Climbing Out

by Lila Rose

  “W-when?” Swan asked.

  I looked over my shoulder to the doors. “I'm sure you can soon, baby. Besides, they have to announce their names.” I glanced over to Julian and Mattie, who were sitting in the waiting chairs hugging. “Do you guys know what they're gonna name them?” I asked.

  They looked at each other and then shook their heads.

  “No,” Mattie said. “It's all been very tight-lipped.”

  A half-hour had passed when the doors finally opened again; Violet and Zara's parents walked out with the kids, happy tears shining in their eyes.

  “She wants all of you in there.” Nancy smiled. “They're absolutely beautiful; I could just eat them up.”

  Violet walked up to me and whispered, “I'm going to catch a taxi, head home to shower and come back with Travis. I'm leaving his car here in case you need it to get Swan home.”

  “You're being nice again,” I stated.

  “I know, and believe me—I'll throw up for it later.” She smiled. I smirked at her and shook my head.

  I understood her need for a shower; I really wanted one too, but I'd wait. So with a thanks and a nod from me, she took off after a goodbye to everyone else.

  “We're taking the kids to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Do any of you want anything?” Richard asked.

  With a no from everybody, they made their way to the elevators, and Mattie, Julian, Swan, Josie and I went back into Zara's room.

  She was sitting up in her bed, and even though she looked beat, she was obviously happy. I could see it in her shining eyes and the smile that played on her mouth.

  I stood back with Swan, holding her hand as Julian, Mattie and Josie all gushed over the twins being held by their mum and very happy dad.

  After they stepped back, I moved forward and sat Swan on the bed beside Zara.

  “Hey there, sweetie,” Zara said to Swan. “Do you like the babies?”

  Swan nodded, and then her head turned on its side as she asked, “Names?”

  Talon cleared his throat and was about to say something, when the door to the room opened and in walked Grady. My hand went to my neck as I took him in. He was in one piece, but he had a grim look upon his face, though it quickly changed once he saw Swan and me.

  Swan jumped down from the bed and ran for her father, yelling, “Daddy!”

  He scooped her up in his arms and held her tightly, and then one arm came out as he eyed me. I went straight for it. I wrapped my arms around both of them, burying my head into Grady’s neck.

  “You okay?” I uttered.

  “S'all good, darlin'. We'll talk soon.”

  I nodded and moved back so I could reach up and peck him on the lips.

  “Will you two stop groping in front of your child? Let's hear the announcement of the names, and then we can take Swan down to the cafeteria too,” Julian said.

  Grady had a silent conversation with Talon through nods and chin lifts. I would never begin to understand how that worked.

  “All right,” Talon started, “we've been going over some names for a while, but we’ve finally decided, and even if you hate them, we won’t give a fuck. For our son,” he lifted his arms cradling the sleeping boy, “it's Drake.” His eyes held mine as stupid, ugly tears filled my own eyes. Holy shit, why would they do that?

  “Hun, we wanted to pass on the Drake name in some form. I knew how much they meant to you and how much you mean to me. From what you’ve told us, they were amazing people who deserved to have their name preserved, so that's why we chose it.”

  I could only nod. If I opened my mouth, I was likely to cry.

  “And for our beautiful girl, her name is Ruby,” Talon said and smiled. “Maya and Cody helped with that one. We were sure damned surprised that they actually kept it to themselves.” He chuckled.

  “They're really nice,” Josie commented.

  “They're great,” Mattie said.

  “I love them!” Julian clapped. “Right, now come on, sweet pea,” he said to Swan and took her from Grady's arms. “Let's go get some food.”

  Mattie gently grabbed Josie's hand, who I saw flinch, but he ignored it and started for the door. “We'll be back soon,” he said, and then left with the rest.

  As soon as the door closed, Talon growled, “Now, you wanna tell us what in the fuck is going on?”

  “It's been handled, so you don't need to worry about it right now.”

  “I don't give a shit if it's handled. Explain, brother.”

