Page 65 of The Ghost of Rage's War

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Weeks ticked past. We were certainly safe at Reading Hall. The place was so big that Drake and I easily avoided each other. Eventually, Drake reached out, and while I remained suspicious, Drake worked his ass off to start building a relationship.

Drake was not amused when Ghost stated in church that he’d claimed me. Ghost fed back that Drake had almost melted down but couldn’t deny the claim, as Drake hadn’t acknowledged me as family. But Rage made contact and began repairing the damage with Ghost.

I suspected Phoe may have been involved. She didn’t care who it was; if she wanted to tear someonea new asshole, she’d do so. In private, of course, because there were rules. However, Phoe and the old ladies spoke their minds.

Fury remained a shadow over us with sporadic attacks, and, honestly, I was over him and the constant threat he posed. I’d lived with it for so long that it didn’t bother me. Not anymore. Fury could wallow in the shit he caused and die a lonely, miserable death.

Chapter Fifteen.

Ghost

He looked out. Christmas had come and gone, and he was amazed they had survived it. He was relieved they all got one Christmas together because word had come in that Fury was on the move.

Drama had ensued the last few months when Volcano arrived with his snitch Grunt. And then Spike turned up and everybody rocked on their heels when they discovered Volcano had been working with the FBI.

Even more disturbing was the truth that came out about Spike’s daughter Evie. Everyone felt the pain from that, especially those like Ghost who’d known the sweet girl. Fury certainly had a lot to pay for. And once again, Carmelle’s family expanded. Drake had made Volcano, Spike, Grunt, and Volcano’s brothersCarter and Gideon (who were supposedly dead) stay at Reading Hall.

But it was obvious Drake did not trust them, as security followed them everywhere. It had tickled Carmelle and him when Tye fell for Demi, Spike’s great-granddaughter and Fury’s daughter/granddaughter. The bastard had raped and impregnated his own kid. Demi didn’t seem to let her birth circumstances bother her and had become good friends with Carmelle.

Carter and Gideon had taken Carmelle under their wing and treated her like their treasured niece, which she was. Drake’s nose had been put thoroughly out of joint, and he’d been building a relationship with her. Ghost thought karma was a bitch, and Drake got what he deserved.

Volcano also informed Carmelle that everything in her house had been packed up and stored. She hadn’t lost it all, as she believed. Volcano had ensured she had items of Beau’s to treasure.

Carmelle had broken down over this thoughtfulness, and it had taken a couple of days to recover. But there was no doubting the gratitude she felt.

Ghost was sitting rocking back and forth on a porch swing; he’d become partial to them when Volcano sat down heavily next to him. Ghost automatically looked up to see if the bolts could take Volcano’s weight.

“I ain’t that fat, asshole,” Volcano snapped.

“You’re a big boy, dude,” Ghost replied.

“Fuck you. That’s all muscle,” Volcano snarled.

“If you say so. I’m not going to check you out,” Ghost retorted, and two snorts came back at him. He craned his neck and spotted Carter and Gideon with Drake next to them. Spike clumped along behind them.

“What the hell is this?” Ghost demanded.

“You never talked to me about claiming my sister,” Drake stated.

“Or me, and I’m her uncle,” Volcano growled out.

“That includes us,” Carter spoke, pointing at him and Gideon.

“I’m her uncle by marriage,” Grunt announced, appearing.

Ghost rolled his eyes and stared at Spike.

“Girl needs a father figure,” Spike added.

Ghost began laughing. “Do you think anything you say will make a difference? Carmelle’s gonna marry me, we’re going to have kids, and I do not give a fuck what you lot think.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t work for us,” Volcano said and heaved Ghost up and off the bench. Ghost threw his weight backwards, and he and Volcano stumbled down the steps and began wrestling.

They swapped a few blows, and Ghost realised Volcano was holding back.

“Still marrying her, asshole!” Ghost boomed with his hands above his head. He shouldn’t have crowed, as Carter’s shoulder rammed into his midriff and lifted him up off his feet.

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