Chapter Eighteen
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Blade
The clubhouse has anupper level where we all have rooms.It’s simple, nothing flashy, but it works.There are only two bathrooms, one at each end of the hall.I hardly ever use my room, staying at my cabin most nights.It’s closer to town, and if anyone runs into trouble or needs pulling out of a ditch, I can get there faster.
Hannah stands in my room, looking around, her brow furrowed, and the frown on her pretty face makes me want to fix whatever’s bothering her.Grace is in a cardboard box with holes cut out of it.Every so often, the little furball sticks a paw out and lets out a growl that’s more cute than menacing.
“If we open the window, it’ll let in some fresh air,” I suggest, gesturing toward the window that’s just beyond her.
Hannah looks at it, her lips pressed tight.She twists her hands as if she’s trying to keep herself from falling apart.“Grace will get out, and she might hurt herself jumping to the ground.”
I reach out and place both hands on her shoulders, the contact making the tension in her body shift.She doesn’t even flinch as she leans into me, resting her hands on my waist.I’ve never had anyone trust me this much, and it hits me deeper than I’m ready to admit.
“I know it’s not much, but you’re safe here, and Grace can have the run of the clubhouse.No one’s gonna bother her.”
She looks at me, her gaze soft but skeptical.“Will the others mind?”
“Why would they mind?”I give her a reassuring smile.
Hannah lowers her head and presses it to my chest, the top of her hair brushing against my chin.I can feel her warmth, the steady rhythm of her breath, and it feels as though the world has slowed down for a moment.
“They all look like they’d have huge dogs with big spikes on their collars.”
I chuckle, holding her closer.“We might look untamed, but we’d never hurt something or someone important to you.”
“Even Fury?”
I bite back another laugh, trying to keep my tone serious.“Fury runs hot, and he probably doesn’t like cats, but he won’t hurt Grace.Promise.And if he does, I’ll gut him for you.”
She lets out a bark of laughter, her eyes sparkling up at me.“That’s not very reassuring.”
I can’t help but grin.Watching her smile warms something deep inside me, pushing my darkness aside.
“Let Grace out.You keep saying she’s a good judge of character.How about we let her prove it?”
Hannah sighs dramatically, stepping back with a reluctant shake of her head.Her hands move to the top of the box, hesitating for a moment as if she’s second-guessing herself.“She won’t get outside?”
“No.I’ll keep an eye on her.”
With a long breath, she pops open the box, and Grace jumps out with the enthusiasm only a cat can manage.She lands on the bed with a soft thud, then immediately starts sniffing my pillows as if she owns the place.
“I don’t think she liked being in there.”
Hannah watches Grace with a fond smile, her shoulders relaxing as she observes her cat making herself at home.“Well, she has a carry case at home with a blanket and a mesh window to look out at the world.This was a one-time deal.”
Before I can respond, Ranger’s head pops around the doorframe, his voice breaking the moment.“Ah, Prez, can I talk to you?”
I glance at Hannah.“You good?”
She looks around the room for a moment before giving me a subtle nod.“Yep.”
I hold my arms out wide, joking, “My room is your room.Bathroom’s at the end of the hall, just take your pick.”
