I sigh in relief. I am grateful I found him in time. Thinking if I was too late, makes my stomach turn. I couldn’t dwell on that. My family needs me strong. I thank the doctor, he said he would be back soon to check on him.
A few moments later, Jack walks in with four cups of coffee and a chocolate milk. I smirk at him and he shrugs.
“For the kid, no one likes hospital food.” I chuckled at him. He walks over to Jester and Eli and kicks them both. “Wake up douche bags.” They moan in protest but wake up all the same. I drink the warm coffee—it feels so good to have some caffeine. I need to check on Avery.
“VP, can you call Prez and check-in, I don’t want to stir the little guy awake digging for my phone.” Eli nodded, stepping out.
“How is he?” Jester asked.
“Doc says he’ll be fine. He was dehydrated, his body started to shut down. That’s why he was so cold. If he don’t wake up soon, he’ll need a feeding tube.”
The guys sigh in relief, still knowing we’re not out of the woods yet. I need the little guy to wake up. I’m not going to wake him up. I need him to wake on his own. He feels so peaceful sleeping on my chest. I wouldn’t dare wake him. Eli walks back into the room.
“Everything is fine. Avery is sleeping. Colt and Harley are sleeping by her side. One thing, though…” Shit. I knew things wouldn’t stay quiet for long. I wish they would have, at least until we were back at the club house behind the gates. Damn it.
“Coin asked Prez to send Mouse to check-in with us, he hasn’t shown up yet. That was five hours ago.”
“Fuck!” Jester yells. I look at him with anger on my face. Glancing to Freak and back to him—he knew he fucked up. The kid didn’t move though. He nodded his apology; I give him a head lift.
“Shit! What now?” Jack asked. I was wondering the same thing.
“I doubt the Jackals could track us that fast. It’s only been, what?—twelve hours since we returned, fifteen since we rescued them from that dump. They either have pull in our fucking town or they were tipped off. Fuck! Either way it doesn’t help us.” He was right. It was a four hour drive to their clubhouse. But we made it an hour early from speeding to get them medical attention. So there has to be either a rat or pull in our own town.
“I bet they have pull, no one would rat out the club from what happened to Tiny years ago for his betrayal.”
“I agree with Chevy, got to be pull.” Jack said. We all nod in agreement. Eli heads back out to call Prez back.
I feel a slight difference in Freak’s breathing. I got scared for a moment. I look down and he was staring up at me. Deep, sky-blue eyes. I got lost for a moment. Takes after his grandpa—my very own eyes looking up at me. I soften under his gaze.
“Hey, little guy.” I say in a loud whisper. I don’t want to scare him. The guys both looked up and Eli walked in as I talked to Freak. They all freeze, waiting for him to speak or cry—careful not to startle him. Eli came in and slowly sat down between Jack and Jester.
“My mommy is dead, right?” He looked so scared, but he wasn’t acting on it. I could only see it in his eyes.
“Why do you think she is?” I asked.
“Because my daddy was going to kill her. I heard him say it to her a lot.” My heart broke. He watched his mom endure every single scar, every ounce of pain.
“No, mommy is going to be fine.”
“Are you going to hurt me like my daddy does?” That’s it. I couldn’t take it. A tear slid down my cheek as I spoke.
“No, little man. No one is going to hurt you or your mommy anymore.” He nodded. He didn’t move from my arms. Maybe he was too scared or maybe he was comfortable and felt safe. I hope it was the second one.
“Hey, little man. My name is Jack. Do you like chocolate milk?” Jack approached.
“What’s chocolate?” He asked. Jack’s face said it all. He blinked away tears and stood tall. Grabbing the milk, he made his way to us.
“It’s like, the best drink in this world. Here, try it. If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something different. Deal?” He held out the milk.
“Deal.” Freak took the container of milk and sipped the chocolaty drink and all of a sudden he was slamming damn near the whole thing, dripping milk all over me. We all just laughed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spill it. Please don’t smack me.” He was scared of spilled milk. His eyes held fear this time. He started to shake. I did the only thing I could think of. I grabbed the rest of his milk and took a drink and leaned over him. I spilled it all over both of us on purpose.
