Page 182 of Maddox
The fact that Peter is in uniform sends a chill through me and I rush forward, hoping to defuse whatever is going on because it’s easy to see the two groups squaring off with what feels like half the MC opposite.
After pushing through several burly men, I pause beside Maddox and eye my mom.
“We don’t need the pigs here, Red,” Joker says, and I mentally groan.
Ugh. What a way to fire the first shot and it’s a doozy if Peter’s brutal scowl is anything to go by.
“Fuck you,” Peter barks. “Delaney, it’s time to go.”
This is a side of Peter that I’ve never seen, and I don’t know how to respond without fanning the flames.
When Maddox’s shoulder brushes mine, I summon a weak smile that fades under the reality of our situation.
The first of many tests is here and I dread the outcome because if Maddox and his brothers can’t get past my relationship with my stepdad, how will they ever accept Mom…me and our Aces affiliation?
Immune to the tension in the air, or maybe she’s learned how to ignore it, Mom says, “Sweetie.”
She clasps her hands together, perhaps to hide the trembling and I ask, “Mom? Are you okay?”
“Oh, sweetie,” she says, “I’m okay.”
Although I have my doubts, there’s not much I can say when she leaves Peter’s side and approaches with a watery smile.
“It’s going to be a struggle for a while,” she says, “but I’m trying, Delaney. For you…for us.”
She glances back at Peter and his eyes soften the way they always do when he’s looking at my mother. The fact that he lovesher has never been in question, but the problem is, he refuses to see her imperfections and that’s an issue when you live with an addict.
Even so, I’m hopeful but words only have so much value. I guess time will prove whether she can make it work.
“That’s so good, Mom,” I say but I don’t move. I’m rooted to this spot beside Maddox and as her gaze moves between us, I see the light dawn in her eyes.
Although it pains me to see her bow her head, I know she’ll understand eventually. She’s chosen her path and it’s going to be bumpy. I’ll support her but I can’t go back and while I hate to put new barriers between us, I can’t deny that my home no longer includes her and the man who’s always been my stepdad.
I found my place with Maddox, even if it means we both have to leave, although I hope it doesn’t come to that.
“You’re not coming home,” she says and a lump forms in my throat before I slowly shake my head.
When Maddox grabs my hand, I exhale slowly and say, “I love him, Mom.”
I wish I had said it before when we were alone, but it is what it is and when his eyes light with an unnatural fire, I squeeze his fingers, wrapped around mine.
However, the little zing of pleasure fades when Peter says, “What are you doing, Delaney? These fuckers are scum.”
When half a dozen bikers with a serious dose of distrust for the law stiffen, I rush to say before he starts a war, he can’t possibly win, “No, Peter. They’re not. They’re people, like you and me.”
My words are lost to him though. The truth isn’t always pretty but with her omission, my mom’s created a fissure in our relationship that neither Peter nor I can mend.
Oblivious to our exchange, Peter pushes past her and says, “Enough! Have you seen what they did to your mother?”
To my shock, he grabs her arm and pushes her forward.
“Hey now,” Joker says but Peter’s on a roll.
More disturbing is Mom’s lifeless reaction when Peter pulls up her shirt, revealing her abdomen.
The room drops to silence and my throat closes when I see the brand marring her otherwise smooth stomach.
“Is that…?” I whisper.
