Page 5 of Tye (Rage MC: The Prospects #8)

Demi

“W ow, bitch, you deserved that,” a child said, and I looked up, surprised.

Guilt swamped me, and I felt freaking awful. A small African American girl was standing in the doorway. She only looked about twelve or thirteen, but the glower on her face and her stance were anything but dainty.

“Who are you?” I asked with a smile.

The kid kept glowering, and damn, if glares could kill, I’d have been dead moments ago.

“I’m Eddie, Tye’s sister, or Ice, as he’s now called.”

“Hey, I’m Demi.” “No, you’re a bitch. Actually, no, that’s too kind. You’re a raging, rude, motherfucking asshole,” Eddie stated and crossed her arms.

My mouth dropped open at Eddie’s language, and I heard a chuckle.

“Don’t let Mom hear you,” a man chided as he entered the room.

“Tell me I’m wrong, Christian,” Eddie retorted, her eyes narrowed.

“No idea, sister mine, but if you’re gonna sound off and cuss like a sailor, then shut the fuckin’ door so Mum doesn’t catch you,” Christian stated.

I frowned. Christian had just claimed Eddie as his sister, yet his accent was pure English, and hers was American. This household was confusing as hell because Tye was also American.

“Fine, but this asshole needs to do one and leave our home. Bitch upset Tye,” Eddie snapped.

“Did you?” Christian asked, turning to me.

“Yes, on a complete misunderstanding. It was my fault,” I replied.

“Damn right it was. Demi here, accused Tye of being born with a silver spoon. Stupid cow,” Eddie hissed.

Christian looked amused and didn’t seem to care what his little sister said. The door opened, and an older teenager stuck his head in.

“Why are we all hiding in the den?” he asked, and I was struck with another English accent. The teen’s eyes narrowed on Eddie. “If you’re causing mayhem, sis, give it a rest for tonight. Mum has guests, and Dad is on edge. They don’t need your shit.”

Eddie’s face screwed even further. “Bitch upset Tye. Said he was born with a silver spoon, and he was a rich brat. She needs an ass-kicking. I’m gonna call Serenity to do it.”

“What you say to my brother?” the teen asked, entering and shutting the door.

“Aaron, calm your tits,” Christian chided.

“The fuck I will. This is one of the guests, and she won’t be for long if she’s going to insult us kids,” Aaron spat.

Aaron turned and offered me a malevolent glare. “Tye’s my older brother, and he’s been through a lot. I don’t give a shit who you are, you speak to everyone in this house with respect or get the hell out!”

“Look, it’s a misunderstanding,” I said, putting my hands up. “I made an assumption because I thought Tye was making one about me. I was wrong, and I will apologise as soon as I find him. And I’m sorry for upsetting Eddie. It’s perfectly simple, I don’t understand the household, and everything is overwhelming. I’ve had to leave the ranch I called home for twenty-five years, and I’m off my stride. I’ve only ever left for a vacation.”

“If that was an attempt at an excuse, it sucked. Never make excuses; own your fuckups and apologise. Grow some girl balls,” Eddie snapped.

Damn, this kid had more attitude than Trudy.

“Eddie, I do own my mistakes, and I hate rudeness. I was explaining, not excusing, there’s a difference. If you’re not sure of what that is, look it up,” I retorted, and Christian snorted in response.

“She’s never going to try to argue with Eddie? Can we film this shit?” Aaron asked Christian in an aside.

“She has a name, and it’s Demi. And now who’s being rude?” I interrupted.

“She speaks about herself in third person,” Eddie mocked, and I wanted to strangle the brat.

“It’s Demi,” I ground out. “Clearly, you’re unaware of the experience of sarcasm.”

“What on earth is that?” Eddie spat.

“Seriously, I have to explain it?”

“No, dumbass, that was an example of it!” Eddie hissed.

Exasperated, I rolled my eyes as she did, and Christian and Aaron gaped.

“We better split them up,” Christian said.

“Yeah,” Aaron agreed. “Come here, brat. I’ll let you beat me at chess.”

Aaron snagged Eddie by her neck and began leading her out. Eddie dug her heels in and glared at me over her shoulder. “You grovel, or I’ll make your life hell.”

Aaron dragged Eddie out of the door, and I sighed. “Wow.”

“That’s an understatement where Eddie is concerned. I’m sorry you’ve had to leave your home because of Fury, but you’re not alone. Many other families are facing the same, and it’s no fault of theirs or yours. But mind your mouth; this is my only warning. My family is tight-knit. I saw your puzzlement earlier, so I’ll give you this. Some of us were street kids who Mom adopted. Some are her birth children, and others Mom discovered in hospitals and homes.

