Catching Forever (BlackPath MC Book 2) (9 page)

     Dra

I spent most of the night staring at this beautiful woman. I was afraid if I slept, she would disappear. I’ve watched the monitors. After she was finally put in a room a few hours ago, we have more room and I pulled my chair up beside her bed. I just hope she wakes up again soon. She’s been out most of the night and really groggy when she was awake. She just wanted to have me close she said, and I am good with that.

“Hey handsome. Did you sleep in that chair all night?” I can barely hear what she is saying. She sounds half asleep and the other half mush mouth like a drunk. “Water, please.” That one I could understand. I hand her the cup of water and she drinks it all slowly. “Thank you Dra.” She’s easier to understand now. “You look tired. Do you want to go home to get some rest? My head doesn’t hurt nearly as bad this morning, but now I feel my shoulder.”

“Do you need to push the pain drip?” She’s shaking her head no.

  “If I push the pain thing, I will go back to sleep, and I need to talk to you. Besides, I don’t want to take any more than I have to. I want to talk to the doctor about if it can affect the baby. I was out of it last night and I didn’t get to talk to him.” Callie is talking much better, so she must be coming out of the med stupor.

  “Doctor assured us last night it wouldn’t affect the baby. It’s safe.” I want her to take it if she needs it. Stubborn woman.

  “Climb in here with me, please. I need to talk to you about us. Just for a little while.” I don’t want to hurt her but I also can’t stand to tell her no, so I get up in the bed carefully beside her. I feel like I could fall off the bed, but it feels good to have her next to me.

“Ok, darling you have me. Now what?” I give her my best smile.

“Will you please listen to me before you say anything? This is important and I want to get it all out.” I don’t like the sound of this, but I have to give her a chance to say what she needs before I tell her what’s going to be. I guess I can try and take Tazer’s advice. So I nod my head yes, and kiss her hand softly.

  “Dra, yesterday when I saw Devil was going to shoot you, I could hardly move. I was so scared. I was afraid you would be taken from me. I didn’t know I had such strong feelings for you, but I have to tell you I do. Only thing is, I don’t trust myself very much right now. I let Devil get close and I can’t go through that again. I need complete brutal honesty. Straight up nothing but honesty. Can you do that? Because if you can’t, I can’t let you in. Ok, your turn.”  She’s laying it out for me. Can I give her complete honesty? Hell yeah, I can! Wait, first I need to clarify.

“Callie, I can be completely honest. Brutally honest with everything that has to do with us, but I cannot tell you everything about the club. However, if you are involved in it, I will tell you everything. You ask me if your ass is wide then I will tell you if it is. You ask me if I like your dress or whatever shit you’re wearing and I will tell you. I promise you on everything I hold dear, I will not lie to you or betray you, ever. I love you and yesterday when we hit that floor I knew how much.” I don’t hold anything back. I can’t if I want her. She needs this.

“Ok. I can accept that. I’m not sure about my behind being wide. I think you might need to find a filter about that if you don’t want to be picking your backside up off the floor. Because my behind is going to be wide before this baby is born.” She is smiling so big my insides might bust. “I want to take a chance on us then. I love you, Dra.”  Did I just hear that?

  “What did you say?” Please just let her say it again. Nothing has ever sounded so good.

“I said, I love you Andrew Draven. I want to be yours. I want your property patch on my back.” I want to hold her so tight. My heart feels so full. I want to make this woman mine in every way. I think I might have to wait a few days though. Her doctor may have objections and I won’t put her health at risk.

“Damn girl. I love you, too! I can’t believe you said you’d be mine. Not like I was going to give you a choice, but I am so happy.” I have kissed her hands, the top of her head, her cheeks and the side of her head. I know I need to stop.

“Wait Dra, there’s more.” I knew this was too good to be true, but she’s not getting out of this. “I can’t be with you, be with you, until I am divorced from Devil. That’s not me and I won’t be that person. Until my divorce is final, no sex.” Puts a damper on my plans, but I can live with it. I knew how Callie felt about it before. “I’ll wear your property patch, but no sex.” I don’t like it, but for her I can deal with it. “Also, I deal with Devil the way I want and you guarantee me you won’t seek payback.” No, not happening.

“That would not just be a no, but a hell no! No way, no how! Final word, I will get plenty of pay back.” I have a lot of anger I need to work out on him.

