“Hatch, you know me. When I set my sights on something I want I don’t let anything stand in my way. Not even you,” I want him to know my intentions aren’t wishy-washy and I’m here for the long-haul.
“Which is why I always knew it’d be you who ended up with my girl. I may not have been excited about her being around you when she was young, but you’re the only one strong enough to deal with her and her personality. She’s got a strong one, are you sure you’re up for the challenge?” I can tell he’s teasing me with the tone he’s using on me.
“It doesn't feel like a challenge, it feels like a privilege.”
“Is she sitting right there beside you?” he jokingly laughs.
“No, she’s inside taking a shower.”
“At least I know you’re not in there with her,” he drones.
“I could be if you keep up,” he may be teasing and joking with me, but I’m not.
“Not funny.”
“Did you just growl at me?” I ask him.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Is there a reason for this enlightening phone call, Hatch?”
“How is she really doing?” I can hear something in his voice that I can’t quite define, but I know how much he loves his kids and that this shit with Rae nearly took him to his knees. He only wants the best for her and even though he’s more accepting of me than he was with Maddox, I believe it’s because he knows me on a level that he never experienced with Maysen’s husband. “I also wanted to inform you that with Marcus missing for as long as he has been the club’s decided to send you extra reinforcements. Smokey, Capone, Chef and one of the new prospects will be accompanying them.”
“She’s doing good. Some of her therapy sessions are harder than others, but she’s coming back to herself more and more every day. She’s thriving, Hatch. She’s stronger than she was before she was attacked. She still has nightmares some nights, but she talks them out with me and falls back to sleep pretty easily. And I’m not sure we’ll need the extra hands, but I won’t turn down any help with no one knowing where he is.” I don’t bother mentioning that sometimes, we talk after we fuck ourselves silly. There are some things a dad doesn’t need to know. Plus, I’m rather fond of my dick right where it hangs and I know Rae is too.
“I hate to hear she’s still having a rough time sleeping through the night, and we won’t even discuss you being in the same bed as she is to ‘talk’ it out with her. I’m just going to go with the fact that I’m happy you’re there and in her corner.” I didn’t even think that through before I stated that when she wakes, she talks to me about them. “Answer me one question.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“You making her your old lady? This isn’t just something to do while y’all are away from home, is it?”
“Already talked to Axe and he’s having Twisted order her cut.”
“Any more news about Marcus?”
“Fuck no. Bandit and Jonas are burning the midnight oil trying to track this fucker, and Tig’s going on little to no sleep following the father. So far, nothing’s turned up. But Law has a buddy who knows the DA and he says the man’s into some serious shit.”
“Has anyone shared with you what kind of shit?”
“Axe is holding it close and not sharing...yet. But he’s a methodical thinker and probably wants as much information as possible before we take action.”
“To be honest with you, it’s not the dad that has me so worried. It’s that weasley son-of-a-bitch. How can he be so well hidden? Something doesn’t feel right, Hatch.”
“We all agree with that sentiment. It’s why we’re being so cautious with how we pursue and handle this.” I know logically that what he’s saying is right, but it doesn’t settle the unease residing within me.
“I can tell since we’ve brought the Nelson brothers in. I know how much Axe hates dealing with them.”
“That’s because they’re rude motherfuckers whose morals took a hike a long time ago. But, Jonas isn’t as bad as the other two, maybe because he’s a geek. Who knows?” I know this sounds weird, but I kind of like those guys. You never have to guess and wonder how they feel about you and don’t hold back and let the law deter them from what needs to be done. Something I find myself struggling with these days.
“I’m sure between Bandit and Jonas, they’ll find him.” They’re both good, don’t get me wrong. But if they don’t find something soon, I’m going hunting and having Maxum stay behind and protect my woman. There’s only so much a man can take before he needs to take action. I’m nearly at that point. I know my brother’s will have issues with this, but I won’t feel like a man who’s doing everything he can to protect his woman if I sit back and twiddle my damn thumbs.
