I got a group text from Reed telling us that Kyle is awake and doing okay. Thank fuck for that, hopefully he’ll be in such good spirits that I won’t get a bunch of shit from him for bringing Angel here. Honestly, I don’t think that he likes her the least bit in the first place. He’s never even met her before, but the one day where Daisy needed me to be there and guard her, I’d left because Angel needed me. He’ll probably associate Angel with Daisy being hurt, and I can’t blame him for that.

Trick helped me get Angel into my room, and I made damn sure there’s nothing in there that can possibly hurt her. I haven’t even had a second to think about the next steps, or what the hell I’m going to do with her. I know I have to talk to Reed, but there is no plan for what to do when she starts going through withdrawal. I could go out and get some shit for her, slowly wean her off...that’s given I know what she’s even on in the first place...or I can just let her go cold turkey, sweat it out, thrash and detox.

“I want her.”

I’m brought out of my overthinking by Trick’s voice, looking over to him I furrow my brows. “I want her.” He repeats himself, eyes trained on me.

“I’m layin’ claim to that sister of yours here and now. I want her, and I don’t give up on things I want.” He states, crossing his arms. I can’t tell if he’s trying to intimidate me, or if he’s lost his damn mind.

“You don’t even know her. She’s fuckin’ high as shit right now and you’re wanting to lay claim to her like you’ve been with her for years.”

“Listen up, Prospect. I wasn’t asking for your permission. I’m telling you that Angel is my bitch now, she’s my fuckin’ ol’ lady and there’s nothing you can do about it. She’s my responsibility, and she’s family. She won’t have to worry about you anymore.” I stare at the old timer, who’s maybe in his mid to late forties, still not understanding what the hell he’s doing.

It doesn’t make any damn sense to me.

“She told me what happened, the day Daisy was taken. She got all sappy in the car and started laying that shit on me, about how you came and took her to the ER. You were the reason she was alive, but she’s the reason you’re barely living.” I brush my hand across my face at his words, taking in a deep breath, “She doesn’t wanna be your responsibility anymore, Pain. Let her be someone else’s. It’s about damn time I settled down anyway, been lookin’ for a crazy bitch to call my own and damn if your sister doesn’t seem crazy enough to keep me on my toes.”

“You don’t know what she’s like.” I shake my head, mumbling to him.

“I’ll learn. The only thing you need to worry about is your own shit, and how to get that damn prospect patch off. If you wanna be a full patch you gotta fight for it, and something’s telling me you haven’t been fighting for it hard enough. Reed wants you to. It’s not about his forgiveness, boy. He wants to see you’re fuckin’ blood thirsty for it, so show him.” I don’t know Trick well, but he’s got a point, and a damn good one at that.

I go into the kitchen and busy myself for the next hour, making up cold cuts and keeping myself busy. We all do a shit ton around the club to make sure it’s easy on everyone, picking up slack kind of like an oversized family. At least no one will have to worry about having a quick bite to eat for the next few days.

The rumbling of bikes tell me that a few of the brothers are back and right  Right as I take a peek glance up to see who it is, the front door comes open and so does Reed, followed by Elena, Maria and Chaos. Trick comes out of nowhere from down the hallway. His ass must’ve been in with Angel, I wasn’t even paying any attention. Shit, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place. Me not paying enough attention to her.

“Prez, I gotta talk to you. It’s important,” I tell Reed, walking towards him.

“Yeah, we gotta talk. I need you to round up the brothers and tell them to check their phones in about an hour. Darius and I have called a meet with the Jackals, and this shit can’t wait.”

“Bet.” I reply quickly, taking my phone out and texting every brother that’s able on about

Reed’s face contorts into a stern glare. He looks angry, concerned and then  concern flashes on across his face before anger wipes over him yet again. “Why’d you bring her here of all places?”

“She needs a safe place to detox. I couldn’t just leave her back in that house to keep getting high, she’s slowly killing herself.”

“It isn’t your job to watch out for your sister, Pain. It’s what got you in trouble in the first fucking place..” Reed hisses through clenched teeth, “I don’t have to remind you of the pain that your sister caused Daisy. If you were there she might not have went through any of it.”

“Or he would have been dead” Trick interrupts, making Reed turn his mean mug to him.

“Was I talking to you?”

“Nah, but you sure as hell are now. I’m assuming all responsibility over Angel. She’s my bitch, my ol lady. You aren’t gonna go against a brother’s woman now, are you?” Trick cocks his head from side to side, almost daring Reed to be an idiot and suddenly it makes sense.

Trick didn’t claim my sister because he likes her. He claimed her because it’s the only thing that would guarantee her safety.