Page 13 of Tye (Rage MC: The Prospects #8)

Demi

W hen I left McKenna’s room an hour later, we’d not said another word to each other. I stopped on the threshold and turned to face her.

“Would you like me to come back?” I asked.

McKenna nodded but didn’t talk. That was okay. After what she’d experienced, McKenna could take all the time she needed.

Davies was still outside when I shut the door behind me. His eyes bore into mine, but I refused to look away.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, although I just talked, and she listened,” I replied.

“McKenna’s not spoken a single word since it happened. Not to doctors, nurses, Marissa, Hawthorne, or me. She locked herself up tight. You got through to her,” Davies said and reached out and squeezed my shoulder.

“I didn’t do much.”

“McKenna’s strong. She forgot for a while she could fight this, beat it,” Davies murmured as he glanced through the window at McKenna.

“Give her time. There’ll be times when she’s looking and acting fine, but know she won’t be. She’ll be putting on a front. That’s when she will need you the most, because she’ll cling to her control with an iron grip. Be her safe space, where she can crumble and rage at the unfairness of it all. McKenna will never heal one hundred per cent, nor will she be the woman she was, but she will find a new normal.”

“I’m sorry for misjudging you, Demi. And all of that, I could do that,” Davies said and gave me a squeeze before releasing me.

I turned to walk away and was attacked and wrapped in the biggest hug ever. Marissa sobbed on my shoulder as I rubbed her back and let her cry it out.

“Life is so fucking unfair; I hate what you and McKenna’s been through. But we’re going to be good friends. If you ever need me, call,” Marissa said, giving me a little shake. She wiped her tears and smiled, and I patted her shoulder.

“I will do. I need to go find Ice. He’ll think I’ve run away.”

“No, I popped down and told them where you are. They’re waiting on Matthias to get the all clear to leave. He has concussion and needs a few day’s rest.”

“That’s good news. Let’s hope the cops catch this psycho,” I replied, and after another hug, left Marissa and Davies.

When I entered the room, every head turned to me, and I felt a blush start. My face was burning as I saw the intense expressions gazing at me.

“Marissa said you got a reaction,” Phoe stated, standing up.

“McKenna spoke a couple of words,” I admitted.

“She’s not said anything after the attack,” Autumn, I think it was Autumn, stated.

“McKenna didn’t say a lot, but she did talk a bit,” I repeated.

“We owe you. We have been stressing about McKenna ever since it happened, and we’ve all tried to get her to speak. McKenna refused to see anyone and shut us all out. Even Marissa and Lina, and they’re best friends,” the woman I knew as Marsha said.

“Lina’s on her way; we could hear her screams when Marissa called her. And Lina can be dramatic, so be warned,” Phoe informed me.

Okay, I wanted out. I didn’t do drama. Strong arms wrapped around me, and I leaned against Ice.

“What did they say about your shoulder? Did the attack make it worse?” I demanded, and Ice chuckled.

“The doc shot me up with a pain injection, and the x-ray showed no further damage. I jarred it when I landed. I just gotta rest,” Ice said.

“On that note, we should get you back,” I replied, and Phoe smiled at me in approval.

“Yes, take him home. We’ll wait for Matthias,” she urged.

“No, I’m here. Let’s go,” Matthias announced, approaching.

I winced at the large lump on his head and the blood that had trickled down his temple.

“Matthias!” Phoe exclaimed, rushing forward and gently taking his chin in her hand. She tilted his head one way and then another as she examined him.

“I am fine, boss, but I need to sit my ass down,” Matthias soothed.

“You’re on sick for a week. And do not argue,” Phoe groaned as Matthias took on a set expression.

He glanced at Drake with a beleaguered stare, and Drake shrugged. “I’ve got no control over her, dude.”

Matthias literally growled and stomped towards the exit, with a nurse following behind him, shoving a wheelchair.

“I don’t know why we bother with rules when your lot is around,” she said to Phoe as she passed us.

Ice snorted and started walking himself. “They’re meant to push us out to ensure we don’t re-injure ourselves,” he informed me.

“Yes, and you all are a law unto themselves,” the nurse sniped but continued following Matthias until he was outside.

We loaded into cars with security tight around us and headed back to the Hall.

“Your family didn’t come?” Ice asked.