“Dra, if we are going to be together, please. All these years I thought if I could just get revenge for Tommy’s death everything would be ok. It wasn’t. I went into a marriage as a business deal. How jacked up is that? BlackPath MC and I got revenge, but look what the price was. Tommy would not want this for me. I know that now, and I need to fix it. I always fix my own mistakes. It’s how I was raised. I’m forgiving Devil. Not for his deceit, but for shooting me. We pushed him to it. I should have taken him aside. It doesn’t matter now. All that matters is that he gets on with his life. He didn’t mean to shoot me, and if it hadn’t been for me he wouldn’t have shot at you. He is the father of this child. I owe it to my child to be sure he or she has their father. He is basically a good man. I believe he will be a remarkable father if given half a chance. I want to give him that chance and give my child what I never had. Two parents that are filled with love for them. A third parent with you, if you want, because I am a package deal? Please let me handle Devil alone. You can be outside the door.” This goes against my better judgement. I know it has to be put to a vote by dad first. She should understand that. She knows how the club works.

“You know it has to be voted on by the club. Dad will have to put it to a vote. Chief wants a part of him and so does Tazer. Your Uncle Blake isn’t far behind and Dad texted me Diamondback is here. You and I are going to talk about you doing stuff behind my back. That’s a no go for me. We discuss it all from now on. Why didn’t you tell me your Uncle Blake was a Marshall?” I only have to think about it a few minutes. I know I will do what I have to, to keep Callie. I will leave it to the club vote. “I will go with the club vote. How’s that?” I can tell she’s not done yet.

“You’ll explain it the way I explained it to you?” I can’t deny her anything.

  “I will do my best.” That’s all I can do.

  “That’s all I can ask. Thank you.” Then she takes my breath away with a beautiful smile.

I reach over her and I push the drip button. While she sleeps I can keep my promise to her. I am just happy she is mine. I know I can never break her trust or I will lose her and I am no fool.

     Callie

I wake up and I see Ty sitting by the window playing on his phone. My headache is more of a dull thud, but my shoulder and forehead hurt. I look around for Dra, trying to move my eyes and not my head. I don’t want that pain back like I had last night or maybe just earlier. I’ve lost track of time. By the light shining in the window, I would expect it to be midday but who knows?

“So, Tazer is it? Why that name?” Ty gives me a full smile and I feel at home.

“I hit a man that jumped Woody, it stunned him, and it went from there. First it was Stunman. Glad that didn’t stick. Driller turned it to Tazer and I kind of like that.” I knew Ty’s name would be given by Driller. It is a time honored tradition. Chief received his name from one of his uncles as did Driller.

“It fits, and I like it too, but you’ll always be Ty or bubba to me. So deal with it.” Ty comes to the side of my bed and stoops down to kiss my cheek.

“And you’ll always be sis or baby girl to me. I love you, girl, but you sure do know how to stir up a hornet’s nest. Uncle Blake and Diamondback at one time. You stepping in front of a bullet. Dad is fit to be tied and I think he had a head full of gray hair this morning. What do you have up your sleeve next? Dad is going to be a grandpa and me an uncle. Out with the old in with the new. Are you sure about Dra? Sis have you really thought about it? I’m not usually Mr. Responsible, but it’s not just you anymore.” This is not my happy go lucky brother. I must have really scared him and I’m sorry for that.

I consider my words carefully because I know it won’t be the last time I have to reassure someone. “I have considered it. The heart wants what the heart wants. I know what I did with Devil going into that situation was wrong. I can’t live with dishonesty. It’s a deal breaker with me. Call it baggage or whatever, but Dra has promised me brutal honesty and I think he will keep his word. I love him. We can make it work with honesty. Look at the two of us having such a grown up conversation. Four months and we have changed so much.” I know if anyone understands the importance of honesty, it is Ty with everything he has been through with his mom and our dad.

“Ok, but this winter when you are knee deep in snow, I will email you pictures of me fishing in Texas. You know Felix is driving Dad crazy with phone calls. You have seriously got to call him before dad goes crazy. Sarah is back home. Hanna has a steady job and has moved out of her mom’s place.” I knew I could depend on Ty to keep tabs on my friends, but there is something he isn’t saying. I can read between the lines, too.

  “Ok. Spill it Ty. What are you leaving out?” I stare at him and he is fidgeting.

  “Well, Hanna is dating Jeb now, and Woody and Felix might be a thing. Sarah and I might have hooked up a time or ten.” I knew it. I leave town and all hell breaks out.

“Wow, I don’t know where to begin. I didn’t know Woody was gay, but I have to say I like it. They make a handsome couple. Fe must be over the moon. Hanna and Jeb are step cousins. I bet that went over well.” I’m trying to throw Ty off balance for my next question. “What the heck do you mean you hooked up with one of my best friends?”

“Get over it sis. It happened, it’s over, end of story. You have bigger things to think about.” Just as that came out of his mouth the door opens and my dad, Dra, Hawser, and Gram walk in.

