Iona
“I need a favour,” Vogue stated, startling me from the list I was surveying.
“Of course,” I replied.
“Just like that?” Vogue asked, surprised.
“You’re family, so yes, I’d help,” I answered, leaving Vogue confused as well as shocked.
“Whatever,” she said with a wave of her hand.
“Katie wants to go Christmas shopping but won’t let me send people with her,” Vogue explained, and a smile crossed my face.
It had been a few months since Katie had been saved from traffickers, and she’d not ventured out of the clubhouse once. She avoided the brothers and barely tolerated the sisters. This was huge news. Katie had shown no interest in going outside at all. Now, all of a sudden, she wanted to go shopping. As happy as I was that Katie was making forward steps, but wary at the same time. This was a big deal, and shopping was a huge jump for someone who’d been isolated.
“Is she ready? It’s gonna be hectic, and there’ll be a lot of people,” I finally replied.
“You’re thinking what I am. Why now when she’s not been outside her room. Fuck, she still won’t eat meals with us, and nobody here would harm her,” Vogue complained.
I could understand her frustration and her pain. Katie was Vogue’s little sister, and she had been taken and held captive for six months. She’d been raped multiple times and by different men. Katie had tried to kill herself, but I knew the guys had stepped in. They’d blocked the worst of her memories, and slowly, over time, when she was able to cope with what she remembered, they allowed another few memories to surface.
Romeo had been pulling images and information on the guys from Katie’s mind, and Warden had been hunting them down. I wasn’t meant to know this, but I did. It was one of those things Warden and I did not mention, but I was glad he was taking that scum off the streets. Those assholes may not have been in our state, but no woman was safe from them. My man ensured they were protected.
Bogeyman, Vogue, Scorch, Rook and Thunderbird, alongside Dynamo had been doing a lot of travelling lately. I said nothing, but when they came back, with a look in their eyes that spoke of seeing or hearing horror’s nobody should. I made sure they were loved on. Whatever they needed, I got them, favourite food, favourite drinks. None of them said anything about my spoiling them, but I think it meant something to them.
“Iona? Did you hear me?”
“What, sorry?”
“I asked if Katie could go with you. You have to have guards on you now. Which means Katie couldn’t complain about them, and she’d be safe with you,” Vogue suggested.
I considered her request.
“Actually, Vogue, I’ve been feeling unsettled and a little unsafe,” I replied, and Vogue scowled. “I might ask Warden for another guard or two. That would make me much safer.”
The dark expression on Vogue’s face cleared, and she sent me an approving look.
“Takes a strong person to admit they don’t feel safe,” she said, but I knew she’d understood what I’d not spoken.
If I had an extra two guards, then Katie would be covered. Katie wouldn’t be able to complain if they were for me, but she’d be protected, anyway.
“I will speak to Warden,” she suggested, and I nodded.
“I’ll be leaving in about an hour if Katie wants to join me,” I replied, and Vogue offered a sharp nod and walked away.
That was a step in the right direction for me and the club’s female enforcer.
Today I was meant to have Blue and Spice on me. I wondered who else Warden would send. It wouldn’t be him, that was for certain. Warden hated shopping. The one time we’d gone shopping together, Warden had reduced two women to tears, and that was before we set foot in a shop. Nope, it would not be him.
It was Noble, however, and Anubis. Neither of them looked happy to be my security, but they didn’t complain.
“I said I didn’t need guards,” Katie stated quietly from behind us as we waited for her.
“They are not yours, honey, they’re mine. Ever since the diner and McKay appearing, Warden has been on edge,” I replied.
“I remember Vogue mentioning that,” Katie murmured. She refused to look at the brothers, and I knew that was upsetting them, but they kept quiet.
“McKay was seen in our town. Warden wants to make sure I’m safe,” I continued explained.
Katie looked up at me, and anger sparked in her eyes. “God forbid the Prez’s old lady gets kidnapped and trafficked.”
I rocked back on my heels, shocked and lost for words. The level of hate in Katie’s voice surprised me from replying.
“That’s enough, Katie,” Noble said, and Katie shot him a frightened stare.
“You are out of line. We came for you and never stopped looking. What happened wasn’t Iona’s fault. Do you really wish that on her?” Spice chided, and shame crossed Katie’s expression.
