Page 9 of Hatter

“Your family,” she whispered, her gaze scanning the room as if searching for a glimpse of what that word truly meant.

“Exactly.” I nodded. “You’re safe now. We’ll protect you.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, her hand finding mine in the darkness. It felt like a spark zapped my fingers and shot up my arm. I couldn’t remember ever reacting to someone like this. Figured it was the one woman I should avoid as much as possible. If she belonged to Eddie Lewis, then she probably wasn’t as sweet as she appeared. I’d need to be on guard just in case.

“Cheshire, March, go secure the perimeter. And keep an eye out for any unwanted visitors.”

“Got it, boss.” Cheshire’s grin never faltered, but his eyes narrowed as he glanced at Jo one last time before leaving with March.

“Wh-where are they going?” Jo stammered, her grip tightening on my arm.

“Keeping us safe,” I said, meeting her fearful gaze. “Now, sit down. You need to rest.”

“Are they… like you?” she asked hesitantly. I took her hand and led her over to a worn leather couch, thinking it might be more comfortable for her. “Part of this… family? Is it anyone who is part of your club?”

“Yup,” I replied, watching her warily. “We’ve all got each other’s backs no matter what. If you see our club colors, then you can be assured you’re safe.”

“Guess that’s something,” she murmured, her eyes distant. “Better than what I had before.”

“Jo, listen to me,” I said, gripping her shoulders. “You’re part of this family now too. We’ll protect you.”

I didn’t know why I’d just made such a claim. I could see Tweedle from the corner of my eye, looking at me like I’d lost my damn mind. Maybe I had.

“Even from him?” Her voice trembled, but there was a fierce determination burning in her eyes.

“Especially from him,” I said, my anger rising at the thought of the bastard who’d hurt her. “He won’t lay another finger on you, I promise.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning against me. And as I held her close, I knew that the Underland MC would do anything to keep our newest member safe.

Shit. You’re so fucked, Hatter. You already consider her one of your own. I needed to kick my own ass for not following my own rules. But for now, I’d do what I could to help her settle in.

“Hey, Hatter,” Mock called out, leaning against the wall with a lazy grin. “You sure know how to pick them, don’t you? Never thought I’d see the day you went soft for a woman.”

“Shut up, Mock.” I felt my muscles tense even more. But deep down, I appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood.

“Aw, come on, brother!” Mock chuckled, winking at Jo. “Just messing with you. We all know there’s more to this woman. Has to be for you to bring her here. Maybe she’s exactly what this club needs.”

I rolled my shoulders, trying to force the tension from my body, and shot him a warning glare. He shrugged, hands raised in surrender, but his smirk never left his face.

“All right, all right,” he said, backing off. “Just trying to help.”

“Help by keeping your mouth shut,” I muttered, turning my attention back to Jo. She looked so small and fragile, her battered body huddled close to mine. The protective instincts that had driven me my entire life kicked into overdrive, and I knew I couldn’t let anything happen to her while she was under our roof.

I could feel every tremor that ran through her body, the tangible evidence of the hell she’d been through. It made my blood boil, and I promised myself again that I’d keep her safe, no matter what. As she relaxed, I knew I’d made the right decision in bringing her here. She needed us just as much as we needed her fire.

“Rest now,” I murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You’re safe here. With us.”

And as she closed her eyes and leaned into my embrace, I knew the decision I’d made tonight was one that would change the rest of my life. Even if I wasn’t certain to what extent.

I’d heard of people having this sense of knowing when they met the person meant to be theirs. I didn’t have any idea if that’s what was going on, or if I just felt drawn to her because of her situation. But we had plenty of time to figure it out.

The club members’ gazes darted between Jo and me, their faces set with concern. Rabbit shifted his weight, his boots scuffing the floor. Mock cracked his knuckles, while Absolem bit down on a cigar. Their unspoken worry hung heavy in the air.

“All right, boys,” I said, my voice steady as I tried to keep my own unease in check. “We need a plan.”

“Plan for what?” Absolem asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

“Protecting Jo,” I replied, standing up. I didn’t take my gaze off her. She looked so vulnerable curled in the corner of the worn-out couch -- like a wounded bird surrounded by wolves.

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