“I was kidnapped by them. Torrence Grieve tried to sexually assault me. I stress the word ‘tried.’ He was unsuccessful because I had the skills to fend him off. I want that for all of our women. They deserve that power.”
It’s selfish but a part of me is glad Bonny addressed this issue so my men are clear about what happened. It bothered me that they were probably questioning if she was raped.
“A good shepherd protects his flock but a better one teaches his sheep to become lions when attacked. Male or female, we all deserve equal training to protect ourselves. The Order is in a state of panic. They’re desperate to prove they’ve not been weakened by their leader’s death. Who do you think they’ll come for? Our men who can defeat them or women they can overpower? How great would it be for them to come expecting to attack a sheep and find a lion in its place?”
The daughter of a trusted brother lifts her hand. “You have a question?” Bleu asks.
The young woman stands. “Hello. I’m Lacey Taggart.”
“Very good to meet you.”
“What do you mean when you say you want to make us lions?”
“I’m proposing basic self-defense classes be offered to those who are interested. For the women who’d like to take it further, I would recommend Muay Thai. The skills taught enable even the smallest woman to take down a larger male opponent. You’re welcome to verify that fact with Leith Duncan if you’d like.”
“True story,” Leith calls out and laughs. “The lass put me on the floor of the ring with one punch.”
“I have the perfect person in mind to help me teach the self-defense classes, but I’ll need to find someone for the Muay Thai classes. The required physical combat will be too much for me during my pregnancy. But physical defense can’t be the end of it. You need to know how to use firearms. I’d like a show of hands––women only––if you know how to properly fire a gun.”
Only three. And one of them isn’t my own mother. It’s a shame. I’m glad Bleu sees this problem and wants to fix it.
“I only see a few hands. That astounds me. Let’s pretend for a moment that a member of The Order is after you with malicious intent. Kidnap. Rape. Murder. Whatever. By show of hands, how many of you would like to learn how to defend yourself against him?”
Every woman in the room lifts her hand––including Torrie, Evanna, and Westlyn. I’m sure that pisses Abram off.
“Moving beyond learning to defend yourself, I want to find ways to offer more opportunities in the workforce. Perhaps you’re in a marriage or you’ve been claimed and you don’t have to work. Maybe you like it that way. That’s fine, so this isn’t for you. But if you are interested in independence, then this opportunity could be of interest. Brothers must select how they’ll contribute to The Fellowship. Many choose to become professionals, go to college, and learn a trade or service. Women should be given the same opportunity.”
Abram lifts his hand but doesn’t wait to be acknowledged. “I’m unclear about something. Did you learn your defense skills and how to shoot a gun while you worked as an FBI agent for the US government, or were you taught elsewhere?”
Motherfucker just won’t stop.
Bleu doesn’t miss a beat. “I was initially taught by my father. It was important to him that I have the necessary skills to protect myself against those attempting to harm me. I learned to shoot a handgun when I was twelve. I never miss my target. But I didn’t master the use of high-powered rifles until I was in the academy.”
“You don’t deny that you once worked for the FBI?”
“No. It’s true, so why would I deny it?”
Good girl. She’s making herself transparent. It’s her only defense.
“You were an FBI agent and now you’re part of The Fellowship. That’s suspicious. Doesn’t anyone else find Bleu’s motives questionable?” His tone is contemptuous.
He’s trying to place doubt about Bleu in the minds of our people.
“Sin is a lawyer. His professional career places him on one side of the law but his loyalty lies with The Fellowship. The same is true for me. I once had a career in law enforcement for the US but my allegiance now belongs to The Fellowship. My previous employment is nothing but beneficial for our brotherhood.”
“You left the FBI less than a year ago. Your father was an agent so you were raised to have respect for the law. Do you really expect us to believe that you have no regard for it anymore?”
Bleu remains cool, seemingly unaffected by Abram’s accusations. “I entered into the oath of marriage with the next leader of The Fellowship. I’m pregnant with his children, the future leaders of the brotherhood. Do you really think it’s a valid argument to propose that I have sacrificed myself and the lives of my offspring because I have such a high regard for the law? I think not. Furthermore, I’m American. Even if I were still an agent, I would have zero jurisdiction in Scotland. It would be useless for me to come to Edinburgh to infiltrate an organization I can’t prosecute. What you’re proposing simply doesn’t make sense. Not a single agency in the US cares about The Fellowship.”
“You haven’t addressed your motive.”
“I have only one. Love. I love Sinclair and our children, not the law. Is anyone else unclear on this or is Abram the only one?”
The room remains silent.
“I’m very happy to answer any questions you may have. I actually prefer to get all of them cleared up now so there’s no confusion later.”
The room is quiet for another minute before a man toward the back lifts his hand. “I have three daughters. Fourteen, twelve, and ten. I worry for their safety so at what age do you recommend that they are taught these things you plan to offer?”
I lean over and whisper to Bleu. “He’s the father of the girl who was beaten and raped by The Order several months ago.”