“It doesn’t matter whether we share blood or not, we are family, and our siblings are just that. None of us judge people and do not expect to be judged in return. Remember, my family is putting themselves in danger to protect you, your Pops, and uncles. Don’t spit in our faces or shit on our generosity,” Christian warned.

“I honestly wasn’t aware of your history. Truthfully, I know very little about your family. I don’t read celebrity mags. But I didn’t mean to cause offence to your brother. I’ll find him and apologise,” I replied and meant it.

“You best because crossing Eddie never pays. Eddie owns a wicked mind and a vivid imagination. Before you crawl into bed tonight, pull the sheets back and check it,” Christian warned.

Surprised, my eyes widened as I took in his meaning. “Really?”

“Yup, Demi, won’t be the first time Eddie’s pulled a stunt like that. Won’t be the last either. Tye headed towards the orangery. That’s next door,” Christian said and pointed. “Now, I have got to watch Eddie to make sure she doesn’t start shit. So much for a relaxing evening. When you hear the first gong, that calls the kids to dinner. The second gong is for adults. Tye knows where the dining room is.”

And with that, Christian left.

Fuck, I’d been here four hours and upset half the residents in this house. We’d be lucky not to be kicked out before this evening.

My attitude with Tye had been reflex. Not many were aware of my situation. Realising that Tye knew about it meant I’d used deflection and turned into the aggressor, saving myself from being a victim.

I wasn’t used to strangers knowing the truth of my birth. I refused to be ashamed of it. But people would always have something to say. This time, however, I was out of line.

Upset, I left the room and walked next door, looking for Tye. I found him sitting quietly with Uncle Deke, and I watched them for a few seconds before Uncle Deke opened his eyes.

“Precious girl?” he asked.

“I wanted to talk to Tye,” I said to his unanswered question.

“That’s okay, we’ve spoken enough,” Tye replied.

“Tye, I owe you an apology,” I blurted, and Uncle Deke sat up straight.

“Demi, what did you do?” he demanded.

“Urgh, I got defensive and took it out on Tye,” I answered honestly.

Uncle’s Deke’s eyebrow rose into his hairline.

“My name is Ice, not Tye. Only my siblings use Tye,” Tye—no, Ice stated.

“Sorry on both accounts, then.” I stabbed my toe into the ground and waited.

Ice gazed at me. “Waiting.”

“Huh?”

“For your apology,” Ice said and folded his arm across his broad chest.

Damn, Ice was really going to make me grovel.

“Ice, I’m sorry for jumping the gun and judging you. I’m not used to people knowing about my birth, and I got defensive,” I apologised softly. “Honestly, I hope you can forgive my rudeness.”

“It’s done and dusted,” Ice said, waving his good hand.

I jumped as a gong sounded in the hallway.

Ice looked to the door.

“That’s the dinner call for the kids. Ours will be in five minutes. It’ll take me that long to walk to the dining room. If you want to follow me?” Ice asked, and I agreed.

Uncle Deke got up, too.

“Do you need a hand, lad?” he offered.

“Nah, but catch me if I go down. I don’t need a further head injury,” Ice said with a dark chuckle.

Uncle Deke nodded seriously and followed Ice’s slow walk. Halfway to where we were going, Ice stumbled, and Uncle Deke caught him.

Ice had no shame in leaning on Uncle Deke for the rest of the way, which I liked. It showed that Ice was comfortable with who he was and had no need for a front. Which kind of bit me that I’d felt the need to.

My thoughts distracted me and my mouth dropped open as we entered a long dining room. It easily seated thirty, and one end was set. A gaggle of kids was already sat toward the middle and chatting loudly. Ice motioned towards three seats near the head of the table.

“We’ll sit there. I’m in no mood to monitor the brats tonight,” he murmured.

As I took my seat, I caught Eddie’s malevolent gaze aimed at me.

I offered her a nod, and she sent a sneer back. Fine, I wasn’t going to grovel to a kid.

That’s when the smell hit me. My nose twitched in the direction of the delicious scent, and I saw a long sideboard filled with heated dishes.

“We eat buffet style. There are rules, though. First gong, kids hit the table, second gong, adults do. The kids serve themselves and then the adults. Be warned, no matter where you are, if you’re with someone from Rage, children always eat first. Mom has a horror of youngsters going hungry, considering Micah, Jodie, Jared, Christian, and Aaron suffered hunger, and so did some of the adopted kids. Never feed yourself first in front of Mom. It’s a surefire way to get a bollocking,” Ice murmured as adults and older teens began filing in.

Uncle Carter, Gideon, Grunt, and Pops arrived looking awkward, and Uncle Deke waved them over.

