Page 14 of Fanatic

“Don’t know. I blame them too,” I sniped, wrinkling my nose.

Fanatic’s arm wrapped around me. “You need to talk to a therapist. Willow, you can’t go through life blaming everyone. The grief you feel is turning inwards, are you blaming yourself yet?”

“Yes.”

“Can we make an appointment for you to see Janet, Hellfire’scounsellor? She visits twice weekly, meeting with Hellfire’s females and some of the brothers. I can add you to the roster.”

I chewed over Fanatic’s words. There was a point to them. The blame game was in full process, and I blamed quite a few people and entities. That wasn’t healthy, and while Danny was happy right now, that didn’t mean he’d be content in a year or two’s time.

Children were sensitive creatures, and what I felt towards someone, Danny would sense and act the same way. Which was not fair. Not to Danny or his extended family. Therapy would help.

“I’ll see Janet,” I finally agreed.

Fanatic squeezed me hard. “Are you gonna avoid Hellfire like the plague?”

“Good question. I don’t have anything against Hellfire. No memories of Grey being there. I’m not going to be a party girl, but I should be able to handle Hellfire,” I replied.

“The old ladies will reach out.”

“I understand. Especially if we’re living in Spearfish.”

“Yeah. Wanna see the place I rented? It’s decent, but a stopgap for now. I want to build a house on the compound. Building exploded after the war, as most of Hellfire demanded to be there. Most brothers have homes there with massive backyards and stuff. There’s a huge swimming pool for the kids with a fantastic playground Danny will enjoy when he’s older,” Fanatic said.

“I’m sure Danny will love it when we visit.”

Fanatic nodded.

“You’re going to have to see Rage eventually. You’re a princess and a founder’s daughter. That makes you doubly special. Aurora Victoria is the only one now as Evie left with Spike to their ranch.”

I felt surprised at that. Spike had hidden his family for years, and nobody could blame him. Not after learning what happenedto Evie. But I had expected Spike to reclaim his place as a founder.

“Spike hits the clubhouse three times a week, but his sons have all refused to take up their legacy. Including Volcano. Volcano states he’s had enough of MCs and wants a quiet life. Grunt patched in, but nobody else,” Fanatic explained.

“I’m shocked. I thought Volcano, Carter, and Gideon would’ve liked a place.”

“No. The obsession Fury had with Rage soured them all. And Volcano openly admitted if anyone raised a fist to his brothers, he’d not hesitate and would kill them. Volcano’s seen enough abuse,” Fanatic added sadly.

“Shit. When I think what a brute we believed Volcano to be, and he’s the opposite. I’ve no idea how he survived and stayed true to himself,” I whispered.

“Volcano had no choice. He had to protect his mom and siblings. Hell, if Fury had got his hands on Demi, it doesn’t bear thinking about,” Fanatic agreed.

“That family went through hell. Spike ghosted Rage for years, but who could blame him? His poor daughter. Evie suffered as much as Artemis, and yet she’s come out stronger for it.”

“I heard Evie speaking to Mum. She said we get one life. Fury had taken enough from her, he didn’t get to take the rest,” Fanatic replied.

“Strong woman.”

“There’s been changes at Hellfire. There are nine new candidates. Wraith, Smokey, Bone, and Slaughter all patched in early due to their actions.”

“Chance held you back?” I exclaimed, aghast.

“Only for a few months. Willow, I started just after them and lost time recovering from the bomb blast. It’s fair. I’m in charge of the candidates, which Sunny is fuckin’ jubilant about.It should fall to him or Diesel to manage them, but they hate candidates, so it ended up my job,” Fanatic said, scowling.

I tried not to laugh. Fanatic hated teaching people unless they were kids. Kids he had all the time in the world for, but not adults. Fanatic was certainly borderline anti-social.

“Oh.”

“You laugh, Willow, and I’ll get revenge,” Fanatic warned.

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