Page 70 of Ruin

“And there could be trouble?”

“If this mornin’ was anythin’ to go by, then yes.” He already knew about the uncle and how the family used to run things, how Taro was changing their ways.

“Brother,” Talon started as he stood and walked around the desk to sit on it in front of me. “I ain’t gonna push you to stop seein’ him. If he’s yours, then he’s yours. Whatever trouble comes, you know we can deal with it. We’ve got your back through it, and if you’re claimin’ Wolf, then we got his too. I mean, it’d be good if he stopped dealing in guns and drugs, but if he doesn’t, then we’ll just make sure the Hawks stays clean and work in the background of things, helpin’ out when we can. None of it will stop you from bein’ with him.”

“I could leave the club—”

“Shut the fuck up. That ain’t happenin’. Hawks blood runs through your veins. You’re family and always will be, no matter who you’re with. Get me?”

A weight lifted off my chest. “Yeah, I get you. Thanks, Prez.”

“All I ask is that you keep me updated on things. Call us if you need anythin’. You headin’ back today?”

“Gonna go see the family before they rock up here. Not sure how long it’ll take. Might head off today or tomorrow mornin’.”

Talon smiled. “You happy?”

I grinned. “Yeah, I fuckin’ am.”

“That’s all that matters. The rest we’ll deal with when it comes. Now, come on. I better get out there before my woman comes searchin’ for me and yells for doin’ bookwork on my day off.”

“Can’t have that.”

“Shit no.”

Christ, I was damn grateful for the club. Talon’s backing meant everything; it meant I could keep my family.

Chapter Eighteen

Ruin

At the door to my childhood home, I knocked once before opening it and stepping in, calling, “Mum? Dad?” I only ever usedDadwhen at home. Anywhere else, he wasStokeorbrotherout of respect.

“Josh?” Mum cried before she raced into the living room from the kitchen. Tears brimmed her eyes, and she pressed a hand to her mouth.

Smiling, I shook my head. I’d only been gone a month. It was like she hadn’t seen me in years. She stalked towards me, her arms opened wide just as Dad stepped into the living room from the bedroom hallway, rolling his eyes at Mum but grinning. Rayne followed him.

“Hey, Ma,” I muttered when we wrapped each other up in a hug. Her breath hiccupped, and her arms squeezed me tighter.

“Josh.” Rayne shoved Dad out of the way and ran at me. Mum pulled back in time for Rayne to barrel into me.

“Hey, kid,” I said, holding her close. “How’s school?”

“Shit,” she mumbled.

“Rayne,” Mum snapped, wiping at her eyes.

“Rayne,” Dad clipped.

“You all swear all the time.” Rayne shifted to my side to put her arm around my waist, and I placed mine around her shoulders.

“We’re adults, sis,” I told her.

“Whatever,” she grumbled.

“Good to have you home, son,” Dad said before he hauled me into a one-armed hug and pat to the back.

“Good to be back.” It was, for now, but I wasn’t sticking around for long. It blew my damn mind I’d attached myself to someone so fast, but Dad was right. When you found your one, you just knew.

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