“No. Fury doesn’t know who I am. But he’d recognise Pops and my uncles. It was safer that they stayed at the Hall. I assured them I was fine,” I replied.

“You might be better away from me until we find West. That asshole is beyond whacked,” Ice suggested.

I frowned and slapped his stomach lightly. “I’m not going anywhere. Plus, you hit him; there was blood at the scene. He’s got to be looking for medical care.”

“That’s something,” Ice said as our driver, Mickey, took the turn to the Hall. “Let’s hope he gets caught soon.”

Ice

Two days ticked past, and West had yet again gone to ground. He’d not attended a hospital but had instead held a vet hostage while they removed a bullet from his shoulder. I hoped that West was in a world of pain after he had coldcocked the vet and fled.

The little fucker had disappeared, but I guessed he was sleeping rough, and he had to be local. His car was left at the scene of the bombing, so he was on foot or had stolen a vehicle. I needed him arrested, if not dead and buried. We had enough threat with fuckin’ Fury.

A laugh escaped me, although I didn’t mean it too, as I watched Harley hightail it out after his woman. Mom was still recovering from Harley arriving last night and introducing the woman at his side as ‘his’.

Clearly, the girl did not agree, as she accused Harley of kidnapping her and stomped his foot. She apologised prettily to Mom and demanded an Uber back to RC. Harley wasn’t down with that whatsoever and had thrown her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and carted her off. We’d not seen them since.

Obviously, she’d managed to escape Harley’s clutches as she dashed through the snow in an effort to get away from him. Harley tackled her to the ground and pinned her arms above her head as he kissed her.

I smiled and began to look away when I saw a movement, and I watched as the lady grabbed a handful of snow and rubbed it in Harley’s face.

Harley yelled like a scalded cat, and then she dumped even more snow on him.

“Wow,” Demi said from behind me. “Harley has his hands full. Perhaps you ought to give him some tips? Drowning her in the snow isn’t a great idea!”

“He’ll learn,” I replied, kissing her head as she snuggled under my arm.

I began to laugh as suddenly the younger kids appeared and attacked Harley. The woman scrambled to her feet, and I saw her give Scout money before she ran.

“Clever girl,” Demi approved as we watched her make her escape. Harley was surrounded, and we all knew he’d never hurt the brats.

“Harley’s got no idea how to handle her,” Christian said, entering the room.

“Mom is going to be over the moon, three of her boys settling down. That grandbaby idea becomes more of a reality every passing moment,” Cody teased.

I scowled at Cody as Demi laughed.

“How did your phone call go?” I asked as Demi sat down.

“Fine. Mom’s pulling her hair out that she is missing your courtship, and she’s threatening to come home to meet you,” she responded.

“I’m sure we’ll meet soon. If it comes to it when West is caught, we can fly out and see them,” I said.

Demi’s eyes widened, and she smiled at me. “That would be wonderful!”

“Ice, I want a word,” Dad called, sticking his head into the room.

“Coming,” I replied. I kissed Demi one more time and walked to Dad’s study.

When I got there, I was surprised to see Axel, Spike, and Ace were also there.

“Take a seat, son,” Dad said, and I did so warily.

“You’ve got an issue,” Spike announced.

“I have?” I asked.

“Yeah. You work in Chicago and travel from October to April unless you make the cup, which would be longer. Other than that, you’re here and a prospect. Demi trains horses at the ranch, which means her business isn’t portable. What ya gonna do?” Spike demanded.

“We haven’t discussed that yet, but I’m not asking Demi to give up the jobs she loves,” I replied.

Dad nodded. “You had plans, Ice. What were they?”

“I wanted to play for another nine years and start a career coaching kids in my scholarships. But I know Demi’s life is four hours away. I’m not sure what the solution is yet, but we will find one. I’ll quit playing if I have to,” I answered honestly.

Dad sent Spike an ‘I told you so’ glare, and Spike huffed.

“And Rage?” Spike asked.

“I do not want to give it up. Nomad is an idea we could consider,” I suggested.

“Okay, son. Go back to what you were doing,” Dad ordered, and I got to my feet.

I gave Spike a dark stare. “Won’t give up Demi. I’d rather lose everything than her.”

“Understood,” Spike replied.

I left the room wondering what the hell that had been about.

◆◆◆

The alarm went off that afternoon at two p.m.

