Cassidy

Me brothers can’t hold water away from me. When Brax went to Ronan, me brother called me to find out what was going on with me boy. Brax had been barking up some big trees. I’ve kept quiet this long because I know me wee monster is going to rain hell, where hell needs to fall.

Ronan promised to make that happen. It’s what me Braxton needs. He’s so much like me and his father. That temper has the power to destroy. That fucker has it coming to him. I knew the moment Ronan asked, I sob like a baby for hours.

Everything made sense. I didn’t protect her. I knew I was right and I didn’t protect her. I will forever feel as if I failed as a mother. I may not be Heather’s real mother, but she’s like one of me own.

That babe has had enough hurt. So has me wee monster. I can’t stand to watch it any longer. I missed what was going on with Toby and I part of my thinks it’s because I’ve been watching these two so closely.

I hand Nellie the wee babe in my arms and follow after Brax. I find him in the backyard, with his head hung, his shoulders tense. I around him and stand before him. His tortured eyes lift to mine, drawing a shaky smile from me. I pat his chest.

“Come, have a seat with yer mum.”

Brax gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, tossing his arm over my shoulder. Me big boys. I wouldn’t trade a single one of them, not even this one. I couldn’t tell ye how many times I’ve beat the shit out of him, over the years. He has pushed me to the limits, every chance he could. The little fucker has smiled at me after each and every ass whipping, making me want to whip him again and hug him at the same time.

“I warned ye once about chasing after scared rabbits,” I say, once we are seated at the outdoor dining table.

“I’m done chasing,” he murmurs.

I lift a brow. “Aye? Are ye sure?”

“She knows where I stand. When this shit settles I’ll finish what I started,” he shrugs.

“And what’s that?” I tilt my head at him.

“I know who made her this way. I’m going to rip that motherfucker’s head off,” he hisses.

I take note of the fury in his eyes. I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. I nod my head proudly, patting my son’s cheek.

“Just don’t get caught. Remember who we are. If you need yer family, ye call.”

He nods, his face softening, as he pulls me into a hug. “I’ve got her, mom, I’ll show her.”

I stand, kissing his temple, before turning to walk away. I pause, calling over my shoulder. “Brax?”

“Yeah, mom,” he replies.

“Burn the motherfucker down,” I hiss.

“That’s the plan,” he says. I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Love ye, wee monster,” I smile and walk away.

* * *

Heather

Aunt Cass nods her head for me to follow her. I inhale deeply, following her to the back of the house. We step into Aunt Cass’s quiet room. When she comes in this room, we all know not to bother her unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire.

The little woman closes the door behind us and I swear, she seems so much larger than she truly is. She takes a seat in her chair and I go to sit on the floor beside her, just like I used to do when I was little. I was the only one she allowed in this room back then. The memory, bringing a smile to my lips.

“I remember the day you stopped following me in here,” Aunt Cass says, her voice shaky. “At first, I thought you were just getting older. You were so mature for your age.

“Then, I started to feel like something was off. Joe promised he and your father would handle it if something was wrong. When Rob returned, your mother dropped you off and you swore you were okay,” she chokes out.

“I saw a spark of the happy little girl I knew, but the older ye became the more I noticed it wasn’t the same. Ye were peeled. Broken,” Aunt Cass draws in a shuddered breath.

“Again, when ye cutoff ye hair, I tried, but ye lied to my face. Ye will never know how much I regret going against me instincts,” she shakes her head. “But I won’t do it this time.

“My son is in love with you. That lad would go to the ends of the earth for you. Don’t punish him for what I missed,” a sob breaks her last words.

“Oh, Aunt Cass,” I sob, tears soaking my cheeks. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Aye, maybe, but I know for sure it was NOT yer fault,” she says fiercely. “Ye’ve grown into a beautiful young woman despite it all. That fucker will get what he deserves,” she strokes my hair. “But lass, you deserve to be loved and to love.”

I look down at the floor. “I know,” I whisper.

She lifts my chin, giving me a watery smile. “Then, stop playing with me son’s heart, lass. Aye?”

I snort a laugh. “Aye,” I nod.

“Good,” she nods, leaning to kiss my forehead. “Remember, me guns are always at the ready. That beast can’t touch ye ever again. Ye never have to fear.”