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Storm sighed, his jaw tight. “You have it wrong, Dodge.”
I shook my head, not wanting to hear his bullshit. “No, Prez. You have it wrong. I’m done. Take my fucking cut. Strip me of my colors. Just fucking put me out of my misery.”
“Christ,” Track muttered.
“I want no part of this club. I hate you all.” Traitorous tears escaped my eyes. “Just put a bullet in my head so I can be done.”
I meant it. Death was kinder than living without Emilee and my son.
Track loosened his grip on my arm. “He’s right. If Justin had stuck around, it would be different. But he turned in his cut and left.”
Storm considered my cousin’s words, his narrowed eyes boring into mine. Prez had always been a fair and just man, like Uncle Raul. It was why I’d listened to their orders after Justin took Emilee from me. It was why I’d trusted them all these months that Justin would come around.
A soft whimper and sniffling made us all turn to the side. Tears streamed down Madeline’s face as she clutched Birdie to her chest. I hadn’t seen her look this sad in a very long time.
“Angel, take Birdie back to the party,” Storm told her in a low, commanding tone.
She ignored him as she stepped toward me.
“Angel.” He reached for her.
Madeline stopped, shooting him a warning look. Anger rolled off her in massive waves. “Storm, don’t touch me. This might be your club, but this is my home and family. I’m your queen, so you’ll mind yourself.”
Storm stared dumbfounded at his wife.
Madeline hadn’t interfered all these months. There’d been rumors about them having words about Emilee and the baby. None of it had been confirmed, but I was sure Madeline didn’t like how the club supported Justin and not me. Still, she was loyal to Storm. But if she’d had enough, maybe he’d listen and help me.
She stepped in front of me. “I’m so sorry about all this. I would hate everyone around me too if they took Storm from me. I’m certain he’d destroy everyone and everything in his path if someone took Birdie from him.” She peered over her shoulder at Prez.
I nodded, staring at Birdie’s perfect little nose and the tiny finger she sucked on.
“Let go of him, please,” she told Track and Ire.
They sought Prez’s approval.
“I want to hug him properly.”
“Do it,” Storm grunted.
Once my arms were released, one of Madeline’s went around my waist. “I’m so sorry, Danny. I miss Emilee so damn much. Our children should be growing up together. I’m just so sorry this has happened.”
I held back a sob as I hugged her back, sniffing Birdie’s head. The sweet scent made me wonder if my son smelled the same.
“Angel, enough.” Storm curled his hand around her waist to pull her back. I’d bet he was going out of his mind seeing her comfort me. Good. Prez needed some sense knocked into him.
She shushed him, swatting his hand away. “Not yet.” She looked at me. “Hold Birdie. I know you want to, but you’ve been avoiding her.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think I should. I might hurt her.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll protect her with your life, won’t you?” Madeline took my hand and raised my big paw to Birdie’s back.
I nodded, my vision blurring.
“Because she’s innocent and helpless. She’s your family, and you’re loyal to your family.”
I wiped my runny nose on the back of my hand, bobbing my head. “I’d give my life to protect Birdie.”
“I know you would, Danny. You’re a good man. You’re just hurting, and rightly so. Now, open your arms.”
