Undaunted: The Kings of Retribution MC

by Crystal Daniels

  “We got to move now so bring her with,” I exclaim.

  Taking the stairs two at a time, I practically run out of the house with Bella in my arms. By the time we load up into the truck, she has passed out. “Go! Go! Go!” I shout at Victor.

  “Hospital is ten minutes out,” he clips.

  “Baby, please,” I chant as I rock her limp body in my arms. “You’ve got to stay with me, okay? Babe, please. You can’t leave me now. Come on, what the fuck is taking so long?” I bellow. I look around at my brothers, I hate seeing the look of pity on their faces—like it’s over, like she’s already gone. Fuck that shit, I’m not giving up on her.

  With the screeching of tires, we pull up to the emergency room. I jump out, still holding Bella in my arms, jogging through the sliding doors while Quinn carries in the other girl we found down in the basement with her. “We need a fucking doctor now!” I yell, drawing the attention of several patients in the waiting room, along with a few staff members milling around. A tall scrawny man wearing scrubs comes running towards me with a short, black haired girl wearing a white coat. No way is she a fuckin’ doctor. She doesn’t look like she’s old enough to be out of high school yet. “I said I wanted a goddamn doctor!” I growl at the woman who is attempting to assist the nurse in getting me to let go of Bella and lay her down on a gurney.

  “I am the doctor,” she hisses back at me. “Now, you need to let her go so I can assess her.” She calmly insists, cutting her eyes to Bella whom I still have a death grip on. “What’s your name?” she questions me.

  “Logan,” I snap at her.

  “I’m Dr. Evans, and I promise I’m going to do everything I can to help...” she pauses.

  “Bella, her name is Bella,” I inform her.

  “I’m going to help Bella, but first we need you to let her go.” Relenting, I place Bella on the gurney and watch as they rush her away.

  I can’t move. I’m frozen to this spot watching as more nurses surround her, poking and prodding as they hook her up to machines. Dr. Evans is giving out instructions left and right. I watch as one nurse runs over carrying units of blood. My brothers stand silently behind me. There’s nothing to be said at this point. A second later the shrill sound of monitors going off fills the emergency room.

  “She’s crashing!” The skinny male nurse calls out. My heart feels like it’s stuck in my throat as my legs begin to move on their own accord toward the chaos. I’m halfway across the room when two security guards stop me.

  “I’m sorry sir, but you can’t be here.” They inform me.

  “I need to get to my woman,” I snap.

  “Sir, you’re not allowed, but if you go to the waiting room someone will be with you shortly.” Seeing me about to protest again, the other guard cuts in.

  “Look man, I got a wife, I understand. I promise someone will be with you as soon as possible. Let them do their job. Dr. Evans is one of the best. Your girl is in good hands.” Giving in, I allow Jake to lead me back to the waiting area.

  Two hours later a nurse approaches us, “Excuse me, sir, Dr. Evans ask that I bring you all to a private family room.”

  “What the hell for? Why can’t she come talk to us here?”

  “Sir, please.”

  “Fuck no! I know why doctors take people in the family rooms, I’m not havin’ that shit. She’s not telling me my girl is dead, you hear me?”

  “Logan, come on son, let’s go.” My father urges me.

  “No, they’re not going to tell me she fuckin’ gone!”

  “Logan.” Dr. Evans cuts in. Calmly walking over to me, she places her hand on my arm. “Bella is in surgery and stable for now. I wanted to bring you to the family room so we could discuss her condition in private. I’m sorry that my instruction alarmed you.”

  I slump my shoulders in relief, “Is she going to be okay?” I ask.

  “Right now, Bella is stable, but she’s not out of the woods yet. If you all will follow me I will explain her condition to you.”

