Page 1 of Shine: Sins of the Father (Evil Dead MC: Second Generation #8)

Fiona—

The rich smell of morning coffee hits my nose when I come downstairs.

My father leans against the counter when I walk into the kitchen.

He’s in a pair of charcoal sweatpants and no shirt, his chest covered in ink—a full-color image of a wolf done for him by a famous tattoo artist named Jameson O’Rourke.

It does the job it was intended to do, but when the light catches it just right, the ropey scars it covers are still visible.

My mother told me the story long ago… about how my father almost died trying to save her.

Somehow, he survived, and after separating one final time, my father won her back for good.

They made it through a lot, but somehow their love only grew stronger.

That’s the kind of love I want someday—a man willing to die for me.

Hank, my father’s German shepherd, jumps up and puts his front paws on my father’s chest, waiting for the inevitable ear scratch, and my father obliges with a grin.

“Who’s a good boy?”

I lean a shoulder against the doorframe. “Not Hank. He chewed up one of my shoes yesterday.”

My dad looks up, his eyes sweeping over me. “Did he? Sorry about that.”

“Luckily, they were an old pair.”

“Standing there, you look just like your mother did when I first met her. Same hair, same eyes. Pretty as a picture.”

When I roll my eyes, he huffs a laugh.

“What’s got you up so early, baby girl? I thought classes were over.”

My father is talking about the summer school classes I’ve been retaking because I missed too many days last spring semester.

“They are. Janey’s picking me up. We’re going to her parents’ place for the week.”

He frowns. “Mom know?”

“Dad, I’m twenty-two.”

“And you’re still my little girl; I don’t care how old you are. Especially after…” he trails off, but I know what he was about to say. He pushes Hank down and walks toward me, his eyes searching mine. “You doing all right, sweetheart?”

“I’m fine.” I know what’s coming before he even gets the words out.

“You still seeing that counselor?”

“Yes. Though she’s going to be on vacation next week, so I won’t see her again until the following week.”

“It helping? Talking to her, I mean.”

I shrug. “I suppose so, but you don’t have to worry about me, Daddy. I’m okay. Really.”

“You were abducted, Fiona. You went through a traumatizing experience.” He cups my face and dips to stare into my eyes. “I know you’re a tough cookie. Always have been, but you went through something no woman should ever have to go through. I worry. I’m your father. That’s my job.”

I nod, and he pulls me in for a forehead kiss, then wraps his arms around me in a big hug—the kind that makes me remember how he used to hold me when I was a child and upset about something.

Usually, because I fell off my bike and skinned my knee or one of my brothers had teased me.

Daddy’s hugs healed everything. His arms were my safe space.

Someday, maybe I’ll find a man who makes me feel this safe in his arms.

A horn blows outside, and I pull free.

“That’ll be Janey.”

“Jane Reilly from high school? You two hanging out again?”

“Yes. She’s home from school.”

“Where’d she go again?”

“University of Idaho. Veterinary science.”

“Right. She’s the one who loves animals.”

“She’s also the one who told you about Hank.”

He glances at the dog, who is sitting staring at us with a cocked head like he knows we’re talking about him. “Look at him. He heard his name.”

On cue, Hank’s tail starts to wag.

“I’m glad you adopted him,” I say.

“Me too. I couldn’t leave him in that shelter once I saw him.”

“You had an instant connection with him, didn’t you?” I ask.

“Yeah. I guess so.” My dad returns his attention to me. “Text me when you get where you’re going. Understand?”

“Yes, Daddy.” I kiss his cheek and dash to the front door, grabbing the overnight bag I’d left sitting on the floor when I came downstairs.

Janey’s waiting in the driveway in her little Miata, the top down. She’s got pretty strawberry blonde hair that falls to the middle of her back and looks like shiny silk. I can’t see her eyes behind her sunglasses, but she’s chewing gum and smiles when she sees me.

I slide into the passenger seat and stow my bag at my feet in the small car.

“Thanks for driving,” I say.

“No problem. I’m super excited. How about you?”

“Yep. Can’t wait to get up there.”

“Your father knows where we’re going, right? He didn’t have a problem with us using the club’s cabin?”

“Umm. Not exactly.”

