Page 51 of Manic

These aren’t the kind of men who normally hang out around the club, at least not when I was around. "Who are they?"

Fern's expression turns grim.

"Business associates," she says, her tone making it clear that's all the explanation I'm going to get. "Don't worry about it."

But I can't help but worry.

This is exactly the kind of thing I was afraid of, the darkness that always seemed to linger at the edges of club life.

I scan the room for Tindra, relaxing slightly when I spot her still at the table with Tor and Runes, seemingly oblivious to the new arrivals.

Fern and I chat for a while, but eventually, we break apart when Tor flags me over.

I stick with Tindra while Tor and his father go speak with the two men in suits.

Her light gray eyes wide as saucers. "This place is... intense."

I can't help but smile at her reaction, remembering my own first time stepping into this world.

Tindra looks more excited than nervous in her Rolling Stones t-shirt and jean shorts, her dark hair falling in soft curls around her face.

The natural makeup we applied earlier makes her look older, more mature, and for a moment I feel a pang of nostalgia for my little girl.

"Yeah, it is," I say, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

My own leather jacket creaks as I move, the metal buttons catching the light. "How did the conversation go with your father and grandfather?"

Tindra shrugs, her gaze darting around the room, taking in the crowded tables, the long bar with its intricate carvings, and the massive club logo painted on the far wall.

"Good, I like it here," she says, her voice hushed with awe, "But, is it always this busy?"

I shake my head, guiding her further into the room. "Not normally. They're having a party tonight."

Her face lights up. "A party? Are they celebrating us coming home?"

I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Maybe," I say, though I'm not entirely sure myself. "But I wouldn't count on it."

"That's still awesome," Tindra says, practically bouncing on her toes. "I can't wait to meet everyone!"

As we make our way through the crowd, I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled in my stomach.

It's been years since I've been here, and while some things are achingly familiar, others feel completely foreign.

I spot a few new faces among the patched members, their cuts pristine and lacking the wear of the older guys.

"Stay close," I murmur to Tindra, more out of habit than any real concern.

The club may be rough around the edges, but I know they'd never let anything happen to her.

Still, old habits die hard.

Tor comes back over to us, brushing his lips against my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. "I’m so glad you’re both here tonight," he murmurs, before smirking down at our not so little girl.

My heart constricts as I watch him adore her.

Tindra's face is alight with joy, and the guilt crashes over me like a tidal wave. I should have done this sooner.

Tor shifts Tindra in his arms, his bottle-green eyes twinkling with excitement. "Hey, princess, I introduced you to yourvaarin, but not yourmummo."

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