Irish (Devil's Boneyard MC 4)

by Wylde, Harley

  “We’re fucked,” the one at the window muttered. “I’m sorry, but no club is fucking worth this shit. We’re all dead men walking for taking this dumb bitch. You just had to take her, didn’t you, Bud? Saw that truck and decided she needed to pay for surviving. Now we’re all gonna pay for your mistake.”

  At least I had a name now. One of them anyway. Unless it was a term of endearment or a nickname, but I didn’t think so. The asshole looked like a Bud.

  “Shut up, Skeet. No one fucking asked you,” Bud said. “No, when we kill her, we’ll send a message. A loud and clear one that we’re untouchable and don’t give a fuck about the pansy ass clubs coming to save her.”

  “So if you’re going to kill me, why take me? Why not just get it over with where they could see you do it?” I asked, then wished I’d kept my mouth shut. Great, Janessa. That’s it. Give them ideas and amp them up even more.

  “Because we want to take our time,” Bud said, giving me a smile that chilled me.

  Hurry, Seamus. I don’t know how long I can hold out.

  Chapter Ten

  Irish

  Seeing those bastards take off with Janessa, I’d felt a spike of fear, but not nearly as great as the terror I felt staring into eyes that looked exactly like my own, but on a much smaller, female person. Seeing the kids in her truck had drawn me to a halt, if only long enough to ensure they were safe. I’d heard a few bikes continue on and hoped they could keep up with the assholes who had Janessa. Then I’d seen the smallest girl. Even if the older girl in the truck hadn’t said the little sprite was my daughter, I’d have known. I barely remembered her mom, wasn’t even sure I’d ever known her name. The woman had been right to think I’d have run when faced with the prospect of being a dad. I hadn’t been ready then, probably wasn’t ready now, but I didn’t have a choice.

  I looked at Tex, who looked less than thrilled that my transgressions had caught up to me, and his daughter had discovered it first. The second most of the men with me had seen the children, they’d stopped pursuing The Inferno. For one, those were some crazy bastards and none of us were dumb enough to try and take them on without enough manpower. I didn’t know why Tex had stopped as well, but I was wishing he hadn’t found out this way that I had a kid. Hell, I was wishing I hadn’t discovered it this way either.

  “Nessa. I can’t let them take her,” I said.

  “I think you have someone else right here who needs you,” he said.

  He wasn’t wrong, but I couldn’t leave Janessa with those men. I’d wasted enough time checking on the kids, then getting over the shock that I had a daughter. I had no doubt they intended to kill her this time. They had to have recognized her truck and targeted her on purpose. My gut clenched at the thought of losing her. She’d nearly died once already, and I knew if she didn’t come back, I’d fall apart. She’d quickly become the center of my entire world.

  Zipper held out his hands. “Give her to me and go after your woman. I’ll make sure these girls get back to the compound in one piece.”

  “Take the truck,” I said. “Have a Prospect come back for your bike.”

  He nodded. “They’ll be cared for until you get back, but time’s wasting. You’re going to lose their trail if you don’t hurry.”

  I got back on my bike and took off in the direction of The Inferno. I could hear my brothers and the other clubs at my back, but noticed one member was missing. Tex pulled alongside me and we led the way. I saw Stripes, Cobra, and Renegade near some tire marks that veered onto a dirt path and Stripes gave a nod toward the path. I was immediately grateful they’d thought to keep pursuing Janessa and The Inferno. I started down the bumpy road, hoping he wasn’t wrong and they had really come this way. A little ways down the road, I stopped my bike and killed my engine. If they were down this way, the last thing I wanted was to give them a heads-up that we’d found them. The rumble of our bikes would be a dead giveaway.

  “On foot from here,” Tex said. “Everyone armed and ready? I don’t care if you take down every one of these fuckers.”

  “But leaving one alive might give us some information,” Cinder said.

