Page 117 of Mimic

“Not as far as I know,” Bane confirmed. “It was a bluff Shame used to get me out of there once we knew where Diana was.”

“Where were you?” Mimic asked his mother.

“Lyssa Asylum in upstate New York,” she answered, her eyes on her son. The look in her eyes dared him to ask, but I knew the stubborn set of his jaw said he wouldn’t. I squeezed his hand. When he squeezed back, I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“No one says a word about Valhalla. Kytten has already been instructed not to tell the Nyght Nymphs. Sypher and Dante will be home before long.”

“He’ll need to be told. She was his mother. Amber too,” Bane said.

“They will. They will be told before Reaper. But not yet. I need time.” Bane nodded, letting King know he would give him time. “I’m gonna be honest, this is a shit show. My clubhouse has been buried under shit since December, and it’s all because of the fucking Golden Skulls and Soulless Sinners. Now I have the fucking Death Dogs starting a war.” He looked at Diana. “I’m glad you’re here. Don’t get me wrong. Mimic and Kytten both mean a fuck of a lot to this club. But your timing couldn’t be worse. I need you both to keep a low profile. I don’t know how much of the underworld knows you’re alive, Diana, but when it gets out...” King took a deep breath. “When word gets out, the shit is going to go so much deeper.”

“I understand,” Diana said.

“If you’re staying in town, I’d prefer you stay here and not leave the clubhouse unless you absolutely have to.”

“We’re staying,” Diana said, her eyes on her son.

King slammed the gavel on the table, and without a word, everyone stood.

“Thorne. I want to speak to you.” I looked between Mimic and his mother. “Alone.”

“You can use the church. Nav, shut off the cameras,” King ordered before walking out of the room with the others.

“Kytten, Indie, why don’t you both come have a drink with me?”

“I don’t drink,” I said.

“Neither do I. I’m allergic to alcohol.” Mimic snapped his head up and looked at Bane, but he didn’t say a word. I thought about the conversation I had with Kytten. I guessed he did get it from his dad.

Before I stood, I placed my hand on Mimic’s cheek and turned his head toward me. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He leaned forward and kissed me. Standing up, I looked at Diana. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

I walked out, letting the door close behind me. I wouldn’t say I wasn’t worried, but I trusted Mimic. I knew he would hear his mother out. What happened after that was anyone’s guess.

Chapter Forty

Mimic

Seeing my mother stare at me, disappointment etched into her face, it was like I was ten years old again. It was the look she gave me whenever I fought with my sister or called her names. I hated it.

“Take off your shirt.”

“Excuse me?” I couldn’t possibly have heard her correctly.

“Take. Off. Your. Shirt.”

She stood up from her chair and walked toward me. “I’m waiting, young man.”

Fuck, why was the little kid inside me forcing me to do what she said? I stood up and took off my cut, laying it on the table. Then I reached behind me and grabbed the neck of my shirt and pulled it over my head.

“Turn around.”

Something trembled in her voice. Something that hit my ten-year-old self and brought tears to my eyes as I gave her my back. I hung my head in shame as her gasp pierced my heart.

I felt her fingertips gently touch the brand in the center of my back.