Page 57 of Whip’s Wisdom

“One is that I love you so fucking much. I have for a long time, probably longer than I should. But you were Tanner’s little sister and I didn’t want to do anything to fuck with that. Second, when were were sleeping together before that day I fucked up, I mean I know there were several, but the day that you finally ended it, I want you to know that while we were hooking up doing whatever the hell it was we were doing, I wasn’t with anyone else. I made you believe I was and that was fucked up of me, but I wasn’t. My past isn’t pretty. The life I lived before I moved out of my parent’s house was not pretty. Some of it is dark and twisted. I pushed you away because I didn’t think you needed to be touched by my darkness. You are such a light that I hated how I felt like I was using your light to make my darkness go away, while I was rubbing it on you. I’ve been told most of my life I am worthless and unloveable. I didn’t want you trapped with a man that was any of those things. I mean if I could take all of it back, I can’t say I would because we wouldn’t be where we are today. Knox completes this messed up relationship we have and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus I can’t imagine a world where the triplets don’t exist. And—”

“Oh hello! I’m sorry for interrupting, but your friend told me you were awake and we need to do our checks.”

I look and it’s the doctor and I go to get off the bed, but Cooper just pulls me closer to him.

“Sorry, we should’ve called you as soon as he woke up.”

“Oh no, that’s okay honey. Your friend did come and grab me and said you were awake for a couple minutes before he walked out into the hall. I just need to do an exam and explain to you everything that is going on. Everything that we told your family. You are going to need some rehab for the shoulder because of the gunshot wound.”

“I was shot? Damn, I don’t even remember that. That must have happened when I blacked out.”

“It could be. You had several stab wounds on various parts of your body, some internal bleeding. We had to make repairs to your liver and remove your spleen. But all of that went well. You had some stab wounds on your legs and other parts of your body that we had to take care of. If it weren’t for Doc and your club being someone I am familiar with your case would’ve been escalated. I know you guys have your own way of doing things and I am sure you have men in law enforcement. But anyway, you should make a full recovery. You did not have any brain bleeds, despite the beating it looked like you too. We are going to keep you in the hospital for a week or so to monitor you and make sure nothing changes. You have a lot of family that is waiting to see you. So I will go out and come back when it is time to make my rounds. Is there anything else you need?”

“No doctor, thank you so much.” Cooper says.

The doctor smiles and walks out while holding the door open for what appears to be Tanner and Devil.

“Thank fuck! You fucker, never do that shit again. I can’t get a new fucking best friend.” Tanner says as he comes over and sits next to Cooper. “I saved you a present back at the clubhouse. Figured you’d want to take care of that yourself.”

Cooper smiles at Thorn, “You know now everyone is going to know you’re a big softie. All the brothers that run away when you come walking down the hall are going to know you’re not as badass as you say you are.”

Tanner scoffs at him, but has a smirk on his face. The room gets quiet when Cooper turns to look at the other Devil’s Chaos member in the room.

“Hey Devil. I heard you got some good news for me.”

“I do, do you mind if we get the room?” He turns to everyone and asks.

I look at Cooper and he is looking at me, “It’s okay, I’m not going anywhere I promise.” He kisses my lips and I get off the bed and head over to grab one of the babies. I bring Ronan to Tanner, Knox grabs Rebel and I grab Rowan and we head out into the hall.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Whip

Getting kidnapped and tortured by my fucking brother was something I never thought I would experience in my life. The torture that they did to me to try and get information was a new form. I was used to Travis being a fucking asshole, but obviously this was new. I didn’t know if he wanted to win points with the big boss or not, but the fact is everything was fucked up in that room. I don’t even remember half of it because I think I passed out after he stabbed me a few times in the legs or maybe it was after that one blow to the head. I don’t know.

Waking up in the hospital and knowing that my actual family saved me, well I think that was the best feeling in the world. I know that I have a shitload of stuff to make up for with Peyton, but I am glad I get the chance. I’m also very glad I get the chance to see those three babies grow up and possibly any more I can put in my woman’s belly. Knox and I are going to have to take turns. I’m sure Peyton will have something to say about that, but I think we have a way around convincing her to see it our way. I never thought a family was something that I wanted, never saw that in the cards for me after all the fucked up shit that I went through growing up, but here I am.

I look at Devil and I don’t think I have ever seen this man so nervous before in my entire life. He walks over and sits down on the chair next to the bed.

“I’m really glad you are okay, Cooper. When I couldn’t get in touch with you this morning after we got the results, I don’t think I have ever felt that fear in my life. Our club has so much shit going on and I didn’t know who the fuck could’ve taken you and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you to stay until someone could ride out with you.”

“You know you weren’t going to be able to stop me. I know shit’s going on and I still didn’t give a fuck. I wanted to get back to my home. I thought shit was fine with Acid MC because we haven’t heard from them and I never fucking thought that my brother and his fucking tools of a mafia would come after me. I had a lot of shit on my mind and I needed to get away. My world had been turned upside down. Tons of what fucking ifs were going through my head. I guess I didn’t even think about what could be going through yours or Chains head. Since you guys were the only ones to know that I was possibly their kid. It sucks that I know my life could’ve been something totally different if she would’ve told me or even you the truth.”

“I don’t know everything that you’ve gone through and I hate that I don’t. I hate that seeing you grow up happened merely because of the fact you spent time with the Jacobsons. I’m sorry for everything that you’ve gone through and that I wasn’t there for you like I should’ve been.”

“You couldn’t have known. None of this is on you. My mother was a bitch and it’s all on her. She did this and she let every bad thing happen to me because she didn’t care about me or doing what was best for me. That’s not on you.”

“Well, Liz and I want to get to know you better as a member of our family. I want to spend some time getting to know you, well getting to know you better than a brother knows other brothers. You’re my boy and we had a lot of time stolen from us and that breaks my heart.” He says as he pounds his fist on his chest. “I could just kill that bitch that birthed you. Any of those assholes that laid a hand on you growing up. You’re my boy and even though we just found out I want you to know that I love you. I am so happy you are a part of my family.”

With that he grabs the back of my neck and pulls my head forward placing his forehead against mine. He has tears in his eyes and I’m right there with him, I’ve never felt like I had a family that wanted me until Knox and Peyton let me be a part of theirs.

He straightens up and looks at me, “I’m going to let you rest, then I’ll be bringing your younger siblings to visit you. Also Liz wanted me to tell you, when you get out of here you better make it to our family dinners every Sunday. She doesn’t accept any excuses.”

Shortly after that he got up and left where Knox and Peyton walked in with the three kids.

“Bring me my babies.”

They walked over and put the babies next to me on the bed. I can’t believe they are going to be one in a few months. I know this time is so hard for Peyton being as it’s the first holiday without her mama.