  Nodding we follow the doctor into a private room. I sit and listen to her describe Bella’s injuries. “She has seven lacerations to her chest and torso that will require at least 200 or more stitches, she’s being sewn up now. I repaired the femoral artery in her leg. Whoever tied the belt around her thigh saved her life. Had it not been for that she wouldn’t have made it to the hospital. She’s still unconscious and will most likely remain that way awhile. I want you to keep in mind that even though she’s stable, she is still in serious condition and will be admitted to the ICU for a few days. Bella also had some bruising on her hips and along the inside of her thighs indicating possible sexual assault.”

  My body tenses at the mention of rape. “And?” I ask.

  “The examination determined she wasn’t raped.” Dr. Evans assures.

  “When can I see her?”

  “Once Bella is moved to the ICU, she will be allowed one visitor at a time. I’m also going to suggest a counselor come talk to her when she is awake. Bella will most likely have some issues and trouble dealing with the level of damage that has been done to her body. Recovery will be a very difficult road for her. I called in a favor and had the best plastic surgeon in the state come in, he’s working on Bella now. I’ll go check on his progress and send someone to take you to her as soon as possible.”

  “What about the girl that was brought in with Bella? How’s she doing?” Reid inquires. Shit, I completely forgot about her. My only focus has been on my woman.

  “Sofia has a broken arm and a significant amount of bumps and bruises. She’s awake now and was able to tell us her name and give some information about what’s happened to her. She seems to be a strong girl. I’m going to work on finding her family.”

  “Thanks, Dr. Evans,” I say offering her my hand, “and I’m sorry about before. When we first arrived, I meant no disrespect.”

  Accepting she replies, “You’re welcome, Logan. Given the situation, your actions were to be expected. You only wanted what was best for the person you care for and believe me, you’re not the first person to question my credibility, and you won’t be the last.” She says in a bit of a teasing tone to lighten the mood. Standing up, Dr. Evans makes her way to the door and adds, “There are a couple detectives in the waiting area asking to speak with someone about the incident involving Bella and Sofia.”

  Before I can reply my father cuts in.

  “I’ll take care of it,” he says immediately leaving the room.

  “Excuse me there, Dr. Pretty,” Quinn draws from the corner of the room. “Would you mind showing me where I can get some coffee?”

  The doctor’s face flushes red as she stammers, “Um, sure.” I watch as he walks out of the room throwing a wink over his shoulder as he trails behind the poor unsuspecting woman.

  “Fucking Quinn, can’t take his ass anywhere,” Reid scoffs.

  It’s been two days and Bella still hasn’t woken up. The plus is that she is no longer considered critical and has been moved to a regular room. Dr. Evans has been coming by every few hours to check on her progress, and she assures me Bella will wake up when she’s ready. My father has arranged for Bella to have a private room while she’s here, and he’s gotten Jake, Quinn, and Reid situated in a local hotel. With things quiet back home, they refuse to leave until Bella can come home.

  It’s almost 9:00 am, and I’m expecting the guys any moment for their first visit of the day, so when the door opens I’m expecting to see my brothers, but what I get is Alba—a very angry looking Alba. She appraises her sister for a moment before she turns her fiery eyes to me. This is not the sweet, timid little sister we have come to know. “You,” she seethes pointing a finger at me. “TWO DAYS my sister has been laid up in this hospital without me. TWO DAYS you assholes have instructed Gabriel to keep me home.”

  “Alba—” I begin to speak, but she cuts me off.

  “No! If any of you ever try to keep me from my sister again, I will nut punch every single one of you!
”

  With a brow lift and amused look on my face, I look over at Gabriel who is quietly standing by the door, and I can’t help but chuckle. Her attempt at being intimidating is about as effective as Bella’s.

  “She has a fire,” he states.

  Whipping her head around Alba growls, “Gabriel!”

  “Cariño, sweetie,” He rasps drawing out the ‘r’ making his accent sound even stronger. I watch in amusement as she turns red. Deciding to give up on her intimidation tactic, Alba turns her attention back to Bella. Walking over to the bed she sets her purse down, and then very carefully crawls into bed with her sister.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Bella

  Day Three

  A low murmur of what sounds like a TV starts to pull at me, rousing me from sleep.

