly watched us. Probably because we had eight carts stacked to capacity. They just didn’t understand, even when shopping in bulk, that meant absolutely nothing with twenty-plus bikers to feed. Not to mention the children and their growing appetites.
While I was grabbing a case of baby formula, I heard someone call my name. I turned around and saw Tabitha making her way toward me. I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for her. I had so much shit I was dealing with. Tabitha would only further aggravate me.
Cara and Sara watched her with looks of disdain. I knew they would never forget how my family treated me in that hospital. Tabitha ignored the stares and made her way over to me.
“Well, it’s good to know you’re alive. Your mom says she called you a few times, but you won’t answer her calls.”
That was a lie. My mother hadn’t reached out to me since she walked out of my hospital room.
“Really? I don’t know who she called, but it wasn’t me.” I continued browsing the shelf, refusing to make eye contact with her. I wanted her to catch a hint, but of course, Tabitha never knows how to read a room.
“Even if she didn’t, that’s your mother. You shouldn’t go weeks without checking on her,” Tabitha chastised. She and I both knew she didn’t give a damn. She just wanted to find a reason to try and check me about something.
“Well, I’ve been busy. But thanks for the advice,” I replied sarcastically.
Tabitha stepped around Cara’s cart to stand beside me. “I see that. Whose baby do you have?” she asked as she reached out to touch Miracle.
Before I could react, Cara swatted her hand down. “Keep those fish sticks to yourself.” Wyatt and Ethan chuckled while Sara and Crystal tried holding back their laughter. Cara held out a finger toward Miracle, and she wrapped her tiny hand around it. “Don’t you worry. Auntie Cara will keep that sea creature away from you. Yes, she will,” Cara cooed at her.
