Page 7 of Tye (Rage MC: The Prospects #8)

Demi

I lay awake in bed with Ice’s words running through my head. In the heat of the moment, I could excuse his passion, but his eyes… they’d told a different story. Ice meant every word he’d uttered. Why the hell would he want me? After dinner, I had taken a walk and ended up at the rink, and I’d done a lot of research.

Tye ‘Ice’ Michaelson was one of the hottest players on ice. He was loved by fans and hated by rivals. Ice was in the top five percent of hockey players actively playing right now and was heading for the Hall of Fame. There were modelling shoots, interviews, tv spots, fan pictures, all sorts of media information. How the hell had I not known who Ice was?

I’d read a report about how he’d been adopted with his siblings, Carmine, Serenity, and Harley. Which led to another recent report about Carmine and what had happened to him. I followed that up with a link to a Lara Storm interview with Carmine, and my heart broke for them. Carmine had refused to comment on Ice, but I knew from the words he had spewed at me Ice had suffered on the streets.

I then watched, horrified at the attack in his last game. It was horrific, and I was annoyed that Ice had skated tonight. A newspaper report had detailed his injuries, and they were damn serious. Ice had endangered his recovery and done so for me. Me… who had as much, if not more, baggage than Ice.

I could only imagine the articles should my birth become general knowledge. Ice’s fans would tear me apart. An inbred nobody with their precious star. I’d logged onto several fan sites and read the comments there with amusement. Ice was called broody, gorgeous, desirable, and panty-dropping hot. The fans’ words amused me. Though there were some I thought were concerning. I had started to read them when Ice had surprised me at the rink.

Tucking the thick duvet around me, I pulled them back up on my phone.

The not-so-nice ones ranged from mildly disturbing to damn right worrying. They started with remarks about the possibility of him being raped on the streets, these had started soon after Carmine’s revelations. They went on to claims of wanting to pay Ice to fuck him like a prostitute and attacking and fucking him. Some were really sickening, and I could see they’d been reported, but they were still out there for everyone to read.

It was awful to think that there were people like that out there. Trolls were an everyday thing, but some of those comments seemed like threats. Worse, some had even described in detail their sickening fantasies. How easy it was for them hiding behind a screen and keyboard. None of them would have the balls to say it to Ice’s face. Fuckin’ keyboard warriors.

I closed the fan site down and hoped Ice read none of that. It was destructive and damaging. With a yawn, I put my phone down and snuggled down into the mattress. My bed at home was comfortable, but this was sheer luxury. I’d learned a lot tonight, not just about Ice but about the Michaelsons as a whole. Naturally, I’d know who Phoenix Michaelson was, but I hadn’t known much about her kids. They’d never interested me.

But holy crap. A car designer, ice hockey player, baseball player, blacksmith, model, and actress, the Michaelsons were making a name for themselves. Two others helped run The Trusts, and one was an amateur kickboxer while another was heading for the NFL. The talent in the family was outstanding, but they had the money to develop it. If they’d been everyday Joes, I don’t think they would have achieved the same. Then again, who was I to say differently?

Finally, my eyes closed, and I drifted off to sleep. But my last thought was of Ice’s smile as we danced together on the ice.

◆◆◆

There was something in my bed.

It was running across my toes.

I opened my eyes as my body stiffened, and something once more tickled my foot. What the hell? A tongue flickered against my big toe, and I yanked off the bedclothes.

With a hiss, a snake rose by my feet and weaved back and forth.

I let out a blood-chilling scream and fell out of bed. As I scrabbled on the floor, I screamed again as it appeared at the edge of the bed and looked down at me. My shrieks continued as my door flew open, and Uncle Deke rushed in.

“Demi!” he yelled as my screams faded and I clutched my chest. My breathing hitched, and lungs closed. I began struggling for air as I grabbed my throat. Panicking, I collapsed to the floor and kicked my heels.

The bedroom light was thrown on, and Pops and Uncle Carter ran in, followed by Phoe and Drake. I was now going blue as I struggled to breathe.

“Where’s her pump?” Pops yelled.

“Here,” Uncle Deke cried as he spied it on my bedside table. He tossed it to Pops, who caught it and, despite his age, crouched by me and pushed it in my mouth.

“What’s wrong with her?” Phoe asked as more people arrived.

