Page 47 of Rebellious

At times, Meggie found solace in church, despite Father Wilkins’ sermons. She’d listen to the message and not the messenger. She’d worked hard to give her children a well-rounded life that included religion.

Church wasn’t non-existent as she grew up, but it hadn’t been as prevalent in her life as it was in her children’s.

She no longer knew why she’d gone to Mass on a regular basis. She didn’t know if it was a bargaining chip or bribery to keep her husband and son—sons now—safe. A part of it was how she’d explained it to Kaia in LA. She truly liked helping people and she genuinely preferred Christopher find a solution that didn’t involve murder.

Yet…

Yet—

Releasing a sob, she covered her face. She wanted Jana dead. Rebel had almost died because of Jana’s addiction.

And…

She wanted to kill Diesel for killing Tabitha, even though her son did exactly what should’ve been done. Exactly what Meggie would’ve ordered him to do.

Exactly what Christopher would’ve done.

When Narci texted her earlier and begged her for her intervention to save Diesel and the four men who’d been at the mall with Rebel and Jana, Meggie didn’t hesitate. For Axel. For Christopher. And for CJ. Especially for CJ.

As long as she wasn’t okay with the club, Christopher wouldn’t be. He’d resign prematurely and once again abandon their agreed upon plans for CJ. He wouldn’t even consider how much Meggie had sacrificed on behalf of Christopher’s love for his club and his desire to see CJ patch in.

For her husband’s and sons’ sakes, she could play her role at the club.

But she would’ve bided her time before she sought revenge on Tabitha and Jana once she learned the truth.

Timing was everything.

Jana, who instigated the entire situation, had the unmitigated, stinking audacity to ask Meggie to talk to Diesel so he’d be kinder to her in her time of need.

She’d talk to him and tell him to make her disappear.

Except how could she take another woman’s daughter when hers had been spared? Whether Hopper or Amy or both claimed Jana, wouldn’t it devastate them to lose her?

Swiping her cheeks, Meggie sniffled. Jana didn’t need her wrath. She needed help. If Meggie blamed Diesel for anything, it was hiding Jana’s addiction. That idiot should’ve known better.

“Meggie?”

Meggie stiffened, sniffled again. “Go away, Kaia,” she said hoarsely. Meggie didn’t yet know why Rebel wanted him there, but she’d find out in due time. “I don’t want to look at you.”

Instead of listening, Kaia took the seat next to her, his eyes red-rimmed and sad. “Please, hear me out. Please? I’m begging you.”

She glowered at him.

He hung his head, heaved in a breath, and got to his feet. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets. He started to walk away.

“Say what you have to say and then leave,” Meggie ordered, exhausted, the kind fostered by devastation that made her feel as if she’d never be happy again. She’d just exist, awaiting the next phone call. Rebel had gone to a mall and almost ended up drowned. How could she ever get over that?

She covered her mouth, but not before another sob escaped her. Tipping her head back, she allowed her tears free rein. Trying to stop them hadn’t helped.

Kaia dropped next to her again, snatched her close, and hugged her, sobbing louder than her and patting her back so forcefully, he might leave bruises.

She stomped his foot as hard as possible. He released her and leaned back, wiping his jacket-covered arm across his leaky nose.

“I’m sorry,” he said, drawing in great gulps of air. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so worried about Rebel and she…she wants us to be friends. She doesn’t want to be my Chi anymore. I’ll always be her Huahua, though.”

“As well as Fia’s,” Meggie snapped, forgetting her anguish. “Your betrayal would be bad enough if it was with someone Rebel didn’t know or anyone other than a girl who hates her.” Jumping to her feet, she kicked his ankle, then grabbed his earlobe and twisted. “Rebel has been hurt enough. I want you to bleed for what you did to her.”

He started to cry again. “I hate myself for what I’ve done, Meggie. Rebel…she likes me. She really likes me and I fucked it up.”