Page 74 of Manic

Right now, Meghan needs me to be strong.

As we near the main room, I steel myself for what I might find, silently vowing that whoever hurt her will pay dearly for it.

The scene that greets me as we enter the main room of the clubhouse is chaotic, but my eyes lock immediately on Tindra.

My little girl is trembling, tears streaming down her face, and it feels like a knife twisting in my gut.

I'm by her side in an instant, crouching down to her level and placing my hands gently on her arms.

"What happened, baby? Can you tell me?" I ask, fighting to keep my voice steady.

I need to be her rock right now, even as my insides are churning with worry and rage.

Tindra's lower lip quivers as she tries to speak through her sobs. "We... we were at the mall," she manages, her voice small and shaky. "This man came... he was yelling at Mom. He... he hit her, Dad. He hit her so hard."

My jaw clenches, and I have to remind myself not to tighten my grip on Tindra's arms.

The thought of someone laying a hand on Meghan, on my family, makes me want to tear this town apart until I find the bastard responsible.

"It's okay, sweetheart," I murmur, pulling her into a hug. "You're safe now. Both of you are safe." I press a kiss to herforehead, breathing in the scent of her hair, reminding myself that she's here and unharmed.

"Can you do something for me? Can you go find Dalla and Rev? They'll take care of you while I check on your mom."

Tindra nods, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

As she walks away, I turn my attention to the couch where Meghan is laying down.

The sight of her makes my heart clench.

She's battered and bruised, with Gwen hovering over her, applying gauze to various cuts and scrapes.

I approach slowly, not wanting to interrupt Gwen's work.

Meghan's eyes meet mine, and despite the pain evident in her gaze, I see a flicker of relief.

It takes everything in me not to pull her into my arms right then and there.

"How is she?" I ask Gwen, my voice low and tight with barely contained emotion.

Gwen glances up at me, her hands steady as she continues to tend to Meghan's wounds. "She's pretty banged up, but nothing life-threatening. I'm just making sure there's no sign of concussion or internal injuries."

"Jesus Christ," I mutter, running a hand through my hair.

I want to punch something, preferably her assailant's face.

But right now, Meghan needs me calm and focused.

I take a deep breath, pushing down the rage threatening to overwhelm me. "Meghan, I..." I start, but words fail me.

The woman I've come to care for is now at the center of a storm that threatens to engulf us all.

But as I look into Meghan's eyes, seeing the strength behind her pain, I know one thing for certain—we’re going to get through this.

I lean in closer to Meghan, my voice low and urgent. "Tindra told me a little of what happened, but I need more details. Did you see what the guy was driving or anything like that?"

Meghan's light sage green eyes lock onto mine, a storm of emotions swirling within them.

She takes a shaky breath, wincing slightly at the pain it causes. "I can do you one better," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Myfatherdid this."

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