She looks like I’ve given her food for thought. She slides into the car with a wave of her hand.
“See you tonight, babe.” I step back, rapping on the roof twice, then watch her leave.
Mace said I’d never wanted a woman and kids. I hadn’t. To me, the reason is clear, because somewhere in the depths of my mind, I knew I’d already met my one. I was just waiting to find my way back to her.
I’d completely missed Cas growing up. Missed seeing him go to school, learning to read… I’d missed so fucking much. Hell, I wasn’t there for his birth, only seeing him when I was on leave, then going again for half a year at a time. Hearing Vi mentioning she and Demon were expecting, it had hit me how I’d like the chance to experience everything about preparing for a baby, childbirth and raising a child for myself, with a new son or daughter. Would Cas like a brother or sister? Or is he too used to being an only child?
I hear the sound of footsteps and look up to see Dirt and Nails walking back from the direction of the gym we’re building. “Hey, Prospect.” Of course, both of them look up, smartening their steps and stopping in front of me all but standing to attention. If one saluted, it wouldn’t surprise me.
“What you need, Liz?”
“Someone to spot me while I work out in the basement.”
“Sure, man.” Nail’s raises his chin toward Dirt. “You okay…”
“Yeah, I’ll do what needs to be done.” Dirt turns to continue his way into the clubhouse but turns and nods in my direction. “Heard you got your memory back. Welcome home, Brother.”
“Ain’t your brother yet,” I growl.
Dirt chuckles. “Yeah, as I said. Fuckin’ good to have you back.”
But I don’t make it straight down to the basement.
“Liz!” Prez calls me over. “Check Vanna got to work okay. I’m sending Dirt out to Devil’s Ink.”
My senses are immediately on high alert, making me snap, “Why?”
“Cad’s caught some whispers on the web.”
“Whisper of what?”
“I don’t know, just our name and chapter being mentioned. He’s tracking it down. I just want everyone to keep sharp. Maybe nothing at all.”
“He think’s something’s about to hit us?” Fuck. I’ve just got Vanna back, my second chance at happiness though the doubts deep down say I don’t deserve it. Karma couldn’t turn around and take her away from me now, could it? Would it be so cruel?
“I’ll go to the shop.” I’m not leaving her alone.
Demon raises an eyebrow. “She’s safe enough there, the security is top notch. You think I’d let Vi work at Devil’s Ink if I thought risk was more than a whisper? Dirt’s going there as a precaution, nothing else. Just check she’s arrived but don’t worry her.”
“I—”
“You’re in no fuckin’ shape, Brother.” Trust Prez to give it to me straight. “You can’t hold a gun, can’t walk without help. You need to trust us to look after your woman while you work on getting your strength back. If something is coming for us, the best thing you can do is to get yourself fit and ready for it.”
Shit. He’s right. I’m no fuckin’ good to anyone. Not at the present. But I will be. On that I’m determined.
What should I do about Vanna? If I tell her to keep an eye out, give her the slightest suspicion there’s danger, I may be doing the last thing I want to. I’m trying to bring her into this life, not chase her away from it. Cad’s heard something, but nothing definite. Demon’s right, if the prez trusts his woman to be safe there, then I needn’t worry much. But hell, that doesn’t stop me. Not with my thoughts about life stabbing me in the back.
“I want Dirt escorting the women home.”
Prez nods. “Going to have a brother there as well. Might even go myself.”
I stand, noticing Nails off to one side waiting patiently. Sighing heavily, I realise I’m no fucking help at all now. Not when I can’t ride my bike, and I can’t shoot well left-handed. Not for the first time, I wish I was ambidextrous and not so damn right-side dominant.
“I’ll be downstairs,” I tell Demon, flexing my right hand and drawing his attention to it.
“Liz,” he catches my eye and holds it. “We’re at DEFCON four right now. May rise to a three later. If there’s any change, I’ll call everyone in, immediately.”
I give a sharp nod understanding the language. We often borrow military terms and make them our own. Right now, we’re strengthening security acting on available intelligence. It’s rare for us to reach level one which from our point of view is all-out war.
I jerk my chin toward Nails, and taking my leave of Demon, pausing, I send a quick text.
Liz: Get to work okay?
Vanna: Checking up on me already?
Devil's Spawn: Satan's Devils MC Colorado Chapter #6 Page 38