“What does that mean?”

“I didn’t tell him.”

She hits the brakes before we make it to the end of the drive. “What?”

“I told him we were going to your parents’ place.”

“My parents’ place? Why’d you tell him that?”

“Because I didn’t want to get the third degree, okay. But it’s all good.”

“How are we getting in?”

“I got Tori to get the key code off of Rafe’s phone.”

“She’s not going to tell him?”

“Nope.”

Janey continues reversing, but I can tell she’s pissed at me.

“Fee, you said they were cool with us using the cabin to have a party.”

“I said they’d be cool with us using it. I never said they’d be cool with us having a party up there.”

“Fiona, we invited like a dozen people.”

“I know, and it’s going to be a blast. A big midsummer blowout. Just what I need to unwind and shake off all this stress.”

She glances at me as we pull out onto the road. “Have you told them your other news yet?”

When I only stare out at the passing scenery, she knows my answer.

“Fiona, you said you’d tell them. Time is running out for them to get the deposit back on your fall tuition. Unless you’ve changed your mind about dropping out of school…”

“I haven’t, and I will tell them, okay? After this weekend. I just need some time to relax first. I can’t deal with that now. My mother will be so disappointed, and my father will probably blow a gasket.”

“You need to just get it over with. If you don’t want to finish school, then there’s no reason to keep going.

It costs a lot of money for a degree you don’t even want.

You already changed majors from accounting to nursing, and you weren’t happy with either one.

You need to do what you love. Life is too short not to go after the life you really want. ”

“I know, but it’s scary, you know?”

“I get that, honey, but you already found what you really want to do. That’s more than a lot of people ever figure out.”

“You really think I can do it? You don’t think it’s a dumb idea?”

“A cake shop? No way. Your baked goods are amazing. Seriously. That time we took those cupcakes up to the farmer’s market?

You sold out in like two hours. Everybody was raving about them, and the kiddos loved the cake pops you made.

” She looks at me. “It will take a lot of work, and you’ll basically have to do it all yourself because you probably can’t afford to hire anyone to start off.

But you did take those business classes, so that should help you.

It wasn’t a total waste, right? You learned basic accounting.

That’s something that will come in handy. ”

“I’ve got my website up and running, and I’ve already gotten a dozen orders for the fall.”

“Really? That’s awesome.”

I bite my lip. “With working part-time at Kyle’s restaurant this year, I’ve been squirreling away money for supplies and ingredients and rent for a couple of months, and I’ve applied for a business license.

I suppose if I can’t get into a storefront, I can always fill the orders out of my mother’s kitchen. ”

“Absolutely. And once you tell her, I’m sure she’ll help you in any way she can. I believe in you. You’re a strong person, Fiona. Nothing scares you. So why are you hesitating?”

“I hate to disappoint my parents. Mom, especially. She really wanted me to go to school.”

“It’s not going to be any easier the longer you put it off.”

“I know. I’ll tell them, I promise. Okay?”

“Fine.” She turns up the music. “I won’t bring it up again. This weekend is all party mode.”

“Thanks.” I watch the businesses flash past. “I hope the cabin isn’t in too bad of shape. I can’t remember the last time I was up there. I think it may have been freshman year of high school.”

“It’s not going to be gross, is it?” She makes a face.

“No, but it may be dusty and stuff. That’s why I wanted to go up a day early and clean the place up. You know, air it out and wash the sheets and stock the fridge.”

“There aren’t mice in this place, are there?” She shudders.

“I’ve never seen any. I mean, it’s kind of rustic, but it’s a nice place. And the view of Lake Mary is amazing. I always loved going up there as a kid.”

Janey grabs some lip balm from the console and puts it on.

The wind is whipping around us, and I grin at her. “I kind of feel like Thelma and Louise.”

She laughs, then arches a brow. “I hope not. That movie didn’t end too well.”

“Well, not the driving off a cliff part, but the picking up Brad Pitt part was pretty awesome.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for cute guys in cowboy hats with their thumb out,” she replies and climbs the ramp onto the freeway.

“I could go for a good one-night stand. I haven’t had sex in forever.”

“You need a man for that, and you haven’t seemed interested in anyone for a long time,” Janey teases.