“No, I guess I was being a jealous bitch,” she answered, avoiding his gaze.
“Yes, you were, but knowing Iona, she’ll forgive you. Can you now get in the car, and let’s do this shit before I get cranky,” Spice stated, and a smile appeared on my face.
Katie remained impassive, though. But she followed us out, and we climbed into the SUV, which was being driven by Blue. The prospect didn’t seem happy at being caged as he shrugged his cut off. RBMC never wore a cut when driving a car; they thought it disrespectful.
Katie sat on edge next to me, glancing at Blue every so often. It was clear she did not trust him and was uncomfortable that he was here.
“I wanted to go alone, no offence, Iona,” Katie murmured.
“None taken. But do you get why Vogue and everyone was so worried?”
“Why is it so hard to understand that I don’t wanna be smothered? I just need to be alone. Even now, want I wanted has been ignored, and I am here with you and four babysitters. Play it any way you wish, but I know two of them are for me,” Katie hissed.
“When we hit Windfells, we can go our separate ways, although I was looking forward to your help. But never mind, I’m sure I’ll manage,” I retorted with just enough zest in my voice to peak Katie’s curiosity.
“From me?” Katie laughed bitterly.
“Yes. I knew them ten years ago, they’ve changed since then, no doubt. I wanted to buy them a special tree decoration that would mean something to them. One we can use every year. I had thought you would be useful as you knew them during the time I was gone. But if you can’t be bothered, don’t worry, I’ll manage,” I replied.
Katie studied me, trying to figure out if I was playing her or not. I held her gaze until she looked away. “Fine. I’ll help.”
The words were given begrudgingly, but Katie had uttered them. That gave me hope that the girl everyone spoke about wasn’t lost.
I hadn’t met Katie back then; I was too wrapped up in my own world and angst. We were similar ages and should have been friends.
“Yeah, that would not have happened,” Katie said, and I jumped.
“What?”
“You spoke aloud, Iona. We wouldn’t have been mates. You and Rosalea were total bitches and not likeable,” Katie stated, and I noted how she didn’t flinch at telling me.
That was interesting. Katie, despite bitching me out, was comfortable enough to do so.
“Carry on, don’t hold back,” I encouraged, and Katie sneered.
“You were. Both of you Berserker’s little princesses. Spoiled and pampered. Vogue used to come home and tell tales on you. I couldn’t believe half the shit I heard. But your sense of self-entitlement soon bit you in the ass; Warden chose the club over you,” Katie continued her attack.
“Warden did, and it hurt, but he did the right thing,” I replied.
Katie glared at me. “Do you really mean that, or just paying lip service because of being in Warden’s bed?”
“Katie, I get you suffered and are in pain. I know the need to lash out and make some hurt like you do. But being deliberately cruel to somebody else will not help you, trust me. It will just make you feel shittier. But if you need to tear someone down to make yourself feel good, go ahead. However, your words won’t hurt me because they are the truth, and I accepted what a damn bitch I’d been months ago when Pearl’s lies were exposed,” I said.
Katie’s glare deepened, but she stayed quiet as we parked in Windfells car park and climbed out.
“Are you ready to shop?” I asked and didn’t wait for an answer. Spice and Blue took my back as Noble and Anubis took Katies. She sent them dark looks, but neither paid her any attention.
I headed for the elevator with Katie by my side. Katie was silent now and on edge. She kept swivelling her head all around, and at one point, I thought she might go full-on Exorcist. That was a terrifying thought. Katie’s hands caught my attention, and I saw she’d clenched them into fists. and I winced as I considered her nails biting into her skin.
“We can go to the car,” I whispered, and Katie shook her head.
“Let’s get these ornaments,” she gritted out. We stepped off the elevator, and Katie almost jumped back in. There were huge crowds of people.
Taking the initiative, I pulled Katie’s arm through mine, and the guys took our four sides.
“One step at a time, and we will do this together. When you need to leave, say so, and we’ll go straight away,” I murmured.
Katie nodded, her body tense, and she stumbled as we headed towards the ornament department. It didn’t matter that she was surrounded by the club brothers, Katie clearly was ill at ease and uncomfortable.