  I hadn’t even realized he’d joined us, but I was grateful. He took charge, barking out orders, and putting everyone into place. If it had been left to me, we’d have charged the house, and I likely would have gotten Janessa killed. I wasn’t thinking rationally, even I could admit as much. If Cinder got Janessa out of there, I’d do whatever he said without question. I should anyway, since he was my Pres, but my head wasn’t in the right place at the moment.

  Cinder speared me with his icy glare. “You stay at the back, Irish. I don’t know what we’ll find when we get in there. The last thing I need is you coming unglued and doing something stupid. You hear me?”

  I nodded and swallowed hard, trying not to think of what he meant about what we might find when we reached Janessa. The thought of those monsters hurting her made my stomach churn and fury engulf me.

  “Boy, I mean it,” Cinder said. “You have a kid to think about now. Don’t go in half-cocked and get yourself killed.”

  He was right. I couldn’t shake the sight of those eyes staring at me, the ones just like my own. The other girl had said my daughter’s name was Payson. Janessa’s tender heart had led her outside the gates. She should have had protection, and the fact Killian let her leave without any would be addressed. He’d been a good Prospect, a good friend, but he’d fucked up and it might have cost me the woman I love.

  We fanned out and crept closer to the rooftop we could see in the distance. The house that came into view looked about two seconds from falling down. That wasn’t what made the blood in my veins turn to ice. It was the screams coming from inside. I tensed, ready to bolt into the house, but a hand gripped me tight.

  “Steady, Irish,” Grimm said. “We’ll get her back, and we’ll make them pay.”

  “I can’t… I can’t sit here and hear that, hear them tormenting her,” I said.

  “Stay out here,” Grimm said. “Wait until we have them under control, then you can come inside for Janessa. She’s family to me, and I swear that every Reaper here will make sure she’s alive and those men pay for hurting her.”

  I nodded and watched as everyone converged on the house. I heard Janessa scream again and I wanted to roar out my anguish at being unable to stop them. I watched as Cinder kicked in the front door and heard the back door give way as well. The house was surrounded, and no one was getting away. Shots were fired and Janessa screamed again. I couldn’t take it another moment and charged for the house, not stopping until I’d stormed inside and found her, cowering in the corner of a bedroom.

  Blood dripped down her face and neck, and bruises were forming on her neck and arms. She sobbed when she saw me and started crawling in my direction. I rushed toward her and gathered her in my arms. I rocked her, my heart hammering in my chest as her tears soaked my shirt.

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart.” My throat was tight and my voice hoarse as I tried to comfort her. Gently, I lifted her into my arms. I didn’t look around, just carried her out of the house.

  Tex was outside and gave me a nod as I walked past. I carried Janessa to my bike, then worried whether she’d be able to stay on. I wasn’t staying around, though, not long enough for someone to bring a vehicle. I helped her onto the back of my bike, then swung my leg over the seat. Her hands trembled as she placed them around my waist, and I covered them with one of my own. When I was certain that she would be able to hold on, I started the bike and headed for the compound. I stuck to the back roads, not wanting any attention.

  Killian was at the gate and opened it. I pulled inside, then stopped my bike. Giving Janessa’s hands a squeeze, I got off the bike and approached the man I’d thought of as a friend for so long, a soon-to-be brother, and I hauled my fist back and clocked him across the jaw. Killian stumbled, then spat some blood on the ground.

  “I deserved that,” he said. “I had every intention of sending
someone after her, Irish. I called up to the clubhouse after she pulled out, and no one would answer the damn phone. I tried every number in my cell phone and couldn’t get a single brother or Prospect to answer. I couldn’t leave my post. Shade stopped by and found a device nearby that was making it seem like my calls were going through, but they weren’t, despite the ringing I heard. I think they were watching and waiting, Irish. I don’t know why they didn’t take her right away, unless the girl in the truck with her threw them off balance. Maybe they were hoping Janessa would drop her somewhere, and then they could take your woman when she was alone.”

  “You left her unprotected! She could have died!” I was screaming and couldn’t seem to stop myself. I went after him again, blow after bow, not caring that my knuckles split open or that Killian wasn’t fighting back.

  “Seamus.”