  I stepped out of Grady's arms and went over to sit on the edge of the bed. Grady came up behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, and I leaned back into him to absorb his warmth.

  “Violet was at my house—”

  Zara gasped. “Is she still alive?”

  With an eye roll, I said, “Very funny, wench, and yes, you just saw she was. She came to tell me Jason got released early.”

  “You didn't tell me this,” Grady snapped.

  “Well, I didn't actually have time now, did I?”

  “Griz,” Talon said. I lifted my head to see yet another fuckin' silent conversation was going on. I was sure this one said in their caveman ways, She'll need more protection, with a response of, I'm on it. Ugg, ugg, grunt, fart and groan.

  “Anyway,” I said, “we went into the house, and two men were there waiting and took us.” Zara gasped once again. “It's all good, as you can see. Violet had a tracking device; the guys found us and we came here.”

  “Then who put that fuckin' bruise and bump on your head?” Talon asked.

  Grady grunted, “One of the guys.”

  “Where is he now? And who in the hell would take Hawks’ property?”

  “He's dead. It was Ryan's smart idea to try and get money out of me.”

  “Tell me he failed,” Zara asked. Holy shit. Did she mean what I thought she meant?

  Grady nodded. “He's also dead.”

  “Good,” she said, and then glanced at me. “Oh, don't look so shocked. Being around him,” she gestured to Talon, “for so long, I learn what's good for our family and what's not. I don't like most of it, but if it's to protect what's ours, then it has to be done.”

  “I agree,” I said, and I did.

  “There was one problem though; Stoke's being operated on as we speak.”

  “Fuck. What happened?” Talon asked.

  “Bullet to the stomach. It must have hit something vital.”

  “The bastard better pull through,” Talon uttered.

  “I'm sure he will,” Zara said and placed her hand on Talon's, which was holding Drake’s. He met her worried gaze and nodded.

  “We better head off, brother,” Grady said. “I'm sure you're both tired.”

  “Pfft. He's not the one who gave birth to two watermelons. Both kids had huge heads...must have their father’s ego.” She always liked to lighten the mood and it worked.

  Talon grinned at his wife, and then turned to Grady and me. “Thanks for coming, Griz. And you too, Hell Mouth.”

  “Always a pleasure when I'm around.” I grinned and then sobered. “We'll keep you updated with Stoke.” I looked to Grady for confirmation and he nodded.

  We said our final goodbyes and then made our way to the cafeteria.

  Griz

  Nancy saw how exhausted both Deanna and I were—mentally and physically—so she offered to mind Swan for the night, and Swan was more than happy to go with her.

  I had Pick drive us home in Travis's car; everyone else wanted to stay a little longer, so Pick was gonna head back after dropping Dee and me home.

  Even though it felt fuckin' weird, I got in the back with Deanna and brought her close to me, leaving Pick up front alone like some damned driver of the rich and famous.

  “Have you heard any more about Stoke?” Pick asked.

  “Nah, not yet. I'm sure Killer will ring as soon as he knows.”

  “Do you want to head back there? After Pick drops us off, we can take my car,” Deanna offered.

&n
bsp; “Darlin', it's so fuckin' sweet of you to ask, but not tonight. Ask me again in the mornin'.” What I wanted and needed the most was to lay down between the sheets and in-between my woman's legs. I needed to feel she was there, safe and in our house.

  It made me feel like an arse about Stoke, but I was sure he would've done the same. There was nothing I could do for him at the hospital. If and when we heard the outcome, we would deal then. We would take care of him one way or another. If I knew how to fuckin' operate on a body, there would be no way I'd be in the back of this car, but I didn't, so like I said, there was nothing I could do for Stoke right then.

  The car pulled to a slow stop out the front of our house. I gave a chin lift and thanked Pick as we got out, and with dragging feet, we made our way up the walk.

  “Griz?” Pick called.

  “Be back in a sec, princess,” I sighed to Deanna. She smiled, gave me a quick kiss and moved off to the front door.

