Page 2 of Coty

“Jack here is our son.” She motions to him first. “Rodeo is his best friend, and Jay is our nephew. They’ll walk you to the house. It’s behind the clubhouse and hidden from view. Our daughter and a few amazing ladies are waiting to get you settled in. I’ll be by later to check on you.”

“Okay.” Mia slides the backpack strap over her shoulder with one hand and settles her son on her other hip.

“No, ma’am. You carry Kash.” Evelyn slides the backpack off and hands it to me. “Rodeo has your bag.”

I nod and take the bag. Mia is probably used to doing everything herself.

“The boys are here to help. They will escort you to the house, but they won’t enter unless the house mother says they’re needed,” Mack assures Mia. She nods and relaxes a little.

“Follow me, Miss Holt. You and Kash can get settled in and sleep peacefully tonight.” Jack opens the door and steps into the hallway.

“That would be a miracle,” Mia whispers as she follows him out.

“Miracles are known to happen,” I say softly.

Mia closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She nods quickly a few times but doesn’t speak. I’m not so sure she believes in miracles. Once she’s settled safely, she’ll see.

Jay and I walk behind Mia and her son down the path behind the clubhouse. We glance around even though we know no one is out here. After escorting angels from city to city for years, you naturally watch your surroundings when an angel is present.

Jack silently leads the way. Once we clear the protective fence and step out of the tree line, Jack comes to a halt and stares at the two-story house.

Jay slaps a hand on Jack’s back. “Why don’t you head back and make sure Lily’s okay? Rodeo and I have this.”

Jack runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Thanks, man.” He bumps fists with me as he walks by.

My eyes meet Jay's. The Haven House used to be Jack’s house. A club enemy slipped past our defenses a few months ago and opened fire on the house. Jack’s ole’ lady, Lily, was shot. He almost lost her that night. They’re staying in the guest house while a new house is being built for them further back on club property. Seeing this house messes Jack up. He hasn’t set foot inside since he followed Lily out on a stretcher.

“Come on, Miss Holt. I’m sure you’re tired.” Jay leads the rest of the way up the path.

The front door opens as we climb the steps. The house mother steps out onto the porch. She hates being called that, by the way.

“Jay, good to see you.” She gives him a hug.

Jay hugs her tightly before stepping to the side and introducing the ladies. “This is Mia and her son Kash. Mia, this is the house mother, Nina.”

Nina rolls her eyes and growls. Jay hurries down the steps before she can punch him. Smart man.

“Don’t worry, Miss Holt. Nina will take real good care of you and Kash.” I hand Mia’s backpack to Nina.

“Hi, Mia. Welcome to The Haven House.” Nina reaches for Mia’s hand.

Mia’s eyes meet mine, looking for reassurance. I nod.

“You’re safe here.” I turn to Nina. “Call if you need anything.”

“Sure thing, Rodeo.” Nina motions for our angel to enter the house. “I promise. You really are safe here.”

With a deep breath, Mia carries her son inside. The door closes behind Nina, our cue to leave. For now, our angel and her son are safe.

“Come on, man.” Jay tosses an arm over my shoulders as we start down the path back to the clubhouse. “Nick’s bound to have those monitors working by now. You can keep an eye on your woman.”

“She’s not my woman,” I mumble.

“And that, brother, is your fault.” Jay slaps his hand across my chest twice.

Yeah, it is my fault. Kayla isn’t mine. She should have been years ago. There was a time when I thought we could have been more than friends. Somewhere along the way, things went sideways. I’m not sure what happened, though. I don’t understand why she hates me now. Hopefully, I can figure it out soon. For now, I’m finding Nick. If those monitors aren’t working, I’m heading to BJ’s.

Chapter 2

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