“Sorry, little guy. Looks like we both need to slow down or we’ll end up going to CMA.” We laughed. I never thought I would hear his laugh. It was heaven. Pure heaven locked away in a hell that no one deserved to be in.
“What’s CMA?” He asked giggling. Jack chimed in.
“It’s where you go if you drink too much of something and can’t stop.” He just nodded.
“Are you hungry little guy? I can get you a happy meal.” Eli asked. He looked confused. He has had nothing outside of that hell. Eli stood and walked over to Freak.
“It’s a hamburger and fries with a tiny toy. There is more chocolate milk too.” Soon as Eli mentioned the milk, the kid started nodding fast as hell.
“I don’t want you out alone, take Jack with you.” I said.
“Come on, Brother. Crampin’ my style.” Jack looked about the same—probably thinking the same thing, but they went anyways; to ease all our minds. I pressed the call button to let the nurse know he was awake. He turned to me and asked who I was.
“I’m your grandpa. My name is Ford.” He looked full of hope.
“Mommy talked about you. She said one day you’d come to save us.” Avery knew about me? I just smiled. I need to reassure him that I had come. He was safe. It wasn’t a dream. I’d protect him. I continued with the easiest questions first.
“What’s your name?”
“Caleb, mommy calls me that. My daddy and his friends call me freak because of my face.” He said looking down. I asked how old he was and turns out he was three. Avery had to have him at fourteen—such a young age. Poodle is in his thirties. That fucker raped my baby and Caleb was the product. It doesn’t take my love away from him at all. It fuels my rage and revenge for Poodle.
He has never been outside before or had toys. Avery once gave him a tablet and a pen to draw with if he promised to hide it from Poodle, his father. All his clothes, Avery made the best she could out of her own. He also told me how he and Avery would get punished if Poodle or Rufus or any other member was mad about something. He told me how Avery would sneak to the kitchen for food and water. But she could only take a little so she wouldn’t get in trouble. This time, she got in trouble for taking a whole slice of pizza that was a day old, and they both got punished. The rage continuously building inside as I hear all of the things they went through. I let little man talk more. He seemed happy to get it off his chest. I needed him to trust me. I would protect him no matter what. I asked more questions and he answered. I asked how he got the bruises on his wrist. Poodle would tie him to the bed post while he raped Avery—making my grandson watch as his mother cried in pain, but she would just tell him to close his eyes and sing and to keep singing until she said to stop. My heart broke into a million pieces. I don’t think I have much of a heart left, but every time I look in those blue eyes, it instantly becomes whole again. I wonder if Poodle’s mother was still alive? Or anyone he has ever cared about for that matter. He has to have someone he would die for. I would tie him to the fucking bed post while me and my brothers took turns raping her. Let him listen to her screams as we tear her the fuck open. Yea, I’m a sick, twisted bastard. Heartless. What the fuck would you do, listening to a baby tell you how his mother was tortured in front of him since his birth, let alone her whole life? Yea, you would want the fucker to suffer too. I finally got to the question I was dying to know. Who did the scaring on his face? He looked down and answered
in a whisper.
“My daddy hurt my neck, because when I was a tiny baby I was crying too much. My face was because he was mad that I looked like Rider and not him. He said mommy was a liar and I was a bastard and no one loved me. But I know my mommy loves me. She tells me all the time. When can I see my mommy?”
“Soon as the doctor says we can leave, okay?” He nodded. But I could tell his real safe haven was his mother. I can understand. I needed my family in one room. Once that happens, I’d be happy. I’d be as happy as a pig in shit when I put the last Jackal to ground. I look forward to that day like a kid on fucking Christmas morning.
Eli came back and Caleb ate every single bit of his food and asked for more. Eli was happy to run and get him two more happy meals. Jack groaned and Eli just stared at him.
