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“Okay. Can I see her?”

“We’ve sedated Ms Hall to keep her comfortable, and she’ll be going for an MRI soon. But I’ll walk you through,” the doctor offered.

I followed him, unprepared for what I was going to see. The hiss escaped before I could stop it. “Shit.”

“She’ll be fine in time and with plenty of rest,” the doctor reassured.

I nodded, unable to take my eyes off Meadow’s bruised face. She didn’t look like herself. If the kids saw Meadow like this, they’d freak. But I knew they’d have to. I began putting a plan together. Cassian first; he’d understand how to handle the younger two. Meadow wouldn’t want them traumatised. Cassian and I had to minimise the shock.

I gently picked up Meadow’s hand, noting the broken and bruised skin. Meadow had fought back. She’d not gone quietly; she’d gone down fighting.

“Did you scrape her nails?”

“Yes, and we got stuff from them. DNA is a high possibility.”

“Good. I’ll pay for a private test, push the results, Doc,” I said.

“Not a problem. I’ll leave you alone. An orderly will be along soon to take Ms Hall for her scans and so on. You want the full works?”

“Whatever you think Meadow needs, do,” I agreed.

“Okay.” The doctor left, and I sank my head into my hands. This fuck up was on me.

“You messed up,” Cassian spat bitterly as he looked at Meadow.

“Yeah.”

“I warned you Dad would come after Mom. You assured me Dad wouldn’t get close.”

“I own it, kid. This is on me.”

“Damn right it is. That’s my mom lying there, Chill. My mom!”

The tears were clear in his voice, and I felt Cassian’s pain.

“We’re moving you from the hotel to a house in Meritt. You’re gonna have guards day and night. Brothers will pick you, Zion, and Poet up. Your dad is deranged, and we don’t trust him not to come after you.”

Cassian rounded on me in righteous fury. “Shouldn’t you have done that before Dad beat the shit out of Mom?”

“Yes, I slipped and admit it. Cassian, we were trying to help,” I said calmly. The kid had every right to be angry.

We’d meddled with Meadow’s divorce and stolen everything from Gerard. Of course, he’d come after her. The club had known, but had dropped the ball.

“How much did you take?” Cassian demanded.

I paused before answering. Cassian realised we’d hidden some of the assets but not precisely what we’d taken. Meadow hadn’t wanted him to worry.

“You said you took everything. I didn’t realise exactly what Mom got. Start talking, Chill. I need to understand what my family is facing,” Cassian said.

God, this kid slayed me. Fifteen years old, nearly sixteen, and already acting like a man. For some lucky woman, Cassian would be a fuckin’ amazing husband.

“When we said everything, we meant it. The only thing your dad has left is his company shares. The asshole has nothing. He was warned to be fair and refused, so we moved to protect you guys,” I replied.

Cassian’s eyes flicked to Meadow and then back to me. He didn’t have to say anything else. It was obvious what Cassian was thinking.

“Yeah. I fucked up, and that’s the last time I’m going to admit it. Ain’t no good flogging a dead horse. What happens now matters. Two prospects will escort your siblings to and from school. Kendara will contact the principal, and she’s submitted an order stopping your father from removing Poet and Zion. We’re preparing a house for your mom and you guys.”

“Mom was in contact with a realtor.”