38. Dom

"You're quiet today."

I pull my gaze from the road in front of me to look at my woman. I squeeze her hand. "I'm okay, Gorgeous."

"You've been quiet since your father left yesterday."

"It was a rough day," I admit. Shit, the fight with my dad is something I never imagined happening. He and I both have hot heads, so we've clashed quite a bit. I never dreamed it would become physical, though. I glance down at the clock that's on the pad screen of my truck. We'll be at T's in a few minutes. I'm a bundle of nerves and I want to kick my own ass for it. T is my brother. It might be a little stilted at first, but I know the two of us will work it out.

"Okay, spill it. If it's not your dad, what is going on in that head of yours, Dom?"

"I didn't say the stuff with Dad wasn't bothering me, it is."

"Is that all it is?" Thea insists. There's one thing about her, that girl is like a dog with a bone. She doesn't drop things easily.

"I guess I'm nervous about seeing T in person again."

Thea reaches over and grabs my hand and pulls it toward her, squeezing it tight. "Oh my God, Dom. Why on earth would you be nervous? You know T loves you. He'd be the last person on earth to hold a grudge—especially since he's so happy with Lyla and baby Tamsin."

"I know. T doesn't hold grudges—even if I deserve it. I'm not really worried about that," I assure her, and that's the God's honest truth. With a little effort, I know my brother and I will be solid again.

"Then what's the problem?" she asks as I turn into the Demon Chaser's compound. T's house is across from the clubhouse and garage. It's a far enough away from everything, and surrounded by a huge privacy fence making it feel like a normal house, but it is much safer. I've got that property at the lake, but I'm thinking of selling it. I want something more family friendly. I also need to start talking to Thea about moving. I don't see myself returning to my old club. There's just too much to make me question if I'm a full member or not. I don't like how I was done, and I can't put my heart into an organization only to have it yanked out once again.

"Dom?" Thea prompts as I shut off the car.

"Fine. I'm worried he'll cause problems with us."

"Um…what?"

"He's your best friend, Thea. He knows how big of a screw-up I've been. What if he reminds you of all the reasons that you'd be better off without me? What if he reminds you that you deserve more? I've hurt you in the past, being an idiot. T knows that. I just?—"

"Dom, stop," she pleads, turning in her seat to look at me. Her face caresses the side of mine as she looks at me. "Baby, I'm not going anywhere."

I lean over and kiss her briefly. "Let's go play with my niece."

"Now that sounds like fun."

We walk up to T's front door and knock. I wasn't lying. I am nervous to see how T reacts to Thea and I being together. I haven't told him. I don't think I know how to approach the subject of who I'm dating with him. It just seemed easier to spring it on him. Thea may have told him, I don't know. The two of us haven't talked about it and I've never approached the subject with T either.

Christ, my family puts the fun in disfunction. It's running rampant. I'm wondering if it will ever change. The door opens and T is standing there with a grin on his face, holding Tamsin in his arms.

"Holy hell," T says when he looks at Thea curled into my side.

"I'm guessing you hadn't told him we were living together?" I murmur.

"I'm thinking you haven't either," she laughs. "T! Give me my goddaughter. She wants her Auntie Thea's lovin'."

He laughs as Thea steps up to him and takes Tamsin from his arms. "Where's m-my hello hug?"

"I think Dom has it," she jokes with a wink. T steps back and Thea slides in the door with the baby in her arms.

"You and Thea?" T asks and I nod.

"Yeah."

"Is it serious?"

"I've got a diamond ring in my glove compartment that says it is."

T lets out a whistle. "Fuck. T-times have changed."

"I love her, T."

"D-does she know that?"

"If she hasn't figured it out yet, I'll make sure she has no doubts soon."

"C-come inside. Rather n-not talk out here all night."

I step up and hug him. T's stiff for about half a second. Then he returns it. "Love you, T."

He smiles and some of the fear that I've held inside me disappears. "R-ride or d-die," he says.

"Always."