  “Alba, I’m heading down the hall to grab a coffee. I’ll be right back. You want anything?” I hear Logan’s hoarse voice say.

  “No thank you, Logan,” Alba tells him.

  I feel pressure on my lips the moment Logan presses his to mine, then hear booted footsteps as he walks away.

  I struggle to pry my eyes open, and a bright flash of light breaks through. I feel like I did when I experienced my first hangover in high school. The brightness hurts at first, but I keep forcing them to open more. My vision is blurry, like looking through a fogged-up window in the winter time, so I blink slowly a couple of times. It feels like the inside of my eyelids are lined with sandpaper, but soon I’m able to bring everything into focus.

  Every muscle in my neck feels stiff as I turn my head and see my sister curled up next to me, her nose in her Kindle. I reach my hand out, or at least try to. Peering down at my hand, I notice the IV line, which explains the slight tug I felt when I tried to move.

  Without warning, flashes of images flood my memory. The BBQ. Running after my sister. Her and I being taken by Los Demonios. Jorge cutting me...repeatedly. Logan saving me. It all crashes into me. Wave after wave of flashbacks. The last thing I remember was Logan telling me Alba was safe. I can’t recall anything else after that.

  When I try to lift my hand again, I hear a gasp. I look back up to find my sister staring at me.

  “Oh my God! Bella?”

  Her Kindle falls to the floor as she turns, putting her head in my lap, and begins to sob. I reach my hand up and softly stroke her hair. My emotions getting the better of me as well. My sister is everything to me. I can’t begin to describe the relief I feel knowing she’s okay.

  “It’s okay, Alba,” I croak out. My voice sounding uneven and raw.

  I continue to stroke her hair, trying to calm her down as I do my best to compose myself.

  I glance around at my surroundings, taking everything in. The hospital room I’m in is big. The walls aren’t the normally cold, sterile white. They’re a soft blue. The light shining through the big window hurts my eyes still but it’s much bearable than before. Flowers and balloons line the window seal.

  I turn my head to look to the other side of the room and the door opens with Logan stepping in, holding a cup of coffee. My breathing falters the moment our eyes meet. I give him an unsure smile.

  “Bella,” his husky voice croaks out. He sounds every bit as emotional as I am now, but he is hiding most of it well as he takes a few strides before stopping right beside me. Placing the coffee on the table, Logan grabs my empty hand and places it over his heart. Using his other hand, he brushes the tears from under my eyes.

  He rests his forehead on mine. Both of us feeling the weight of everything. I really thought I would never get the chance to see him again, have his arms hold me, feel his lips against mine one more time, yet here we are.

  “I love you,” I whisper in his ear as he pulls me close.

  “I love you,” he rasps with so much emotion his voice betrays him.

  My sister lifts her head from my lap and Logan moves to the side, letting her lean forward to give me a light hug.

  “I’m going to go clean my face in the bathroom. When I come out, I’ll go ask the nurse for some warm tea with honey. It should help your throat.” She smiles warmly at me while wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.

  “Bella,” she turns back around just as she opens the bathroom door, “I love you.”

  Crying all over again, I tell her the same before she closes the door.

  Reaching down Logan pushes a button and tells the nurse that I’m awake. Before I have time to catch another breath a young woman with black hair, I’m assuming is the doctor, and a couple of nurses in pink scrubs come walking in after a brief knock on the door.

  The doctor walks up and begins checking all the monitors they have hooked up to me before speaking, “Well, Bella. I’m happy to see you’re finally awake. I’m Dr. Evans, I’ve been treating you since you arrived a few days ago.” she says, holding a clipboard against her chest.

  “How many days have I been here? How long have I been out of it? Where’s Sofia?” I question her with a hoarse voice.

  Dr. Evans smiles warmly at me. “Sofia was admitted and is doing great. She has a broken arm, along with some bumps and bruises, but she is going to make a full recovery.”

  I relax a bit and close my eyes, while letting out a sigh of relief.

