Page 3 of Savage Protector

Axel’s question broke Houston free from the memories pulling him under, allowing him to refocus on the present instead of the past.

“Huh?” He’d missed some of what Axel said.

“Didn’t hear a word I said, did you? You were thinking about that night.”

It wasn’t really a question and Houston didn’t bother to answer. None of their lives had been the same after that night. Especially his.

“I think about it a lot too.”

He really didn’t want to get into this with Axel so he kept his mouth shut as they both sat in silence for a few minutes staring at the house.

“Why don’t you go stay at one of the safe houses? We don't use them much anymore.”

Houston shook his head. “It’s time to deal with this.” He opened the truck door and climbed out. “I appreciate the ride.”

“How bout we meet at Bubba’s later? The club can buy you a beer or three. Talk some business. It’s important.”

“I didn’t want to get into this yet, but you gotta know I ain’t interested in becoming Wrath again. That’s my past and I need to keep moving forward.”

“Club’s not like it used to be. You should hear JD out.”

“I don’t see changing my mind.” He also wasn’t sure how he’d feel seeing JD again after all this time.

Axel didn’t react, but Houston knew the expectations and discussions were far from over. “You still need to come by for that beer.”

There it was. That edge in Axel’s voice along with the tic in his jaw that made it clear this invitation wasn’t optional.

“I'll see how it goes.” After he faced a few ghosts he had a feeling he might need that beer to get straight again. It was the conversation that came with it he didn’t want to deal with. But maybe with a good buzz and the promise of some nice pussy afterwards he could get through it in one piece.

"Consider it a summons. Here. You’re gonna need these.” Axel tossed a set of keys he caught with one hand. “Check the garage.”

Houston looked at the keys and his friend with sarcasm burning his tongue. They could shove their summons up their asses. Ultimately he would decide where he went and what he did. After twenty-eight years he’d had enough of people telling him what the fuck to do. Whatever game they wanted to play, he wasn’t interested.

He decided to keep those thoughts to himself for now as he grabbed his bag and turned to the house. Time to man the fuck up and get this shit over with and then he’d deal with the rest.

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