Page 40 of Paladin's Hell

Chapter 14

Jayden

Although Slick and Hellfire conversed throughout the journey from the airport to the clubhouse, I sensed Hellfire was only providing answers out of politeness. He seemed to be distracted, and it wasn’t because he was concentrating on driving as there wasn’t a lot of traffic around. I’d picked up on an undercurrent between him and his son at the airport. Selfishly, I hope if there’s anything wrong it won’t involve me. I don’t want to come and stay in a place where there’s tension. Leaving everything I’ve ever known back in Tucson, changing schools, leaving my family behind, that’s enough to cope with without adding anything else.

I haven’t seen my mom for over two years. No big loss. Ella, my sister has always been there for me. And in recent years, I’ve lived with her and her husband. I liked the house we had in Tucson, and loved being at the clubhouse. There was always something going on. I’d fallen naturally into the role and had enjoyed looking after the babies and young children.

Sam and Sophie will be due any day.I stuff my hand in my mouth to stifle a groan. I have to stop thinking about what I’m missing. Got to start looking to the future. Maybe there’ll be kids here as well? I think I’d like to work with young children when I’m old enough. Have a few of my own, maybe. With Paladin? Perhaps.

When I was fourteen and rescued, I’d latched onto Paladin. He was my rock. I’d wanted him to take the bad memories away, but he’d refused. I didn’t know at the time that Slick and Drummer had warned him off, just went through hell worrying I was too damaged for anyone to want me. But he’d said the right things, explained. While I didn’t like it, I could do nothing but accept it.

Now, two years on, I know he was right. We’ve never kissed, never been girlfriend and boyfriend, just friends. That was probably for the best. The bad memories have faded; I no longer need to make new ones to replace them. Just start all over again, and do it right.

And I could. Very soon. I’m in Colorado. I doubt Hellfire and his wife would be as restrictive as Ella and Slick, they’ve no vested interest in a houseguest they’ve given room too. Here the state law means Paladin and I could legally get together on my seventeenth birthday. I’m sure it’s what he’s planning on. But the question is, is that still what I want? The idea scares me.

“You’re quiet.”

Ella’s voice breaks into my thoughts. I glance at her as she sits beside me. “Just thinking.”

She gives me a hard stare. “I’m sure Hellfire would let me stay on with you. Perhaps just for a few weeks until you get settled in. Don’t like the thought of you being alone…”

“I won’t be alone, El,” I reply fast. She’s not had an easy pregnancy; she needs to be settled back in Tucson. They tried so hard for this baby, don’t want anything to risk it now. One more kid I won’t be there to see. I shake my head and bite my lip to force back the tears. She mustn’t see them. Mustn’t know I’m upset. “It’s just strange, El. The unknown. Hellfire seems nice.” He actually seems frightening, but I’m not going to tell her that.

“Hmm.” Perhaps I didn’t have to say anything. My sister doesn’t sound convinced.

It’s not long before we’re turning down a driveway and drawing up at a pleasant house with a wraparound veranda. There’s even a swing on it. All good so far. Though a big part of me wishes I was back with Paladin on the Tucson compound. Here I’ll be left on my own with strangers.

Hellfire opens my door, Slick’s got Ella’s. When we step out I pull my sweater around me. It seems cold. Colder than Tucson, anyway.

“Come in and meet Moira. She’s looking forward to meeting you.” Hellfire sounds welcoming, but there’s something about his tone that makes me think his joviality is forced.

He unlocks the front door, steps back, and ushers us inside. The house is homey enough, the door leading onto a short hallway, which then opens up into a large family room. Comfortable looking sofas to three sides, a large TV. Double doors lead through to a big kitchen.

“Moira!” Hellfire suddenly booms out; his voice having increased significantly in volume making me jump.

Slick enters the door behind us, he’s got my suitcase in his hand, and his and Ella’s travel bag slung over his shoulder. For want of anything better to do, he just sets them down where he stands.

For someone who’s supposed to be looking forward to us visiting, Moira doesn’t seem very impressed when she enters the room. The look she tosses Hellfire’s way is unreadable, but then a smile, somewhat forced I think, appears on her face as she walks across to us with her hand outstretched. “Slick,” she greets my brother-in-law and then my sister, “Ella.” Now she turns her attention to me. “You must be Jayden. Welcome.”

“Thank you for agreeing she could stay with you,” Ella starts.

Moira waves her off. “No worries. Be good to have some female company. My daughter’s living away from home now. Well, all the kids are.” Her face twitches as though disappointed. “Jayden, would you like to come and see your room?”

“Thank you. Mrs…” My voice falters. I can’t call her Mrs Hellfire, and I have no idea of their legal surname.

“Oh, call me Moira, please. And it’s this way.” She turns and leads the way down a hallway, as behind me, Slick dutifully picks up my suitcase and follows.

“This was Kennedy’s, my daughter’s room. I’m sure you’ll settle in fine.”

It’s a nice room, quite large. I spy a small bathroom off to the side. It’s probably as large as my suite back on the compound, and larger than my bedroom in Slick and Ella’s house. Outside the window I can see views over a desert. “It’s lovely,” I tell her, truthfully.

“Slick, Ella. I’ve put you in the guestroom. It’s just along here if you want to drop off your overnight bag.” She leads them away. I stay in the room that’s been given to me. Wondering how long I’ll be here. I know I won’t be returning to Tucson anytime soon.

“Do you drive?” A deep voice breaks into my reverie. Swinging around, I see Demon. He’d startled me.

“Not yet, no. I’ve got my learner’s permit, but then we had to return to the compound, and I…”

He doesn’t wait for the rest of my irrelevant explanation. “We better get you started. Best if you have a car, then you’ll be able to get yourself around.”

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