Page 5 of Claimed

He nods and grips my shoulder. He’s been my best friend for most of my life and knows me better than anyone. I know he’s worried about me; I see it in his eyes. I know all my brothers care, but E is the only one who would even think about my feelings right now. The others will know and understand my anger and need for revenge. They’ll expect it. What they don’t know is how much this is killing me inside. But I can’t show weakness, not even to E. Who am I to feel sorry for myself? Raven’s the one who was attacked.

I glance over E’s shoulder and notice some of the guys are here. Fuck. I take one last look at Raven’s door and head over to them. They all stand as I approach.

“How is she?” Rico asks.

“Physically, she’ll be okay. She’s just a little messed up right now.”

“That’s understandable.” Razor nods in agreement.

I turn to him. “You talked to Glenn?”

“He wasn’t there. Neighbor said he took off to visit his sister in New Orleans about two days after hisaccident.”

Fuck. He was the only one on my list so far. “Shit. Call everybody, call in every favor. I need information. I want this fucker found.”

“In what condition?”

“Nobody touches him. He’smine.”

“Got it, Prez.”

“Uh…boss?” Ron approaches carefully.

“What is it?”

“There’s a guy here to see Raven. Says he’s her lawyer.”

He motions to a guy sitting in the corner and the man steps forward, hand outstretched.

“Mr. Hunter, Drake Santini. I’m handling Mr. Alvarez’s estate on Raven’s behalf.” I shake his hand and acknowledge him with a nod. “I need to speak with you and Raven in private.”

“Sure. Come on.”

The panic drains from her face when I walk through the door. Her gaze flicks to Santini momentarily but comes back to rest on me.

“You’re back.”

“Of course, babe. Mr. Santini here wants to talk to you.”

“Hi, Raven. It’s good to see you again. I’m sorry about the circumstances.”

I watch her shake his hand without flinching. She raises her good shoulder in a shrug then slides her hand back into mine.

“How are you feeling?” Santini asks.

“Not too good. But thanks for asking.”

“I stopped by your house and a neighbor told me what happened. Do the police have any leads?”

“Not yet,” I answer.

“I see. Well…I have the papers, Raven, along with the ones you asked for. Given the situation and the fact that no one can find your sister, I think we should get on them right away.”

She nods and he removes the documents from his briefcase, placing them on her overbed table.

“These are for your inheritance, to transfer everything over to you. Lonnie already got the lump sum amount your father left her.”

She takes his pen, signs in all the designated places, and then he presents her with more papers.