Page 131 of Hawk
She brought her red-rimmed eyes to mine, and I could see apprehension, fear, uncertainty, and relief looking back at me. I was going to find out who hurt her and then I was going to hurt them back. No one, especially a child, should have to live through whatever she had.
I looked at Stella. “We need to let the kids know you’re okay. Are you up for that?” I asked, and she nodded before reaching her hand out to Carla.
The girl hesitated before taking Stella’s hand, and together, they stood from the couch.
I walked behind them as we left Gunner’s office. There was a wall of brothers across the clubhouse, and when we stepped out, they cheered for Stella’s safe return. Carla tried to hide behind her, and Stella leaned down and whispered something to her. The girl nodded and moved to Stella’s side but never released the hold on her hand.
Devlin moved from the side of the door, and when Stella saw him, she flung herself into his arms as he hugged her closely. Carla, standing alone, tried to move away, but I offered her my hand and reminded her, “You’re one of us now. You don’t have to hide anymore.”
She took my hand, and I watched as Stella embraced not only Devlin but James also.
Our dysfunctional family was getting bigger every day, and I knew this was the start of a new story. Whatever secrets Carla held, and whoever hurt her, were going to die a slow and painful death.
But only after Araneta and her accomplices were brought to justice . . .
Death Hounds style.
Chapter 42
Stella
Holding onto Devlin, I heard him whisper, “I was so scared we lost you again.”
“I’m okay,” I returned before releasing him.
James looked at me, and I accepted his hug. He and I had spent some time together over the last few weeks, and while he seemed quiet and reserved, there was something about him that screamed killer. I wouldn’t want to cross him and was grateful he was on my side.
After the cheers and applause for my return started to die down, I began to look through the crowd for Hailey. I needed to see my kids, and when a noise from the rear of the clubhouse drew my attention, I turned to see who was entering.
Matthew came sprinting into the room, dodging Death Hounds until he saw me. He leapt into my arms, and I hugged my sweet boy to my chest as he cried on my shoulder. Hailey ran in behind him with Anna in her arms, and I shifted Matthew to one hip as Hailey and Anna practically tackled me. In my arms were my three children, and I felt my heart start beating again.
I wouldn’t know what to do without them, and reluctantly, they all released me. Taking in their appearance, I could see how emotionally rung out they were. Jacob came up behind Hailey and placed his hand on her lower back, giving her silent support.
“Are you okay, Mom?” Hailey asked as Anna rested her head on her sister’s shoulder.
“Doc said I’ll have headache for a few days, but I’ll be fine.”