“My buddy wants more, so get your ass up.” Caleb smiled at Eli. Eli smiled and winked at him. The doctor came in and said we could go and he would check on him later in the week. When he checked on Avery, he said that Avery was still asleep when he took his break to go to the club. But not to worry, she would need plenty of rest to get through the next couple of days. As we drove back to the club, Caleb sat quietly. Just as anxious to see his mother as I was.
Avery was still sleeping as we walked into the infirmary. Colt and Harley were awake and talking as we walked in. Harley’s face lit up when she saw Caleb walking and talking. He walked in like he owned the place. Yup, that is my grandson. I laughed to myself. He pulled over a chair and climbed up to Avery and sat on the bed and started talking about happy meals and how he would get her one when she woke up. He talked about how funny Eli was. Then he mentioned about going to CMA and I lost it when Colt and Harley looked at me with confusion. I shrugged and said “Jack.” Caleb would bounce back no problem. I was worried more for Avery. Harley just watched as Caleb talked to his mother with such happiness. She was happy to have them together as was I. I gave a head lift to Colt and he followed me out the door.
“Anything?”
“She woke up for about a minute and asked for Caleb, then Freak. I thought we forgot someone. She said no, he was Freak. I told her he was fine. She asked me my name. I told her, and she fell back asleep.” I nodded. We walked back in and Caleb was curled up to her and she had her arms around him.
“She wrapped him in her arms and fell back asleep.” Harley said smiling. I walked over to join her and watched them. Caleb was mumbling as he fell asleep with his mother. I got closer to Harley, wrapped my arm around her, and we watched our world—our everything—sleep happily knowing their safe with us. I gave her a kiss to her forehead and went to find Prez.
Most of my brothers were already in the room. I grab a seat by Jack. After Ruckus is last in the door, we start church.
“Mouse has been gone for seven hours, Brothers. I know the Jackals have him. Question is, how did they make a move so fast? Over half their club is on the road still. Only Poodle, Rider, and Hook. Fuck! Brothers this isn’t good.” Prez sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Could be a rat.” Ruckus speaks through the tension. Kid has balls. I like him. You don’t make a narc threat on your own club unless absolutely fucking sure.
“Could have pull in the town.” Eli presents, breaking into the stares on Ruckus. He just shrugs it off. Damn, this kid. Shaking my head with a smirk, he winks at me. Kid. Has. Balls.
“I’ll bet pull over a rat. Remember what happened to the last fucking rat? I doubt anyone is that fucking stupid.” Prez says with a huge grin. The fucking guy enjoys having murderous memories flood his mind. I’m no saint. I’ve had my fair share of blood on my hands, but I’m sure I don’t smile like a kid on Christmas fucking morning. We all nod toward him in agreement.
“I’ll check on my old contact and see what he says about our fucking town. A jackal does not come on Hell Hound ground and live to fucking tell the tale.” We all nod in agreement. Our lust for their blood is thick. The sooner we put them in the ground the fuck better. I’ll do whatever the hell I got to do to protect my family.
Chapter Eight
Harley
Two days later
I wake up to Caleb pulling on my hand.
“Yes, sweetie?” I say tiredly.
“Mommy’s hungry. I’m hungry too.” I jump up, Avery is awake. She is sitting up, clearly still in pain.
“Hey...” My voice is soft. I don’t want her to feel scared or worried.
“Hey.” I feel the tears pulling at my eyes. I try to cough them back. Her voice is so innocent but full of anguish. “You’re at the Hell Hound’s MC, your safe now.” She nods.
“I know, Fre-- Caleb told me.” She coughs and winces from the pain. I grab a bottle of water and hand it to her. She downs half the bottle.
“Grandpa is here too, mommy.” Caleb says excitedly. He runs to the door and jumps into Fords arms. He walks cautiously to us. Colt stands back, leaning in the door way. He hasn’t left her side. I’m grateful. He told me how there was a strong possibility she could have PTSD from her experiences. He told me how his battle buddies went through the same thing after being on the front lines.
