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Chapter 22
Ares
Zeke and I get back to the clubhouse, and I'm seething over everything that's happened lately.
I'm prepared to work out some of my anger in the gym, and then I want to call Willow to meet me at my house again. Being lost in her depths is one way I know I can escape for a while. I'm interested in what the Havoc Ryders will come back and report. If Holt is responsible for this – then he better run fast enough. But I have no plans on relying solely on the Ryders. Nomad or not, Holt is still one of their own, and wanting peace is not enough for me to believe they'll hand him over on a silver platter.
"Yo Zeke," I say before we head into the clubhouse's main door.
"Yah Prez?" he turns to me, his grey eyes patient. I wonder if he's glad to be back.
"One thing doesn't track for me; you think no one in the Ryder's knew that Gavin's sister was back in Juniper?" I scratch my chin, realizing it had been a while since I last shaved.
"It's plausible.
I think one thing we should do is check up on these other revenue streams the VP mentioned," he says, opening the door.
I considered that as I follow him, letting my eyes adjust to the change in light. "Prez, I tried to tell her she didn't have to wait," Prospect says.
Before I can ask what the hell he's talking about, I see her. She stands, a stroller by her side. I look and see Cody sleeping. I've not seen my father's baby mama in months.
"What do you need?" I can’t keep the impatience out of my voice.
"Have you seen Willow?" Zoe has a worried look on her face, I notice.
"Not today," I say, "why?"
"When's the last time you did talk to her?" Zoe steps forward, fidgeting with the diamond ring on her finger. I know my Dad gave her that a few days before he died. Seeing it again gives me an uncomfortable feeling, but I realize it isn't because I don't like her. I see now looking at her, noticing her resemblance to Willow. Not that they look alike. Willow has a dancer's body, and it occurs to me. I've never asked her if she even danced as a kid. I don't know nearly enough about her, and that needs to change – stat. On the other hand, Zoe is an inch or two shorter with a curvier build and lighter, almost blond hair. It's something about her facial expressions that bring to mind Willow's expressive face.
"Sunday. We were together briefly Sunday morning," I confirm, waiting for her to tell me what's going on.
"The school called to say she didn’t show up or call today. I can’t reach her, and I’m worried.
Thankfully, they know that's out of character for her and just wanted to be sure she's okay. The problem is I have no idea if she's okay," Zoe pulls her jacket closer to her body as if she just got a chill.
I'm about to call out to Trixter to see if he can track Willow by her phone when Cherry walks up to us. I cast an annoyed glance at her interruption.
"I can help with that," she looks at me, a small smile on her face.
"How would you know where Willow is?" I cross my arms, not expecting her to say anything of merit.
"I saw her in town with Gavin Holt this morning. They looked pretty relaxed and happy," she explains.
"Where was this?" Zoe asks.
"Oh, near that coffee shop on Main Street. They couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other," Cherry chuckles a little.
I can feel my eye start to tick as I look at Cherry.
"I don't believe you," Zoe declares.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger," Cherry shrugs, turning on her heels and sauntering off toward the bar.
Zoe reaches out and touches my arm. I turn my eyes to her, but my vision is clouded, my pulse is on fire, and I can feel my fist curling uptight. I want to hit something!
"Ares, please. I know that isn't true," Zoe pleads.
I just stand there, not trusting myself to talk because I want to yell at something, anything.
