Page 22 of Property of Raider
“Prez says you're going to the clubhouse,” the medic says.“That means you go to the clubhouse and stay there until he says otherwise.”
“I don’t know who you are talking about, but that man who just stormed off like a damn toddler does not get to tell me a damn thing,” I shout, pointing in the direction Watson stormed off to.
The good-ol’-guy act falls away, replaced by a darkness that only comes from years of pain.“Who I am talking about is the club president.He has left instructions that you and the boy are to go to the clubhouse.If you don’t like it, you are welcome to take it up with him when you see him next.Until then, you will go.”
We watch each other, and then it clicks, and I release a humorless laugh.“Did the entire crew join this little club of yours?”
He leans in close and says low, “Tasia, this is not the time or fucking place.Watson was not asking.A lot has changed since you ran off, taking that man's soul with you.Do us all a fucking favor and for once in your life do what he fucking tells you to do.”
I lean into his face.“It’s hilarious that you are telling me I took his soul with me when he was busy screwing my fucking sister.So, you and Watson can both fuck all the way off and take the rest of your bullshit with you.”
“Tasia, this is not a goddamn game.You can either go willingly, or we’ll have no other option but to force you to go,” he growls in frustration.
“Colton,” I snap back, too fucking tired to deal with this.“I am not playing fucking games.I’m doing what I must do to protect myself and my son.You and Watson have no motherfucking idea what we’ve been through.So, once again, you can fuck off.”
“Welp, you’ve given me no choice,” the playful man is back in place.“Just remember when you tell Prez about how you got back to the clubhouse, we gave you choices first.”
“Colton, no!”I scream as he leans forward, wrapping an arm around my thighs as he places his shoulder into my lower belly, throwing me over his shoulder.
He spins, going back over to the group of men as I beat on his back.“Colton, put me down right the fuck now.”
“In a moment, Tasia,” he chuckles.“Did any of you bring a cage with you?”
“Does it look like we brought a fucking cage?”I hear someone deadpan.
“Well, Tasia, it looks like you're going to be riding with a brother,” he singsongs.
“Remedy, who the fuck do you have on your shoulder?”Someone with some sense deadpans.
“You see her our friend Tasia has a tendency to pull a disappearing act.To make sure she does not do that and to ensure she follows the directions given by Prez, I decided to restrain her.”
“Colton, I swear to all that is holy if you do not put me down, I will tell everyone standing here about the night of my twelfth birthday party.”I’m beyond exhausted and not in the mood to deal with this shit.
Instantly he flips me upright and puts me on my feet, glaring at me.“You will not.”
I smirk at him with my arms crossed over my chest.“I will, and you damn well know it.”
“Oh, I have to know this story,” the big man who held me when I got the news about Auntie Lynn laughs.
“No, you fucking don’t,” Colton shakes his head hard.“It also includes Prez, and he would spank your ass for telling that story.”
“Can we move this show on the fucking road?”A very large, scary man demands.
“Play nice, Mercy.”Another man says.
“Fuck you” is his only reply.
Rusher is standing there watching the entire exchange with excitement and awe on his face.
He eventually looks back at me.“Please, Ma, can we just go with them?You seem to know some of them.”
I drop chin to my chest because if I look at any of them, hell, if I breathe wrong, I’m going to fucking lose it.The scream I’ve been fighting since I stumbled out of the house claws at my throat.My hand won't stop shaking.My chest hurts.I cannot do this right now.I’m too raw.Too goddamn overwhelmed.Watson is back and making demands.My gut is telling me Shea is responsible for the fire, and to add salt to the wound, Auntie Lynn isgone.
As I stand here still just breathing, letting the world fall away and getting lost in my head, Auntie Lynn’s words come back to me.“I know you're scared, and things are overwhelming.Just know that you can trust the men of Kings of Anarchy.They will protect you and Rusher if for no other reason than they owe me a mark.”
“Ma, what’re we doing?”Rusher whispers, shifting to stand closer to me.
“I don’t know, Rushy,” I rub my temples.“I just can’t tonight …”
