Page 4 of Broken Warrior
They are my fucking family and the only reason I haven’t offed myself at any point over the last twenty or so years.
“She’s fine. Sort of. It’s nothing bad, but it changes our plans for today and definitely throws a wrench in things by creating an impromptu rescue mission.”
I frown as I unlock my bedroom door and dump the mirror and library card on my desk. “A rescue mission?”
Zak sighs. “Yeah. Apparently Blondie has a half sister. It’s a long fucking story, one that she doesn’t even know the half of, but it sounds like her sister is in a shitty situation and needs help getting out.”
A sister?
Fuck.
If Theo hasn’t told Zak about her sister until now, that must be one hell of a story she was hiding.
“What do you need from me?” I start strapping in then eye the last of my stash on the desk. Gonna need to find a new dealer soon or else shit is going to get way worse.
“Theo wired her money, bought plane tickets and shit, but it sounds like Tate, her sister, isn’t going to have anything but the clothes on her back when she lands.”
“So you want me to go shopping for her?”
“No. Yes. Sort of. She’s got a kid, don’t know how old, but we’re gonna need your Yukon and a car seat, coats, and stuff to keep warm. They’re coming in from California and won’t be prepared for winter by the sounds of it.”
“Jesus.” I scrub a hand over my hair and close my eyes. “What kind of shit are we getting into, Zak?”
“Not the good kind. Apparently Tate has been missing since they were kids. Blondie tracked her to New York and tried to get her out of whatever shit she was in, but Tate was too scared and ignored Theo’s attempts. If her situation is as bad as I think it is, helping Tate could bring hell to our front door but— “
“Not helping isn’t an option. Got it.” I grab my wallet and keys, lock up my room, and head back out. “Jackal on his way?”
“Yeah. Should be to your place in ten.”
“We’ll hit Target and grab what you need then come get you and Blondie.”
Zak sighs. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Nah, man. We’re family. I got you and Theo, you know that.”
“I do, and we both appreciate it. See you soon, brother.”
I disconnect and walk into the living room, Shelley all sorted out and back in nurse mode. “Slight change in plans. Might be out later than I thought.”
She nods and smoothes out her scrubs. “Not a problem. Once I get her in bed I’ll work on my thesis until you get back.”
“Thanks. Double time for every hour past your shift end.”
“Sounds good.” Shelley smiles and moves toward me, places a hand on my forearm, and gives it a friendly squeeze. “Be careful, Spider.”
I nod my thanks then split before I do something stupid like fire her because I don’t deserve her kindness or her help. I should have to deal with the monster my mother has become alone, and isolate myself from the club further because I don’t deserve them either.
But I don’t do any of that because, like I said, I’m not suicidal or to a point where I can push everyone away in order to succumb to the life I hate almost as much as myself. Instead, I go help my family because I have an inkling that feeling of dread has everything to do with my current situation, and if I’ve learned anything at all over the years, I know shit is only going to get crazier from here on out.
CHAPTERONE
FIN
Present Day
I duckat the last second as the heavy glass ashtray goes sailing past my head, misses me by a few inches, and slams into the wall behind me.
“Ma, just calm down.” I lift my hands as I walk toward her, all five-foot-nothing of my mother standing in the middle of her bed wearing a fuzzy robe and tattered slippers. “You need to— “