Everyone moved. Security snapped into place; Mom got the kids down into the safe room and locked them in. Carmine and Harley also got their girls in there too, alongside Demi’s family, who protested all the way. Dad, Carmine, Christian, Harley, and I grabbed weapons and prepared to defend our home.

“What do we have, Liz?” Dad asked as we inserted earpieces Matthias had delivered.

“Movement in the trees. A single person but headed straight for us,” she replied from the camera room. “Motion sensors are going nuts.”

“Not Fury then,” I said.

“No, and I just captured an image, I’ll clear it up,” Liz responded as we waited by the front door.

“Looks like your problem has had enough of pissing around. That’s Keiran West, and he is armed. He’s got on a jacket with dynamite strapped to it, and I can see a gun in his waistband,” Liz replied moments later.

“We can’t let him close to the Hall. Depending on how much he has, the motherfucker could do some major damage,” Dad said.

“Let’s end this. I’m tired of being hunted,” I agreed.

“Your call, son.”

I opened the door and asked Liz where West was. He was coming in from the direction of my ice rink. It was easy to set up an ambush and wait. Security surrounded us as well. All armed. The agreement was that we didn’t let West get near the Hall and to take the kill shot if we had to.

Liza had contacted the police, and they were on their way, but I doubted they’d arrive in time. We’d been waiting a few minutes when West finally stumbled into view.

Wow, he looked rough and totally unhinged. My eyes widened in surprise as I took in the unkempt man in front of me. West was a total mess.

“Drop your weapon, West,” I called.

“Fuck you, Michaelson!” he screamed, his head twisting from one side to another.

I caught sight of him. He was completely crazed.

“He’s lost the plot,” Christian whispered.

“Fucker’s lost something,” Dad agreed.

“West, you are surrounded; there are weapons on you. Give up and come quietly,” I demanded.

“No!” he screeched. “You ruined my life. You’re going to die!”

“Seriously, man, there’s at least ten guns on you.” “Liar!”

“Call out!” Dad shouted, and everyone called out.

West spun in a circle as he was bombarded by names.

“See. You will not get close to me. Drop the weapon,” I repeat.

“I’ll blow you all up,” West challenged.

“Before you hit the button, there’ll be a bullet through your head,” Dad boomed.

“Why won’t he die? He is like the devil.” West screamed.

His hand twitched, and I took aim.

“Don’t make me do this. I don’t wanna shoot, but I will,” I warned.

“I hate you! You and your faggot brother.”

“Carmine and I did shit to you, and he’s not gay! I’m tired of you accusing him and being a cunt. What makes a male rape victim gay? You’re so fuckin’ prejudiced you can’t even think clearly,” I shouted, my temper igniting.

West swung his weapon towards me, and I fired. My bullet took him through the head. An expression of surprise crossed his face and then he tumbled backwards slowly. I felt a glancing pain in my arm and looked down to see blood seeping through my long-sleeved tee.

“Fucker shot me,” I growled out as security flooded the place.

“Are you okay?” Dad demanded as he ripped my top and checked my wound.

I peered down and saw it was just a graze. A bandage would do fine.

Sirens wailed as RCPD finally arrived, and I clicked the safety on my gun and then carefully placed it on the floor as cops swarmed us.

“Lawyer,” Dad snapped as Ramirez approached.

Ramirez snorted and moved me aside.

“This was a home invasion, and I can easily see the bomb, Drake. Ice doesn’t need a lawyer, even if he was the one who shot him,” Ramirez said.

“Lawyer,” Dad insisted, and Ramirez rolled his eyes.

“Get on it then. The sooner I take Ice’s statement and everyone else’s, the quicker this is done,” Ramirez retorted and walked over to Ben, who was studying West.

They swapped words and glanced at me, but Dad shook his head. Yeah, I was going to listen to Dad. I wanted a lawyer.

◆◆◆

Four hours later, the body had been removed, and the media was at the estate’s gates. Guards had already caught reporters who’d slipped through the woods and invaded our privacy. All of them were now kicking their heels in the security office as we once again waited for the police to arrive and arrest them.

Dad was having none of their bullshit and was insisting on pressing charges. The story was flooding social media about how West had arrived with dynamite and how I’d shot him. Someone had talked, and Ramirez was investigating who.

