Page 9 of Sweet Anarchy

"Where is he? Is he okay?" I ask, trying to get a read on Blake's face.

Blake walks over to me, gesturing for Zayn to scoot out of the way. Tears well in my eyes as I brace for the news.

"He's been rushed into surgery but he lost a lot of blood. He's critical at the moment, but they said there's a chance he might not make it. I'm so sorry."

"But he's alive?" I press urgently. "Right now… at this very second, he's alive?"

Blake nods sharply. I clench my jaw, shaking my head.

"Chuck is strong. He's a fighter. He will pull through. He has to pull through. I want to see him," I exclaim, throwing the blanket off me.

The three of them simultaneously scold me, grabbing the blanket and my legs.

"You're not going anywhere," Asher growls. "You need to rest!"

I swat his hand away. "I'm fine, Asher… because of him. I won't forgive myself if something happens to him because of me."

"Pretty girl," Zayn murmurs, grabbing my attention. "There's nothing you can do right now. He's in surgery, in the hands of the best doctors. I'm sure when he's out of surgery, we can take you to see him. But for now, there's nothing any of us can do."

I fall back against the bed, defeated. Zayn moves the blanket, motioning for me to shuffle closer to Asher. I comply, watching as he climbs onto the bed, pulling me into his arms. I lay my head on his chest, resting my hand on his shoulder. It's awkward with the IV, but it soothes me.

"The doctor also mentioned you're free to go in an hour or two. They just want to continue watching you and then they will come and remove your cannula," Blake adds.

"I don't want to go anywhere while my friends are in here fighting for their lives," I whisper softly. "I don't get to go home and pretend nothing happened. This happened because of me."

Zayn strokes my back. "This wasn't you. We've told you before, Ry. You cannot be held responsible for the actions of the Norsemen. This war extends well beyond some stupid poker game. They have been planning attacks for a long time. Just none of the other clubs thought they were serious."

"I know… territory wars," I answer sadly. "But still… Chuck saved me. Butch and Volts are injured. Lots of their club family are dead."

"The Norsemen will pay," Blake warns angrily. "No club will let this slide now. They have officially started a war."

I feel Asher tense up next to me, so I turn to look at him. His grey eyes are hard, emotions threatening to explode at any given minute. He's the innocent one in all this. I never thought I'd say it. Asher Taylor has been a pain in the ass – the golden child. I used to think he was the bane of my existence. But in the war of biker clubs, he's the only one who didn't ask for this.

I made friends with the Rebels long before I fell in love with Asher. I knew the risk, the danger of being involved. And Blake and Zayn… they have been club members for years. We all willingly involved ourselves.

Except for Asher.

He never once wanted a part of it. And now he's in the firing line too. He's always hated clubs, but he somewhat accepted it… for the love of me and his brothers.

"Ash…" I start, reaching for him. "Come here."

He moves as close to the bed as he can, his knees hitting the mattress. I pull him down, forcing him to lay on my other side.

We must look a sight… the three of us balancing on a tiny hospital bed. I'm fairly certain Asher and Zayn each have a butt cheek hanging off the bed, but right now, we need each other more than ever.

I tilt my head onto Asher's shoulder, holding his hand.

"I won't lose you," Asher says, whispering into my hair. "I don't care what I have to do to protect you."

"I'm not going anywhere," I comfort him. "You couldn't keep me away, Asher Taylor."

He gives me a small smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

Blake stands to the side, watching the three of us. I feel like he's missing out, and it must read on my face because he shakes his head.

"I'll get my turn later," he says, offering me a soft smile.

"You bet your ass, you will," I confirm, giving the other two a little squeeze.

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