AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is this everyone?” Aletta asks.
“All but one. Cougar is in lock up. You’ll meet him once he’s out.”
Everyone shoots the shit for a while before we all disperse. Butcher hadn’t returned, so Aletta and Sever decided it was time to ensure he wasn’t murdering the prospect. Audrina and I grab Dillon, and because I’m brave as fuck, I sent Audrina up to the blanket room to get Malika.
Audrina comes out of the blanket room laughing as my daughter clings to her—the two most beautiful women in my world. Once my daughter is in my arms, I mentally note that I need to tell Audrina about her name change and then the others. But my queen needs an announcement fit for royalty.
Since summer was slowly coming to a close, I had decided it would be good to take the kids out for a day at the park. Bri and Mama El met us at one of the bigger parks so all the kids could come to play and enjoy the time in the sun. Teddy was with us because Manda had started a part-time job to try and be more self-sufficient. We are all proud of her. I cannot believe how strong she is, even after going through everything she did. Caleb and Dillon are chasing each other around. Baby Girl is in front of us, trying to keep up with Teddy, who is in a hurry to toddle away from us. Bri took them to the kiddie swings while her girls were on the slide, calling for her to look at them.
Every so often, you would see Mama El look up, and there was a brother or a prospect who would do a lap around the park, keeping their eyes on us. For how jumpy Nate was, I feel the threat isn’t as dead as he wants it to be.
“So, how are things going with Rambo?” Mama asks me, nudging my shoulder with hers.
“Ever think things are almost too good to be true? You want to be as happy as you feel but are still waiting for the other shoe to drop? That’s how things are going.” I sigh and look from her to the kids. Dillon and Caleb are now playing with other kids.“He is so patient and amazing, not just with the kids, but with me too. I have a lot of baggage that I am trying to unpack, and there are days I annoy myself. I don’t know how he can put up with that.” I ramble.
“Because it’s real love, and he is a real man. Not a little boy. Real love takes effort from everyone, and you are worth all the effort, my dear. You have taken those kids in like they are your own. I know you won’t let anything happen to them on your watch. So does Rambo.” Mama El wraps me up in a motherly hug. We keep talking, occasionally looking up and around for the kids.
It was getting close to lunchtime, so we all started gathering the kids. Bri and Mama El brought the girls and Teddy to the van; I was looking for Caleb and Dillon. They were running about with a few other boys in the park. I found Caleb leaning against a tree covering his eyes and counting.
“Hey buddy, we are heading back to Bri and Cowboy’s house for lunch. Can you help me find Dillon?” I touch his shoulder, and he stops counting and looks up at me.
“But I haven’t finished counting yet. He said I needed to count to one hundred, or I would get in trouble.” Caleb explains, looking around.
“Well, you were at eighty-three when I found you. I am sure Dillon will understand. I think we are making hot dogs and kraft dinner for lunch. You guys love that! Let’s find your friend and head home.”
“The man said that I needed to keep counting or he would arrest me. And the police don’t like little boys who don’t listen.” Caleb kept scanning around to ensure the man in question wasn’t listening.
“What, man? Was Dillon playing with you guys too?” Panic started to rise in me. It had been a while since a motorcycle drove by; there was time for someone to come in and take him.
“The man said he and Dillon were going to hide in a place I was never going to find them. I like a challenge, so we said okay, and I started counting.” He recounts, and I can see it on his face when he realizes what they did was wrong.“But he was in a police uniform! They are the good guys! I thought it was okay!”
“Okay, Caleb. We will go to the van, and Mama El will take you and the kids back to the ranch. I will stay here and see if the officer and Dillon are just in a super awesome hiding place.” I am trying to keep my voice level and calm, but my heart is going a million miles a minute. Nate is going to kill me. I lost his son.
I walked Caleb back to the van, and he explained that a police officer was hiding with Dillon, and the look all of us women share says it all. I stayed behind and looked for him for over an hour. I didn’t want to give up and call Nate, but I knew the women called the men because I heard bike after bike pull up, and we all scoured the place.
“Audrina,” I hear Nate call to me, which is when my vital resolve breaks. I fall to my knees, crying and repeating that I am sorry. I expected him to start scolding me and yelling at me for being so careless. I was waiting for him to tell me how I was entrusted with his kids, and I lost one of them. He would hit me, break up with me, and toss me aside like the trash we all know I am.
None of that happens.
He falls to the ground beside me and wraps me in his arms. Kissing my head and trying to calm my ragged sobs. It doesn’t matter how calm he is or how much he says it will be okay. I will never forgive myself if something happens to that little boy. I will always blame myself.
“You need to breathe, amour. You need to take a deep breath.” Nate pulls back and holds my face in his hands.“We will get him home. I will die before he isn’t home safe with his parents. He will be home in our arms soon. Everyone is looking for him. We have every eye at our disposal looking. We will get him home.”
“You were so nervous when I said I was bringing them out here. Now I know why.” I sniff, looking at the heartbreak in his eyes.“I did this. I didn’t listen to you. I put him at risk.”
“No, you were trying to let him be a kid. I can’t keep them locked away in bubble wrap because I have fears. I see some scary shit, and sometimes it takes a lot not to let it affect my daily life. You didn’t do anything wrong. The fucker who took my kid did something wrong, and trust me, he will pay for it.” He kisses me, stopping any other words.“Let’s get you back to the ranch. I need you there with Malika. I need my girls safe so that I can focus on this.”
“Malika?” I ask, then I see his eyes light up, and then he kisses me again.
“Marley was a name that was given to her out of spite. Her birth mother gave it to her with the intention of causing pain. I wanted my baby girl to have a name she would be proud of because she is strong and powerful, like her true mama. You, you are my queen, and so is she.” I can’t help the tears that keep falling. He leads me to his bike, and we head to the ranch.
***
Nate made the needed call, and the Amber Alert was issued. We spoke to Caleb more and got a description of this‘cop’that took Dillon. I am in the living area with Malika, Carley, and Kelsey, trying to keep my mind busy. Some brothers are on the roads looking for Dillon, while a few are here. While they didn’t say it outright, I felt we were going under complete lockdown. That guess was solidified when Ellie and the triplets came through the door. I know this house is big, but I don’t think there is enough room for everyone to crash here for more than one night.
“Front gate alarm.” The robotic voice called out. I get up from my spot and met Ellie in the kitchen to look at the screen. Looking directly at the camera is Bonnie.
“Does that woman show up when we are down to rub it in our face?” Ellie mumbles before hitting the speaker button.“Yes, Bonnie? What can we do for you today?”
