Page 42 of Hellfire

“How long until he can ride again?” I asked.

“A few weeks at least. As long as this one here remains a good patient,” he said, hooking a finger in Snake’s direction.

“Me? I’m an excellent patient, Doc,” Snake said, feigning innocence.

Doc rolled his eyes and smiled fondly at him. It wasn’t the first time he had treated Snake for injuries, nor would it be the last. Doc had been with us since the very beginning, and he was someone I trusted. If anyone could help Snake, it was the older mage. His healing magic wasn’t instantaneous, but the herbs he infused with magic definitely were remarkable.

“You’re a horrible patient,” Chris grumbled from a chair near the window. I chuckled. He wasn’t wrong. Snake could hardly ever sit still.

“Would ya’ rather be in the kitchen than sittin’ with little old me?” Snake teased.

Chris’ eyes widened comically. “No, man. I’d rather be here with you,” he blurted, not wanting to offend Snake.

I smirked, knowing how my grams worked the prospects in her kitchen. She was old school like that.

“You better watch out, prospect. Snake might make you his personal nurse if you’re not careful,” I joked.

Snake laughed, and Doc shook his head at our banter.

It was moments like this that made me realize why I loved this brotherhood so much. We were a family, and we took care of each other.

I took a seat next to Snake’s bed and studied him for a moment. He had a few bruises on his face and a bandage on his leg, evidence of the shit show of a failed mission that had taken him out of commission for a while. It was always tough seeing one of our own hurt, but it was part of the lifestyle we had chosen. We knew the risks, and we accepted them.

“You need anything, brother?” I asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Nah, man. Just some rest,” he said, his eyes closing for a moment before they opened again. “But if you could bring me a beer later, that’d be great.”

I chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”

A few days ago I had pinky swore Leona and I would make a lei together. After last night’s epic fail, I was content spending the afternoon in the garden, making necklaces. Much like Rose and I used to do.

As I watched Leona’s delicate fingers thread the flowers onto the string, I stretched out on the blanket, shutting my eyes and basked in the afternoon rays. A sense of peace washed over me. Despite the chaos and violence that often surrounded Dark Legion, moments like this reminded me why I was doing it all.

For my family. For Rose.

My eyes scanned the garden.

Grams and Diamond were picking vegetables for my grandpa’s world famous stew. One we still honor at the dinner table years after he’s passed on.

Nate sat under a wide oak, his nose buried in a book. Wild red hair covered most of his face.

A group of teens sat at the picnic table, gossiping and laughing. I smiled. They reminded me so much of Scar and Reaper growing up.

The people who had chosen to stand by my side and built this life with me. My support system, my motivation to keep striving for a better tomorrow. Every decision we had made, every obstacle we had overcome, was to build this.

My gaze shifted to Leona, her dark hair shining in the sunlight as she bent over the necklace she was crafting. Looking up from her work, she gave me a smile, one that I returned. She truly was a ray of light in the darkness, unique and wise beyond her years. I could only assume it was because of the hardships life had thrown at her.

“What color beads are you going to use?” I asked, choosing a bright blue for myself. Ocean blue, like Katrina’s eyes.

“Purple!” She grinned brightly.

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. The excitement was refreshing and infectious.

“How old are you Leona?” I asked, wanting to know more about her and her mother.

“I’m this many,” she said, holding up her hand, and wiggled all five fingers.

I chuckled at her childish gesture and quickly high-fived her. Her laughter was like music to my ears, and I couldn’t resist teasing her.

---