Page 66

Scythe

The New Year passed in a blur of events and all things Lilah. We had looked at a few houses, but nothing felt quite right. To be honest, I was pretty comfortable at her place. I liked that it was private but still close to Mom. I was worried about moving too far from her, just being closer than the clubhouse has eased a part of me I didn’t realize was so…wound up.

We watched the ball drop altogether at the clubhouse. The girls insisted on a “fancy” party, which meant the guys cleaned their boots and the girls were decked out in fancy dresses and heels. Lilah looked amazing. Her dress was a dark burgundy, covered in sequins. It contrasted with her dark hair and fair skin, her lipstick a deep wine color. She always looked amazing, but this time, there was something different.

Happy, she was comfortable in her own skin. My woman was fucking stunning. I had seen her grow into herself, shake off any of the bullshit her parents or ex tried to convince her of. Sometimes, I wondered if the need for her would consume me, like I couldn’t function without a glimpse of her. Time apart was getting more and more difficult. I didn’t want to miss a moment with her.

Sometime in March, Atlas was back in town, and Fee had invited us over for dinner. When we rang the bell, Atlas opened the door, Birdie in his arms.

“Hey, man. Good to see you,” he said, not bothering to try to shake my hand. Most people caught on quickly that I wasn’t a huge fan of touch. That was changing, though—with Lilah, obviously, but even with Fee and Birdie. Whenever they brought her to the clubhouse, everyone fought over her. Bull was the worst, hogging her completely.

Holding Birdie was comforting; there was something solid and reassuring about her sturdy weight. Her implicit trust that you wouldn’t drop or hurt her. I had somehow earned that, and I wasn’t going to ruin it with my issues.

“It’s been a while.” Once inside the house, he turned to Lilah.

“I’m Atlas. Fee’s brother.” He introduced himself, and I couldn’t help but pull Lilah closer to my side. Atlas was a good-looking guy. We were around the same height, but he was a bit wider, with a bushy beard and colorful tattoos.

“This is Lilah, my Ol’ Lady.” Both Atlas and Lilah turned to look at me with shocked expressions at the statement, but I didn’t know why. She was wearing my ring. Was going to be my wife. Naturally, she would be my Ol’ Lady, too.

Need to get that damn vest.

The desire to see my mark on Lilah in every way was riding me. Atlas gave Lilah a nod that was cut short when Birdie grabbed his beard.

“Come on through. My sister’s been cooking up a storm all day. It may seem like a lot of food, but the vultures are bound to come sniffing around as soon as they hear she cooked. Gotta get it while it’s here.”

“Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.” Bash met us into the living room, exchanging hellos. Bash and Lilah settled on the rug with Birdie as Atlas and I went to the kitchen to get drinks for everyone. The whole house smelled amazing, but the kitchen was fucking heaven. Fee was a great cook, her meals were simple but hearty. She had caught on quickly and doubled up on meat and cheese in every recipe that called for them. Eyeing a large pan on the stove, I stopped short.

“Is that the mac and cheese?” I asked. I hadn’t had it before. Match talked about it all the time. Fee’s lasagna was bomb, but this looked amazing. It was one of those dishes that reminded me of a school night, wolfing it down after homework and before bath time. At least, during the good times. When we could make our own decisions without fear.

“Yeah. It’s my favorite.” Atlas looked like he was measuring the pan with his eyes, already counting the servings in his head.

“Don’t worry. I have a second pan in the freezer. Just needs to be put in the oven. I’ve got side dishes and dessert, too,” Fee said, blowing a curl out of her face as she wiped the fog from her glasses.

“Congrats, man. Heard you got engaged and shit. Happy for you,” Atlas muttered as he rifled through the fridge.

“Lilah’s amazing. You’ll see tonight. They’re just perfect for each other. And unlike some men I know, he has no problem talking shit out. At the moment. To the specific person the issue is with.” Atlas looked sheepish. Years of his relationship with Fee had been lost because of his own assumptions.

“Message received, sis. Communication is key,” he said, and she turned, raising an eyebrow.

“Direct communication with the person.” Fee looked unmoved, so Atlas continued.

“In person. Preferably verified with a blood test and or fingerprints,” he added. Finally, Fee looked satisfied.

“Couldn’t hurt,” she replied, not looking a bit chagrined. “My point is, Lilah doesn’t have to worry about that, and neither will Scythe. It’s why they work so well.” I warmed at the compliment, happy that she thought that way about my relationship.

“And neither will I, when I eventually find a woman to put up with my ass. I solemnly swear that I have learned my lesson,” Atlas said seriously, and Fee took a moment to step away from the stove.

“I know, Jackson. I’m just teasing. You’ve come a really long way, and I’m so happy you’re here.” Atlas blushed, and I felt a bit like an intruder as the siblings hugged.

“Love you, Finny. Now, I gotta get back to the living room before Birdie forgets about me.” Atlas moved to stuff his arm with drinks and snacks.

“How could she forget you? You’ve given her a present every day you’ve been here. If that’s not bribery, I don’t know what is,” Fee said from her spot at the stove.

“I missed her first Christmas. I had to make up for that.” Atlas had been on the road for months, working on Seph’s trail—in more ways than one, as we learned over dinner. We all settled around the dining room table that was piled high with dishes.

“So, how’s it going with the new plan?” Bash asked. Atlas actually took a moment to breathe between bites, shooting a look at Lilah, then back at Bash.

“It’s fine. Scythe needs to know, and Lilah is family,” Bash replied. I froze. We grew up together, were friends and brothers, but only recently had it become something more. In the wake of Crow’s betrayal, recognizing the people around us, the ones that really had our backs, was vital. Precious.