Page 84 of Claim Me

“But if you change your mind because it’s quieter at Caveman’s house, that’s okay. I won’t be angry. You’ll still have your room at the house. Nothing changes between us.”

“Where will we sleep?” Nora asks.

“I don’t know,” I reply and recline next to Siobhan who smiles instantly when my gaze meets hers. “I don’t want to be in charge. Let’s have Elvis and Aunt Fred organize everything.”

Siobhan’s parents must be lingering nearby. As soon as I say their names, they appear at the door. I listen as Aunt Fred suggests the twins stay in their normal room with Sync bunking on an inflatable bed.

“We could put another inflatable bed in here for Glen and Nora,” Aunt Fred says, winning little smiles from the kids. “We’ll round up clothes for everyone and set you up in this guest room.”

I exhale deeply, relieved to let someone take charge. Planning anything beyond cuddling with Siobhan feels like a really difficult brain teaser.

As exhaustion drags me down, I hide my face in Siobhan’s hair. Her hands cradle mine. The pain eases under her soft touch.

Aunt Fred and Elvis coax the kids out of the room to help them round up supplies. Soon, food will be delivered, and people will visit. The house won’t be quiet until after ten, just like when I was a kid.

For a few minutes, though, Siobhan and I can simply breathe at the same pace. We find comfort in each other without speaking a single word.

SIOBHAN

I was the same age as my twins when I first saw my father trashed after a violent battle. My uncles, Dad, and the club guys rolled onto the farm. Some of them were bleeding heavily. Crying over my bloodied dad, I wanted Mom to call for an ambulance. She offered me a soft smile and promised, “We know how to take care of our own.”

Decades later, I feel as helpless as I did that day. I want to wrap Indigo in my arms and keep him from the world. We can be safe if we hide, except Indigo is in the mix of an impending war.

When my uncles visit us in the bedroom, I sense they can’t speak freely with the kids and me listening. I grudgingly leave Indigo’s embrace and guide Glen and Nora into the kitchen.

We find Carys chopping cabbage. The house is filled with the scent of barbecue ribs cooking. My stomach growls instantly.

My sister wipes her hands and comes to me. Her hug says what she can’t. Our men live dangerous lives.On a good day, they have targets on their backs. On a bad day, someone takes the shot. All we can do is clean their wounds and hold them close.

“Do you think Indigo can eat ribs?” Carys asks as Mom joins us in the kitchen.

“I don’t know,” I mumble. “His face looks so swollen.”

“He’ll eat what he can,” Mom says as she strokes Glen’s head and takes Nora’s hand. “What he doesn’t eat today, he can finish tomorrow. You’ll need to stay at the farm for at least a week.”

“I already gave away my maternity clothes,” Carys says and returns to her coleslaw. “I’ve sent a text to the club wives to round up what they can for you. If they can’t locate enough, you’ll need to wear the chunkier men’s shirts.”

My sister snickers at the thought while I roll my eyes and rub my belly. Glen stands between me and where Nora helps Mom with beans. I tug him closer and play with his hair.

“I need love,” I whisper when he gets a sheepish grin. “I’ve had a long day.”

“Me too.”

“We’re going to rest soon. But everyone is so hyper. Did you see how my dad was jumping around earlier?”

Glen smiles wider. Like most kids, he finds Elvis hilarious, especially when he dances. I remember how Indigo was very quietwhen he first arrived. The first time I saw him laugh was when my dad started trying to breakdance.

My tears zap me of energy. I drop into a chair and cry into my hands. My mom sits next to me and hugs me to her body.

“You need to trust Indigo and the kids will be okay.”

Clinging to my mom, I feel exhausted both physically and mentally. I keep thinking someone will walk through the door and cause trouble for us. I was paranoid for a long time after what happened to Hunter. I had to dodge the local press and ignore gossipy hags around town.

When things died down, I lowered my guard. Even with the cops ticketing me, I wasn’t prepared for something like today to happen.

I cradle my belly and weep for Indigo. He’s so excited about the baby. His life is finally filling up with everything he needs to be happy. Today, those fuckers tried to tear him away from us.

When I see my paternal uncles heading for the front door, I bolt out of my seat and go to them. Horrified by my tears, Zoot literally flinches away from me. Noble is less afraid of a hysterical woman and hugs me.

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