As if he can sense my inner thoughts, Hatch orders, “You will not go off half-cocked, brother. Y’hear me? This is a club problem and we deal with it that way—together.” Fuck!
“Fine.” What I really want to tell him is that he can go take a flying leap off the tallest building he can find.
“Is that like DJ’s fine or are you really okay with that?” Hatch inquires. I can hear the laughter in his tone and flip off the phone even though he can’t see it.
“Not okay with it, but I’ll follow orders. Hatch, I wanna kill that motherfucker with my bare hands for what he did to her. Take my knife and slice off his thin skin piece by piece, then beat him with a two by four that has nails embedded in it until he’s nothing but a pile of ground up meat and bones.”
“Been thinking about this for a while now, haven't you? Tell me how you really feel.”
“For longer than I’m willing to admit, and I just did.”
“Anyways, I’ve gotta get to the warehouse. I just wanted to touch base and see if y’all needed anything. If so, I’ll send a wire-transfer and have it to you by this afternoon.”
“I’m starting to take offense to you and Axe asking me if I need any money to take care of my woman.”
“Well, I heard she’s bleeding you dry at the tat shop. Just wanted to be part of my girl’s healing process, even if it’s just sending you money.”
“Not trying to be offensive here, but pick up the phone and call her. That’ll mean more to her than any financial support you can send her way.”
“I call,” I can hear the pout in his voice through the line.
“I’m aware.” Trust me I’m aware, last time he called I was fixing to love my girl, blue balls isn’t a good feeling. Being cock-blocked by your brother and future father-in-law isn’t a joyous occasion. “Just, try to call more in the daytime,” I subtly advise.
“Why?”
“It’s personal,” I retort.
“I gotta go, I need to ask DJ if there’s ear bleach invented yet. Fuck you for that by the way.” I’d laugh if I didn’t fear retaliation at a later date and time. He abruptly hangs up and I find myself listening to dead air.
Ralynn
Eavesdropping is how I’ve always discovered things I’m not supposed to know. With this conversation I’m overhearing I have to cup my mouth with my hand to keep the laughter from exploding from me. I can picture my dad staring at his phone stewing from the overload of information I’m sure he didn’t want to hear. My giggles become too much and unfortunately I give myself away. “Whatcha doing, Rae?” he inquires.
“Um, nothing much. You?” Playing dumb is my go-to in these situations.
He grabs me in his strong arms and starts tickling me. “You little sneak, I caught you!”
“Caught me what? Laughing?”
“No, it’s the other ‘L’ word, listening.” I could play the innocent card here, but he knows me too well to pull that one off.
“So you say.” Deny, deny, deny. It worked when I was a kid, after all.
“I know, Rae. I remember catching you many times when you were younger sneaking around and listening in on adult conversations when you weren’t supposed to.” Oops. Guess I am busted. Still, denial is awes
ome so I’m gonna run with it a bit longer.
“Not sure I remember what you’re talking about, Jaxson.”
A loud pop distracts me and the window over his head explodes. “Duck!” Jaxson bellows as he pulls his gun out of the back of his jeans. Maxum hauls ass out of the cabin and I duck crawl inside. Several shots are fired and my fear skyrockets. Not only am I petrified for myself, but my friends and boyfriend are here and can possibly be hurt because of me.
“Ralynn!” Lily screams as she crawls on her hands and knees heading my way.
“We aren’t safe out in the open, Lily. We have to find somewhere to hide until the guys find out who’s shooting at us.” Deep down I know who it is, but I’m not ready to admit it out loud.
Crawling towards the master bedroom, we make it while hearing the continuous sounds of gunfire outside. Once in the bedroom, we stand and lock the door before we push the dresser in front of it, then barricade ourselves in the bathroom once I grab my burner phone and Jaxson’s spare gun from the nightstand. I know how to use it, all of us girls were taught when we learned self-defense. Do I want to shoot a living person? No, but if it means them or me, I’ll shoot with deadly intent.
