Page 121 of Luci’s Lullaby

“We’re coming in, one way or the other.” There’s something familiar about that voice, it reminds me of someone.

“Whatever go the fuck away!” I roar. “And bring back some Jack!”

I hear a noise and then the door comes through the room. I sit up, squinting as Chord walks through it.

“Don’t tell me you’re not opening the door for me. Get your fuckin’ ass up and get in the shower.” Chord glowers at me. “Aksel, watch for ‘It’ while we deal with this.”

“Will do.” Aksel nods, heading out the door.

I scrub my hand over my face. “Why are you here? To save me from myself? Too late, fix the door on your way out.”

He walks over, sitting on the edge of the bed beside me. “I didn’t want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice.”

“Do what? Who in the hell gives a shit about me? Go live your lives and leave me the fuck alone.”

Walker strolls through the door, over to me, and they manhandle me to the shower. Tossing me in, clothes and all. The shower is turned on, and I’m held down under the cold water.

“Get your damn hands off me!”

Walker cocks his brow. “My wife is on her way up, I suggest you brush your damn teeth and mind your fucking manners when she gets here.”

“I don’t have to do a damn thing,” I say as my resolve breaks thinking of Reese seeing me this way.

“Is he dressed?” she says from the other room.

“He has clothes on,” Chord replies, leaning against the sink.

Reese steps into the room and breaks into tears. “Dear God. Alden, what are you doing to yourself?”

“I’m living my best life.” I throw my hands in the air.

“Get him the hell outta there.” She spins on her heels as Chord stands beside Walker.

“What?”

“Alden, shut up and get out!” Reese shouts.

I glance up at Chord and Walker, “Help me up.” They get under each arm and pull me out. Chord tosses a towel at me. I scowl at them.

“You ever get tired of me being right?” Walker shakes his head.

I stomp out of the bathroom and drop into a chair across from Reese. She sets her phone on the table and turns it around. My eyes flicker from her to the cell.

“Look,” she narrows her eyes, “see what your missing.”

I avert my eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because you’re our brother too.” Chord sits beside me as he and Walker join us.

What the fuck is that... a pain so deep in my chest, I clutch it. I can’t even look at them. “I don’t have a family.”

Reese’s lip trembles. “What am I?”

“A friend, you have your own family.” I glare at her as my chest caves and pain cuts through me like a sword.

Walker leans forward. “Mind your damn manners. This girl has been by your side when no one else was. At least give her damn respect.”

A thickness coats my throat as bile rises. I can’t help it, I have to do it. “Don’t lay that shit on me, she did as she damn well pleased.”