Page 6 of Demon
Demon
My eyes crack open,heavy with lingering sleep. A sinking feeling hits me—I’ve overslept. I grope around for my phone, grab it, and bring it close to my face. The bright screen blinds me momentarily before I make out the time—5:00p.m.There’s a missed call from a private number and a voicemail. Running a hand down my face, I pull the phone to my ear and hit play.
“Hi, Jett. It’s Ivy, the nurse looking after your sister at the hospital. Just calling to share some good news—there’s been an improvement with Madeline. You don’t need to hurry back. Rest up, and I’ll call again if anything changes. Bye.”
Relief floods me. I rise, grab my cut, and shrug my arms through the leather, pulling it snug over my shoulders. From somewhere in the house, Ava and Reaper’s baby, Hope, cries—a tired, restless wail. I pause just outside their room, listening closely, then knock softly on their door.
“Come in,” Ava calls, her voice tight with stress.
I open the door and step forward. Ava’s face floods with relief. Ava has warmed up to me since I’ve offered to help when I can with Hope. It took a long time for her to trust me with Hope, but over time Ava’s come around. I do like babies and children. They love unconditionally no matter who you are.
“Hope,” I say softly and move to Ava with outstretched hands. Ava passes her to me. Hope sniffles, but once I have her in my arms, she squirms then yawns. I gently rock her.
“She’s missed you,” Ava whispers.
There’s an odd warmth in my chest when I’m with Hope or think of her. I gather she means something to me, like my sister does. Hope keeps forcing her eyes open like she’s fighting sleep. With auburn hair, bright blue eyes, and chubby cheeks, she’s the center of attention at the clubhouse. Reaper and Ava are doting parents.
“I’m so sorry about your sister.”
I give her a tight nod. People having sympathy for me is odd. I’ve never been in this position before.
Hope’s eyes finally close, and I wait for her breathing to level out before I gently lower her into the crib.
“She rolled over for the first time last week.”
I frown. I missed it. Ava steps over to me and puts her hand on my arm, making me cringe internally. I’m not a fan of people touching me. Babies and children sure, no worries, but adults. My muscles tense.
She pulls her hand away, obviously seeing my discomfort. “I’m sure you’ll see Hope do it again soon.”
I give Hope one more quick glance before I head out.
I get on my bike and ride to the hospital. I’m refreshed from sleep, but the rush of air on my face on the ride over further revitalizes me.
As I walk through the hospital corridor, I don’t miss the stares from the civilians, how everyone rushes to move out of my way. Their intuition is correct. I am dangerous, but I’d never hurt someone who didn’t deserve it. When I take the elevator to the fourth floor, my hands fist by my side. I step out and walk to my sister’s room. I pause outside the door, watching Ivy pat the pillow and gently place it under Madeline’s head.
Ivy looks over at me as if she senses my presence and smiles one of those joyful smiles. I grunt and walk in, taking a seat beside my sister. I don’t know how someone can be so happy all the time. It’s unnerving.
“You look recharged,” she says, her tone casual.
I don’t answer.
“I just repositioned Madeline,” she continues, undeterred.
“Why?”
“It helps prevent pressure sores. The doctor came by earlier. He said her stats show that she can be taken off the ventilator and transferred out of critical care soon.”
I release a deep breath. She’s going to be okay. It’s the news I needed. I hear a beep.
“Excuse me,” Ivy says, then reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone. With eyes glued to the screen she swipes, nibbling on her lip until her smile stretches wide and she giggles.
“What’s funny?” I ask, suddenly curious. Her face is very expressive.
Ivy peers over her phone at me. “My daughter’s in care with a lady across the street. She’s sent me pictures of Sammy painting with a grin on her face and a bit of paint on her cheek.”
She has a kid...With the way she cares for her patients, I could imagine her being a nurturing mom.
Her gaze drops to my vest. “So, you’re part of a motorcycle club?”