  I turned around and was walking back to the car, when I saw something shining in the living room window—something that shouldn't have been there, something I had never seen before.

  Ignoring Pick, I started to make my way back to Deanna just as she was unlocking the door. She opened it and took a step inside. I watched as her body startled. She looked back outside to me with tears in her eyes, shook her head and closed the door in my face.

  Fuck, fuck, fuck.

  He was in there.

  Jason Drake was in the house with my woman.

  Alone.

  No matter how much I wanted to bust down the door, I didn't. I couldn't, because there was no telling what kind of situation Deanna was in.

  I stepped back and the curtain twitched. He was watching, waiting for me to make a move. Did he know I was aware he was in there? I wasn't sure.

  “Fine, bitch, be that way,” I yelled.

  Christ, I hoped to hell he bought this shit acting.

  “I'll be back in the morning for my stuff,” I called. It damn near burned me inside to turn back around and walk back down the path to the still-waiting car I climbed into.

  “Trouble?” Pick asked.

  “He's in there,” I hissed. “Drive around the corner and park. We're going in through the back yard on foot.”

  “Who's in there, Griz?” he asked.

  “Her foster brother, the man who killed his own parents and is about to harm my woman. Fuck!” I yelled.

  “We need back-up?” he asked as he put the car in park and I jumped out.

  Pick was around the car in seconds and I replied, “No. Too late. We're doin' this...unless you don't want to?”

  “I'm there, brother.” He nodded.

  “Right. Let's kick it.”

  Adrenaline pumped through me. Even though I was dead on my feet, the need to save my woman overran my body and pushed any other feelings or thoughts out. Pick and I jumped over four backyard fences and finally reached the small, familiar yard that belonged to Dee. The back deck was dark, as was the house, except for one light in the living room. I was used to the house, so I knew what I was looking at coming from the kitchen window—the lamp that sat next to the couch in the front room was on.

  I signalled for Pick to keep his eyes and ears open; he gave a swift nod and went around the side of the house. I crept to the back door with my keys in my hand. My grip was on the handle when I heard a scream.

  Deanna

  Ten Minutes Earlier

  Unlocking the front door, I was more than ready for bed; I was ready for my man to take me slow and deep to release some of the stress that had built up as I waited for him to arrive at the hospital.

  I stepped through and turned halfway so I was facing the living room. My eyes hit him straight away. Jason was standing near the window smirking at me.

  My heart hit my feet.

  Shattered. That was how I felt. Tears filled my eyes, because I knew this was the moment I was probably going to die, or try my fuckin’ hardest not to.

  I had people to live for; I just hoped that’d make me strong enough to get through...without bringing anyone else down in the process.

  I glanced back outside to see Grady making his way back up the footpath, a stern, worried look held within his eyes. I shook my head and closed the front door in his face, quickly locking it.

  “Fine, bitch, be that way,” Griz’s booming voice rang through the room. “I'll be back in the morning for my stuff.”

  Jason raised an eyebrow at me. “Smart move, Deanna,” he said.

  He looked the same as he had eight years ago, with the same dark red hair and light green crazy eyes. He was still tall and thin, but I could tell he must have been working out while in jail. His muscles were more defined now.

  Fuck. Did that mean he was stronger?

  “I don’t have the money, Jason.”

  “Don’t bullshit me. I know you’ve tried to spend it, but the amount they would have left you could not be spent in one lifetime. Though, that’s not all I want Deanna. You should know this.”

  I nodded. He wanted my life.

  “I just can’t understand why you would be so stupid to move to a holiday house my parents owned. You made this so easy for me.”

  “I know.”

  He studied me where I stood behind the couch.

  “Why don’t you seem...scared?”

  I pretended to think about it. “Honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe it has something to do with the thought it won’t be my life ending tonight.”

  Shit, fuck, shit. Please buy the crap I spew.

  He laughed and took a step forward. “I highly doubt that. You see, I learned many things while I was in prison.”