Phoe spoke to them and motioned to the table, and they came and sat next to us.

“Jesus, it is like being at home and Mom feeding everyone,” Uncle Carter stated with a grin.

“Not quite,” Pops replied, peering around. The room radiated wealth, which ours didn’t.

“Kids,” Phoe said loudly, and chairs scraped as the children got up.

“Pot roast!” one of the youngsters exclaimed.

“Two vegetables each!” Phoe ordered from her chair. The seat at the head of the table was empty, and I bet it was for her husband. As I thought that, Drake entered, looking tired.

Drake Michaelson was a handsome man. I knew he was forty-seven years old from what Pops had told us, but he looked as fit as a guy in his thirties. Drake’s hair was more grey than dark, but his eyes were sharp and clear. His goatee was streaked with grey, but was well trimmed and taken care of. He walked his very fine ass over to Phoe and claimed her mouth while their kids made disgusted noises.

I smiled as both Phoe and Drake ignored them and continued their kiss.

Drake broke it off and dropped a peck on Phoe’s head.

“I’m sure Mom would have said at least two vegetables, Scout. Don’t you dare ignore her. Garrett, two scoops of parsnips don’t count as two veg. Pick another. Dante, sit your ass down now and leave Payton alone,” Drake ordered with a glance over his shoulder.

I snickered as he sounded so familiar to Grandma. Uncle Deke and I swapped glances and smiled. Clearly, he was thinking the same.

Once the kids were fed, the adults got up, and we helped ourselves. The dishes were overflowing, and the food was delicious.

“I could go for seconds,” Uncle Deke said, patting his stomach after clearing his plate.

“Help yourself. Mrs Ames always ensures there’s plenty,” Drake replied, overhearing him.

“Don’t mind if I do. Do we wait for the kids to leave the table?” Uncle Deke asked.

“Nah, most of them filled their plates. Those who wanted extra have been up. Go get more,” Drake responded.

“Your cook is amazing,” Uncle Carter spoke to Phoe.

“Mrs Ames is. It astounds me how she manages such large meals every day, but she does. She has two nights off a week. One night, we get takeaway, and the other, Drake and I cook. I can’t feed everyone like Mrs Ames does constantly. She plans a week ahead each time, so she knows what shopping to get,” Phoe said to him.

“Grandma does the same,” I interjected, and Phoe smiled.

“One day, I’d like to meet her. Evelyn sounds an amazing woman,” Phoe responded.

“Evie’s that,” Pops commented.

“Are your rooms okay?” Phoe asked as she dipped some bread into the gravy on her plate.

“They’re fine,” Uncle Gideon replied, and the others agreed.

“I’m grateful you placed us together,” Grunt said.

“Makes it easier on security,” Drake muttered, and Pops glared, but Uncle Deke looked resigned.

“Trust is earned,” he responded, and Pops glowered.

“That goes both ways,” Pops snapped, and Drake held his gaze.

“If our hospitality isn’t—”

“Drake. The children,” Phoe murmured, and Drake shut his mouth.

The kids had all stopped eating and were watching avidly.

“Eat your dinners and stop tab-hanging,” Drake ordered, and the youngsters broke into conversation again. He rolled his eyes at Phoe, who smiled.

I frowned, tab-hanging?

Ice leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Listening in,” he explained.

Ah, okay. Must be an English saying.

“They’re yours to discipline. Told you I was done with it. You spoiled them, you now handle them!” Phoe teased, but I heard the steel in her voice. Phoe may have been joking, but she meant every word.

Drake looked sheepish and changed the direction of the conversation.

“Did Doc Paul come today, son?” he asked Ice.

“Yeah. Doc’s happy with my progress,” Ice said, and Drake offered a small smile.

“But you’re not. Do not push your recovery, prospect, that’s an order,” Drake replied.

“That just makes shit worse,” Ice grumbled.

I hid a grin as he pouted like a little boy. I wondered what had really happened to him. Ice had confusingly mentioned ice and a rival team.

“Are you a hockey player?” I asked, and the table went quiet. Christian and Harley began laughing, and Harley pointed at Ice and crowed. Even Drake smiled.

“Wow, someone who doesn’t know who Tye Michaelson is!” Harley teased.

“Shut up!” Ice ordered as he stabbed a piece of meat.

“Seriously, you don’t know who Tye is?” another teen asked. That was Jared, I think.

“Nope. I don’t follow ice hockey,” I replied.

“Damn girl, you were raised wrong!” Christian joked.

“We watch baseball,” I said. “I’m aware of who Carmine Michaelson is. Sorry. But my question stands,” I said.