I wandered around, seeking her opinion on the little specialised ornaments we picked up. We found things like a truck for Oracle, a poker chip for Romeo and Kosmic and a disco ball for Rook. Some of the others were harder to find, such as what did you buy for a brothel manager? Katie had managed a weak giggle over that, but we located a tiny pair of handcuffs.
We were picking up the last few ornaments when Katie froze and began to shake. Her eyes were focused on the floor, and I wondered what had happened. I caught glimpse of a man sending Katie an admiring glance and realised she’d seen him and panicked. I tugged on Spice as he approached Katie with a lusty smile on his face.
“Hey baby,” he said, and Katie cringed and collapsed in on herself.
“Back off,” I warned.
“Just being friendly to a pretty lady,” he retorted, and Katie made a wounded noise.
I noticed what was triggering her. He was okay looking, but his interest was one trigger. The second was the way he was dressed, like a businessman. That was who’d bought Katie and abused her. Rich businessmen who wanted to own and abuse women.
“I said back off,” I repeated, and my tone alerted the brothers. Within seconds, we were surrounded.
“Problem?” Noble demanded. I reached out and touched a hard barrier.
“Katie. Give me your hand,” I whispered as she curled into my side. She hid her head in my shoulder as she shook. Katie clutched my tee, and I touched her hand.
“Come on, honey, give me your hand,” I urged. I took her fingers and reached out and she felt the barrier.
“Noble is protecting you,” I murmured.
Katie snatched her hand back and clung tighter to me. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she shook badly in my arms.
I missed what was said, but the guy was moving swiftly away and looking downright embarrassed. The four of them crowded us, but that wasn’t helping Katie, who let out a couple of whimpers. People began staring at the scene in front of them.
“Is she alright?” a woman demanded, gazing suspiciously at the brothers.
“We’re fine,” I replied, but Katie didn’t answer. A small cry of fear left her lips, and the woman’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m calling the cops,” she snapped, whipping her phone out.
“You do that!” Spice retorted and turned back to me. “What do we do?” he asked.
“Give her some space. Crowding her isn’t helping. That guy set her off. We need to get her out of everyone’s nosiness as well,” I replied.
Blue disappeared as the men formed a barrier between Katie and those now avidly watching. He reappeared with a member of staff in tow, who looked concerned.
“My friend is having a panic attack, do you have somewhere private we can go?” I asked.
“We do have a small area that is for employees only close by,” the girl said.
“Could we go there? Everyone staring isn’t helping.” The woman nodded at me and pointed the direction to head towards. I tried making Katie walk, but she wouldn’t move. She was rooted to the spot and melting down.
“What do we do?” Anubis hissed.
“I do not suggest picking Katie up; that’ll make everything worse,” I said.
“Should we call Vogue?” Noble asked.
“I don’t think that will help. We need to get Katie away from everyone. Why do assholes see a pretty girl and think it’s okay to stare at them and approach?” I grumbled as I attempted to figure a way out of this.
For several minutes, we tried getting Katie to move, but she was frozen in fear. Despite our encouragement and soothing words, Katie was lost in her nightmares again.
“Detective Myers, what is the problem here?” A man inquired, and Noble cursed under his breath.
Katie let out a scream and clung even tighter to me, taking us both to the floor.
“Stupid cunt,” Noble hissed at the woman who’d interfered. “Now look what you have done. Myers, we don’t need your help.”
The lady blanched but kept staring.
“That’s Vogue’s sister, isn’t it?” Myers asked, studying Katie.
“Myers, we’ve got this under control,” Spice said, getting in his way.
“Spice, you’ve got a woman having a full-on meltdown in public. You ain’t got shit under control. Let me pass,” Myers demanded.
“Don’t touch RBMC property,” Noble threatened and Myers froze and turned to face him.
“What did you call her?”
“Katie is Vogue’s sister. She belongs to the RBMC; she’s ours to protect,” Noble retorted.
“Noble, you’ve five seconds to get out of my way. Or I’ll be calling for backup and arresting you,” Myers threatened.
Noble grinned. “I’d like to see you try.”
“Stop swinging your cocks, both of you,” I hissed, my temper igniting. “We need to get Katie somewhere safe where she can regroup.”