Ice shoved his way into my bedroom, his eyes on me, but I was still gasping.

“She needs her nebuliser,” Uncle Gideon said as he opened a bag, which was always near me. He yanked it out and plugged it in as he inserted the medicine.

“Demi has asthma. Usually, she controls it with a pump, but something shocked the shit out of her. Like that!” Uncle Carter growled out, seeing the snake finally.

“Fuck!” Ice hissed. He turned to face the door, looking for someone. “Eddie!”

“What?” the girl replied, appearing.

“Did you put Scout’s snake in Demi’s bed?” Ice demanded.

Eddie caught sight of me on the floor with a face mask over me and realised something was seriously wrong.

“She was horrible to you!” Eddie retorted, but there was no heat in it.

“And we resolved that. What the hell were you thinking?” Ice yelled.

“Tell me you didn’t do this!” Phoe exclaimed, staring at her daughter.

“Demi was mean to Tye and upset him. So, I paid her back for being judgemental!” Eddie cried. “I did not know she was asthmatic!”

“Yet again, you’ve gone too far. You could have seriously hurt Demi or Slither. Did you even ask Scout? I love you, child, but your father has clearly overindulged you, and worse, his punishments have no effect on you. Tomorrow morning, you and I will discuss your punishment and what comes next. I’m deeply ashamed of you,” Phoe said firmly.

I was beginning to calm down now as the nebulizer forced the medication into my lungs. Eddie sent me a shamefaced look, and then her shoulders straightened.

“I messed up, and I’ll own that. Demi, I never meant to harm you, just scare you as payback for Tye. I am very sorry to have done this to you,” Eddie offered, holding my eyes.

Somehow, I knew Eddie meant it, but I didn’t feel like forgiving her just yet. I was beyond shocked at the vindictive move.

“Go to bed, Eddie, because I am embarrassed right now. I’m an adult and don’t need you to fight my battles. Especially when you hurt someone,” Ice said in a cold voice.

Eddie flinched at that. Pops helped me sit up as I dragged in beautiful lungfuls of air.

“I can’t apologise enough,” Drake said.

I glanced over at him, and holy shit. Phoe was a lucky woman. Drake was wearing shorts and nothing else. For forty-seven, that guy was fit!

“Aaron, get everyone back to bed,” Phoe instructed as Uncle Carter helped me into a chair.

I was trembling from head to toe and weak all over. This was the drawback of asthma I hated. Hell, I ran, did dressage, took part in showjumping and was generally fit. Yet, this disease would always bring me to my knees.

“How are you feeling?” Pops asked, looking worried.

I offered him a thumbs-up. He turned to Drake with an irate look.

“Had that been one of my grandkids, I’d have paddled their ass. She could have caused Demi a serious injury.”

“I’m sorry, Spike. Eddie will be severely punished. She’s a handful, but Eddie doesn’t usually hurt people,” Drake replied. Phoe coughed, and Drake reddened. “I said not usually!”

“Eddie has the makings of a bully. Your indulgence of her and Peyton needs to stop. We all know they’re your girls, but you’re ruining them. They get away with far more than the boys do, and enough is enough,” Phoe informed Drake as she rubbed my hands.

“We’ve got her,” Uncle Deke said, “you all should go back to bed.”

“Are you sure?” Phoe asked.

“Yes. But get that damn snake out of here,” he replied.

“Scout already took Slither. It’s safe now, and he wouldn’t hurt anybody. He’s a corn snake and non-venomous,” Ice explained.

“Still, finding that in your bed is enough to scare anyone,” Phoe stated as Drake helped her up. “Eddie’s in deep shit.”

“Come on, let’s leave Demi to rest,” Drake ordered as I waved at them.

My throat hurt, and my lungs felt heavy. They always did after a big attack. Ice seemed hesitant about leaving, but Pops glared at him, and he left.

Uncle Deke told the others to go to bed and said he’d wait with me. Once they’d gone, Uncle Deke checked the room for any other hidden surprises and then carried me over to the bed and tucked me in. He dragged over a comfy armchair to sit in as the nebulizer continued its work.

Slowly and reassured Uncle Deke was here, I drifted back off to sleep.

◆◆◆

I made my way down the stairs, hearing chaos from the bottom floor. Kids were rushing about, and I heard a gong.

