Page 90 of Byte

“How will I explain where I was if someone asks? Or how there’s no trace of my existence for almost two decades?”

“Who’s going to ask?”

“The police department in my hometown. I was, or am, a missing person. I’m sure they have something set up to alert them if I resurface,” he explained.

“I just wanted you to have your name back,” I said.

“It’s just a name,” he said. “It doesn’t change who I am.”

“No, it doesn’t,” I agreed.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “I never would’ve looked into it on my own. Even though it doesn’t really change anything for me, it’s nice to know I don’t have anything to worry about.”

I exhaled in relief. That’s why I did it. To give him some of the peace he’d given me.

EPILOGUE

GABBY

Eight weeks after the shooting, Patch insisted on returning to work, against the advice of his colleagues and club brothers. He promised to take it easy, and I made sure that he did. When I completed my clinical hours a little over four weeks later, he offered me a job at his practice.

“Shouldn’t you wait until after I pass the boards?” I asked.

He shook his head with a smile. “I know you’ll pass. You’re welcome to work here as a nurse until then, or you can enjoy some time off and start after you pass the exam.”

After giving it some thought, I asked if I could work part-time as a nurse until I passed the nurse practitioner boards. I’d had plenty of time off while I was recovering from my injuries, but I wanted to make sure I had time to study, as well as spend time with Byte and Shadow.

I was still staying at his house, though I’d migrated from the bedroom upstairs to his bedroom downstairs. We hadn’t talked about our living arrangements. I wasn’t sure why he hadn’t brought it up, but I was waiting until I finished school and had an idea of where I’d be working to make any plans, which is also why my house in Cedar Valley was just sitting there.

When I got home from the office, there was a note on the table telling me to come to the clubhouse after I’d showered and changed. I smiled. Byte knew me so well.

Once I was dressed and ready, I drove to the clubhouse. I was pretty sure I knew why I was being summoned, but I tried not to think about it.

When I walked into the clubhouse, I was greeted with various shouts of “Surprise!” and “Congratulations!” The entire club was there, as well as Gigi and Papa Ronan. I was surprised to see a few of the employees from Patch’s office, Irene, and a girl I didn’t know. She looked to be around my age, maybe a few years older, and was huddled close to Irene.

I made my way around the room to speak to everyone and thank them for coming. When I reached Irene, she introduced me to her friend. “This is Evie,” she said. “She works at the diner with me and is new to the area. I dragged her along with me so she could meet some people her age in the area.”

“Hi, Evie,” I said and held out my hand. I noticed Edge standing off to the side with his eyes fixed on Evie and briefly wondered why he was staring at her so intently. “I’m Gabby. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said softly. “Congratulations on finishing school.”

“Thank you,” I said. “How long have you been in town?”

Before she could answer, Keegan and Annabelle entered the room carrying a huge cake. “Come blow out the candles,” Keegan said and waved me over to the table.

“I thought candles were for birthday cakes,” I pointed out.

“I tried to tell her,” Annabelle said.

Keegan sighed in exasperation. “Just do it,” she said.

“Fine,” I said and blew out the congratulatory candles.

Byte came up behind me and slid a hand around my waist. “What’d you wish for?” he asked quietly.

“Nothing,” I smiled. “I’ve already got it.”

Three Months Later

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