“So did you when you were a baby. It won’t last forever. Anyway, he’s your brother. What did I tell you your job was?”
“To look out for him,” she groans, rolling her pretty little eyes.
“Yes, so that’s what you’re gonna do.”
I kiss her cheek and place her back on her feet. “And look after your mom, she’s gonna need you to help her out, okay?”
“Okay, Dad.”
“Here, Ray, take hold of this,” Dad asks her, passing her the wrench.
She takes it and sits back on the stool.
“Your mom will help out with Holly. Don’t worry about here while you’re on the road,” he tells me.
It’s easier said than done but I trust my mom will help when needed. JJ limps his way over to his bike and I hear Dad mutter under his breath. Ignoring him, I ruffle Rayna’s hair on my way out, much to her annoyance, and I’m met with JJ asking, “What if you’re met with resistance when you ask?”
“Then they’re not doing their job to protect the patch, and we have bigger problems.” I straddle my bike and add, “And I’m not asking.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Shane
My son.
Fuck.
JJ wasn’t wrong when he said everything would change the moment I saw him. It did. At five pounds and thirteen ounces, he’s still a strong little fucker. He’s a fighter. He’s like me. I had to drag myself away and leave him to sleep. Annie is back in her private room, which I noticed she never once asked me to help pay for. Every move she makes I’m watching. Every time a doctor or nurse comes into the room, she tenses. It’s only obvious because I’m watching her so closely, but I’m not wrong.
“I’m going out for a smoke.”
“Don’t be long,” she pleads.
What the fuck is her game? It’s infuriating that I can’t figure her out. The walk from maternity to the front entrance doesn’t help. I light a cigarette and call Zach.
“How’s Annie and the baby?”
“He’s great. He’s gotta stay in for a while but they’re positive he’s going to be fine.”
He doesn’t comment that I don’t mention how Annie’s doing and I’m grateful I haven’t got to get into it. Whatever is going on with her, I hate that I can’t figure it out.
“Anything I need to know going on at the club?” I inquire.
“Not as such. Leo and JJ have left town. Leo’s called the presidents and VP’s to meet at some backward town in the middle of nowhere. When I hear something, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.”
The call ends. While I finish my cigarette, I scroll through names on my phone. It’s one thing we haven’t discussed yet. I guess we thought we’d have more time.
My son needs a name fitting to who he already is. I go through the usual names and sigh. They’re all boring until I come across a name that makes me smile.
Wolf.
And just like that, my son has a name and an identity to grow into. I take one last draw on the cigarette and grind it out under my boot. I’m about to head back inside when three Hog fuckers stroll through the main entrance. I keep my distance and follow them.
I take a picture of them on my phone and send it Zach. His message comes through ten seconds later.On our way.
They walk into the cafeteria and two sit a table and the other goes up to join the line at the counter. I hang back out of sight and clench my hand into a fist. I want to be with my son, but I can’t let these motherfuckers out of my sight. It’s going to take the brothers at least half an hour to get here and that’s if the roads are clear and they can push the speed limit. The need to protect my boy is overwhelming, much more than I’ve ever felt toward the club. It’s too long to wait for the club. The Hog fuckers, if here for me, need to see the error of their ways. I can’tcount on them not starting trouble just because of where we are. They’re unpredictable and don’t have the same morals as Lost Souls.