Page 4 of Haunted By the Storm
"And that's my problem because?" I ask, even though I'm already mentally cataloging what I know about custody disputes. Not much, admittedly, but enough to know they're usually messy as fuck.
"Because the guy's dangerous," Blaze says, his voice dropping. "He... he hurt her. Bad. Years ago. That's how she got pregnant."
My blood runs cold. I don't need him to elaborate. The implication is clear enough, and it makes my jaw clench so tight my teeth might crack.
"She called me tonight," he continues. "I wanted to go over there, but she said to wait till tomorrow. The kid's asleep, and she doesn't want to scare her. But I can't just sit around knowing this fucker's out there somewhere, watching her house."
"What do you want me to do about it?" I ask, even though I already know. I can hear it in his voice. He needs backup, andfor whatever reason, he's calling me instead of one of the other brothers.
"I need your help," Blaze admits. "You're the best at handling these kinds of situations. The guys respect you. If you're involved, they'll take it seriously."
That's true enough. The brothers listen when I talk. Still, this isn't club business.
"Why me?" I ask. "Why not go to Ace or Digger?"
There's a pause. "Because the other brothers, they’ve got kids; they’ve got ol’ ladies. You, Storm, you’ll be focused on Cam and Emily. You just get shit done. And right now, my sister needs someone who can get shit done without making it complicated."
I take another swig of my drink, considering. This isn't my problem. I don't even know this woman. But I do know what it's like to feel helpless, to need protection and have nowhere to turn.
"Please," Blaze says when I don't immediately respond. "She's all I’ve got left as far as real family goes."
Fuck. I run a hand through my hair, already knowing I'm gonna regret this. "Fine. Let me finish my drink. I'll meet you outside in ten."
"Thanks, man. I owe you."
"Yeah, you fucking do," I mutter, ending the call.
I down the rest of my whiskey in one gulp, the burn doing nothing to cool the anger starting to simmer in my veins. I fucking hate men who prey on women, especially young ones. It's a special kind of cowardice that makes my trigger finger itch.
"Trouble?" Shadow asks, appearing beside me. Despite his size, the man moves like a fucking ghost sometimes.
"Nothing I can't handle," I say, setting down my empty glass. "Just helping out our prospect with a personal matter."
Shadow's eyes narrow. He knows me too well. "What kind of personal matter?"
"The kind that's got nothing to do with you," I reply, more sharply than intended.
He holds up his hands. "Just asking, brother."
I sigh, regretting my tone. "Sorry. It's Blaze's sister. She's having problems with her kid's father. He wants to take the girl."
"And you're involved because...?"
"Because Blaze asked," I say simply. "And because the guy sounds like a real piece of shit."
Understanding dawns on Shadow's face. "Need backup?"
I shake my head. "Not yet. Gotta assess the situation first."
"Alright," he says, clapping me on the shoulder. "But you call if you need anything. We got your back."
"I know," I say, grateful for the reminder even though I'd never admit it.
Outside, the air is cool against my skin; a welcome relief from the stuffy clubhouse. Storm clouds are still out, the thunder and lightning over for now, but with those clouds above me, there’s a promise for more. Fitting, given my mood.
Blaze is waiting by his bike, looking younger than his twenty-two years with worry etched across his face. The prospect's been working hard to earn his place in the club, but right now, he just looks like a kid scared for his sister.
"Tell me everything," I say, skipping the pleasantries.
