Page 23 of Running Wild

I gruff before I get up and walk toward the sofa. A few years, come on, more like twelve or thirteen. And, yeah, I know we look like twins, everyone says the same thing. Which is a compliment because Maggie is drop-dead gorgeous. Until she opens her mouth.

“Hey, Joy, glad to see you. Yeah, not sure you know the whole story, which is for another time, but that’s Hannah. She’s one of our runaway prospects. She’s also my, umm…”

Being able to take the rug out from under her, I jump in before Maggie stumbles her way through.

“Hi, Joy, right? I’m Hannah and, long story short, Maggie is my birth mom/sister as Pops and Momma Diane are my parents. So are you with Bullet or Iron?”

Hearing a soft tinkling laugh, I turn to see the redhead laughing, her body slightly shaking.

“Oh, this one has gumption. Hannah girl, I’m with Tim or as y’all call him, Bullet, while Joy is with Lenny, or as the boys call him, Iron.”

We all look at her for a moment before everyone breaks out laughing, the boys? I’ve never heard a motorcycle club call their brothers their boys. This chick is a riot.

“Hi, Hannah, I’m Joy and this crazy Southern belle is Clementine, or as we all call her, Spitfire. And that nickname needs no explanation, obviously. So from what we heard you like to read. Which author are you excited to see today?”

With that Joy and I hit it off. She follows Dani and me back to the small table, looking our list over. We all put our heads together and get back to working on the list because time is ticking by.

Spitfire, Maggie, and Auntie Zoey are cracking up on the sofa while they talk and catch up. Watching my sister and aunt, it’s one of the few times I’ve ever seen them so relaxed. That’s got to be because of Clementine, she’s like a breath of fresh air. Actually, with the way she looks and how sweet she is, I can’t believe she’s with a club brother. She’s like a little fairy, for Christ’s sake.

“Don’t let her soft heart and cute way of talking kid you, Hannah. A few years ago we had a situation and Spitfire walked in lock and loaded. She had no problem helping Jackson hold off some really bad guys trying to hurt some of the women and kids at the house. She looks all sugar and spice, but underneath she’s got a ton of gumption, as she calls it.”

I have a feeling any female with one of the Grimm Wolves has to have gumption, or a backbone, with the life they lead. Unlike the Devil’s Handmaidens, they are more like Pops’s club, total one-percenters, which I have no problem with. As Joy and Dani keep going, I get a good feeling. This day is starting to look way up. I can’t wait for the signing to start.

* * *

Auntie Shadow got a call from Panther telling her they are still out on the water. With the number of men, they actually rented two boats and will be tying them up at the docks right out in front of the cabins. Damn, that had to cost an arm and leg. Must be nice to have that kind of money. Everyone is just about ready to get this show on the road. We are going to all squeeze into the club SUV so we’re trying to park only one vehicle. I’m so excited I can barely hold it in. Even Dottie after her rest is getting on board and seems eager to go, as are Dani and Kitty. Both Clementine and Joy are both enthusiastic. Shit, I mean, Spitfire is just about jumping up and down on her feet she’s so wired. When a knock comes at the door, Maggie jumps up again and before Auntie Zoey can get behind her, Spitfire follows her.

When the door is opened, Spitfire lets out a squeal then grabs the guy and pulls him in, giving him a hug.

“Dingo, ya tall drink of iced tea, where did you sneak off to? Oh, sorry, come on in, sugah.”

I am checking out the guy Dingo and don’t even see the woman behind him. But when she walks in, everyone in our cabin takes in a deep breath, some of us gasping. It is like looking at Auntie Zoey, well, I’m guessing if she didn’t have her skull tattoo on her face. Same ice-blue eyes and similar shape, with long hair just not as dark. Who the fuck is she? Before I can ask, Maggie turns and is holding Auntie back. Kitty and Dani both push me aside and each grab one of Auntie Zoey’s arms, using their body weight to hold her back. Maggie gets right in her face, grabbing some of her hair so she can pull her head down to her.

“Calm you shit right the fuck down now, Zoey. Like you, I don’t have a goddamn clue but going off before we even try to find out, not good. Remember, sister, we aren’t in Montana right now. Take a breath, shit, take ten and go sit your ass back down. I got your back.”

Spitfire looks from the woman just inside the door and back to Auntie, then back again. I know just from the short time I’ve known her she is about to put wood on the fire.

“Well, heavens to Betsy, it’s almost like looking in a mirror. Shadow, I didn’t know you had kin here. Hi there, I’m Clementine and that’s Joy, Tink is in front of you. Behind me is Hannah and Dottie. And those two guarding our girl are Kitty and Dani. Finally, I’m sure you already know, Shadow. How are y’all related?”

Maggie drops her head while Dingo glares at Spitfire. The woman’s head is moving left and right, confusion all over her face. Then it’s almost like something snaps and, damn, that blank look that Auntie Zoey always has is on her face.

“Well, no, I don’t know Shadow. I just met Frank a few hours ago. I’m in a bit of a jam and he said he might be able to help. Don’t want any trouble though, I can go.”

She doesn’t even get to turn around to the door before Auntie Zoey growls. Everyone looks her way, but she only has eyes for the stranger.

“Bitch, what’s your name?”

“First, I’m not a bitch, nice mouth. Second, I didn’t catch your name but sure, I’ll play. My name is Celestina. What’s yours?”

Auntie Zoey stands up walking toward the crowd by the door.

“Got a last name Celestina?”

She tilts her head, studying Auntie Zoey. She nods but doesn’t say a word. Well, until my aunt drops a bomb.

“’Kay, I’ll play your game. My name is Zeona De Luca but I go by Zoey, or my club name is Shadow. Your turn?”

But Auntie Zoey doesn’t even finish before Celestina turns and is just about to run out the door when two men with guns are standing there outside the screen door. Dingo grabs Celestina and pushes her behind him while he reaches for his shoulder gun. Maggie and Auntie Zoey also are grabbing for their weapons. Dottie is pulling me back, but I see Dani grab a gun from under the sofa while Kitty has moved to the kitchen area and is on the phone.

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