Page 16 of Thunder

Grounded, yep, I am grounding my six-year-old nephew. No more late-night movies with snacks, no more cuddles in bed for ten minutes before going to his own room, and no playing in the yard, with the small, cheap swing set I built.

He is grounded!

“Your car broke down?!” Dad demands, and I wince and admit, “It died,” hoping he’ll leave it at that but he raises a bushy brow so I explain, “Black smoke came from the hood on my way home from the store, and the garage said it would just be cheaper to buy a used one so I managed to scrap my old one for four hundred bucks and used that to go into the car I have now. I think I bought for a steal even if I did have to lower the payment on my student loan the last few months.”

“How long have you been struggling financially?” Dad demands, “Because your sister has mentioned several times over family dinners that you were out drinking or clubbing!”

Am I surprised Rachel lied, and he instantly believed her? No, I’m not, but am I surprised he’s now questioning everything? Hell, yeah. He has no right to question me, but yet again, before I can open my mouth, Sammie answers, “Auntie Scottie lives off coupons and has a discount at the store. She makes a lot of meatloaf, good meatloaf but there is always too many leftovers for it to be fun the next day...”

Well, tell me how you really feel, kid…

“Dad,” I sigh, seeing that he’s ready to explode, but he snaps quietly, “No, all this time, all…”

He shakes his head, not finishing his sentence as he stares at his plate, and looks distressed.

“All this time,” he chokes, and I swallow the lump forming.

I don’t like this side of my father, normally he’s strong and commanding, but right now…

“I’m doing alright, Dad,” I say softly, knowing he looks ready to break.

His jaw visibly tics, and he snaps, “I’m paying off your student loans!”

Oh, hell no!

“No, you are not,” I retort, and he glares my way, but I shrug and remind him, “Mama told me if I chose to be a doctor instead of a lawyer, then I’m on my own. Yes, I have to live off coupons right now because believe it or not residency pay sucks, I’m doing alright.”

“But we have leftover meatloaf nearly every night, Auntie Scottie,” Sammie jumps in, “Let Grandpa help.”

The little traitor.

Dad smirks, and I know he’s about to grab his phone, but before he can, I admit, “I met an out-of-towner yesterday.” and Dad pauses, and Sammie claims, “I knew it!” raising his fork in the air and my lips tilt.

Dad's eyes race between mine, and just like I hoped, he forgets about my loans for now and confirms, “You met an out-of-towner?” and I nod. He asks, “Where?”

“He uh, he was having a meeting with Dr. Thomas, your doctor and my mentor, with the president of the Untamed.”

“Not their women as well, right?” Dad confirms with a shudder, and I grin.

Their reputation precedes them…

“No, just them and uh, well,” I stutter before groaning, “I got tongue-tied, and I have never gotten tongue-tied before!”

Dad grins wide as Sammie announces, “She likes him!”

I chuckle and inform my little troublemaker, “I don’t even know him…”

“But you had a connection,” Dad butts in, and I nod. He shrugs and pushes, “Ask him out,” and I swear my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

Ask him out? Is he insane?

“I don’t even know how to get in contact with him!” I gasp.

“But Dr. Thomas does,” Dad reminds me, and I clear my throat.

“Dad, he’s not from here,” I say slowly, and he raises a brow and retorts, “And?”

“And,” I huff, “he’s part of the Rebels MC. I saw their roaring lion crest on the back of his cut. He isn’t from here, and last I checked, when a brother claims a woman, they refuse to leave their side. I mean, look at Axel. Annalise is batshit crazy, but that man always wants her in his sights.”