Page 60 of Unhinged
The moment we get to the top, Brydgett doesn’t hesitate. She turns to me. "I need to see Judge."
Arrow and I exchange a glance. We both know it’s important to her, even if we’re still trying to figure out the full extent of everything she’s been through.
“Come on,” I say, leading the way toward the back of the clubhouse where our mom and sister live. It’s quieter back here, less chaotic than the main part of the building.
When we walk in, I see Judge in the middle of a game ofSmash Bros, his hands flying across the controller. He’s sitting on the couch next to Dillon, our annoying bratty teenage sister. Our mom sits on the other side of the couch, her blonde hair shining under the low lights as she crochets quietly in the corner.
“Hey, Mom,” Judge mumbles, barely glancing up, his focus glued to the screen.
“You came back.” Dillon’s voice rings out with a smile, the joy clear on her face when she sees Brydgett.
Brydgett looks back at her, her lips curving into a half-smile but not quite reaching her eyes. "Didn’t really have a choice."
I step further into the room, moving aside so Brydgett can take a seat. Our mom looks up, meeting her eyes, and immediately waves her over.
“Sit,” she says.
Brydgett moves to sit down, and I notice the way she hovers near the edge of the chair, like she’s ready to bolt at any moment. My mom, though, doesn’t seem to mind.
“I’m Bettie,” my mom introduces herself, a gentle smile on her face as she nods toward the three of us. "Those knuckleheads' mom."
"Brydgett," she answers quietly, cautiously evaluating the situation.
“How are you feeling, love?” Mom asks, soft but knowing.
“Sore, but okay,” Brydgett responds. She winces slightly when she shifts in her seat, but she keeps it together. “Thanks for taking care of my son.”
“Anytime, honey,” Mom says, her gaze lingering for a moment on Judge, who’s now completely absorbed in the game. “He’s taken a fancy to Dillon here, and Dillon’s taken a fancy to you. Although, that might be because you gave her a car.”
Brydgett chuckles softly, almost like she’s surprised by her own reaction. “Yeah, I did do that, didn’t I?”
Dillon, with her youthful energy, pipes up immediately. “I’m not giving it back either.”
Brydgett laughs again, the sound a little more genuine this time. “Didn’t ask you to. I gave it to you fair and square. Although, something tells me a GTO isn’t your dream car.”
Dillon’s eyes light up. “Nope. Always wanted a pink Eclipse.”
Brydgett raises an eyebrow. “If I get you one, will you trade me back?”
“Seriously?” Dillon asks, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Seriously,” Brydgett confirms with a wink.
“Done,” Dillon says quickly, as if she’s been waiting for that offer.
Brydgett nods, a faint smile on her lips. “I’ll see what I can do.”
I can't help but smile, watching the interaction between them. Even in the midst of everything, Brydgett still has a sense of humor, a spark that refuses to go out.
“Tell me about yourself, honey,” Mom pushes, her eyes never leaving Brydgett’s face.
I know my mom is about to fire a hundred questions at Brydgett, but our omega can handle herself. I need to focus on getting this club on the same page as us when it comes to her.
“We’re calling church, so keep her safe, Mom,” I say, cutting into the conversation.
Mom doesn’t argue. She simply waves us off with a nonchalant gesture, her attention already back on Brydgett, who’s glaring at me.
We head back into the main part of the clubhouse, the atmosphere now louder, more chaotic. The brothers are here, drinking, laughing, shooting pool.
