Page 148 of 12 Months of Mayhem

I close my eyes, trying to will myself to relax. But my mind is racing. My father’s dealings, the clubhouse explosion, Meredith’s sudden reappearance - it’s all connected, a tangled web of violence and revenge.

Just as I’m about to drift off, my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Cheyenne.

Kids are fine. Ameline made gumbo. You need to take care of yourself. I have everything handled here.

Everything is fine at home, which is exactly what I need right now. I can almost smell Mama’s gumbo, rich and spicy, filling the house with its comforting aroma. My stomach groans, reminding me that hospital food is a poor substitute for Mama’s cooking.

I type an answer back.

Rex is working on a plan. I want you to stay with my mom and the kids. If shit hits the fan, keep them safe.

I set my phone down, trying to push away the nagging anxiety about being stuck here in the hospital and having to rely on others to protect my family. Cheyenne’s one of the toughest women I know, and if anyone can keep my family safe, it’s her. Still, the thought of my children caught in the crossfire of this mess makes my heart race.

The door creaks open, and I half-expect to see Rex’s hulking frame. Instead, it’s Dr. Thibodeaux, her salt-and-pepper hair pulled back in a neat bun. She gives me a warm smile as she approaches the bed.

“How are we feeling, Ms. Laveau?” she asks, picking up my chart.

“Like I’m ready to get out of here,” I reply, managing a weak smile.

Dr. Thibodeaux chuckles. “I understand the feeling, but we need to keep you here for observation a bit longer. Your blood pressure is still higher than we’d like.”

I nod, resigned. “How’s the baby?”

“Your baby is doing just fine,” she assures me, patting my hand. “Strong heartbeat, good movement. But we need to keep you calm and stress-free for the next few months.”

I almost laugh at that. Calm and stress-free? In my life? The only way that will ever happen is after I die, and even then, I think it’ll find me in the afterlife. But I just nod again, knowing arguing won’t change anything.

As Dr. Thibodeaux finishes up her examination, my phone buzzes again. This time, it’s Rex.

Meeting set for tomorrow night. Warehouse district. Raze is sending in some reinforcements for us, and for you and the kids.

Fuck, I owe so much for my brother’s club help. The Heaven’s Rejects would be there, which gave me more peace of mind. Things are moving fast, maybe too fast. But we don’t have the luxury of time.

I type back quickly.

Be careful. I love you.

His response is almost immediate.

Always am. Love you too, Rem.

Dr. Thibodeaux notices my furrowed brow. “Everything alright, Ms. Laveau?”

I force a smile. “Just family stuff.”

She gives me a look that says she doesn’t quite believe me but doesn’t push it. “Try to rest. I’ll be back to check on you in a few hours.”

As soon as she leaves, I let out a long breath. Rest. Yeah, right. How am I supposed to rest when my family and my club are about to face off with a cartel while I am laid up in the hospital?

I close my eyes, trying to will myself to sleep, but mages of Rex, Cheyenne, and Bobo facing down armed cartel members flash through my head. I see Beaux and Birdie, their innocent faces twisted in fear. And Meredith...God, what a mess she’s dragged us into.

Chapter Nine

Rex

By the time everyone shows up, Rem’s shop is bustling. We usually wouldn’t conduct this type of business here, but since our clubhouse is still under construction, it’s our only choice. The client meeting room is already crowded when everyone arrives. It’s filled with members of the Voodoo City Queens, my club, and seven guys from a Texas Chapter of Heaven’s Rejects, thanks to Raze and Rem’s stepbrother. The space is almost overflowing.

“Alright, listen up,” I bark. The room falls silent, all eyes turning to me, the Heaven’s Rejects boys sizing me up, wondering if I’m worth their time. I’ve got no intention of disappointing them.

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