Page 135 of A Love Like Venom

"There's a reward for Alice. The sick bastard is playing a game and anyone in her life who matters will be used as a toy," I begin.

Recognition dawns on his face as he knows exactly who I am referring to. "Gracie Mae."

"And her little brother Connor. We have to protect them. I need you to watch over them in Hollows Point until they come here."

"She's agreed to stay here?"

"No, I haven't talked to her yet."

"Alice hasn't said anything to her?"

"She was going to after we gathered her belongings back at her trailer. But she's mentally exhausted, Oak. Caitlin was there." The mention of her name has me seeing red.

"Caitlin was there? What the fuck did she do?"

A bleak laugh escapes me. "It's whatdidn'tshe do. The bitch has been abusive to Alice her whole life and I was too fucking blind to see it. She knew things that happened to Alice, dreadfulthings and not once did she try to protect her. I've never met someone that evil, Oak. There's no remorse. She doesn't care for her and never has. The whole time that I was with her she had me believing a lie."

Oak's face transforms with disgust as he spits, "That fucking bitch. You should have burned more than her car."

"Alice threatened to burn her herself."

His eyes widen in shock. "That sweet girl said that?"

This time I laugh with amusement. "She has a dark streak in her. It's complicated and not my story to tell but I wouldn't get on her bad side. She's very capable." It was her after I had killed Chris Blackwell suggesting burning the body. If we buried it police could always recover it, she said. But if we burned it then all there would be is ash. No trace for them to search.

She was right of course. At the time I didn't question how she knew such a thing. Perhaps I should have afterwards.

He smiles, it even reaches his eyes replacing the haunted look. "She has to have some darkness to be with you," he teases but there is truth in his words.

"So, will you help us? Protect Gracie Mae and Connor? Make sure that no harm comes to them?"

"With my life," he promises me. A promise he will not take lightly.

Relief washes over me. With their safety that's one less thing I have to worry about when The Crowned Devils MC decides to strike. "Thank you. There is no one else I trust more than you."

"I know because there isn't anyone who I trust more than you. I'll leave for Hollows Point and watch over them. Hopefully I can convince her to bring her brother and stay here. It's the safest option for the both of them."

"I told Alice that, but Gracie Mae can be quite stubborn. Despite that she does have sense. If she knows Connor's life is in danger she'll do everything to save him." Alice has told me thatGracie Mae loves her little brother more than anything in this world. There isn't anything she wouldn't do for him.

"You know the last time I spoke with her she wasn't too fond of you," he tells me.

"I'm aware. I was an asshole then but that's not the man I am now."

"No, it's not," he agrees with pride. "She's good for you. I'm glad you both found each other again. One day you'll tell me the full story surrounding the both of you?"

"One day," I promise him. "When all this is over the both of us will tell you."

We part ways after that.

Oak walks out of the gym a different man then when he entered. He has a new mission, a new purpose to keep his mind occupied. For now, that will have to be enough to keep him fighting. When this war is over with The Crowned Devils MC him and I will have a much needed conversation surrounding his mental health.

He needs help, whether the man wants to admit it or not he needs us.

I will make sure everyone in this club is here to support him.

He will hate me for it, I'm sure but in the end he will thank me.

You can't keep living in the past with guilt weighing you down every single day. It's no way to live.

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