  Her voice was soft, nearly a whisper, but it broke through the haze of my rage. I stopped and turned toward her. She swayed a little and I lurched, wrapping my arms around her before she could fall.

  “Call the doc,” I told Killian.

  I didn’t stop to see if he was following my instructions. I left my bike and walked to my house, carrying Janessa. I carried her inside and took her to our room, easing her down on the bed. As much as I wanted to hold her hand and never leave her side, I couldn’t leave her looking like this. I got a warm, wet cloth from the bathroom and cleaned the blood from her face and neck. There was a cut along her cheekbone, and it looked like finger marks darkening along her neck.

  Dr. Chansy came into the room, a bag clutched in his hand, the kind doctors used to use in the movies. He took one look at Janessa and pierced me with his steely gaze.

  “Out of the room, Irish. I need to be able to talk to her without the young lady worrying you might be upset by what she says,” Dr. Chansy said.

  I looked at Janessa and she gave me a slight nod, which wasn’t encouraging. I stepped out, but left the door opened a little, and I waited right outside. As I listened to her talk to Dr. Chansy, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d failed her. I hadn’t kept her safe like I’d promised. They’d taken her, nearly killed her.

  “Janessa, I need you to be honest with me,” Dr. Chansy said. “Other than the bruising and cuts, did they do anything else to you? Did they rape you?”

  “No,” she said, her voice soft but sure. “They didn’t seem interested in that. They liked to hit me, cut me, and make me scream.”

  “Any other cuts?” he asked.

  I heard rustling, like she was removing her clothes. Their voices dropped to a murmur and I couldn’t hear what was said next. After a few minutes of waiting, I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed back into the room and went to sit on the other side of the bed, reaching for her hand.

  “Thought I told you to wait outside,” the doc said.

  “Decided I didn’t want to listen.”

  “You need some antibiotics,” Dr. Chansy said. “Any chance you might be pregnant?”

  Janessa and I shared a look before she gave him a slight nod.

  “It’s been less than a week,” I said.

  “My period is due in another week,” Janessa said. “Could we tell then?”

  “We can discuss that more later. I’ll prescribe something that wouldn’t hurt a baby in case you are pregnant. You should also know that while you’re taking these, birth control isn’t going to work unless you use condoms.”

  I waved a hand at her, noting the cuts on her legs and along her side. “You think I’m going to do anything while she’s hurting like this?”

  “Seamus, it’s not as bad as it looks,” she said.

  “It could be worse,” the doc agreed, “but don’t make light of what you’ve been through, Janessa. Try to take it easy and keep the wounds clean.”

  “I’ll make sure she doesn’t strain herself,” I said.

  “Call me if she gets worse or if you need anything,” Dr. Chansy said.

  “Thanks, Doc.”

  Dr. Chansy nodded and wrote out a prescription for Janessa before leaving. I ran my fingers through her hair, and noticed my hand wasn’t that steady. It had scared the hell out of me, seeing them take off with her. Hearing her screams was something that would fuel my nightmares for years to come. I’d been through a lot of shit, both in the military and with the club, but I’d never been truly afraid of anything until the two times I’d nearly lost Janessa.

  “I love you,” I told her. “So damn much.”

  “Love you too, Seamus.”

  I leaned down and kissed her softly. “Rest a bit.”

  “The girls?” she asked. “Are they okay?”

  “Zipper brought them back here to the compound.”

  “Seamus, they’re all alone. Shella said she’d have to go into foster care, and Payson…”

  I saw the flash of pain in her eyes and knew I’d put it there by having a kid with a woman I didn’t even really remember.

  “I’m sorry, baby. So damn sorry.”

  “She needs you,” Janessa said. “They both do.”

  “We can talk about it later, sweetheart. I need to help you get clean and into your pajamas; then you’re going to rest. I’ll make something for us to eat in a little while.”

  “Bring the girls here, Seamus.”

  “I have nowhere for them to sleep,” I reminded her.

  “Then fix it. They shared a room. Your daughter didn’t have any toys or books. They barely have clothes.”

