“Why didn’t you come to me instead of trying to leave?”
She shrugged. “I panicked.”
Cross dropped his chin to his chest, sighing heavily.
“I’ll just go home.”
He glanced up. “You trust me?”
She bit her lip, hesitating.
“Do you trust me?”
Did she?
“Yes,’ she whispered.
“Good.” He grabbed her hand, leading her to the front door.
“Where are we going?”
“To the clubhouse.”
What?
****
Regret was setting in. Telling the club about the tattoo was inevitable. It had to be done. Cross could’ve easily let her leave to go home and have it removed. But that’s not what he wanted. He’d reached out to Ace for a meeting. And got it. But bringing Addison along with him may not have been the best plan. Walking in, she was showing signs of panic and fear. Even after all his reassurance, she was still nervous.
They’d never had to deal with this situation. Members didn’t leave Killcreek, but everyone knew the protocol. And they would follow through with removing the tattoo. It was sacred to them. It was a badge only a select group could wear. There were no exceptions.And she’s not one of us.
Once all the members were situated, Cross explained the situation. He didn’t sugarcoat it or make excuses. Addison didn’t need any. She didn’t have knowledge of the rule which made sense because up until a few weeks ago, she hadn’t been part of their world. It was done with purpose to honortheirfallen brother.
The room was silent, and the tension was high.
“She didn’t know.” It was the third time he’d repeated the sentiment in the last fifteen minutes.
“Who did it?” Ace’s tone was venomous.
It was a fair question. He’d asked Addison himself.
“A place back home. Said the guy was just starting out. Thinking he hasn’t learned all the rules yet either.”
Ace narrowed his eyes. “That’s an important one to learn.”
He gave a curt nod. “I agree.”
Cross wouldn’t dispute anything with his brothers. Had this been someone else, he’d be as livid as the rest of them.
“I’m willing to give a pass on this if she gets it blacked out,” Oak said.
There was an alternative, though he wasn’t sure how it would be received.
“Or she can keep it,” Cross said.
That got a reaction from most of the brothers with the exception of Wraith.
Oak snorted. “The patchweearned, the one we live on and breathe by, and you think she just gets to keep it?”
