Chapter 4
The world came back slowly. My body felt heavy, like it was stitched together with lead, every movement a dull ache. I blinked against the dim light, my eyes focusing on the sterile white ceiling of what looked like a private clinic room.
Deacon was beside me, his broad frame slouched in a chair, his head lifting as I stirred.
“Layla,” Deacon said, leaned forward, his calloused hand resting gently on mine. “I found you outside my gate three days ago. You were… bad off. We put you in a medically induced coma, reset your bones, cleaned you up. You’re safe now.”
My throat was dry, the words scraping out. “What… what happened?”
He took a deep breath. “I got all your school work. They think you have the flu, and someone has been doing the work, and we take it back. We won't let them take more from you. They gave you drugs so you wont remember what happened but they did rape you and one of them branded you its a wolf ring mark so I have a clue who it is and tons of DNA but no matches yet. We gave you meds for pregnancy and for STDS you will be ok.”
My hand instinctively went to my side, where a bandage covered what must’ve been the brand, the skin tender under the gauze. My chest tightened, a sob clawing its way up. Deacon moved to the bed, wrapping his arms around me. I cried into his shoulder, the leather of his cut cool against my cheek. “I heard them,” I choked out, my voice raw. “Bobby… and that kid from the first night. I think."
The days that followed were a blur of pain and recovery. I have Tann go get the laptop and phone. I text my uncle and say sorry, I lost the phone in the house and couldn't message. He probably won't believe me but that gives me a week to heal and get my shit in order. Two days later, I go home, and my dogs are happy to see me. I need to train. So that's what I have done since they finished my schooling. I can build my muscles back up.
A week later, I'm sitting at my graduation. I was wearing a deep purple dress with black leggings and a black cap and gown. The Wolf MC kids’ names echoed through the speakers, and each one met with rowdy cheers from their crew, including my so-called “family”—Mom and my brothers- their voices loud and proud for everyone but me. When “Layla Montgomery” was called, only Tanner and Star’s shouts cut through the noise. Deacon had tried to be here, but a last-minute MC meeting out of town—one the other party refused to reschedule—kept him away. I spotted Uncle Rick in the crowd, his face half-hidden under a ball cap, keeping low-key at his side until my birthday.
I hadn’t had time to dig into the laptop, but I’d glimpsed enough: the bitch I called Mom wasn’t my mother. The truth sat heavy in my chest, and as I crossed the stage, diploma in hand, I felt the sting of their indifference. I’d expected it, but it hurt all the same.
After the ceremony, I found Tanner and Star near the exit, their grins wide despite the tension in my shoulders. We snapped a quick picture, the three of us framed against the auditorium’s faded banners, my smile more for them than the camera. In the corner of my eye, I caught Lisa from the Crescent Moon diner staring, her expression unreadable. Then I saw her—the woman I’d called Mom—posing for photos with my brothers and the other Wolf MC grads. My brothers were right there with her, grinning like they’d won something, not one of them glancing my way.
I locked eyes with her for a moment, her gaze cold with something like hate, and I turned away. “Let’s go, guys,” I said to Tanner and Star. We grabbed burgers from the diner and went home. I know they told Deacon what happened. I don't care if they do.
Tann and Star also told him they haven't seen my family since we moved in. They are always at the MC, and no one checks on me. Hell, they don’t even text me.
Back at the apartment, we were sprawled on the couch, half-watching some action flick, Zero and Lady dozing at my feet, when Star sat up, her piercings glinting in the dim light. “Let’s go, we wanna show you something,” she said, her grin mischievous.
Tanner was already grabbing his keys. We hopped on our bikes, the roar of my Harley blending with theirs as we tore through the night, the cool air sharp against my skin. They led me to Spirit MC’s compound, the gravel lot lit by a massive bonfire, its flames licking the sky. A banner stretched across the clubhouse entrance, bold white letters on black: “Congratulations Ice”.
My throat tightened, tears stinging my eyes as Rock stepped forward, his massive arms pulling me into a bear hug. “We’re proud of you.”
“Thank you, everyone!” I shouted, my voice carrying over the crackle of the fire, the crowd of Spirit MC members cheering back. A table was piled high with gifts—wrapped boxes, bags, even a leather jacket with my name stitched on it. A towering cake sat nearby, chocolate with purple icing, and Cook was at the grill, flipping burgers and ribs, the smoky aroma filling the air. Tanner handed me a cold beer, and we settled into chairs around the fire, the warmth of the flames and their laughter wrapping around me like a shield. We talked—about the shop I’d open in Broken Arrow, the tattoos I’d ink, the life I was building. For the first time that day, I felt seen, wanted.