Noble deflated and looked at me.
“Iona, there’s only one way we’re going to be able to move her,” he said.
“Do it,” I agreed.
Noble swapped glances with everyone and then knelt down and picked Katie up. A heart-wrenching scream left her lips, but Noble ignored her as she fought him.
“Lead the way,” he snarled at the member of staff, watching open-mouthed. The girl exploded into movement, and we pursued her through the crowd.
Blue stopped and snatched some guy’s phone from him and deleted something before chasing another woman down and doing the same. Anubis helped him, and Myers looked conflicted but followed after us in the end.
“Serve them right for being nosey bastards. I hate technology sometimes,” he muttered as we finally entered a closed-off area. Noble quickly placed Katie down on the ground, and I sat down beside her and hugged her tightly. Katie collapsed onto her side, and I laid down behind her and hauled her in close. Katie lay there shaking as Spice made a call. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I saw Noble relax.
“Romeo and Slasher are on their way. They’ll knock her out and take her home,” Spice informed Noble.
“You need to get gone,” Anubis said to Myers as he entered the room.
“I gotta stay, or you’ll be accused of kidnapping. If I hadn’t recognised Katie, you’d be under arrest right now,” Myers retorted.
“You assholes don’t learn. You put bracelets on us and then end up with a lawsuit. I wouldn’t mind a nice Christmas bonus.” Noble laughed.
“For fuck's sake, just put your cocks away. Katie is still aware of what’s going on, and as soon as you start arguing, she tenses,” I interrupted.
Both men shut their mouths.
“I know a good trauma therapist,” Myers announced after a few minutes. “Dr Harwood specialises in trafficking victims.”
“You know?” I asked softly.
“Yes. We searched for Katie for months. Warden and Vogue reported her missing. Warden notified me when Katie escaped but said she was too traumatised to interview,” Myers answered.
“Clearly, she still is,” I replied.
“I never did get her statement,” Myers pushed.
“Do all rape victims report straight away? Or do some take time to recover from the trauma? Because once they report, they get violated all over again. And not just by their attacker. The cops violate them by prying for every detail, the DA does, the defence lawyer, the jury, the media… are you surprised Katie hasn’t spoken to you?” I demanded.
“No. And as much as I’d like to say, that wouldn’t happen. It does. And I am sorry for it. I’m glad they got Katie back,” Myers said, and Noble snorted.
“Katie returned herself. She escaped and found help. And we won’t let anyone hurt her again,” he warned.
“Back off, Noble. I am getting tired of your attitude,” Myers snapped.
“And I’m sick of you,” Noble retorted.
I rolled my eyes. They had no intention of pulling the dicks in, so I concentrated on rocking Katie and keeping her sage in an ‘Iona’ cocoon.
By the time Slasher and Romeo had arrived, Katie was almost catatonic. Romeo immediately knocked her out while Slasher blocked her pain. Then, with his badge clearly on his hip, Myers walked Slasher and Romeo, carrying Katie out to the car they’d come in.
“Are you nearly done?” Blue asked me.
“Yes. I just had a few things left to buy,” I replied.
“Let’s get them bought and take you home,” Spice said, and I nodded.
Today had been a trying day.
◆◆◆
I lay curled on my bed as I absorbed today’s events. Katie’s pain had sliced through me, and I don’t think I’d realised how deep her trauma was. Of course, I knew Katie had suffered, but I had a far deeper understanding now. Blue had stopped by my room and informed me that Katie was unconscious, and Romeo and Slasher remained with her, and Wisecrack had joined them.
They were the best three to help Katie. I’d not been able to soothe her, and that had upset me. I had taken myself off as soon I could due to how emotional I had felt. Now, I was calmer and in a better place, but I couldn’t see how we could have done anything different.
Katie hadn’t even given off a warning sign that she’d been about to melt down. It had just happened. None of us had done anything wrong. Nor had we missed any body language that might have given us clues. The tears I’d held in at witnessing Katie’s meltdown had flowed freely in the privacy of my room. Now I was calmer, and I lay quietly snuggling one of Warden’s hoodies. This was my weak moment, when I left here, I’d be the strong old lady everyone expected.
That was my role, and I embraced it.