Page 52 of Manic

Tindra’s brows furrow in confusion. “What’s amummo?”

Tor laughs, “Your grandmother. You also have an uncle and two aunts to meet tonight as well.”

I follow as Tor walks Tindra toward a nearby table, my heart racing.

This is it.

The moment Tindra meets her extended family.

I take a deep breath, calming my nerves.

"Tindra," he says, his voice filled with pride, "I'd like you to meet some more very special people." He gestures to aweathered man with a commanding presence. "This lovely lady is yourmummo,"

I watch Tindra closely, noting how she unconsciously leans into Tor, seeking comfort in this unfamiliar situation.

Tor's introductions continue. "That's Arik, your uncle," he says, pointing to a lanky teenager slouched in his chair. "And these two are Rev and Dalla, your aunts."

Tindra's brow furrows adorably as she processes this information. "I have an uncle and two aunts that are like... my age?" she asks, her voice a mix of confusion and excitement.

Fern's warm laugh rings out, breaking the tension. "Well, not quite, sweetie. Arik here is 17, a couple years older than you. But Rev and Dalla are your age. You'll probably be going to school together. You might even be in the same classes."

Rev pipes up, grinning at Tindra. "It's pretty rad, right?"

Runes chuckles, shaking his head. "Rad? Who knows when the slang goes and comes these days."

I can't help but smile at the easy banter, feeling some of my anxiety dissipate.

Tindra seems to be holding her own, her natural curiosity taking over as she looks around the crowded clubhouse.

"What about all those people wearing the leather vests?" she asks, her observant nature shining through.

Runes leans forward, his voice taking on a hint of pride. "Those are called cuts, little one. They represent the people within our club."

Tindra nods, processing this new information.

Her gaze continues to roam the room. "And what about all the other ladies and kids?"

Before Runes can answer, Arik jumps in. "Some of the ladies are ol' ladies or wives of the bikers, some are their kids, and then some arehóras."

I tense, knowing where this is going. Tindra's brow furrows again. "What's ahóra?"

Fern shoots a glare at Arik that could melt steel, but it's Dalla who pipes up. "They're like women who don't have anyone that actually loves them, so they stay at the clubhouse and stir up a lot of trouble."

I can't help but laugh at the blunt explanation, and Fern joins in.

Runes runs a hand down his face, looking exasperated.

"These two definitely have your personality," I say to Fern, nudging her with my elbow.

She grins, unapologetic. "Oh, don't I know it."

Runes groans, his voice a mix of frustration and fondness. "Yeah, doesn't everyone know it?"

As the conversation flows around me, I watch Tindra.

She's soaking it all in, her eyes bright with curiosity and excitement.

For the first time since we arrived, I feel a sense of peace settling over me.

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