Page 28 of Haze (Serpents of Chaos MC #2)

HAZE

“I don’t want to be here,” Aspen cries, her shoulders shaking with each sob. “Please, let me come back to your house. I won’t cause any problems, I promise. I will change.”

I’ve heard all of this before, and even though I hate to see her like this, she needs tough love.

When I got there, the staff almost didn’t let me in, but when I explained that I’d come from Rest Falls, they said I could have an hour with her.

Now we’re sitting outside in a little garden, a forgotten chess board between us.

“I’m sorry, Aspen. You know I love you, but I did this for your own good. You can’t keep going on like you have been,” I say gently, rubbing the back of my neck.

I texted Luella again, but she hasn’t replied. She must be upset with me for just leaving like I did. I didn’t even walk her back inside the clubhouse. I just left.

I’m an asshole.

I’m just so used to running in and saving the day with Aspen, almost like a father and child. She has no one else.

But right now, all I want is to be with Luella.

When War’s name pops up on my screen, I quickly answer. “Yeah?”

“Lu’s been taken. Lore’s in the hospital. We haven’t heard from them yet,” he says, and my body goes rock solid.

“What? I’m two fucking hours away,” I reply, fear making my stomach twist. “Insanity?”

“We assume so. I’ve got everyone on this. We’re going to get her back, Haze.”

My old lady has been taken, and I’m not even fucking there.

I left her there.

And now she’s been kidnapped.

“I’m on my way there now.”

“Ride safe, brother. We don’t need another man in the hospital,” he says in a gruff voice, ending the call.

I stand up, and the chess board and pieces go flying to the ground. “I’m sorry, Aspen. I have to go. I’ll come and visit you another time, all right?”

“Yeah, of course, you go running off for Lu. You will always choose her over me!”

I’m taken aback by the jealousy and bitterness in her tone, but I don’t have the time to unpack all of her issues right now.

I kiss the top of her head and run out of there.

The ride back is the longest two hours of my life.