Page 8 of Jolt's Vengeance

Everyone around here goes to the University it seems. "Yeah, it's... it's good. The girls in the sorority are really nice."

There's a brief silence, and I can almost see her worrying her bottom lip, the way she does when she's trying to find the right words. "That's wonderful, love. I'm so glad ye're enjoying yourself."

I swallow hard, suddenly missing her fiercely.

"How's everyone back home?" I ask, desperate to change the subject before I get emotional.

As she launches into updates about Pa and my siblings, I let her voice wash over me, calming the homesickness I hadn't realized was creeping up on me.

She tells me about Davina's latest antics and how Sorcha's been helping Pa in the garage.

"Oh!" My mum's voice brightens. "Somethin’ rather big has happened! Ye'll never guess—Bull and Alexa are adopting a little girl!"

My steps falter, and I nearly trip over my own feet. "What? That's amazing!" The words burst out of me, louder than I intended, drawing curious glances from passersby.

Lowering my voice, I continue, "What's her name?"

"They're calling her Jenika," my mum replies, her voice warm with affection. "But 'Nika' for short."

My heart swells with excitement. "Oh my God, that's adorable. What does she look like? Tell me everything!"

I can practically hear the smile in my mum's voice as she says, "She's not here yet, but I'll guarantee she'll be a wee angel, Aggie."

I find myself grinning as I picture the little girl. "She sounds perfect. Mum, you have to send me a picture when you see her again. I need to see this cuteness for myself."

"Of course, love. I promise I'll send one as soon as I can. They think the birth mother will have her in the next two weeks or so," she assures me.

As I continue my walk with Sienna, my mum's tone shifts slightly. "Speaking of family, Aggie... have ye been keeping in touch with yer sisters? And maybe ye could give yer brother a call once a week or so?"

I feel a twinge of guilt. "I... I've been meaning to. It's just been so busy with classes and?—"

"I know, darling," she interrupts gently. "But Conrad... he's having a hard time with ye being gone. I think hearing from ye would mean the world to him."

My throat tightens unexpectedly.

I swallow hard, trying to push down the sadness from missing my family. "Yeah, of course. I'll call him tomorrow, I promise."

As I say the words, I realize how much I miss them all—Mum, Pa, my sisters, and even my annoying little brother, Conrad.

The familiar chaos of our home, the constant buzz of the club.

Even the smell of leather and motor oil that seemed to seep its way into everything I owned.

I'd never admit it out loud, but God, I miss it all so much it aches.

My mum's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Good. And Aggie... be careful, yeah? The club... we're still dealing with a lot of heavy shit. Sally Bernard and those other MCs, they're still trying to hurt us. Remember, love, if ye run into any trouble?—"

"I know, Mum," I interject, my voice softening. "The Vegas charter is right here if I need them. I promise I'll reach out if anything happens."

She lets out a small sigh of relief. "Good. I just want ye to be safe, darling."

I feel a rush of warmth for her concern. "I know, and I'm grateful. Really. It's... it's nice to know I have that protection if I need it."

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost see her worried frown. "Ye're bein' careful, right? Not gettin' into any trouble?"

I roll my eyes, even though she can't see me. "Mum, I'm fine. I'm not some weebairnanymore."

"I know, I know," she sighs. "It's just... with everything that's happened in our lives..."

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