Page 50 of The Fates We Tame

Sophia places her palm on my thigh and rubs gently. “You’re not ready to go home and be a part of the debris of your past yet.”

It’s not a question.

It’s a statement of understanding.

“Something like that, Sparrow. Let’s get you inside.”

Niro grabs our bags from the back seat of the truck before I’ve even released my seat belt.

“I’m starved,” I say. “Want me to order some food when we get in?”

“Please. I’m so hungry.” Sophia turns on her phone and looks at it. “Oh shit.”

While she’s been sleeping, it looks like her family has gotten busy messaging their responses to her photograph.

“How bad is it?” I ask.

“It’s like you said. They’re playing the brain-injury card. That I’m confused. Making bad decisions. Being easily manipulated. That if I come home, they’ll find me a lawyer to file an annulment. Or they’ll come get me. They’re making me sound like I’m mentally incapacitated.” She slams her phone onto the dash of the truck. “I’m not incapable, Theo. I might be many things. A bit broken. A bit physically unsteady. A bit scarred. But there is nothing wrong with my acuity.”

“I know. Let’s go get some food, sleep on it, and handle everything else in the morning.”

When we step into the clubhouse, I’m greeted by applause and good wishes from all the other members. But like Sophia, I’m tired.

Halo and Vex are at the bar. “You want something?” Vex asks.

“Can you run a check on Sophia’s phone to make sure there are no trackers on it then bring it back to her?”

“Sure thing.” He holds out his hand and Sophia places her phone on his palm.

“You really think my family would do that?” she asks.

Vex gestures around the bar. “These guys have trackers on their phones, their bikes, their old ladies. Whatever we need to do to be safe. I’m sure your family is the same.”

He glances my way. It’s an unspoken question. Do I want our trackers on her phone? I nod subtly. Too many women in this club have ended up on the wrong side of our enemies.

“You two lovebirds want a drink?” Halo asks as I watch Vex stride away.

“Hate to ask, but do I have a room? I kinda assumed I did as an officer of the club, but I don’t remember which one it is.”

I can’t describe the look Halo gives me. Compassion for sure. But shock, as it really sinks in just what happened to me. He blows out a breath. “Fuck, man. Again, I’m so fucking sorry. All this…you saved Ari’s life. But it’s a fucking huge price you paid.”

It’s clear the club is expecting some kind of alcoholic binge. “Just…help me out. Can you get me and Soph to our room? Get us some food. Neither of us has the energy for anything more than that.”

Halo nods. “I gotcha.”

We walk down the corridor, and as we go, Halo tells me who is where. There’s new hardwood instead of the old dark tile that got sticky when it was humid outside.

He opens the door to my room, but it’s clear before I step inside that we can’t really stay there. It’s not that it’s a total mess; it’s not. The bed is made. It’s not a complete disaster.

But it’s dusty.

Smells stale.

I don’t recognize the bedding, but the pictures tacked to the wall suggest I enjoyed the past decade. Many are of me and Vex. We’re camping, drinking, and biking.

I think of Sophia’s comment about the forest and how she’d like to see it in person. Once the urgency and danger of all this is over, I’ll take her. Perhaps we’ll find out if a champagne party girl can enjoy a sleeping bag and stars.

A bottle of Jack, two silver dice, and a pack of playing cards sit on a dresser. I remember the taste of whiskey; I don’t know what card game I played.