Page 136 of Deliverance

“Thank you for coming for us, Sky,” Maggie says, linking our hands together.

She tracks the movement, a soft look touching her face as she nods.

“Always.”

“Who’s hungry?” Wesley asks, bringing over a massive platter of grilled cheese sandwiches and bowls of tomato soup.

I lift a brow at it and Ronan shrugs.

“We’re not exactly culinary stars around here, but comfort food is comfort food.”

“Speak for yourself,” Wesley argues. “Trust me. It’s the best grilled cheese you’ll ever have,” he says with a friendly smile.

I give him a tight one in return as I take a small plate, grabbing half a sandwich as Maggie grabs the other half. She leads me into the living room before encouraging me to take a seat. The others grab their food and go about what I assume is a normal day for them. Liam tries to grab three sandwiches, to which Asher smacks the back of his head. Vincent practically cuts Ronan’s hand off for taking a sandwich Skyla was reaching for before Ronan sets it on a plate for her.

The whole thing is odd. I mean, having five husbands is not anyone’s normal, but their dynamics…it’s not what I would picture it to be like. You’d think everyone would get along, be the best of friends. How can you all share one person and not be, right? At least, not without killing each other. There is also a type of familiar banter, though. An ease, like they all have to be so different to make it work.

Out of all the people in the world, I never would have thought I’d see the day that this…group would be the ones to save me, save us. If Maggie hadn’t called Skyla, I’m sure my father would have died soon like they said, but then what? Calista is off on some vacation with her friends, but she’ll be back, eventually. When she does, she’d just, what? Walk in to find her husband’s murdered corpse in his study? Mine and Maggie’s DNA all over the place? The Elders are untouchable, but just us members? The Brethren can only pay off the police so much. Blatant homicide is not an easy one to pull off.

If it wasn’t for them, Maggie and I could be rotting in a jail cell by now. I still struggle to understand why they’d do it for me, though. Then again, maybe they just did it for Maggie. Whatever the motive, I’m grateful.

Liam comes over to sit by us alongside Asher. Skyla and Vincent also join us before Ronan and Wesley finally take their seats. We all eat in silence before Liam speaks up.

“Alright, I gotta ask. Who’s pitching and who’s catching?”

“Liam!” Skyla balks.

“What? People ask me all the time. I don’t mind answering.”

“What’s your answer?” I ask.

“Why choose, Brenton.” He smirks.

A laugh slips out of me at that as Maggie flips him off.

“I’m not telling you so your pervy ass can whack off to the image of me and my girl fucking.” She scoffs.

He holds his hands up. “Hey, I’m happily married, but if babygirl wants to join in for a little throuple time with you two and I can watch, I won’t say no,” Liam says before shooting a wink to Skyla.

She rolls her eyes at him, shaking her head as Vincent yanks her into his side, like the very thought of her touching another will send him into a jealous fit of rage. Odd considering their dynamics.

“So, what are we going to do about Maryia?” Skyla asks.

“What do you mean, princess?” Asher asks.

“I mean, this is all that bitch’s fault. Bridgette was assaulted. Maggie had to fucking kill a man because of her. So, what are we going to do about her?”

Maggie shakes her head. “This isn’t your fight, Sky. I appreciate it, but I don’t want you dragged into this.”

“Bartlett, we just disposed of a body and cleaned up a crime scene for you. We’re already involved,” Ronan says.

I look at Maggie, indecision warring on her face. She nods and blows out a breath.

“We have to find her, at least talk to her. I just…I don’t want you guys to kill her.”

Surprise hits me. Why the fuck not? It’s not like she wouldn’t deserve it. Oops, there I go again, being out of pocket.

“We’ll find her, go from there. Full name?” Wesley asks, setting down his plate as he pulls out his phone.

---