“You didn’t do anything, and you certainly don’t deserve this,” he assured me and kissed the top of my head. “We will find whoever is doing this and put a stop to it. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I feel like such a burden. You guys shouldn’t have to babysit me or deal with my problems.”
“You do realize that you never asked us to deal with your problems. We volunteered to help.”
I leaned back and looked at him in confusion. “What?”
He grinned. “You never asked us to help you. We sort of stepped in.”
It took me a moment to process what he’d said. “That actually makes me feel a little bit better.”
“Good. Now, let’s get out of here before Ranger convinces your dad and Buck to set up a sniper’s nest in your attic.”
“A what?”
“I’ll explain it on the way to the farm. Trust me, it’s not something you want.”
“I’ll take your word for it. I think I’m finished up here. Unless … do I need to bring bedding?”
“No, the houses have everything you’ll need, except for your personal belongings.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “So, I’ll just pick one when we get there.”
“Well, since it’s getting late, I was thinking we could stay at my place tonight, and you can go house-picking tomorrow.”
“Is that okay? I mean, is your house secure?”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t have suggested it if it wasn’t, but yes, it is. I live on the farm.”
“You do?” I asked in surprise. He’d mentioned his house a few times, but I’d never asked where it was.
“Yeah. A lot of club members live out there. Ink lives next door, and Edge and Evie are a few houses down from me. Ireneis also on our street. Ember, Reese, Harper, and their families are in a different section, but they’re not far from my house. I’m sure I’m forgetting some people.”
“Y’all don’t get sick of each other.”
He laughed. “Sometimes, but that’s pretty normal for families.”
“You guys really are a family, aren’t you?”
“Yes, we are,” he confirmed. “But seriously, unless you want your house turned into a defensive military fort, we should get going.”
“Let’s roll.”
10
DAPHNE
They weren’t kidding when they said the farm was gated and guarded. The property was surrounded by a ten-foot concrete wall. The only entry point through the concrete wall was a solid gate that could only be opened by the guard on duty.
“Does it ever get annoying having to stop at the gate every time you want to go home?” I asked.
“I don’t usually have to stop. They know my truck and bike, so they open it when they see me coming.”
“Well, aren’t you special,” I teased.
“We can add you to the list so you don’t have to stop either,” he said and seemed to reconsider his words. “Never mind. It won’t be an issue since you won’t be leaving without one of us with you.”
“Thanks anyway,” I said and turned to look out the window. I really wanted to get a look at the farm property, but I couldn’t see much because it was dark. The only thing I could definitively say was the property was enormous. Dice drove for several minutes before he finally turned into his driveway.