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“Don’t know, babe. Doc’s been lookin’ into your case. Blade is another doctor at Salvation’s Bane. Mama and Alizay are both from Bones. Mama was a surgeon back in the day, and Alizay is a trauma nurse and the wife of one of Bone’s patched members. If I had to guess, Doc’s assembling his own team to help you.”
“Do you need to call him?”
I pulled her into my arms. “I can if you want, babe. Otherwise, we can just ride and enjoy the trip until we get to the compound. Up to you.”
She appeared to think about it. “Maybe we could just go. I’ll find out soon enough, I guess. I want some time to enjoy the new experience you’re getting ready to give me.”
“OK, then.”
Part of me wanted to purr in satisfaction at her desire to have this with me. Another part wanted to rage at Tank, Iron, and Doc for making her worry without an explanation.
“Did Doc say what he thought the problem was? Why he was assembling everyone?”
Tank shook his head. “I only know he was pissed as all get out.”
“About having to look at my case?” Swan looked horrified. “Reaper, I’m so sorry! I never intended to put anyone out --”
“Hush, sweetheart. It’s not that. If it were, he’d just tell us all to fuck off.”
“I don’t want to be a problem, Reaper.” She looked up at me, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. Which made me want to punch someone. Probably Tank for saying something in front of her instead of to me directly.
“Honey,” Iron said, glancing at Tank and me. “I didn’t get the feeling he was upset he was called on to help. I think he was pissed because he didn’t think you got the care you should have before you came to us.”
“If that’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine. The doctors wanted to do more stuff, but I couldn’t afford it and didn’t want to drag this out and be miserable the whole time.”
“I get you, sweetheart,” Tank said. “He does, too. He deals with kids with cancers, so he understands.” He looked at Reaper. “Get her home and let Doc do his thing. The sooner you know what her prospects are, the better you can decide on what to do next.”
I heard Swan whimper beside me and pulled her into my arms. “It’s all gonna be OK, baby. No matter what, I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
“I’m scared,” she whispered. “I’m so scared.”
“I know. But remember, you’re not alone. I’m here. My club is here. We’ll all be with you no matter what.”
I wanted to howl in pain. I’d hoped for her first bike ride to be a joyous time. Instead, though she had her arms around me the entire time, I felt the dampness of her tears on my shirt where it clung to my back while she cried. At every stop, I rubbed her hands and her leg, trying to soothe her. By the time we got back to the clubhouse, I’d had all I could take.
I stopped the bike in the front lot and climbed off, taking Swan with me. She clung to me and cried softly.
“I know, baby. But I swear to you, I’ll do everything in my power to take care of you. No matter what. You can count on me.”
“I know,” she whispered, trying to get herself together. “I know.”
I’d just scooped her up in my arms when Doc came from inside, his gaze focused entirely on Swan. Holly skipped along beside him, chatting lightly, oblivious to the dynamics with Swan. Mama and Blade tried to distract her, but the girl had a hold of Doc’s hand and wasn’t letting go.
“What’s a matter with Swan? You gonna fix her?”
“If I can, sweetie,” Doc said absently, his attention only partially with the girl. “I need you to go back inside now. I need to take Swan to the clinic and see what’s goin’ on with her.”
“I wanna go too,” Holly pouted. “She’s my best friend.”
“Come along, dear,” Mama said, trying to pry Holly’s hand from Doc’s. “You need to go back to your mother for a while. When Doc’s finished with Swan, I promise I’ll bring you to her. OK?”
“I wanna see Swan first,” Holly said stubbornly. “I’ve missed her!”
Swan sniffed, swiping her hands across her face. “I’m OK. Let me down to see Holly.”
“You sure? She’ll be all right. You don’t have to deal with her just yet.”
“No. It’s because of her I have you. I owe her more than I can ever repay.”