  “My goodness child, I’m locking you up tight in your room when you get out of here. You need mothering and I am going to do it up right. You poor child, how are you feeling?” Gram is in mothering mode and I love her for it, but it’s Dra I can’t take my eyes off of. He has that sexy smirk on his face I sometimes really hate. He comes over and climbs on the bed beside me boots and all and I love it. He takes my hand in his and kisses it. Can you say hot? Damn, he looks hot today. My hormones are in overdrive.

  “Yes, Gram.” I can’t argue with that. I feel safe there. I’ve had enough excitement for a while.

“Betsy, what have you done with my daughter and could you possibly do it some more? That is the easiest I have ever heard her agree to something. You work miracles.” Dad is being funny. I listen to him, sometimes. Ok, not that much.

“Well, it is a woman’s touch.” Gram has a very happy look on her face.

“No one is taking care of my girl but me. Gram I hope you have room for one more because she won’t be getting out of my sight for some time. We are now together, where ever we go.” Dra is being territorial. It’s all new now, but sooner or later he will want his space.

  “Enough of the niceties. Tell me what happened. Where is Uncle Blake?” I don’t like being left out of the loop.

“Sweetie, just don’t fret about it. You are supposed to rest.” I love Gram, but it’s not going to work.

  “Gram, I can’t leave everything to the men. They always have a way of screwing it up.” This is too important to let go. I won’t let them hurt Devil or his family.

“There’s my impatient daughter. I knew she was still in there.” Dad is trying to be funny. I don’t have any patience left. “Blake, Diamondback, Devil, and Steel are all in the waiting room. This room is not big enough for us all. We have settled a few things, but we still don’t like that son of a bitch so they can wait.”

“Which one don’t you like?” I know the answer but I ask anyway.

  “Take your pick.” Dad is having a hard time keeping his anger in check. Guess I don’t need to poke that bear anymore.

“Callie, we are letting Devil and Steel go. When you see Devil you will see he did take a beating, but he’s lucky that’s all he is getting. Dra talked to the club and he will be able to come back, only for the baby. He knows the boundaries, but I am warning you, just like I did him and Steel, if he sneezes wrong in our territory, it will not end as well next time. Do you understand that little girl? You are now Troubled Fathom and no one fucks with us.” Hawser lets me know how lucky Devil is this time. I understand this and I accept it. It’s the way club life is. I nod my head yes.

“Yes, sir. Thank you. I completely understand. Dad what about BlackPath MC? Are they going to retaliate?” I look at my dad. He has a scowl on his face but then all of a sudden he breaks out in a smile.

“We are not, right now. I talked to Driller last night and we have been compensated.” That’s all he gives me. Now I’m completely confused. One battle at a time.

  “Son, that is our cue to go take our turn in the waiting room. Callie, glad to see you’re feeling better. We will talk as soon as all your pressing issues are done.” Hawser has me curious but there’s nothing I can say now. “Betsy, Dra.”

“I just got here, but ok. Callie I will have your room waiting and some hot food on the table.” Gram is so sweet. She makes her way over and gives my cheek a kiss.

Dra carefully pulls me in for a hug and a scorching kiss that has my body melting into him. Then I hear my dad and Ty both clear their throats almost synchronized, and I pull away. Dra catches my chin in his hand and then kisses my nose. “I’m right outside that door if you need me. Just raise your voice and I will be here. Do not let anyone intimidate you.” Then he backs up but I hear Ty laugh.

“Have you met my sister? She will do the intimidating.” Ty is a great brother.

“Ty, you go with them. Diamondback, Devil and Steel will be in here. We will need the room, but stay right outside the door with Dra.” Dad must want this settled fast, too. The sooner everyone is on their way out of town, the better. Everyone is going out the door and then it is filled again.

Devil looks bad. He took a hell of a beat down. Steel doesn’t look much better. Devil starts to approach my bed but Dad steps in between him and me. I reach out to touch Dad’s arm and he looks at me. “It’s ok, dad. He’s not going to hurt me. Give him this, please.” Dad moves and Devil steps up to the bed. He takes my hand in his.

“Are you ok? Really ok? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you or our child.” Devil remorse shows in his eyes. I know he didn’t mean to hurt me. He’s just been pushed too far and I had to take responsibility for part of that.

“Devil, I know you didn’t. I’ve known that since it happened. It was partially my fault, too. So you don’t blame me and I won’t blame you, deal?” I can see the relief in his eyes.

  “Well, I sure as hell blame you.” Dad yells out and the door opens and Ty and Dra are both standing there. I can see Dra does not like where Devil is, but I make eye contact with him and let him know it is ok, and he seems to relax.