"If you guys are going to stand in the doorway all night, I'm going to close the door on both of you. You're letting bugs in," Lyla chastises.

My gaze moves over to her, and I smile as I look at her. I used to think she was the spitting image of Gabby. I was totally wrong. She's got a sweetness about her that changes all her features and makes them better. There's an aura around her that draws you in. I can see it clearer now that I'm not filled with bitterness and liquor.

"Hey, Lyla," I say as I walk over to her.

"Hi, Dom."

I can see she feels nervous around me. I hate it, even if it is my fault. Rubbing the back of my neck, my gaze finds my woman, who gives me an encouraging smile. For a minute, I watch the way she's cooing at Tamsin. My heart fucking seizes inside my chest. That's my future. That right there is exactly what I want. I won't stop until it's mine. I pull my attention back to Lyla. I take my hand down and slide it into my jeans. "I'm sorry for the last time we met."

"He means he's sorry for being a dick. I've been trying to get that out of him," Thea jokes.

"How's that w-working out for you?" T questions.

"It's a work in progress, but I think I'm going to keep him," she murmurs, kissing the top of the baby's head.

"She means she can't get rid of me," I clarify. "I really am sorry, Lyla. I've had my head in my ass for far too long."

She smirks. "It's probably a family trait. Thomas suffers the same problem from time to time."

"You'll pay for that later, Sunflower," T laughs, not a stutter in sight.

Seeing my brother so happy soothes something inside me. I used to feel guilty, but T is where he belongs. I've fought that for a long time, but now I can see that it's true.

"Promises, promises," she responds quietly. "Thea, I almost have dinner ready. You want to come help me finish up?"

"I'd love to," she says, and she walks over to me and hands me the baby while giving me a quick kiss on my lips. "You need practice," she purrs close to my ear. Fuck, is she saying she wants babies with me? That's something I'm more than ready to make happen.

"Damn, you r-r-really are in love." T interrupts my thoughts and I nod, not about to deny it.

"Yeah. She's my world."

"Even before the club?" he laughs.

I frown. There's one more thing I haven't talked about with T.

"D-Dom?"

"There's stuff I need to talk to you about, T."

"L-like w-w-what?"

"The club."

His gaze rakes over me and I see the moment it hits him. "W-W-Where's your cut?"

"I left the club. Dad called for a vote that kept the club from telling me what was going on with the Demon Chasers and the Feral Kings. I found out and quit. I know I fucked up with you T. I know, and it kills me that I did. I'm paying for it in ways I can't even explain, and I know I deserve much worse."

"S-Stop. I'm g-glad it all happened. If n-not, I would have n-n-never found my Lyla. Hell, honestly, I'm happier here in m-my club than I ever was at the S-S-Savage Brothers. D-Dad and you are b-b-big shadows to l-l-live under."

"Still, you deserved better."

"Happen to think I have the b-best there is right here."

"I think you do, too, little Bro."

"How's D-Dad doing with you w-w-walking away?"

"He's got bigger problems. Mom has been living with Bull and Skye."

"H-holy shit," T answers, and the shock is easy to see on his face.

"They'll work it out, but Mom has a lot to think through. You should call him, though. Or better yet, come visit. Thea and I have our own place. There's plenty of room for you two and my niece."

"You've got your own p-p-place?"

"Yeah. Living with her at Breaker's was making her self-conscious."

"Hold up. Y-you lived with Thea at B-B-Breaker's house?"

"Yeah."

"And y-y-you're still breathing?"

"He's the one who helped get my head out of my ass. I almost lost her because I wouldn't make a move."

"Holy fuck," T laughs. "D-Damn, there's a lot going on back home."

"You have no idea," I laugh.

"Dinner's ready, Thomas," Lyla calls.

"Let's go eat. My woman went all out t-t-tonight."

"Lead the way. Tamsin and I will follow," I laugh, looking down at the baby who is sound asleep in my arms.

Oh, yeah. This right here is what I want with Thea.