“Breakfast!” a boy shouted, and they headed into the dining room we’d eaten in last night. I looked around for an adult and saw one of Phoe’s older children appear. Christian, I thought his name was.

“Morning, Demi, how do you feel?” he asked, seeing me on the stairs.

“Better, thanks,” I replied. I never felt shame for having an attack. I had a medical condition, and if people didn’t like it, tough.

“You scared a few of us last night,” Christian stated.

“Sorry. It was such a shock, and worse, Slither pulled me out of a deep sleep.”

“Eddie could have taken Snickers, so you’re lucky,” Christian said.

“Snickers?”

“My rat. He’s about four now and getting on. Snickers loves snicker bars, hence his name. I’d have tanned her ass myself if Eddie had taken him,” Christian explained.

“Any other weird pets?” I questioned.

Christian grinned. “One or two. Ice doesn’t have any, so don’t worry. But our cousin Nova has a Goliath Birdeater Tarantula, and Cody, for whatever reasons, breeds frogs.”

“Cody is your brother?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“Why do you have so many strange animals?” I inquired as Christian waved a hand for me to walk beside him as we headed to the dining room.

“It was a punishment for the MC. The brothers were being assholes, and the women came up with a creative way of punishing them. In all honesty, they find a variety of ways to get our caveman heads out of our asses.” Christian chuckled.

“You’re a prospect too. But you work for the Trusts?” I asked, trying to remember what Christian did.

“Yeah. Cody and I took over two of the Trusts to give Mum more time at home. She worked hard like everyone else but was starting to burn out. Juggling the Trusts, the kids, the club, and everything else she did, she needed a break. Cody and I gave her one,” he said as he opened the door.

A loud clamour greeted me as the children of the house all talked over each another.

Sitting in a chair at the end and looking perfectly contrite was Eddie. I almost bought it until I saw the cunning in her eyes. Well, damn. That child knew how to play an audience. I wondered if Phoe would fall for it.

Phoe sat in her seat answering a question from one of the children but keeping a sharp eye on everyone.

“It’s a buffet breakfast; just help yourself,” Phoe said to me as we walked in.

“Thank you,” I replied.

A hand touched my elbow as Christian moved towards the buffet. I looked over my shoulder and saw Ice.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Better, thanks,” I answered as we moved towards the sideboards. I was amazed at the range of food on offer. But it made sense, considering how many people were eating. There was a full English, cereal, muffins, toast, and pastries. “Wow.”

“Mom believes that breakfast is the main meal of the day,” Ice said as he began loading a plate up.

I followed suit and sat next to him at the table, where Phoe calmly held Eddie’s gaze. Eddie shot me a look and ducked her head.

As soon as everybody had sat and eaten, Eddie stood up to escape.

“Sit,” Phoe commanded.

Eddie sat quickly.

“I’ve considered your punishment and have decided,” Phoe said, and silence fell as everyone looked in her direction. “Your carelessness and absolute determination in always being right and escaping consequences are unparalleled. Despite several warnings and shots across your bow, Eddie, you haven’t learnt constraint.

“The time on your punishment will hopefully make you consider in the future before you act. For the next month, you’ll clean the stables every night after school and every weekend evening. Then I have arranged for you to help for the next two months at Calamity and Rosie’s shelter once more.

“In the meantime, all privileges have been suspended for the next three months. No gaming, no mall time, no trips or treats. You will also volunteer at an old people’s home on a Sunday, serving dinners and fetching tea and coffee for them. You’ll be their gopher. Perhaps then you will gain a respect for people and their illnesses.”

“No!” Eddie exclaimed, horrified. “Old people smell!”

“That was going to last for three months. Instead, now it’s six,” Phoe stated.

“Mom!” Eddie cried.

“I haven’t finished. You will also take a punishment from Demi and not complain. Demi will let you know what it is when she’s decided.”

“What!” Eddie shouted as she looked at me. I could see the apprehension in her eyes, and I sent her a wicked smile.

“She was your victim, and Demi could have been seriously harmed last night, if not worse. It’s right she gets a say in your punishment. And to start for the next week, you and you alone will clear the table and wash up by hand!” Phoe announced.

Eddie’s jaw dropped open. I could see she was gearing up to argue.

“Naturally, any arguments will lead to further punishment being meted out,” Phoe stated, and I almost applauded her.

“What about school?”