“Ty, I think you might better stay. Dad is not real calm and I don’t think with all these monitors I can jump in between anyone right now.” I try to laugh it off but there is nothing funny about it. Dra nods his head and steps back out, but Ty stays.

“Ok. First we need to straighten things up between Feral Steel MC and BlackPath MC. What is it going to take? Come on guys, work on it.” I figure this is a more peaceful start than rehashing what happened.

“No. First I want to know how you are and how our baby is?” I look at Devil and then to Dad and Ty.

  “You two didn’t let him know we are ok? Or as ok as can be? That is just mean.” Dad doesn’t seem affected at all, nor does he give an answer. Ty looks down but I know he was here with me.

“We are fine, Devil. I have a bad concussion. The gunshot is ok. They took the bullet out and it’s nothing serious. Our baby is a fighter and is doing fine right now.” I reach over and turn the fetal monitor back up. The sound of our baby’s strong steady heart beat is heard in the room. I smile as I listen. Not a sweeter sound. I turn it back down a little, but we can still hear it.

“Thank you. It sounds strong. Must be a boy.” I see the excitement in Devil’s eyes and it brings tears to mine for what might have been.

“Well, definitely a miracle, but maybe a stubborn girl.” I really don’t care as long as it is healthy.

“Stubborn like her mama.” Ty adds and I think everyone else grunted in agreement. At least they agree on something, even if it is at my expense.

“Ok. Let’s get this done and then I want to talk to Devil alone. This child is ours and we will discuss it between us. No interference from anyone else.” I want everyone to understand that up front. These bikers can have all the say on everything else, but not my child.

“Well, we have to come to an agreement over which club the baby is going to be raised with.” Leave it to Steel to make the first mistake. I used to think he was wise.

“No, we won’t! All decisions on our child will be between Devil and me. Our child will be involved in three clubs, Feral Steel MC, BlackPath MC, and Troubled Fathoms MC. Discussion over. If anyone has a problem with that, there’s the door. Don’t come back until you change your mind.” I look at each of them. “I am BlackPath MC, through and through. Not changing. Devil is Feral Steel MC. Dra is Troubled Fathom MC. I will be with Dra. He will not be making decisions for my child, but his feelings will be taken into consideration. What is mine, is his.” I won’t be bullied by anyone and they need to know that now.

“Calm down. And it’s our child. I don’t like the Dra part, but we will discuss that when we are alone.” Devil picks my hand up in his and I don’t pull it away.

“Ok. So are the clubs good? I don’t want a blood bath between people I love.” All eyes were once again on me.

“BlackPath MC will let it go, but we won’t forget. You are my daughter and you are under our protection as long as you breathe, and so is that baby. Devil, if any Steel messes up again, it will be war. Nothing Callie says will stop it. We are in Texas and your club is in Oklahoma, keep it that way.” Dad has had his say and it will be BlackPath law. “I do warn you, if Kizzy is caught with Karen and Bri, it will end badly for her. The other two are as good as dead when found, if she is still Stone’s, you better get her out. Only warning. Diamondback won’t stop until he finds them. They double crossed him and the price of that is death.”

“We could care less about Kizzy. We also have markers on their heads. Their fate will be no less with us.” Steel is solemn in his words.

“Does that include Bri?’ I know I shouldn’t ask, or even care, but I can’t help myself.

“Especially Bri. She cost me everything I love.” I look at Devil but I can’t keep my eyes there. They hold too much pain.

  Steel turns to my brother and I don’t know why he is piercing him with such a glare. “Stay away from Kimberly. I got a report this morning that she left Oklahoma and she showed up at the BlackPath clubhouse a little while ago. Would you happen to know anything about that Tazer? You will leave her the hell alone. She has had a bad time lately. Ask your sister.” Ty looks completely surprised, but my eyes go to dad and he has a shit eating grin on his face. What the hell?

  “Well, you see Steel, my son really has nothing to do with that. Kim is there to see me.” Oh crap. Dad is liking this too much.

“What the hell Chief? We are friends and you are too damn old for my daughter, so leave her the hell alone or I will be shooting you.” Steel is pissed, but I can understand why, still I think I kinda like the idea.

“Way to go Dad!” Ty just can’t leave it alone, but I have to admit I’m liking it.

  “No Steel. We used to be friends. Kim and I have been seeing each other since after the last time your family let Callie get shot. As far as age, Devil is just a little younger than me and Kim is a little older than Callie, so I think that makes it about the same as when your son came after my daughter. So now we are even, right?” Yeah, dad is enjoying this. He knew it was going to happen. “You don’t have to worry, Dad. We’re keeping it in the family. I can call you dad, right?”