Page 166 of Small Town, Big Storm

“No.”

But it’s not me who’s saying that.

It’s…

Joey.

I straighten in a rush, spinning to see her and Damon standing there.

“We’ll go,” she says.“We—I—” A shake of her head.“I’m sorry.We didn’t know you’d be here.”

I nod tersely.

Joey swallows hard, but just nods back, starts to turn away.

And, surprisingly, it’s Damon who speaks.

“I know you’re pissed…”

Rage.

It envelops me in a second, coating me from head to toe, making me want to lash out, to punch and hit andhurt.

To make him feel what I felt.

To make him hurt like I hurt.

But…

The rage fades away an instant later.

Because without what went down between me, Damon, and Joey I wouldn’t be here.

I wouldn’t have Poppy, wouldn’t have Holly.

Before I can tell them that, I hear,

“Damn right he’s pissed!”Gertie snaps, marching over and standing in front of me, as though her tiny five-foot nothing frame could somehow block Damon’s six-foot-plus one.She plunks her hands on her hips.“Haven’t you two done enough already?Leave our Storm alone!You arenotwelcome in Cedar Hollow.”

I just stand there, staring at Gertie, my mouth hanging open, unable to believe what I’m hearing.

But Cedar Hollow isn’t done.

Roger and Tommy troop to Gertie’s side, crossing their arms.“He doesn’t need you two coming in and messing things up.”

“No,” Clover says quietly, coming to stand beside me, her eyes soft and sad, “he doesn’t.”

Blossom and Clem’s eyes are full of fury.Daisy’s of concern, along with Clarke’s.And Shep…

I brace for some Shepnanigans.

Instead, he just stands close to Clover and me as Rain and Riley join our group.My brother’s gaze catches mine and he nods slightly, silently telling me he’s here.

And fuck, that?—

It hurts in the best possible way.

Rain here.These people at my side…standing between me and a threat.