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Once we crossed the border successfully, I told Poppy she could come out from under the tarp and sit up front with me. For the past three hours, we’ve been chatting about everything. How I came to be involved with The Nest, how she was captured and brought to the training facility. Her life prior to training with Alpha and Livvy.
With how Poppy talks about her parents, I’m glad I chose to do this. It’s clear the desensitization training to detach her from her family didn’t work. She still one hundred percent adores Alpha and Livvy. However, I find it interesting that she isn’t surprised to hear of their separation.
“We’re almost at the clubhouse. It might have changed a little from when you were here last. There are some new faces in the club, but I know for sure the people who knew you will be incredibly excited to see you back.”
Poppy weakly smiles. “What will we tell Dad about you and how you found me? He might get angry with you if we tell him you were on a mission and he was your target.”
I nod. “I know. And the fact I took you from The Nest meansI need to go back there and figure out a way to stop them from coming after you. I need to go back and trade myself for your freedom.”
Poppy’s eyes widen in shock. “What? But you betrayed them, Blue Jay. They’ll kill you!”
I reach out gently, caressing her hand in mine. “Call me Haven. It’s my birth name. I’m not Blue Jay anymore. I gave her up the second I started falling for your father.”
A slow smile crosses her face. “Wait! You and my dad?”
I keep my eyes on the road. “I probably shouldn’t have told you that. Especially because you thought he and your mother were still together. That was rude of me—”
“No, Haven, after being at The Nest and having some training, I can see why my mom and my dad didn’t make it. Mom is too… good.”
I let out a small chuckle. “You saying I’m not good?”
Poppy raises her brow. “Haven, you’re an assassin.”
Snorting out a laugh, I tilt my head. “True.” I risk a glimpse at her, thinking this seven-year-old has had to grow up too fast and learn things no seven-year-old should have to. Unfortunately, her maturity level is way beyond her years, and she has lost her childhood innocence, which no one can give back.
I turn back to the road. “Alpha and I would never have worked anyway. Especially not after he finds out I was sent on a mission and that I infiltrated the club to get close to him.”
Poppy sinks into her chair. “But the way you feel about my dad, was that real? Because that is the difference, Haven.”
“It doesn’t matter. I betrayed his trust.”
She exhales. “It does matter. You are Blue Jay. All the trainees fear you. We want to be you because you are the best of the best. Vulture told us you were unshakeable, infallible. If your feelings for my dad are real, then the Blue Jay we were taught about wouldn’t fly the coop for anyone. You threw everything away.You’re going to put your own life in danger to protect him. So itdoesmatter.”
Pulling onto the access road of the clubhouse, I know she is right. I do have strong, intense feelings for Alpha. But I can’t put him, this club, or Poppy at risk by staying at the clubhouse. Myonlyoption is to return to The Nest and hand myself in, in lieu of them, and hope it is enough.
With a sniffle, I pull up to the clubhouse gates. Rip widens his eyes when he spots Poppy in the passenger seat and opens the gates. I don’t drive in, though. I turn, facing Poppy and exhale. “Do you remember Rip?” I ask her as he steps up to the van, but he doesn’t move to open the door. He simply waits for my lead.
“Yeah, I remember.”
“He’s going to take you inside to see your dad. Alpha doesn’t know you’re coming. He doesn’t know you’re alive, so he’s going to be shocked to see you.”
“You’re coming with me, though, right?” Her eyes narrow on me as I reach for my door and move to hop out.
Poppy grabs her backpack and jumps out of the van.
Rip smiles wide, shaking his head. “Far out! I can’t believe what I’m seeing. When you told me this morning that you were gonna get Poppy, I was kinda thinking you might be on like…” he scratches his head, “… on some wild trip. But man, you totally nailed this one, Haven.”
Poppy chuckles, rushing forward and embracing Rip tightly. “I missed hearing you talk, Rip.”
He pulls back, looking at her. “Naww, I missed you too, little grommet. Your dad’s gonna flip his shit when he sees you.” He glances up at me, dipping his chin. “You did good, Haven.”
I step up to them. “Make sure Poppy gets inside and straight to Alpha. Do not let her leave this clubhouse under any circumstances.”
Rip nods in understanding before I go to turn back for thevan, but Poppy reaches out, grabbing my arm. “Haven, wait!”
I stop, clench my eyes shut, the pain overwhelming, but then turn back, looking at her. Poppy’s eyes glisten as she stares at me. “Thank you. Thank you for bringing me home.”
“You belong here, Poppy.”