My phone buzzed, a string of texts from my brother lighting up the screen. Pictures of their Wolf MC party, other grads getting gifts from her, all smiles and celebration. I stared at the photos then sent a picture of my banner with all the presents in front of it. That’ll shut him up.
Spirit MC didn’t have anyone graduating but me. Tann takes them to my room, and I have it here, and then Deacon hands me the deed to the shop I wanted. It was a gift. He puts it in his safe in his office till I’m in my own place.
I looked around, the firelight flickering on their faces, and felt the weight of their love. “Thank you, everyone,” I said, my voice thick. “This is the best day I’ve had since Dad died.” I paused, steadying myself. “I’m gonna head out now, gotta let the dogs out.”
I rode home alone, the night air cool against my tear-streaked face, the deed’s promise burning in my mind.
I pulled into the apartment complex. I was halfway to the door when I saw Lisa crossing the lot.
“Hi, Lisa,” I said, pausing by my bike, keys still in hand. “You know your brother’ll get mad if you’re talking to me.”
She shrugged. “Oh well,I don't appreciate what they are doing to you. Here, congrats, I saw you got valedictorian and a scholarship to Art school. That is amazing.”
I smiled, the praise warming me. “Thank you, and it's ok, my dad was the only one in my corner. I was right there when they shot him. My mom acts like she's mad. I got saved. I was sitting at the table, and Dad covered me, too. I am sure that isn't how they tell it over there.”
They know that they got nothing in his will but $100,000 each. Ghost and I got the rest, that's why they hate me. My dad was rich. His dad, my grandfather was the Mafia boss in Tulsa till my Uncle Renegade or Rick, as only family can use his given name, took over so he had money. Money’s a hell of a grudge.
Lisa nodded. Before I could say more, my phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Senator Papa. I raised a finger, signaling Lisa to hold on. “Hello, Senator, how you doing today?” That's how he knows I'm not alone and need to move to privacy. I wave bye to Lisa. I can't have her tell them I'm talking to him, even if she only does it by accident, because Mom hates him. I don't know why.
I stepped toward my apartment, the phone pressed to my ear as a chorus of shouts erupted from the other end—“Congrats!”—really loud from him and what sounds like everyone in the room over there.
“Thank you, guys,” I said, unlocking my door and slipping inside.
“I was calling you to tell you we will meet you in Broken Arrow the day of your birthday we want to see you. We also want to help you pick out a house Nana said she has the perfect one hell she might have got it already. I heard her on the phone for security, a panic apartment and a 25 ft. electric fence put up. if you don't like it I understand we can change it whatever you want but it has 200 acres with it.”
“That sounds perfect, is it staying in Nana's name? I'm happy we all have reconnected since dad died. I feel like I have family again.”
“No, we are putting in a false name so no one can find it if you don't want them to. Me too, princess. I’m happy Uncle Rick found you. I love you, princess. Nana loves you too.”
“I’m happy we reconnected since Dad died,” I said, tears pricking my eyes. “Good night, see you in a week. I love you and Nana too.”
I hung up the phone, heavy in my hand, and headed to the bathroom. The shower’s hot water pounded my shoulders, washing away the day’s highs and lows. I pulled on a tank top and sweats, my damp hair sticking to my neck, and settled by the window. Outside, the Wolf MC’s party was in full swing, my family having fun without me, and my mom never looked over here.
Then I saw Lisa march up, her car parked nearby, stuffed with boxes and bags to the roof. Her voice carried, sharp and fearless. “You all are awful people. I'm moving back in with our parents. Tank dad will be pissed when he hears how you are acting.” She didn’t wait for a reply, just turned and climbed into her car, the engine roaring as she peeled out of the lot.
That gives me an idea for before I move. His dad is going to get security feed of the night I was taken and all the feed since I moved in from here and from the MC as well. It’d show everything: their neglect, their hostility, maybe even hints of Bobby and Tank’s brother. Tech could pull it, and I’d hand it over before I left for Broken Arrow. Let them face the truth.
My eyes drifted back to the party, and I froze. Mom turned, her leather vest catching the firelight, a new patch gleaming: Property of Vengeance. My stomach twisted. She has a property of Vengeance on it. Well, hell, she got claimed and didn't invite me. Hell, she didn't even tell me it was going to happen.