“Twelve is the recommended age but girls’ bodies mature at different rates. I probably wouldn’t recommend waiting that late if the girl matures early. No Order member is going to ask her how old she is before attacking.”
Abram has been unsuccessful in planting suspicion against Bleu. Our people don’t seem at all concerned about her past. Women and parents of daughters are more interested in hearing about what my wife has planned for their safety rather than who she once was.
My gut told me Abram wouldn’t be able to control himself so I was prepared for him to act out. I ordered security to be in place in case he got out of control. Now that the attention is no longer on him, I think it’s time he’s escorted from the ceremony.
I motion for my security men to come forward for him. Orders are already in place to take him to the black site.
Abram has fucked this night up for me. Instead of going home to make love to my wife, I’ll be tied up carrying out penance against him. He’s going to rue the day he chose to go after Bleu.
The Q&A runs longer than anticipated but I eventually get Bleu on the dance floor. “My dear Mrs. Breckenridge. The Fellowship is exceptionally happy with you right now.”
She runs her fingers over the front of my hair, smoothing it into place. “Perhaps. I think they’re highly pleased with their newest Breckenridge leader as well.”
Our people don’t get a choice about liking me. I’m their leader so they must do as I say. It’s a done deal. But they get to decide if they are fond of my wife. And they are. Very much. I saw something more in their eyes and expressions—respect and admiration. “They really liked the things you had to say.”
“I think so too but I’m sorry I stole the spotlight from you. Our plans were so well received that I couldn’t stop once I started talking about them.”
I knew Bleu was intelligent but she absolutely blew me away tonight. “Those aren’t our plans. They’re yours. Each idea was born through your vision of what you see for the future. You get all the credit for that.”
“I don’t care about or need credit. All I want is to see change for our women.”
“You’re making it happen an
d they’re going to love you for it.” I know I do.
I hold her close as we sway through two more songs. She places her head against my chest and becomes quiet. She isn’t saying so but she’s drained. “Things are dying down so I’m going to have Sterling drive you home. Kyle and Blare will go with you because I have a matter to take care of.”
She cradles my face with her palm. “You told me earlier that I was only getting a small taste of what was to come when we got home.”
“You still will.” I kiss her forehead. “You’re tired. Go home and rest. I’ll be there in a little while to wow you.”
“Has something bad happened?”
“Aye. Abram happened, so I had him sent to the black site for me to deal with in private.” Which I happen to think is pretty generous considering what he did to Bleu was so public.
“I handled him. And he didn’t even come close to succeeding at what he was trying to do.”
True. “You made me proud, but he acted against you in front of the entire brotherhood. Because you’re my wife, what he did is an act of betrayal against me. He’s going to pay penance for that.”
“You’re going to have him beaten?”
“Within an inch of his life.” And I shall delight in it.
“What does Thane have to say about that?” He grew tired of Abram’s antics a while ago. He ignored them because he loves his brother but he won’t overlook Abram attacking the mother of his grandchildren.
“He won’t go against me on it.”
“Do you expect to be long?”
“Two hours. Maybe three.”
“Then I shall be naked, wet, and wanting when you come home to me.”
Perfect. Just the way I want her.
Abram is tied faced down, his back bared. He’s fighting to free himself but it’s useless. He should know that. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Sinclair?”
I stand over Abram looking at the man I once adored as a most beloved uncle. That was before my immature mind could conceive of the evil things he was capable of. “I told you I wouldn’t tolerate any more acts against my wife. This is the consequence of ignoring my warning.”
“You’re a fool if you believe your wife’s loyalty lies with us.”
“She married me. She’s carrying the next leaders of The Fellowship. What is it going to take for you to accept that she’s one of us and is here to stay for good?”
“Nothing will ever convince me of that.”
“Then perhaps a good flogging will persuade you otherwise.”
I nod at Sangster. “You may begin.”
I see the hint of a smirk on Sangster’s face. I’m grinning on the inside. Bringing Abram to his knees for all he’s done to Bleu instills joy in me.
The multitailed whip strikes Abram’s back and he yells out in pain. It’s just as I thought. He can dish it but can’t take it.
“How many lashes do you think is suitable for the things you’ve done to my wife? Let’s begin with ten per incident? I think that’s fair.”
“Stop this, Sinclair. Can’t you see what she’s doing? She’s a little bitch who’s turning us against one another.”
“No. You’re the one who did that.”
I hold out my hand to seize the whip from Sangster. “I’ll take that.”
I’ve said it more than once. Bonny is the only reason the light in me bothers to battle the darkness. But there’s no light inside me now. I look at Abram and all I feel is hate. I’m glad because I’m going to need it for what I’m about to do.
“Each lash you feel is a consequence of your offenses against my wife. When I’m finished with you, you won’t entertain the idea of crossing her again.”