“When you are at school, you’ll clear dinner plates. Breakfast would be too much to expect. But on the weekends, if you’re here, you are clearing, and you will be getting up early. No lie-ins!” Phoe said and folded her arms. Wow!

Eddie glowered at Phoe, and then at me as Ice chuckled.

“Think of something dirty for her to do. Eddie loathes getting filthy unless she’s up to shit,” Ice murmured.

I choked a laugh down at how easily he threw his sister under the bus.

“You have a rather large garden area,” I said to Phoe, who looked up and nodded. “Eddie should clear the leaves from the trees, etc, with a stick, not a rake.”

Phoe grinned as Eddie glowered even more.

“Nice idea. She can do one hour after school each night.”

“But that means it will never get done!” Eddie cried.

“Then maybe you’ll be more considerate in the future and think shit through!” Phoe shot back.

“Dad!” Eddie wailed.

I saw Drake blanch, but he blanched under Phoe’s stern stare.

“Your Mom’s spoken. Do as she says.” Drake took the wise choice and backed Phoe up.

Eddie looked devastated and began pouting, but when nobody showed any sympathy, she stopped.

“You’re lucky. Had you been mine, I’d have tanned your backside until you couldn’t sit down,” Pops growled at Eddie, who stared at him in horror.

“You could have killed my niece last night. If her pumps and nebulizer hadn’t been to hand, then shit would have hit the fan. Maybe you ought to think about that before starting next time,” Uncle Deke said firmly.

Drake bristled. He clearly didn’t like anyone telling Eddie off, especially Uncle Deke, but he couldn’t argue the point.

Quiet talk broke out as the adults began discussing their day. Being Saturday, the kids weren’t at school, but they all seemed to have plans apart from Eddie.

“Eddie, clear the table, wash up and put away, and head to the stables to muck out. Dad will take you to Calamity and Rosie’s in two hours. Should you not be done, there’ll be further punishment, just in case you’re thinking of dragging your heels,” Phoe said as Eddie sulked in her seat.

Eddie sent Phoe a baleful look but did as she was told.

“What do you have planned today?” Ice asked me.

“I don’t know, to be honest. Usually, I’d be helping around the ranch. Not having something to do is disturbing,” I replied.

“Your uncles and Spike have plans. Fancy a tour of the house and estate?” Ice suggested.

“Yeah, that would be nice. Phoe showed us a few places, but we were on edge, and we can’t exactly head into town,” I answered.

Ice gave me a wink. “There’s plenty to do here!”

Ice

“No!” Demi howled. “You cheat!”

I broke into laughter at the betrayed look on her face.

We were in the man cave, aka the basement in the gaming room, and were playing a first-person shooter game, and I’d had just sacrificed Demi to escape.

Demi launched a cushion at me as Jared, Aaron, and Tony laughed.

“I can’t believe you fell for that!” Jared chortled.

“Seriously!” Demi yelled at me while I did a victory wriggle in my seat.

“Girl, we’re running from serial killers, I wasn’t going to be a statistic!” I teased.

“You’re a bad example to your brothers. If this was real life, would you have left me?” Demi demanded.

“Quicker than a dog scenting a bitch in heat,” I replied, laughing.

“Wow. Chivalry is dead,” Demi muttered as we picked characters for the next round.

We’d been playing for about twenty minutes, and I had just nearly escaped when the serial killer discovered us. Quickly, I’d sacrificed Demi, and we’d all fled.

“I wasn’t putting my head on the chopping board!” I retorted, and Demi glowered. “You are a sore loser!”

“Hell yeah. I solved those puzzles while you all grunted and scratched your balls. You’d all be trapped still. You’re all on your own from now on in!” Demi shot back.

I was laughing as the game loaded up.

It had been a fun morning. I’d shown Demi around the house and loved her reactions. She’d especially liked the ballroom and long gallery. Then we had taken a golf cart, and I’d shown her the grounds. Everything had spellbound Demi.

We’d stopped at the stables, and Demi had fussed the horses. I was hoping I could take her out riding soon. It would be nice. But I didn’t think Mom would let me sneak that past her, not with my broken arm. However, we’d had snowfall already, and the next two days promised a shit load more. That meant I could get the sleigh out, and I thought Demi would enjoy that.

She’d loved our man cave with the bowling alley and swimming pool down here and all the other stuff.