Page 28 of Demon
“Wow!” Sammy says next to me. Her eyes are bulging as she stares at the clubhouse.
A loud, deep barking startles me.
“Oh, they have a puppy,” Sammy says in a high-pitched voice.
I slowly open the door. “Umm... that is not a puppy.” It’s a rottweiler. It has a massive head. The dog stops barking once it lays eyes on me. It’s tail wags, and its tongue is hanging out of his mouth.
Jett is at the front of the truck, waiting for us to get out. “He’s friendly,” he says, like he read my mind.
“Mom, are you going to get out?” Sammy asks impatiently.
I hesitate, then peer back at Jett. “Is the dog good with children?”
“He’s been fine with the baby.”
Baby? They have kids. That’s great.
“Conan,” he says sternly, and points away from us. “Away... now.”
I breathe a little easier once the dog’s gone. I jump down, then help Sammy down. “Sammy!” I yell and rush to her as she runs after the dog. Children have no fear!Andnow she’s patting the dog. “You have to listen to me,” I say to her through heavy breaths. My heart’s still beating too fast.
“He’s friendly.” The dog rolls over onto his back, begging for his stomach to be rubbed.
I sigh. “Come on, let’s go inside.” With her hand in mine, we follow Jett into the clubhouse. He has a suitcase in each hand. I start smirking when I look at this man covered in tattoos holding a pink suitcase.
As we move inside, my heart still races. Four men are playing pool. They peer over at me.
The very tall man walks over to Jett, Sammy, and me. “I’m Reaper, the club president.” He has a deep voice and is at least six-four.
I feel very small in comparison. “I’m Ivy.” I peer down. “This is Sammy.”
“Mom,” she says, trying to whisper, but it is anything but. “He’s a giant.”
“Sammy!” I blush.
He chuckles with a warm smile.
“I’m Viper,” the other handsome man says. He’s holding a cue by the tip and raises his chin in greeting.
“Nice to meet you,” I reply.
“I’m Bomber,” the man with the black hair and bushy beard says in a gruff voice. He looks serious. Not as warm as the others.
The last man, with short black hair and a welcoming smile, says, “My name’s Cash.”
Weird names, though I guess Demon is worse. I appreciate them not staring at the bruises on my face.
“Whenever you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” adds Reaper.
Ava is by his side. As she studies my face, she wipes tears from the corners of her eyes. “I’ve got your room ready. It has fresh sheets and towels. I know it can be overwhelming here at the clubhouse. I’m always around if you need me.” She looks at Sammy. “I made pancakes just in case you haven’t eaten.”
My lips curve up into a smile. “Thank you.”
“Yes!” Sammy cheers, smiling from ear to ear.
Ava puts her hand out. “How about we go get you a plate?” Ava’s gaze goes to me. “You settle in. She’ll be fine with me.”
Sammy puts her hand in Ava’s and skips beside her, very happy with her second breakfast, and doesn’t even give me a backwards glance.
