Page 48 of Ranger's Rise

“That’s a nice thing to do. Did Daniel ride with them?”

Fuck. “No, he’s too young to ride on the road. He can go from his house to the office grounds, but that’s it until he’s sixteen.”

“They have a lot of rules.”

I laugh. “You have no idea, but that’s not a biker rule. You need a license to drive, you don’t get it until you’re sixteen. That’s a state rule.”

She nods. “I forgot about that. I didn’t get my license until I was eighteen. You got yours young.”

I nod. “I was sixteen but drove when I was fifteen, so I’d be ready.”

“I remember. Marley said I didn’t have to drive at all, but I’m glad I learned. They got us bikes.” She laughs.

“Yeah. I got my car anyway, but they weren’t happy.”

Her head shaking makes me smile. I know what’s coming. “You sold all their stuff to buy it. They weren’t happy that you didn’t cherish their gifts.”

I shrug. “I didn’t need all that shit, but they kept giving me more. It got me a nice car that lasted, so I’m not complaining.” The timer goes off and I pull the pan out glad to eat.

I closed the shop on time tonight and got to see Ranger for a few minutes after my trainee class was done. He said he’d be home after nine. Our schedules are getting better, but not settled yet. He’s riding with the As while I’m at my shop for Little Brothers after school and the public classes. Amos wants the Little Brothers with the Public classes since most are Masons’ kids. That would make my days a little easier and only one or two nights a week long.

“Are you daydreaming over Ranger?”

I laugh. “No, my schedule.”

Her eyes roll again. “Don’t start with the time we have again. I’ve been doing everything I can to spend time with you.”

Right away I know she’s going to throw shit. “Only since you weren’t with Hade and now you have Ranger. Marley invited me to California. The house is off the grid and they love communal living.”

“I’ve been seeing Ranger for weeks and he isn’t avoiding you. He likes that we spend time together.”

She shakes her head. “He must have a girl on the side.”

What the fuck? “Stop. If you want to go then go, but don’t pick a fight to make that easier. I’ve done everything, even let you decorate the spare room, so you’d feel comfortable sleeping here. Whatever you do or wherever that is, I just want you to be happy. Don’t hurt me because you’re scared.”

She cries and I feel like the biggest bitch on the planet. “You don’t need me. The universe is changing for everyone but me. Seren is always busy and now she’s working at your shop. Lorelei and Daniel have you and the men.”

“We are all busy, but you are too. We have Tuesday class and you work every fucking day. We just have different hours than you. You met Shultz too.”

She cries more. “I hate the class! I only go so I can see you and Seren. Today Kay said he was with a Club chick last night. All he does is talk to me.”

I swear I could strangle her sometimes. “Why the hell were you asking about him then? If he’s not focused on you, there’s no reason for you to want him. You’re worth more than a quick fuck. And you’ve been doing the fucking class for years. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Moonlight and Marley are hardly ever home. I miss them. You and Seren are all I’ve had. The house is empty without anyone there. Marley said they’ll be selling it. I don’t want to stay above the store. I don’t even want the store. I thought it would be fun with you, now you never come in.”

I shake my head. “Don’t pin your happiness on me, Victory. I’m not pinning mine on you. I have always dreamed of the martial arts studio. I love the classes and training. They make me happy. Do what makes you happy. I’ll miss you if you go, but I’ll be happy when you visit.”

She cleans her face and smiles. “I’ve always wanted to try communal living. Remember the places we went when we were kids? I want to live like that. Everyone there thinks like me and loves it. Moonlight says there are kids my age living right next door to them and they’re lovely.” Oh, Jesus. I can see it now.

I nod and plaster a smile on my face. “If that’s what makes you happy then do that.”

“Will you come visit me?”

I laugh. “No, but I’ll send you a ticket to come visit me whenever you want.”

Her eyes tear up, but she nods. “You’d hate it.”

“I fucking would.”