West’s family had been captured on TV in tears, and I felt bad for them, but this wasn’t my fault. I just hoped they did not start some vengeance bullshit. West had tried to kill me twice and didn’t care about innocents being caught in his insanity. And today, he had a bomb vest on and once again didn’t care there were kids about. No way was I taking any blame for his fucked-up thinking.

I laid in bed with Demi tucked into my side.

“Are you okay?” she questioned. That was about the twentieth time she’d asked.

“Babe, I am fine. I feel bad for his family but not for shooting him. It was West or my family. I choose the latter and won’t ever regret that.”

“Well, I spoke to Pops. I’m coming to Chicago with you during your season, and when you’re off, I’ll train horses.”

“Demi, you love horses and training them. You don’t have to give anything up,” I said, startled.

“I’m not. We will spend half the year in your world and the other half in mine. When you retire from playing, we’ll decide what to do then,” Demi replied.

“Are you sure?” I demanded.

“Completely. I love horses, but I love you more.” My gaze narrowed on her beautiful face. Demi meant that. How this stunningly amazing woman ever chose me, I didn’t know. I was a street rat who hit lucky. Yet Demi saw past that and saw me. It was the greatest gift anyone could have given me. I hauled her close and kissed her soundly, leaving her panting.

“Burn the world for you. I love you, baby,” I said and proceeded to show her how much.

Demi

“Welcome to the family!” Phoe exclaimed the next morning.

“Thanks,” I replied as I looked for caffeine. I needed coffee. Ice had worn me out last night.

Phoe snickered and handed me a cup.

“I love you,” I breathed as I inhaled the scent.

“All hail the caffeine Gods,” Phoe quipped as I sat down at the dining table. The kids were stuffing their faces, which meant they were quiet.

Eddie sent me a baleful look, and I ignored her. She had to learn her lesson.

“Ignore her. She can sulk for England,” Phoe said.

“I’ve noticed,” I replied dryly.

“Eddie will learn that the world doesn’t revolve around her. I just hope when that happens, she’s not too traumatised,” Drake stated as he bent and kissed Phoe before smiling at me.

Ice strode in and nodded at everybody before turning to me. “Hey, babe,” he mumbled.

To my surprise, Ice knelt by my feet and took my hand.

“I’m not one for eloquence, you know that. I love you, you’re my woman, marry me,” he said.

My jaw dropped open as everyone went quiet. Ice searched my face as I struggled to find words.

“You knucklehead, you don’t propose like that!” Pops yelled from the end of the table.

“Say yeah,” Ice exclaimed and pulled a box from his pocket. He opened it, and inside was a beautiful emerald-cut diamond ring.

I looked at it and then at Ice.

“Say something!” Ice urged, starting to look worried.

“Yes!” I squeaked, and Ice shoved the ring on my finger and dragged me into a kiss.

“Fuck me, that was a shit proposal. Mine will be better!” Harley announced, and his girl squealed and smacked him hard before disappearing. “She can run, but I’ve got her in my sights.”

“I hope she makes your life hell!” Ice said, breaking our kiss and rolling his eyes at me.

Harley snorted. “She already is.”

“Good!” we all shouted at Harley, who laughed and slapped Ice on his good shoulder. He dropped a kiss on my head. “Welcome to the family.”

Moments later, he disappeared in search of his girl.

“You ready to put up with this insanity?” Ice asked as everyone crowded around us.

“It’s a life sentence,” I replied, laughing.

“You had your chance to run. You’re stuck with us now,” Ice said as he climbed to his feet, hauled me into his arms, and kissed me again.

“Somehow, I’m okay with that!” I announced and laughed as Pops swept me out of Ice’s embrace.

“Fuckin’ idiot, that was a shit proposal considering how you romanced my grandbaby,” Pops snapped.

“Dude, I got yours and her uncle’s permission, I wasn’t hanging about,” Ice retorted.

Spike smirked evilly. “Welcome to the family, boy!”

I giggled at the worried expression that crossed Ice’s face, and I leaned forward. “You had your chance to run. You’re stuck with us now,” I parroted back at him.

Ice grinned. “Somehow, I’m okay with that.”

I guessed we both were. A Michaelson with a Moore. Who’d have thought it? Not me, that was for sure. Dreams did come true. The inbred child had found love despite the odds. Go me!