Page 37 of Shadowed Obsession

She purses her lips and gives me her signature cut the bullshit look. “Oh? Do I need your permission to bring my boys some lunch now? Is that it?”

“Jesus,” I grumble, running my free hand over my face. “Of course not. I just meant that you don't need to feel obligated to be here. I've got it.”

Her face smooths into her other signature expression: the ice queen. She mastered that look decades ago. Somehow, she manages to look expectant, disappointed, and annoyed while projecting the air of confidence.

The boys and I used to know shit was gonna go down every time she had that look on her face. We weren't spared from it, but it usually wasn't directed at us.

Unless we fucked up, which we've all done our fair share of during our late teens.

“I don't do anything I don't want to, son.” She pauses, and I watch the look slide off her face like it was never there. “Now, why don't you tell me what's wrong. I can tell by the little wrinkle between your brows that you're stressed.”

I relax my face instantly and shift in my seat to cover it up. “I'm fine. Just trying to figure some shit out.”

She nods a few times, turning her attention toward the backyard. “Like who broke into Evangeline's house, and was it one of those assholes from Crestview.”

“You gotta let that go at some point, Ma. It's been ten years.”

The corners of her mouth pull down. “If someone hurts Hunter one day, then you'll understand. There's no forgiveness for intentional pain inflicted on your children.”

Ten years ago, some bitch set Nova up to get jumped by a group of Hell Hounds. She wasn't the mastermind behind the plan, but she played her part to a fucking t.

My brother got nine stitches. And my ma stormed their favorite bar in Crestview and slashed all their tires.

And then took a tire iron to the girl's father's bike.

She didn't give a fuck who saw her. She was like a Valkyrie, backed by the entirety of our club.

We were at odds with the Hell Hounds for years before that, and it seems like our moment of respite might be over.

I watch my son sing to himself as he digs in the dirt, and my chest tightens at the idea of anything touching him. I can't imagine a world where I wouldn't burn it down to protect him.

“Yeah, I get it,” I say quietly.

I can feel her stare on the side of my face, but I keep my gaze on my boy.

“No, honey, you don't. And I hope to god you never do.”

I nod a few times because I hope for the same thing.

“Where is your brother, anyhow? I haven’t seen him much lately.” Her gaze shifts too much.

There’s definitely something going on with her. Shit. Maybe sheisfreaked out by surgery?

“Dunno. Locked in his studio, if I had to guess.”

She hums. “How long?”

“Not too long.” I clear my throat. “It wasn't Crestview who broke into Evangeline's house though.”

“You know that for sure?”

I shrug and take another drink. It's going down a little too easily today. “Cleaners said he's got no affiliate ink, and you know Hell Hounds all have ink.”

“Well then who was it?” she asks, a bite to her tone.

“As far as we can tell, some low level criminal. Unaffiliated to any nearby clubs.”

“This wasn't a smash and grab, Silas. This was an armed robbery in herhome. In our town. That kind of stuff doesn't happen in Rosewood. You boys see to that. So why is it happening now? And to her?” she presses.

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