Page 50 of Fanatic

“Nothing. Babe, I overreacted. Didn’t want to lose someone else. I’ll grab Danny and catch you at home,” I said and headed out.

“Fanatic!” Willow yelled, but I kept walking.

Willow

Fanatic was full of shit. There was more behind his reaction. That fear wasn’t about losing a friend. That had been too extreme. I frowned as I heard his Harley ride away and then stared into the furious eyes of Dad.

“Oh, fuck,” I muttered.

“A shootout?” Dad boomed.

The paramedic looked at me and shook his head. “You’re good, ASAC Ware.”

“This way,” I said as I headed to my SUV. I wandered around it and sighed. Nope. It was dead. There was no recovering it. Morosely, I kicked the dirt.

“Can I have a ride back?” I asked.

I kept my expression steady as we walked towards the tape, and I spotted Markin waiting.

“We’ve got your statement. Willow, go home, and we’ll talk tomorrow,” Markin said.

“Thanks, boss,” I replied and ducked under the tape.

Shit, Dad hadn’t come alone. Drake, Ace, Lowrider, Manny, and Ezra all stood by their bikes. They were talking to Scythe and Chance as the three MCs formed their own group.

“Why did you bringhim?” I hissed at Dad, who appeared surprised.

“Who?” Dad asked.

“Drake. Dad, I told you I didn’t want to see Rage, and that meanthim.”

“Baby girl, Drake’s your president and unc—”

“Drake is nothing. I’m not part of Rage MC and never will be,” I said in a low tone.

Shit, that hurt because Dad looked confused.

“I’m not ready to face Rage,” I whispered. Unhappily, I stiffened as Drake approached.

“Christ, Willow,” Drake mumbled and reached to pull me into a hug. In full avoidance mode, I stepped back, and Drake frowned as his arms fell.

“Hey, you okay?” Drake asked.

“Yeah, I was asking Dad for a ride home. It’s cool. I’ll grab a lift from Chance or someone,” I answered.

“I’ll take you,” Dad boomed, looking happy. He’d not been to my house yet. I’d met Dad and Ellen at restaurants or parks with Danny.

“No,” I said quickly.

“It’s fine, Willow, we didn’t have anything planned. We can drop you off. I would love to meet Danny,” Drake replied with a hint of wistfulness.

“Not happening. Gotta go. Dad, now, please,” I choked out. I was struggling to hold on to my control.

Chance glanced over and realised what was about to happen. “Drake—”

“Did you take a bang or something? Willow, I’d never harm you,” Drake stated.

“No, you already ripped my fucking heart out. Can’t hurt me much more, can you?” I snapped.

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