I roll my eyes. “Prince Charming hasn’t shown up yet. He’s late.”

“Well, you have to actually go out and find one; you can’t expect one to just walk through your doorway.”

“Why not?” I tease back. “Is that so much to ask?”

“And what would this dream man look like?”

I shrug. “I’m not picky.”

She snorts at that. “Girl, you are so picky.”

“As long as he’s tall with broad shoulders and gorgeous eyes and an ass I can’t take my eyes off…” I stare off, imagining.

“Oh, is that all? Anything else?”

“I like a man with a sense of humor. He has to be able to make me laugh.”

“Fiona, any relationship you are in, you’re going to be the one making him laugh. That’s a fact. You, my friend, are a cut-up.”

“It’s a curse.” I stare out the window, straight-faced, and she snorts again.

“So, a good-looking guy with a cute ass who can make you laugh.”

“And he’s got to be the kind of guy who is confident and takes the lead, you know? Someone who takes control of a situation.”

“Sounds like every biker in your father’s club.”

“Eww. I’m not looking for a biker.”

Janey gives me the side-eye as she shifts gears. “Sure. Sure. No bikers. Cross those right off the list.” She makes a motion with her arm.

“Shut up,” I snap, giggling.

“I’ll keep my eye out for a gorgeous, funny, take-charge, non-biker. Should be a pile of ‘em between here and Lake Mary.”

“Well, it is a five-hour drive, so I’m sure they’ll be several,” I tease.

“Right. One for each of us, and a spare.”

I slug her arm. “Don’t mock my dream.”

I stretch as I climb from the car hours later. “I have to say, Janey, I’m disappointed in you.”

“What?” Janey laughs. “I just drove your ass out here to this gorgeous place.” She swings her hand out toward the lake.

“Yeah, well. You didn’t find us one man to pick up, let alone one for each of us and a spare.” I sling my bag over my shoulder and walk toward the cabin, her laughter carrying behind me.

“This place is perfect.” She steps through the door and shoves past me. “Look at that view.”

She’s moved to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook Lake Mary. A large stone fireplace sits in the corner.

I slide my finger along the mantle, a layer of dust now coating it.

“Well, I guess it’s been a while since the club used the place. It definitely needs a little airing out.”

“Why in the world would they not be up here every weekend with a view like that? It’s so serene.” She sighs likes she’s found her happy place.

“Before you can bask in its glory, we need to get to work.”

“Boo,” she whines.

“You take the queen over there.” I gesture to a room and then walk to the master and throw my bag on the bed.

A couple of hours and a lot of elbow grease later, and the place is looking so much better.

“Not too shabby.” I take in our hard work. “I think we could take a little break, sit on the porch, have a soda, before we tackle the bathroom.”

“Now you’re speaking my language.”

We sit at a table and take in the lake. A few boats are out, but for the most part, it’s quiet.

“Glad we stopped at the gas station on the way in, because this place has nothing in the fridge.”

“Well, they can’t exactly leave things that spoil. They never know when they’ll be up here next.”

“Makes sense.” Janey’s phone rings some pop song. “Hey, Mom. Oh no, did you call an ambulance?”

At the sight of my brows furrowing, she covers the receiver and whispers, “She fell.”

“Oh no,” I whisper.

“Yes, of course. It’ll take me about five hours, though. Okay, see you soon. Love you.”

Janey hangs up and then scrunches her face in apology. “Sorry, I have to take Mom to the doctor.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, I told her to call an ambulance, but she said absolutely not.” Janey rolls her eyes. “She tripped on her front steps and hurt her ankle. I need to take her to the doctor and make sure she didn’t break anything. I’m so sorry, but I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“No apology needed. Go take care of your mom.” I stand and usher her inside.

A few moments later, she’s climbing into her Miata.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay?” she asks.

“Yeah, I’m just going to be cleaning toilets. Nothing exciting.”

“What about food?”

“I still have all the snacks I bought at the gas station. I can manage until tomorrow morning. Now go on, Mom.”

She rolls her eyes at my chiding. “Okay, okay. See you tomorrow.”

“I hope your mom is okay. Let me know.” I wave as she backs out.

She gives a little beep-beep as she pulls onto the road.