  “I’m sure you did. A time well fuckin’ spent for the crime you committed, eh?”

  “Oh, you still haven’t broken out of that habit. It’s ugly, Deanna; you need to control your language.” He casually reached over to the chair next to him and ran a finger along it as he smiled. “But then again, I won’t have to put up with it much longer.”

  “Hmm, probably not, because you’ll be dead.”

  He chuckled. “Are you really going to try, Deanna? Or is it that you’re stalling? Do you think the man you arrived with will come back and save you? Is that it?”

  My eyes widened. He had better damn well not be. I’d have to hurt Grady if he tried anything. This was my fight.

  “No,” I said, “you heard him.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Even if he was, it wouldn’t bother me. It would just be another person to kill, and I’ve missed that, Deanna. I’ve missed slicing my knife through flesh and bone, and the way my victims would cry or hiss their pain. I would love to see what that man would do.”

  “You won’t get the chance, Jason,” I growled.

  “Maybe, we will see.”

  “You’re a sick bastard, you know that? Sick,” I yelled, only to jump to the side to miss the knife that whizzed past my head and embed itself into the wall near the hallway to the stairs. With a thump, I landed on the ground with my head just past the couch. I glanced from the knife back up to see Jason grinning.

  “Tut-tut, Deanna—language.”

  “Fuck you,” I yelled, and then screamed when another knife was thrown my way. I ducked down and reached under the couch to where the gun I had strapped to the bottom of it waited. I pulled it free and stood.

  “You need to stop, J-Jason,” I said, and then damned my voice when it shook.

  “Deanna, oh dear, sweet Deanna, you see, I don’t think I do. You won’t pull the trigger.”

  “I will. I fuckin’ will,” I yelled and brought my other hand up to help the one holding the gun, because it was shaking like shit.

  Stupid, cocksucking nerves.

  I can do this. I need to do this. It will bring me peace. It has to.

  “Deanna?” I looked out the corner of my eye to see Grady with a gun held high, and just like mine, it was pointed directly at Jason.

  “What are you doing here?” I hiss
ed through clenched teeth. “Th-this isn't your fight; it's mine.”

  “No, darlin', it ain't just yours. It's ours. If you want justice for what he’s done, we will bring it.”

  Oh, fuck. Shit.

  Tears filled my eyes.

  “Grady,” I sighed.

  “Isn't this sweet?” Jason cooed. His eyes landed on Griz. “Move another step toward her and she dies.” He pulled a knife from the back of his pants, and with it in his hand, he aimed it at me. “I'm great at hitting my target.” He smiled.

  “You fuckin' hurt her, I will—”

  “What...kill me? I've been dead ever since she came into my life. If I die here tonight, at least I know I'll be taking her with me,” he sneered.

  “No, you won't,” Grady growled. His gaze came to me; I could feel the heat of it on me. “Dee, walk slowly over to me.”

  “No,” I uttered, “I-I have to do this.” The damned gun in my hands was shaking so badly, I didn't know if I'd actually hit anything.

  “Deanna,” Grady said, his tone holding that familiar warning.

  “This is great and all, but I'm bored,” Jason sighed. He flung the knife just as a boom echoed in the house and a loud crash of glass breaking filled the room, all of it happening in seconds.

  I went crashing to the floor when a large form tackled me.

  Dazed and confused, I looked up at Grady where he stood above me. If he was there, then who in the fuck was on me?

  Blinking, I turned my head to see Pick staring back.

  “You all right, Hell Mouth?” he asked. I nodded.

  “No time for sleepin', you two. We gotta do a quick clean-up. I'm sure one of your neighbours has called the cops by now, darlin’,” Grady said and reached a hand down, and as Pick got off me, I placed my hand in it and he pulled me up to stand.

  I looked over to Jason, wondering why he wasn't saying anything, only to find my answer.

  “Dammit, Grady, you killed him,” I snapped and stomped my foot.

  He chuckled, grabbed me and wrapped his arms around me. “There was no way that fucker was going to wreck what we've got.”