Chapter 13
Bleu Breckenridge
Debra and I have been working with our first self-defense class for an hour. We’re both instructing but she’s the physical machine behind this. She has to be at least fifty and hasn’t broken a sweat. Total badass. I hope I’m in that kind of shape when I’m her age.
Sin gave us one of the vacant warehouses to turn into our training center. He had a small training arena constructed in the center of the building. Seating surrounds the ring on all sides so all of our trainees can observe no matter where they’re sitting.
He has supplied us with weights and fitness equipment as well. And a daycare for the children. Totally unexpected. He’s earning some serious points with the women of The Fellowship. And me.
It’s time to begin the extreme physical part of the training so Debra is dressed out in a self-defense instructor suit. She looks like a red Michelin Man. “Who wants to be first?”
No one volunteers.
I’m happy my sister and best friends are in attendance. I can pick on them.
I look at Ellison, cueing her to come forward, but she shakes her head. Westlyn and Lorna do the same.
“Come on. Don’t be shy. You’re all going to do this part at some point.”
The least likely person in the room stands to volunteer. Alanna Studwick. “I will.”
Debra watches her approach the arena. “I thought today’s class was supposed to be adults only.”
“That was the plan, but I had to let this girl in when her father asked. She has a powerful backstory.”
Our youngest trainee approaches Debra. “Tell me your name and how old you are.”
“Alanna, and I’m fourteen. But don’t take it easy on me because of my age. The Order members who took me from my bedroom didn’t when they beat and raped me.”
Debra doesn’t appear shocked by Alanna’s statement. I don’t know if that’s because she really isn’t or if she’s keeping her cool for the girl. “All right. I won’t.”
I approach her. “I’ll help you into the protective headgear and padding.”
Alanna holds out her hand and I slip the glove over it. “When I was seven, I was attacked by a man. I wasn’t raped but I was left for dead. I understand some of the feelings you’re having.”
She holds out her second hand when I finish with the first. “People act like I should magically get over what happened because Sinclair killed the men who attacked me. I can’t. I think about it all the time.”
No one understands obsession better than I do. “It’s okay to still be pissed off about what happened to you. Use your anger for good. Use it to your advantage. Let it be your motivator. A catalyst driving you to learn the skills you need so it never happens again.”
“Is that what you did?”
I nod. “Men are bigger. Stronger. Can’t change that so we must train to be faster and smarter.”
“I want you to teach me those things so I can be like you.”
I finish lacing the second glove and push the protective gear over her head. “Become proficient at what you learn in this class. We’ll move toward Muay Thai once you’ve mastered self-defense.”
I’m not surprised by the drive I see in Alanna. She reminds me of myself at that age.
We’re able to work with six women before break time. “Good work, ladies. Let’s meet back here on the mat in twenty.”
Debra, Ellison, Lorna, Westlyn, and I go into the office space Sin had constructed especially for me. My place for scheduling classes or getting away when I need a moment of privacy.
“Alanna is one pissed-off kid,” Ellison says. I assume she’s referring to the aggression she saw in her.
“It’s good for her to get that out.” I know how important it is for her to find an outlet. “She did better than women twice her age. I have exceptionally high hopes for how well she’ll click with martial arts.”
“I hear the things The Fellowship women are saying about you. They think you’re a wonderful leader. No one has ever done the things you’re doing for them. They love you,” Ellison says.
“I love them too. I want nothing but the best for all of them.”
That’s why I won’t stop pushing for their safety and equality.
Sin had a last-minute trip to Dublin t
o meet with The Guild. He won’t be back until late tonight. I’m sort of pissed off because that means he’s missing my eighteen-week ultrasound today.
Sin’s leadership role means he’s going to miss a lot of things where the babies and I are concerned. I should accept it now.
I have Ellison. At least today and until she decides to stay or go.
Savannah, the same ultrasound tech who’s done all of my scans at the OB clinic in Edinburgh, is doing my sonogram today. “Where’s Mr. Breckenridge?”
“Away on business.” He’s busy transporting illegal firearms so he can stay in good relations with an Irish criminal organization. And they’re probably planning the demise of a third criminal organization that is our nemesis.
“What kind of work does your husband do?”
“Defense attorney.”
“I’m so excited to see them, I can hardly stand it. I may pee my pants,” Ellison says. She’s fidgeting, her knees pumping her legs up and down.
Savannah moves the wand over my belly and zooms in on the two little lives growing inside me. “Felt any movement yet?”
“No.” But I’m dying to. I’m disappointed I haven’t felt any flutters at all. I thought for sure I would this week.
“You should soon. Probably within the next fourteen days.”
I know this routine well. Savannah always does the things she must document first and then we get to do the fun stuff––spying on my wee ones. “They’re active today. Are we checking to see if they’re boys or girls?”
“Yes!” Ellison squeals.
“No. My husband and I have decided to be surprised.”
Ellison huffs. “I’m going to die if you don’t find out.”
She can be so dramatic. “Dying now would be a tragedy since you won’t be around to find out what they are when they’re born.”
Complete Sin Box Set Page 59
