Page 55 of Spook’s Honor

“Jesus, Rust.”

“Pres,” he groans. “She drives me insane, but she’s my baby sister. You’ll see when you meet her. And don’t fall for her bullshit either.”

“Okay, brother,” I agree. “Anyone else got anything they need to add?”

When everyone shakes their heads, I end church. “Fuck off then. Ride in pairs for now, stay safe, and keep the shiny side up.”

CHAPTER 20

HONOR

It’s the day of me finally, and formally being brought into the Saint’s Outlaw’s fold. Not that I wasn’t already. I’d been wearing Spook’s name on my back for a little while now. This was for the brothers and what was written in their bylaws. Besides, I think they all wanted a good party to let off steam after taking out Mulally.

Was I thrilled that we shared blood? No, I wasn’t. But his attacking us did bring Hannah into my life, and I couldn’t be sad about that. I’d fallen in love the moment I laid my eyes on her.

Rusty’s sister hadn’t been able to come to us due to work commitments, but she’d been happy to see Hannah once Rusty explained why. Maverick had told us to take the plane and fly to Missouri and get Hannah seen to.

This life was so different from what I’d ever imagined. I never once expected that I’d ever fly in the lap of luxury. Maverick was generous with his wealth and he loved his brothers. That love extended to their Ol’ Ladies and children.

I know he considers Reed and Mason his nephews and he now calls Hannah his niece. Like me, he knows you don’t have to be blood to be family.

Considering all she’s been through, Hannah is thriving. She’s on a special diet to help with her malnourishment, and Spook has found a therapist who specialises in children’s trauma for her. I happily make the four-hour round trip twice a week. Anything to get her the help she needs.

We’d put off celebrating until we felt she was more settled. She still has nightmares and we’ve been warned they’d continue for a while, but with love and security, she’ll one day no longer have them.

So that’s what we did. We wrapped her in so much love that I was worried she’d feel smothered. It wasn’t only us adults. Reed and Mason, as young as they are, are both fiercely protective of her.

The three of them are inseparable.

“How are you doing?” Angel bumps her shoulder to mine as she sits on the picnic table next to me.

Titling my chin, I smile warmly at her. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself, that this is my life. I’m so lucky. I had the best parents that a girl could ask for, and now that they’re gone, it’s like they’re still looking out for me because I’ve ended up with a second set and they’re just as amazing.

I lay my head on Angel’s shoulder, smiling when she leans her cheek on my head. Reaching out I grip her hand before replying, “I’m okay.”

“That’s good, sweetie. Hannah and the boys seem to be having fun.” She chuckles.

I smile. “They are.”

Someone, and I had a feeling it was Maverick, had bought them each a mini, electric motorcycle, along with all the safety gear they could possibly need. The gifts had been waiting when we arrived. One red, one blue, and one pink.

The second they saw them, the three kids took off. What followed was pure mayhem as the brothers attempted to show them how to use them, mostly just getting in the way and having their feet run over. There was a lot of laughter, though, and I loved that for the kids.

Even Hannah didn’t seem worried, though I noticed all the men softened their voices when they spoke to her. She stuck close to Spook, not that he minded. She was a daddy’s girl through and through. The night they’d saved her, the two of them had formed a bond that clearly wasn’t going anywhere.

Considering what her father had done to her, you’d think she’d be terrified of him. It had been Rowena who explained it to me.

“She saw Spook take out her abuser. She trusts him to keep her safe. She’s lived on the edge long enough to instinctively know who she can trust and who she can’t. If she’s ever with you and reacts badly to someone, pay attention—because odds are, they’re not a good person.”

Angel laughs softly as Rusty jumps out the way of Hannah’s bike and then falls dramatically to the floor as if she’s run him over.

She’s still smiling as she turns to me and speaks. “Axle and I’ll watch the kids tonight so you and Spook can have fun. Jake and Fern are going to join us. They’re going to see Stone and Bridget tomorrow and then they’ll all be back next weekend for Thanksgiving. Do you think Hannah will be okay with that?”

I straighten and watch as Hannah giggles at something Luca says to her. Then she nods and she’s off with him running after her. Maverick has Reed and Axle has Mason. There’s a lot of cheering and encouragement from the brothers. Money is changing hands. I shake my head. Should have known somebody would start betting.

A sense of belonging fills me. I love this club.

Realising I haven’t answered Angel I’d been so caught up with watching the kids and Luca. I nod. “I think so. We’re only a short walk away if you need us.”