I know that this situation calls for me to call emergency services, but the first and only person I want to call is the one man who’s protected me my entire life...my daddy.
“Sweet pea, I was going to call you later when I got off work.”
“Daddy,” I sob out.
“What’s wrong!” he barks into the receiver.
“We’re being shot at! Jaxson and Maxum are out there all alone! We need help, please, daddy, I can’t stand it if something were to happen to them.” Lily is hysterically crying next to me.
“Where are you girls at?” he asks. I can hear a lot of commotion in the background, but quickly fill him in about where we are. “Are you packing any heat?”
“I’ve got Jaxson’s spare gun in my hand as we speak.” Talking with him is settling me down some and I’m able to think clearer.
“Shoot with intent, sweet pea, if anyone breaks through that door, y’hear me?” That’s exactly what my intention is.
“Daddy, I think it’s him.” I don’t say his name because I know my dad will understand who I’m talking about. His name isn’t spoken and I like it that way. It tastes dirty on my tongue and makes me want to vomit.
“Rae, listen up. Smokey, Capone and Chef are already on their way up there when I spoke with Jaxson a little bit ago. They should be pulling in at any time now. It’s gonna be fine.” I know he hates not being here. He’s the club enforcer and this is something he would be balls deep in if he were here. “I need you to stay calm and keep your head about you. I need to make a phone call and will call you right back. Make sure you answer for me, Rae.” His instructions are fierce and I know he means business.
“I will, Daddy. Please hurry.” I need his calm to keep me focused.
Fifteen
Jaxson
I’m hiding out behind the side wall of the house and Maxum ran for the trees surrounding us. He’s going to use his tracking skills and see if he can flush out our unwanted visitor. Shots are fired wildly and hit randomly surrounding me, but coming nowhere near touching me. This tells me our shooter is inexperienced and is aiming his gun without using his sight and isn’t using his gun properly. I know who it is, my gut is screaming at me to take out the threat. I poke my head around the side and a blast of wood splinters in front of my face. Either that was a lucky shot, or he’s getting better on how to shoot.
“I know she’s here, send her out and I’ll stop!” he screams from his position. Not gonna happen, motherfucker. She’s seen the last of you. Your days are numbered, I silently declare, and today will be the last day you’ll have witnessed the rise of a new day.
Before I get a chance to respond to the stupidity of his demand. A voice rings out, “Not happening!” I recognize Smokey’s voice. Thank fuck for my brothers. “See, you fucked with the wrong woman when you messed with one of ours, asshole.” He continues to taunt Marcus, staying out of sight, but causing Marcus to leave his hiding spot and I witness him spinning around and shooting wildly. By my count, he should be nearly out of ammunition, which is proven when Capone comes running up behind him and tackles him to the ground. Now to deal with the little pissant.
“He’s mine!” I shout clearly so my brothers don’t take over and I lose my opportunity at doling out my own brand of revenge.
Capone and Smokey must see the deadly intent on my face as I storm across to where Marcus is lying beneath my brother. “Jaxson, we’ve got this, Atticus and Silas are enroute.”
“Can I at least rough him up a bit as payback for what he put Rae through?” I ask but it’s really not a question because I plan to use my fists to show him how it feels. She was smaller than him and should have been protected and cherished, not beaten.
“We should give him that, brother,” Smokey says to Capone. “I know if Hannah’s brother hadn’t been killed, I’d have liked my shot and you would have too, for Bridget’s sake.”
Capone stands up and Smokey goes to the other side. I watch as they lift him up and place their hands under his armpits to hold him still and to where he’s not touching the ground. He’s struggling, but he’s no match for my two brothers. I rear back and plow my fist into his gut, causing him to gag and choke. “You’ve got ten hits, brother, make ‘em count,” Smokey says. Ten? Fuck, I can work with that and do a lot of damage without killing him. My mind replays every place I remember seeing my woman bruised and I set out methodically, punching him in his face, his back, his ribs, over and over until Maxum touches my arm. I turn with my fist drawn back only to see him with his hands up in defense.
