Page 9 of Raven
Chapter 5
Raven
Idropped Sydney’s prescription off at the pharmacy and told them I’d be back in ten minutes to get the medication, instead of waiting for them to tell me when it would be done, and the woman behind the counter nodded. As I grabbed a shopping cart and pushed it toward the grocery side of the large store, I ran through what food I had at the house for Sydney.
After grabbing a few cans of soup, a couple different types of juices and pudding cups, and some sweet treats, I quickly paid for everything and carried the bags back to get her medication. After paying and going over the dosage with the pharmacist, I practically jogged out of the store and back to my truck.
As I approached, I saw Sydney sitting in the passenger seat with her head back and her eyes closed. Seeing her resting so peacefully, I quietly opened the front door and placed the bags behind the seat. I got in and watched Sydney as I closed the door. When she didn’t stir, I knew she was finally getting the rest she needed.
Sydney was going to want to go back to that tiny camper to try to take care of herself and that was the last thing I wanted. The thought of her being alone was too much for me to think about, so I made a decision. When I said she was mine, for the first time in my life, something deep inside of me settled.
I cranked up the truck, hoping I didn’t disturb her. She let out the smallest little snore, and I smiled as I pulled out my phone and sent Jigsaw a text.
Me:Can you and Willow meet me at my place?
Jigsaw:Is everything okay?
Me:Sydney is knocked out and I need help getting her settled into my spare room.
Jigsaw:Who’s Sydney? Why do you need Willow?
Jigsaw knew someone had caught my eye, but he and I had yet to sit down and talk about Sydney, so I rolled my eyes and answered his question.
Me:Sydney is my woman and I need Willow.
I didn’t need to tell him everything, only that I needed him and his ol’ lady. He knew I didn’t ask for much from the club, so I wasn’t surprised by his immediate response.
Jigsaw:On the way.
Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I glanced at Sydney and smiled as I turned and backed the truck out of the parking space. My house was on the edge of town, and when I turned onto my street and got closer to my house, I saw Jigsaw and Willow sitting on his bike along the curb.
Turning into the driveway, I pressed the button to open the garage door and pulled inside before turning off the engine. Looking into the rear-view mirror, I saw Jigsaw and Willow walking up to the driver’s door. Carefully, I opened the door and looked over at Sydney. She let out an adorable little snore and turned her head away as I got out.
“Hey, brother,” Jigsaw said and glanced inside the truck, raising his eyebrows as he turned to look back at me. “Something happen you forgot to tell me about?”
I lifted my chin toward the end of the truck, and the three of us stepped away from the open door. Lowering my voice, I tried to explain without sounding crazy, but if any of the brothers would understand crazy, it was Jigsaw and Willow.
“Sydney works for me, and she’s sick. I need to get her inside and into bed, and I may need Willow’s help to get her changed,” I tried to reason.
“How long have you been together?” Willow asked quietly, and I saw Jigsaw lean closer, eager to hear my answer.
“I claimed her this morning, so if you have something to say, don’t. I’m not interested in anyone’s judgement on us.”
Jigsaw smiled his feral smile and patted me on the back and he asked, “Is this the same woman that had you destroying an expensive toolbox a few months ago?”
I lifted my head and closed my eyes, softly shaking my head. Of course he would remember my unusual outburst right after the Rally. Even then, I knew Sydney was mine, and I’d waited months, watching her work herself half to death without claiming her. Seeing her so sick this morning made me want to kick my own ass for being so reserved with her.
But that ended today.
“I’ll answer all your questions later. Right now, I need to get her and the bags behind the seat inside so she can sleep in a real bed,” I responded without answering his question.
He gave me a nod and started to step around the back of the truck. I grabbed his thick arm, and he swung his eyes back at me as I asked, “What are you doing? I’ll get Sydney, you get the bags and the door.” I started to step around them, and I saw Willow place her hand against his and gently tug him back so I could get to the other side of the truck.
Opening the passenger’s door, I hoped she didn’t wake up. She sighed in her sleep and seemed to snuggle against the seat. Reaching over her, I carefully unhooked her seatbelt and kept glancing at her as I slipped one arm under her knees and the other around her back. Slowly, I lifted her out of the seat and through the open door.
She was so small in my arms, and when she started to stir awake, I whispered softly to her, “Sleep darlin’, I’ve got you.” Placing a kiss on the top of her head, I added even softer. “You’re safe now.”
Taking a step back from the open door, I saw Willow standing on the other side. She pushed the door closed without slamming it and turned toward the closed door leading into the house. Opening the door, she walked inside and watched as I carefully carried Sydney into the kitchen. I lifted my chin toward the hallway, and she began walking ahead of me.
