Page 13 of Carver

Carver shook his head, a smirk tilting his lips. “Not at all. Figured you’d want to take care of it. The rest of us can handle this.”

He tilted his head to the trucks that now held all the survivors. They were watching the men with cautious glances. It would take a long time for them to come around.

Facing the group, he looked several of them in the eye before announcing, “I’ve found the one that was missing. He needs medical attention immediately. I’m taking him to my personal doctor for help. The rest of you will go meet my friend who will help you get resettled. You have no reason to be afraid anymore.”

There was a collective sigh from everyone, as if his words alone alleviated the tension they’d been holding. Carver nodded to his men, then took off for the front of the truck.

“Slash, you’re going to drop us at the compound, then you’ll keep on to Royce. Hex, you’ll take my bike back when you’re done.”

Hex saluted him, then turned to face the few other Angels in attendance. “Alright boys, time to play a game. Let’s light this bitch up.”

Carver went to the passenger door, which Slash opened as he chuckled at Hex’s antics. It took some adjusting to get them both in the cab. Once they settled, Slash went around to drive them.

The pair remained quiet during the trip. There wasn’t anything that needed to be said between them. Not when theyhad more questions than answers about the boy in Carver’s arms.

Hopefully they’d get answers soon. Though Carver worried the answers would only lead to more problems.

Six

“The longer youstand over my shoulder and watch me, the longer it's going to take.”

Carver raised his hands and stepped back.

“I’m sorry. It's hard not to whenever things don't look so good. Can you tell anything yet?” Carver asked.

Doc sighed and rubbed his temples. “I can tell you a few things off the bat. The boy is dehydrated and malnourished. His body is trying to shut down due to the lack of care he's had. From the wounds on his arm, he was either stuffed full of recreational drugs, or they were working hard to keep him alive just enough. I will need time to X-ray him to see how long this has all been going on.”

Carver frowned. “What's an X-ray going to tell you?”

Doc took a deep breath, then turned to face him. Carver braced himself because he knew whatever the other man was about to say would anger him. If he wanted to get the boy well, he needed to not go off on the one person he trusted to treat him.

“X-rays will show if he's had any broken bones,” Doc said slowly. “I will also be able to tell just how long ago they were broken. When children are small and break a bone, it grows back differently than if it'd been recent. There's scaling and a numberof other medical things I won't dive into to help figure it out. My point is I need more time. For now, we can hook him up to an IV and get some nourishment in him. He'll need a feeding tube as well.”

Carver frowned at the mention of a feeding tube. It was a fucking travesty for someone this young to have lived with this level of neglect.And to be called pet…

He pushed the thoughts away, instead focusing back on Doc.

“You can have whatever you need. Just take care of him.”

He gave Doc one more serious look before he took off to find the rest of his men. It hadn't been that long that he'd gotten back, but enough of the Angels had stuck around that he had men to consult with.

His anger had grown worse after talking to Doc. He needed an outlet for it. Someone who could take the blows without feeling as if the exchange were personal. It was the healthiest way he knew to handle his emotions.

When he walked into the common room, he saw Silver standing around with a few of the Angels. Carver whistled to gain the other man's attention.

"Yes, Boss," Silver said as he walked over.

"You want to go?"

At the three words, Silver grinned. "Always. Let's do it, old man."

Carver scoffed, then turned toward the gym. Eyes followed them along the way. Everyone knew what it meant when the two of them made their way to the ring. Several of them followed. They spoke loudly amongst each other, excitement building at what was to come.

Inside the gym, there were standard weight machines and even a treadmill, which a lot of the men hated using since they said it made them feel cooped up. They preferred to run around the borders of the property instead.

The true focal point of the room was the boxing ring. Centered in a slightly elevated space, the area was sectioned off with ropes, just like any real ring would be.

Carver knew that his men needed the outlet at times. He did as well. If he had an agreeable partner who was willing to take a hit to the jaw to save the team, then it was a good day.