Page 42 of Hades

I shrugged. “I’m not good but thanks to Hades, I am alive to work on getting better.” I smiled at him and I felt the hearts in my eyes.

Finally, my brother released me and held out his hand to Hades. “I knew I could count on you to keep her safe, brother. I appreciate it.” They did that handshake hug combo that men favored because heaven forbid they just hug.

From the moment his hand fell off my back, tension settled in. I couldn’t say exactly what, since this was my home, my safe place, but I knew something was different. With every second that passed, the anxiety twisted in my gut, churning into a thick acid that made me sick to my stomach.

“Holy shit girl!” Macy stood in front of me with big, glassy eyes. “I’m glad to see your frowning face.” She launched herself at me, wrapping me in a tight hug that took my breath away.

“I’m not frowning,” I whispered in her ear. “This is just my resting bitch face.”

Macy laughed, pulling back to study my face for a long time before she stepped to the side while the other women swamped me. Ellie and Peyton hugged me so hard and for so long that the guilt resurfaced. These women had been so nice to me, welcoming me into their found family without a second thought. They’d made me a part of the family and what did I do in return? Brought an international Russian crime syndicate to their front door.

“I’m okay,” I whispered over and over as each woman enveloped me in a hug and offered gratitude that I was safe. “And I’m sorry for all the trouble.” As much as I wanted to look down at my feet and avoid their gazes, I forced myself to look each of them in the eye. They deserved that much.

“Just stop that shit right there.” Macy stepped forward and stood in front of me with arms folded, scars on full display in a Steel Demons tank top. “You are one of us. Hell, you are the sister of one of these guys, that’s blood. That fucking matters, Raven.” She pulled me into another hug, full of affection and frustration. “You’re in trouble and we’ve all got your back, however you need it.”

“But what about the danger—”

“Fuck that. Diesel told us what happened and gave us the choice to stay here or head home. He didn’t want any of the old ladies or club girls getting caught up in that shit. But we know we’re safer here. We’re stronger together. This is family,” Macy responded.

Tears pricked my eyes, the urge to cry so strong my breath hitched, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn’t cry in front of them, couldn’t make them comfort me when they didn’t ask for all this. “Thanks, I need it.”

Standing there in the clubhouse surrounded by all the old ladies and club girls and kids felt good. It felt a little bit more right than it did a few minutes ago.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, my gaze scanned the room until I found Hades. At some point he and the guys ended up on the other side of the room with him in the middle. He looked up as if he felt my gaze on him, and his eyes met mine. He smiled and I smiled back.

Things were different now. We were no longer alone in one of the MC safe houses, but that connection was still there. I felt it just now, despite the distance between us. And because of that, I gave myself permission to feel my feelings. I love him. No, that wasn’t exactly right. I mean I loved him the way I loved Falcon and Macy and all the MC brothers who accepted me as a little sister. But I was in love with Hades, at least I was pretty sure that’s what it was.

I’d never been in love before, never even confused lust for love and never imagined myself in love with the few guys I dated. But this, what I felt for Hades felt real. It was intense and genuine, and I cared about him in a way that shocked the shit out of me.

I was in love with my brother’s best friend.

What could possibly go wrong?

Only everything, the voice in my head answered automatically. I could come between the brothers and cause a rift in the MC. Hades could choose my brother over me and I’d be forced to leave Steel City and Nevada altogether to make it on my own once again.

When I blinked, Hades and the guys had their backs to us, and I knew they were headed to Church to figure out a plan to keep me safe. And put more people in danger.

“Hey ladies, you need anything?” Danny showed up out of nowhere with a nervous smile.

“We’re good,” Peyton assured him. “Where’s Fang?”

Danny’s smile dimmed. “Don’t know, probably with the other prospects, but I can handle whatever you need,” he insisted. He turned to me. “Good to have you back, Raven. Sorry to hear about the safe house.”

“Yeah, thanks. Hey, how’s your sister?”

His skin paled and he frowned. “She’s okay, why do you ask?”

“I think I need a touch up on my color and she did a good job.” Danny’s sister worked at the local salon, she was a quiet girl, but she was a genius colorist.

“I’ll let her know,” he mumbled and walked off quickly.

“What was that all about?” Macy asked curiously.

“No idea. Danny is the weirdo of the new crop of suspects, right?”

She shook her head. “Nah. He’s just quiet and a little awkward around people. He’s good,” she assured me before wrapping an arm around me. “How are you really doing?”

I shrugged again because it felt like my main form of communication these days. “Good. Terrible. Awful.” My skin flamed when she studied me a little too closely.