“Yeah, I play for the Blackhawks. My last game was a shitstorm, which is where a rival team player tried to smash my head in,” Ice explained shortly.

“Why?” I asked, shocked. I knew hockey players would ‘drop gloves’, I believed it was called, but actually trying to kill another player was shocking.

“Long story,” Ice replied with a glance at his younger siblings, who’d all stopped chatting again and were listening.

“Kids!” Drake demanded, and they returned to talking.

A giggle escaped me. “Sorry, it’s like being at home. My cousins all love to listen in to adult conversations.”

“I can imagine. Youngsters like to know what’s going on even when it doesn’t concern them,” Phoe said firmly, and the chatter from the children’s end rose.

“If you’ve all finished, Mrs Ames has sent dessert down to the cinema, where you can watch a film. Clear your plates and load the dishwasher,” Drake drawled as the kids watched the adults again.

There was a mass stampede, and I was amused when the room emptied of children.

“Wow, they’re well-trained!” Pops exclaimed.

“Christian, Harley, Cody, Jared, and Aaron, please take the leftovers out and store them, and then bring our dessert in,” Phoe said, and they all got to their feet.

It was nice to have a sense of normalcy because the situation we were in was anything but normal.

Ice

Demi was making an effort, and I appreciated her apology, but I was on guard. She’d snapped at me without any reason. I understood that her birth was upsetting and a sensitive subject, but she had jumped the gun. Hell, I was the last person to make a judgement on anyone.

Demi was listening a lot to the conversation, and she was clearly at ease in a large gathering. The kids and the adults surrounding her did not faze her.

But like most of my family, I was on edge around hers and shocked that Dad had allowed them to stay here. If they were genuine, Reading Hall was the safest place for them, but it was a big if. Dad had assigned each of them a guard. They were free to roam the Hall, but not alone.

None of them seemed bothered by having a shadow following them, which was to their credit. Security was also increased within the Hall. Guards patrolled the house, vigilant and not interfering with my family. The internal cameras were on, and extra men sat in the security office watching.

Dad was on high alert, and I could see it in his body language. He didn’t trust them but couldn’t find a chink in their story. Which meant Dad would watch and make his decision on their behaviours.

Volcano was a surprise. Of course, I knew his reputation; he was known as Fury’s Pit Bull. Volcano’s rep was the stuff of nightmares, yet it was at odds with the guy who had sought a few quiet moments in the orangery with me. He could be playing me, but he’d appeared pretty chilled. Like the rest of Rage, I was alert to any sign of trouble. Things were moving quicker now. The war was coming, and I’d no clue who’d be left standing.

I envied those who went about their daily lives with no clue about the shitstorm heading for Rapid City. Worse, I had no idea if I’d be present when the attack happened. I could be travelling to a game or in practice when the Fangs attacked. The idea of being absent was distressing. I was a prospect. For shit like this, I should be present to protect my people.

Even so, the MC Presidents had discussed sending the prospects away. That didn’t sit well with anybody, either. We needed all available men who could shoot. We had a city to protect, and worse, there were thousands of innocents who didn’t deserve to live under Fury’s thumb.

It was hard to understand how Fury thought he could take Rapid City and hold it. Chief Howser had declared Fury and the Venomous Fangs a home-grown terrorist organisation, which allowed him to call on the National Guard. Dad had announced Howser was reaching out to the military and everyone else he could think of.

So far, our friends, Congressman Andrew Wainwright, and Senator Antony Parker Jones, had tried to convince the president this was a liable threat. Their pleas had fallen on deaf ears. The president simply refused to believe that an MC was a danger on the scale Antony and Andrew insisted it was.

That wouldn’t help us defend the city.

Volcano and Pops would be spending the next week spewing every last drop of information they had. Somehow, Dad had got Hawthorne to agree not to kill Volcano, who Hawthorne held responsible for McKenna.

Davies, however, needed distance. He’d refused to agree to anything and still planned to put a bullet in Volcano’s head. I couldn’t blame him. McKenna hadn’t been released from the hospital as she wouldn’t speak or interact with anyone. McKenna had completely shut down, and everyone despaired if she’d ever heal.

Fourteen samples of sperm had been taken from her. We understood what that meant. Fangs pulled a train on her. Those dead had got off too easily. Those being held in prison were safe from our retaliation, but we had eyes on them. If any were released, we’d be there before they disappeared.

Those fuckers would pay for McKenna sooner or later. Hawthorne was searching for contacts inside the prison. The Fangs were held in isolation as the threat against them was high.

We’d wait, and then we would get them. One way or another, McKenna’s pain would be returned tenfold on them.