Page 40 of Manic

But as Tindra bounces over to join us, plopping down on Tor's other side with a bowl of popcorn, that niggling feeling of unease creeps back in.

The movie starts, and I try to lose myself in the familiar story.

Tor's gaze lingers on me, concern evident in his eyes.

I know he can sense something's off, but now isn't the time to discuss it.

Instead, I lean into him slightly, drawing comfort from his solid presence.

As the movie progresses, I find myself relaxing despite my earlier misgivings.

Tindra's laughter fills the room, and Tor's deep chuckles join in.

Never in my entire life did I think I’d hear the two of them laughing together, and God is it joyous.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Tor

I stare at the photo on my phone, unable to look away from Tindra's smile.

My daughter. The words still feel strange, even after a week of getting to know her.

I'm sitting alone in my room at the clubhouse, the familiar scents of cedar and sandalwood drifting in from the hallway, but my mind is miles away.

Aziza told us that the clubhouse stunk and put in these scent warmers all through the place.

Aesir has been going around unplugging them just to fuck with her and she found him out last night.

The girl whacked the hell out of him with a rolling pin, which was quite a sight.

A knock at the door startles me.

I quickly lock my phone screen and shove it in my pocket.

"Yeah?" I call out, my voice gruffer than intended.

Ulf pokes his head in. "Prez wants to see you in the main room."

I nod, standing up from my bed. "Be right there."

As Ulf disappears, I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

I've managed to keep Tindra a secret from everyone at the clubhouse for the past week, even my old man.

It's not that I'm ashamed—far from it.

This is all so new, so fragile.

I need some time to wrap my head around it before bringing the club into the mix.

I make my way down the hallway, my boots echoing on the worn wooden floors.

The main room of the clubhouse is bustling with activity as usual.

A couple of prospects are shooting pool, while Lexi drapes herself over one of the leather couches, chatting up Emil.

Olivia, one of the otherhoras, sits over on the side and watches, assessing the situation in the club.

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