  I could tell she was getting tired now that she was safe and at home where she belonged. I kissed her softly again, promising to take care of the girls. Anything to get her to rest and stop worrying. I helped her bathe and dress, then waited until she’d fallen asleep.

  As much as I hated to admit it, Nessa was right. Those girls needed a place to stay. Since I hadn’t known about Payson, there was no way I was listed on her birth certificate. I’d have to prove I was her father before I’d get custody of her, and I didn’t have a clue what to do with the older one. Shella. She looked like a kid, even though I’d been told she was a teen.

  I made arrangements for someone to get the appropriate furniture and toys for a girl Payson’s age, then I called the clubhouse to see if anyone had made arrangements for Shella. I knew my tenderhearted Janessa would want to keep the girl here, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Yes, she was Payson’s sister, but I didn’t think Janessa would be up for a toddler and a teen, and I knew I damn sure wasn’t. Cinder seemed glad that I was doing the right thing by Payson. It might have upset me that he’d had doubts, but I’d doubted myself. I felt like an asshole for not letting Shella stay, but I knew in the long run, she’d be better off elsewhere.

  “Demon spoke to his Pres. Grizzly lost his wife to cancer a while back and his daughter is now married to Badger. There’s another young girl living at his place, the one we recued in Columbia. He’s agreed to take in Shella, give her a home and a chance at a decent life. He thought maybe Shella and his other adopted daughter could become friends and give each other some much needed support. They’re already working on the arrangements,” Cinder said.

  “I guess I need to arrange a paternity test for Payson,” I said.

  “We’ll handle it. For now, we’ve notified the authorities that she’s here and that you’re her father. They may be sending someone from social services around to start the proper paperwork, but I got Judge Thompson to name you as the girl’s guardian for now.”

  “How did you…” Maybe I didn’t want to know.

  Cinder chuckled. “When you’ve been around as long as me, you gather some favors along the way. Don’t worry about the how. I heard you have some prospects scrambling to get a room set up for your daughter. That’s good. We’ve got her entertained at the clubhouse until you’re ready for her. How’s Janessa?”

  “Doc says she’ll be fine, but he left a prescription. If anyone’s available, can you have them swing by and pick it up? She’ll need to start taking it tonight.” />
  “Consider it done,” Cinder said. “I know I come across as a hard-ass sometimes, but I’m glad you have Nessa and Payson. Don’t fuck it up.”

  “I won’t,” I said, hoping I wasn’t lying.

  “Jackal sent over some clothes for Payson, things Allegra has outgrown. They’re in better shape than what the kid brought with her so they thought you could use them for now. I’m sure you’ll want to take her shopping once Janessa is healed and things have settled a bit.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be sure to thank him. Just give me some time to get a room set up, and then I’ll come get Payson.”

  “I’ll bring her by,” Cinder said. “Shouldn’t leave Janessa alone.”

  “I’m surprised her family hasn’t already shown up on the doorstep,” I said.

  “I’m keeping them at bay until tomorrow. The doc spoke with them and let them know their daughter would be all right. If she’s up to visitors later, then you can invite them over. Tex asked permission to stay another two days before they head home.”

  “Thank you, Pres. For everything.”

  “It’s what I’m here for. Now take care of your girls.”

  The line went dead and I decided to pick a room for my daughter. The thought still staggered me, that I had a kid I’d never known about. And a girl at that. I didn’t know a damn thing about raising a little girl, but if Jackal had managed it, then so could I. Hell, he’d been just as bad as me at one point, if not worse.

  I chose a room down the hall from mine, not wanting her close enough that we’d keep her awake if we got a little loud at night, but near enough she hopefully wouldn’t be scared. When the new stuff arrived, I put the little bed together and tried to make the room look inviting. The walls were a plain beige, but I didn’t want to take the time to paint. It would take a day to paint the walls and possibly another before they were dry. I wanted my daughter to know this was her home now and that she was welcome here. Payson had been through enough already without staying with strangers, although I was honestly a stranger to her as well, even if I was her dad.