My son has the nerve to wag a finger in my face. “What’d I say about child abuse?”
“In your case, it should be swift and often?” Murphy guesses, throwing a fake punch at Teller’s gut.
I take a deep breath. The irritation in my chest slowly turning to affection for these two knuckleheads. Thankfully they seem to have repaired their relationship and things have returned to normal. A little murder always speeds up the healing process between brothers.
“God help you,” Z mutters, squeezing my shoulder.
Grinder lifts his chin. “The same Carla I’m thinking of?”
“Unfortunately,” I answer.
He rubs his palms together. “Been itching to give that bitch some choice words for years.”
“Do it after her husband stitches everyone up,” I warn him.
“She found some other poor sucker to irritate to death?”
I sigh, both bored and annoyed with the subject of my ex-wife. “Yes. If we’re done rehashing ancient history, I’d like to head back to the clubhouse for a shower.” Last thing I want to do is take the filth of the night into the home I share with Hope and Grace.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Teller
My truck’s the first one to pull into the clubhouse parking lot. Rooster slides his truck into a spot near me.
The rest of the guys roar in one by one.
Rock had returned in Wrath’s truck. Whatever they wanted to discuss, I’m sure I’ll hear about later.
Murphy’s in my passenger seat. Carter and June are sound asleep in the back.
Murphy twists around and watches them for a minute. “I almost hate to wake them up.”
“You’re such a dad.”
“Speaking of, what are the odds Wrath and Rock didn’t kill each other on the way back?” Murphy asks.
“Nah, Z was with them to mediate. They’ll be fine.”
Murphy jerks his head toward the back seat. “They’re kinda cute together.”
“Please don’t.”
I open my door and Swan jumps back. “Is he okay?”
“Yeah. Exhausted but he’ll be okay.”
Inside the truck, I hear Murphy attempting to wake up Carter and June.
“Hey,” I say to Swan. “We brought a girl back with us. She’s had a rough time. Think you could get her settled in a room, some clean clothes, or whatever?” A long time ago, Trinity would’ve taken charge in a situation like this. Swan needs a bit more persuading to tend to the new girl.
“Sure.” She hesitates and wrings her hands again. “I can do that. What’s her name?”
“June.” I walk Swan to the other side of the truck, where Murphy’s helping June out and introduce them. “Swan’s going to find you a place to stay.”
June nods quickly. “Thank you.”
Once they disappear inside, Murphy slaps my arm. “Your little bro’s hard to wake up.”
“Blake!” Heidi runs down the front steps and launches herself at him.
“Geez, he’s fine,” I grumble.
“Teller?” Carter calls from inside the truck.
I return to the other side and open his door. “Hey, sleeping beauty.”
He smirks and turns, dangling his feet over the edge. “It’s really starting to hurt now,” he says quietly.
“Sorry. The doc should be here soon.”
“Cool.” He reaches for me, curling his fingers to motion me closer. “I meant what I said before. Thank you for giving a shit and finding me.” He swallows hard and shifts his gaze away. “I know I give you a hard time but—”
“Kinda comes with the territory.”
“Yeah, I know you and Murphy are always busting on each other but…guys like you don’t usually look out for guys like me.”
I cock my head, picking up on some pain under those words. “What does that mean?”
“You know.” He waves his arm up and down. “You’re all ultra-alpha and stuff.”
“Ultra-alpha?” I squint at him. “That sounds like the name of a deodorant.”
“You could snap me like a crayon if you wanted to.” He flicks his finger against my arm.
“Believe me, there’ve been days…”
“I don’t know why I’m bothering.” He smirks. “The blood loss must be making me loopy.”
“Hey, I think I understand what you’re saying.” I pat his leg. “I’ll always look out for you.”
“What’s up, Scribbles?” Wrath knocks me out of his way. “You need a lift inside?”
Carter chuckles. “And he could snap you like a twig. So at least there’s balance in the universe.”
I laugh with him, because it’s not a lie. “What’s higher than ultra?”
He shrugs. “Mega?”
Wrath’s gaze shifts between the two of us. “Sparky sneak out here with some of his special brownies for you two, or something?”
“Carter!” Charlotte races down the front steps. “Marcel, where is he?”
I push the door open wider. “Waking up from his nap,” I say.
She reaches my side and throws her arms around me. “Thank you.”
I wrap my arms around her. “Easy,” I groan.
She steps back, eyes widening as they skate over the blood caked into my shirt and pants. “Well, I guess we should start a bonfire.”
Wrath nods as if Charlotte’s his star student. “Sunshine knows the drill.”
“Most of it is my blood,” I explain.
“What happened?” She starts pulling at my shirt. “Ugh.” She turns toward Carter. “Are you okay?”
“Not gonna lie, sis. I’ve been better.” He holds out his foot, showing off his bloody sock. “It hurts.”
“I’m so sorry.” Anguish twists through her apology.
The need to punch Merlin for causing all this suffering singes my knuckles. I scan the parking lot, searching for him. There. He backed his bike against the tall wooden fence that marks off the woods from the clubhouse’s parking area at the top of the driveway.
Must be concerned about making a quick getaway.
He should be.
But I can’t muster any annoyance with him. He stepped up tonight. Handled Whitey’s execution without question. Didn’t even flinch when June explained he’d been played for a fool in front of all of us.
Bianca steps next to Charlotte.
“B, are you all right?” Carter slides out of the truck and the two of them wrap their arms around each other. After a few whispered words, she helps him hobble into the clubhouse.
Charlotte slams the truck doors shut.
Slow boot steps grind over the parking lot. I glance up. Merlin approaches, eyes on Charlotte. The urge to stand between them burns down to my soul but I force myself to stay still. She can handle him. And I’m right here if he steps out of line.
“You gonna let me talk to my niece?” Merlin stops in front of us.
Charlotte squeezes my hand. “I’m standing right here, Uncle Chuck. Talk to me.”
I keep my expression blank.