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“That’s fine. But we want you where we can see you until we take care of the threat.”

“Which means what?”

“Not for your ears,” I said.

“I know what motorbike clubs do…” Cassian broke off.

“Don’t believe everything you see or read,” I reprimanded.

“I’m not an idiot; I understand who you guys are.”

I held Cassian’s gaze. “What are you telling me?”

Cassian stared back. He appeared at peace, and I guessed he was going to tell me to leave his dad to the law. However, Cassian surprised the hell out of me. “Do what you need to do. My mom’s protection comes first.”

With that permission given, he turned to Meadow and held her hand. Holy fuck—Cassian had just told me to kill his dad.

Meadow

The pain woke me up, and I stared into the scared face of my eldest son.

“Mom?”

“Hey, Cassian.”

“Let me call a nurse,” he muttered, his voice tight, as if he were holding back tears.

“Guess I’m a mess,” I said as memories flooded in.

“Yeah,” Cassian said shortly.

“Zion? Poet?”

“They’re with Nanci at the Unwanted Bastards clubhouse. She didn’t want to risk Dad trying to take them.”

“Thank God for small miracles.” I licked my dry lips, and Cassian held up a glass with a straw. The cold water felt amazing.

“Have the police got him?”

“No. Dad was…” Cassian swallowed. “Dad was witnessed hurting you and ran away. The cops identified him from cameras there. Nobody has seen Dad since. They’ve pulled that cunt in as they think she knows something, and Judy was caught breaking into the house. We told them to charge her.”

“Judy broke into our old home?” I asked, somewhat bewildered.

“Yup. She was after the jewellery and clothing. The bitch is desperate, Mom. Uncle Lyle won’t take her back, and now Dad is fucked.”

“Karma’s a bitch, and I didn’t even lift a finger.” I snorted and winced as red-hot pain shot through my nose. Ow!

I closed my eyes. “My entire body hurts, Cassian. How bad did he beat me?”

“Sprained ankle, broken nose, and cuts that have stitches. They also discovered your kidney was enlarged and were monitoring it, and you’ve got two cracked ribs,” Cassian replied.

“Wow, I got off easy,” I quipped and wished I hadn’t, as Cassian’s eyes darkened.

“Don’t joke, Mom. What Dad did to you…” Cassian broke off with a half-sob, and I squeezed his hand. The door opened, and a nurse entered. Behind her came Chill, which confused the hell out of me.

“You’re awake,” she said with a smile.

“I am.” My gaze flicked to Chill, whose face was impassive.