“Hey, baby girl.” He says to her and she burst into tears. Ford tries to comfort her but she pulls back. The hurt in his eyes are evident, but he knows she had a rough time, so he swallows it down. He seems to have to physically swallow the torture that Avery doesn’t want his comfort. “Let’s get some food little man.” Ford takes Caleb out of the room.
“Hey, it’s okay. Shhh.” I try to comfort her with words, scared she won’t let me touch her even though every fiber in me is screaming to hold her and rock away the tears.
She calms down after a few minutes of sobbing. It rips at my soul that she is crying.
“I know Ford is my father and I’m safe now. I just never thought I would ever make it out of hell alive. All I could think of was saving Caleb from that life.” Her words rip at me. Every day that she was in that hell, I was off playing nurse and trying to ignore my past—regret fills my body. I will hate myself for the rest of my days, living blindly to my past.
“How do you know about Ford?” I ask softly.
“They never let me forget it. Every day they told me I was ruined with Hell Hound blood running in my veins. They would cut me and watch my blood run to the floor, laughing that Hell Hound blood was spilling.” She sniffles.
“Do... do you... know about your mother?” I ask hesitantly. I’m so scared that she won’t know me. Every second waiting for her answer eats at me.
“Yes, Harley Brookes, they told me half my blood was Jackal because of her father, that my grandfather was a Jackal.” She sighs. I breathe, I didn’t realize I was holding my breath waiting for her answer.
“Avery, my name is Harley Brookes, I’m... I’m your... Mother.” I have not ever referred to myself as a mother out loud. It feels... wonderful. No more denying my past or my mistakes. No more wasting time. No more pain. I need to focus on the here and now. My babies need me.
“M-m-mom.” It’s barely a whisper. I can hardly hear her. I nod my head and hold out my hand wanting to comfort away all her demons.
I take a few steady steps to her. She nods, allowing me to wrap her up in my arms. I sit next to her on the table and rock her. My own tears slip past my cheeks—happy tears. Very happy little droplets fall onto my arm as I rock her and hold her as tight as I can without hurting her.
“I knew he would come for me. It gave me all the hope I needed to get through every day in that place.” She slows her breathing again, trying to sniffle away her tears.
“Shhh, baby girl. We don’t have to talk now. Let’s focus on getting you better. Caleb better.” She nods. She’ll heal. I’ll help her every way I can. Ford and Caleb walk back into the room with McDonald’s in tow. I heard Caleb likes their happy meals.
“Hey baby boy.” She instantly brightens up when she sees Caleb. All the fear and worry washes away from her. Caleb was her rock, I see that now. He helped her last this long; he sav
ed her. She never gave up. At that point in time, I realized she was a better mother—a stronger woman than I will ever be. I thought I would feel a bit of anger toward myself for being weak. But I feel strength for her. Pride in her. She’s a fighter. My baby girl walked through fire and survived to tell about it.
“Mommy!”
“I got a happy meal. Grandpa got you food too. We ordered the whole menu and grandpa yelled at the lady for more ketchup. It was so funny mommy.”
I hear her chuckle, it was an angelic sound. She is so beautiful. She looks like Ford. She has my eyes though. I’m glad she has his spirit too.
“Grandma! We got you food too, but grandpa said you were a health fantic and got you a salad, but I got you chocolate milk.” He says with a beautiful little smile on his face. My heart melts at his little words.
I peer at Ford with an arched eye brow. He just winks and smirks as he strolls to Avery. My heart warms and my legs go weak. It amazes me he still has the ability to make me weak in the knees after all this time. I just smile and shake my head.
“Health FANATIC, little man.” Ford corrects him.
“Hey.” Avery says to him. “Hey back, baby girl.” She wears a pure smile at her father’s words. “It’s okay, baby girl. I get it.” He says leaning down and kissing her on the head. Her smile widens. It’s dazzling.
She nods. We all eat together and listen to Caleb talk. It’s our first family meal together and it’s perfect. Seeing Ford and Avery smiling at Caleb heats my whole body. Watching them stare at their whole world in a little boy. I watch Caleb talk about Jack picking a fight with Eli and he’s laughing. Yep, he’s my world too.
Delayed Love Page 10
