Page 26 of Dylan's Dad
I can see his eyes soften, "Alright, Little Flower." He digs around in a drawer and hands me a pair of sweat pants. Reaper helps me sit up carefully, making sure I'm steady before he stands up himself. I wince as I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand up, feeling a slight dizziness wash over me. But I refuse to let it deter me.
With Reaper's arm around my waist for support, we make our way downstairs. The sound of laughter and chatter greets us as we enter the living room. My heart swells at the sight of Stallion, Keyes, and Sin sitting together on the couch, their banter filling the air.
Keyes is the first to notice our presence, his eyes widening in surprise. "Lola!" he exclaims, jumping up from his seat. Stallion and Sin follow suit, their expressions a mix of relief and joy.
Stallion steps forward, his face etched with concern. "Lola, you're up! How are you feeling?" he asks, his voice filled with genuine worry.
I give him a weak smile. "Sore, but I'll survive," I reply, leaning into Reaper for support. The pain meds are doing their job in dulling the ache in my side, but I still feel the tender throb of my injuries.
Stallion moves toward the kitchen and pulls a plate out of the microwave. "I made some breakfast. I thought about bringing it up to you but didn't want to disturb the two of you." He sets it down on the coffee table while Reaper guides me to the couch.
"Any news on Ray?" I ask trying for a shift in conversation but also concerned for the prospect who was basically tasked with being my shadow.
Stallion's expression darkens, and he sits down next to me, his large frame hunching forward. "Ray's in critical condition," he says gravely. "The doctors are doing their best, but it doesn't look good. He lost a lot of blood, and they're still trying to stabilize him."
A wave of guilt crashes over me, knowing that Ray is fighting for his life because of me. "I'm so sorry," I whisper, my voice filled with remorse.
Stallion reaches out and squeezes my hand gently. "None of this is your fault, Lola," he says firmly. "Dylan made his own choices, and Ray wouldn't want you apologizing either. He endangered himself to make sure you were okay. We're going to do everything we can to bring him back."
Reaper's jaw clenches as he takes a seat on the other side of me. "That piece of shit is going to pay," he growls through gritted teeth. "No one hurts my family!"
"But he is your son."
"Not anymore, Little Flower." His eyes darken as he stares out the window. I can see his jaw flexing and know this is harder on him than he is letting on.
The room falls into a tense silence as I attempt to eat my breakfast but it is settling like lead in my stomach. I know Reaper will kill Dylan there is no doubt in my mind but I also know it will hurt him to do so. I remember hearing him telling the guys to take him to something called the cave which I can only assume is some kind of kill room. I have no illusions that they don't kill people on the regular.
As the weight of the situation hangs heavy in the air, I can't help but feel a mixture of fear and anticipation. Part of me wants Dylan to pay for what he's done, to face the consequences of his actions. But another part of me is afraid, not for Dylan, but for Reaper.
I've seen the darkness that lurks within Reaper, the violent and merciless side that he keeps hidden from most people. And while I know that Dylan deserves punishment for his crimes, I can't help but worry about the toll it will take on Reaper's soul.
Reaper stands abruptly, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "I'll be back," he says tersely, his voice filled with a cold determination. "I need some air."
Stallion reaches out to stop him, concern etched on his face. "Reaper, wait. I will come with you. We need to chat."
I watch as they step out onto the porch closing the door behind them.
As the door clicks shut, cutting off the sound of their conversation, I turn my attention back to the breakfast Stallion had prepared. The smell of eggs and bacon fills the room, but my appetite has vanished amidst the tension that hangs in the air.
Sin, who is normally not a talker, finally speaks up. "This situation with Dylan... it's not going to end well," he says gravely, his dark eyes reflecting a somber truth.
I nod in agreement, unable to find any words to express the turmoil brewing inside me. Right now, his words only confirm what I already fear.
Stallion returns from outside, a solemn expression etched on his face. He takes a seat across from me, his gaze fixed on mine. "Reaper needs some time," he says quietly. "He's dealing with a lot right now."
I nod solemnly. "Where are Doc and Monk? I thought Reaper said they were here."
"They had to run some errands this morning. Doc went to pick up some stuff for you and Monk went to the hospital to wait for news on Ray.
I shift in my seat, gripping the blanket over my lap. “What did you and Reaper talk about?” I ask Stallion, keeping my voice as steady as possible.
Stallion exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “About what happens next.”
I already know what that means, but I need to hear him say it. “And?”
Stallion meets my gaze. “He’s going through with it.”
A heavy silence settles over the room. My stomach knots, and I look toward the door like I could somehow call Reaper back before it’s too late. But I know better.