“That was ten, brother, and I think you did what you set out to do.” I look at my target and realize he’s out cold. There is also a god-awful smell and I see a wet spot on his crotch. I guess hitting a woman is different than receiving the same treatment. Makes me wonder if Rae ended up in the same position of vulnerability that he is. It triggers my anger again, and I have a hard time reining myself in.
“Not exactly,” I mutter darkly. I never knew I had this side in me but knowing what he did to Rae has brought it all to the forefront. Knowing that this is different than my father makes it easier to cope with what I’ve just done.
“I want a piece of him!” I hear screamed from behind me. We all simultaneously turn around and see two angry women stomping towards us. Oh shit! “You guys owe me this!” I turn and look at each one of my brothers and see the same expression on each one of their faces.
“Rae, darlin’, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Capone tells her.
“And why exactly not? Give me examples, Uncle Capone,” she demands with her fists prominently displayed at her sides. I know there’s no reasoning with her when she gets like this so I keep my opinion on the matter in my head and do not attempt to voice it out loud.
“She’s got you there, brother,” Smokey states. “Rae, give it your best shot.” I watch my woman as she squares off in front of Marcus who has woken up and is eyeing her warily.
“Fuck you, bitch. You’re nothing but a used-up cunt!” he screams out at her with blood dripping down the side of his face. If Maxum wasn’t holding me back right now I’d filet the fucking used-up piece of wasted space.
“You lose, motherfucker,” she yells as she executes the best roundhouse kick I’ve ever seen to the side of his head. The force is enough that Capone and Smokey drop him but it doesn’t matter, he’s out cold once again.
“She may be tiny but she’s fierce,” I hear and turn to see Atticus and Silas Nelson walking towards us. “She’s full of dynamite that’s for sure, did you see that roundhouse? She executed that like a pro.” The Nelson brother’s high-five each other. Pride enters my body and I puff up like a proud old man should when his woman is a badass.
“Who are you?” Rae asks skeptical of our newest intruders.
“Friends of your dad’s and the Guardians. We’ve come to dispose of the trash.”
“Make sure you dump him with all the other trash,” she instructs them and I watch as amusement crosses their faces. Marcus Welch will never be found.
“What are they going to do with him?” I ask Smokey since he’s the closest to me.
“They’re going to interrogate him to gather more information on his father then dispose of him properly.”
“Good, then maybe the DA can disappear right along with his son.”
“That’s happening,” Atticus states as he and Silas each grab an arm and secure his arms behind his back with zip ties. They yank him up roughly and one begins walking while holding his arm while the other one kicks his feet every time he takes a step causing him to stumble. Atticus is laughing his ass off every time Silas yanks him back up causing him to bark out his pain.
“Pussy,” I hear Atticus taunt him as they make their way around the side of the house.
“I would’ve liked to inflict more pain on him,” Rae sulks. I pull her into my arms and rest my head on top of hers. I breathe her in and thank my lucky stars that she wasn’t hit when Marcus decided it was time to reenact the OK Corral.
“I need a beer,” Capone announces.
I need a shot of whiskey,” Smokey states and Chef agrees.
“We may have some Jack left,” I answer their requested statement.
“If it didn’t get shot up, the kitchen is full of glass shards from windows being shot out,” Lily says in a pissed-off tone I’ve never once heard escape her in all the years I’ve known her.
“Well, we’ll never know if we don’t go look,” I grab my girl’s hand and pull her into my arms as we walk towards the dilapidated looking cabin. The walls on the south side are busted out, and the wood siding has holes from bullets. Axe is going to be pissed off with the amount of construction that will be needed to fix this place up.
Jaxson & Ralynn: Rebel Guardians Next Generation Page 12