  “You’ve been here and under my care for three days. If you’re up to it, I want to go over everything with you. I want to make sure you understand what your body has been through and your recovery process.”

  I feel Logan stiffen at my side. “Do we need to do this now doc? Can’t it wait? She just woke up.” He huffs out, sounding irritated.

  The bathroom door opens and my sister walks back into the room. I hate being the center of attention and right now, everyone’s eyes are on me. I’m starting to feel very uncomfortable. I want to get the prodding over with. I remember everything I went through prior to being brought to the hospital, but nothing more up until now. I don’t want people to look at me differently, like they are right now.

  Pulling up a chair by my bed side, the doctor sits, crossing her legs while folding her hands in her lap.

  “Everyone in this room knows that you went through a horrible ordeal, Bella. I’m sure you remember everything, so I won’t repeat it.”

  I close my eyes. How can I forget? Logan has my hand in his and my sister is now holding my other hand, both giving me the support I need as the doctor continues.

  “You lost a lot of blood, and your heart stopped not long after you were brought to us. We had to give you more than one transfusion during surgery. You have Type O negative blood and being O negative, you can only receive the same. We didn’t have much of that in supply. Thankfully, one of your friends was O negative as well and donated.”

  I look to Logan for clarification on who helped save my life.

  “Quinn donated, Angel,” Logan says.

  I feel very overwhelmed, but I’m pretty sure from the look on her face she’s not done telling me everything. “Could I get something to drink? My throat is so dry.” I ask.

  Alba leaves my side to get the hot tea she mentioned a few moments ago. My mind is running a mile a minute. My heart stopped beating? Did I die?

  “We called in one of the best plastic surgeons in the area to take care of the lacerations you received. The worst ones were on your ribcage. I assure you that the scarring will fade in time. I repaired the damage to your femoral artery as well. That’s where most of your blood loss came from.”

  Scars. I’m left with permanent marks on my body from that monster. Alba walks back in with my tea and hands it to me. I sip on it slowly and the warmth instantly soothes the scratchiness in the back of my throat. I’m also very tired. I’ve slept for three days and I already need another nap. That’s insane.

  “I can see you’re tired. That is just your body’s way of healing, but before you sleep, I want to change your bandages and get you to eat something light. Okay?” Dr. Evans informs me.

  I cut my eyes at Logan. Instantly I have anxiety abou
t him seeing me. I don’t understand my hesitation myself. Why would I suddenly feel this way? He’s seen my body several times. All I know is, right now, in this moment, I want nothing more than to hide myself from him.

  “Babe, what’s wrong?” Logan inquires.

  I hate to tell him to leave while they tend to me, but I can’t handle him seeing me this way right now. I know what I’m about to say will not go over well.

  “Logan. Would you please step outside while they change the bandages?”

  He’s taken aback by my request. Hurt and anger appear on his face, just before he masks it. “I’ll be downstairs, having a smoke and calling the guys.” He stands up and bends down, pressing his lips softly to mine. “I love you.”

  “I love you,” I tell him before he walks out the door.

  Turning back to the doctor I ask her, “When can I shower?”

  “With help, you can take one first thing in the morning. Now, let’s change those bandages. I’ll warn you, it’s going to hurt. The gauze will be stuck to the stitches. I’ll be as careful as possible.”

  I lay still in the bed as they carefully set me up and remove my hospital gown. The pull of the skin on my side hits me instantly. I grit my teeth and push through it.

  The gauze is wrapped around my torso and the nurses who accompanied Dr. Evans earlier start to carefully unwrap it. The doctor takes over, carefully pulling the tape off my skin. It feels like the skin’s going with it. When she gets to the bandage that covers the larger area and starts peeling it away, I can’t help but flinch.

  “It looks good. No signs of infection. Don’t be afraid to move. It will hurt, but movement will help the skin stay loose. We don’t want it to become tight. Physical therapy can help with that.”

  Not being able to bring myself to look down at it, I keep my eyes focused on my sister.