Chapter Seven

Phoebe

I stayed up all night, rechecking and triple checking the cards.

Every reading was the same.

Shaw was about to be tested and his decision would decide the outcome of his future. I knew something big was about to happen, because right after midnight, my sister Athena called me to give me the same warning.

Trouble was coming.

She couldn't see it clearly, but whatever was about to happen was big. Gathering my cards, I headed downstairs. Thinking a change of scenery would help me get a clearer picture, I walked into the kitchen to find my brother sitting at the kitchen table.

There in front of him was my teapot and two teacups.

"Had a feeling you would show up tonight."

"You feel it too?"

He simply nodded. "Something is coming."

Taking a seat, I laid my cards down next to me as Dimeter poured us both some tea.

"Every reading says the same thing. I don't know what to do."

"What did Athena say?"

"She can't see, but she knows it's major."

"Well." Dimeter sighed. "I may not believe like you, but two heads are better than one, right?"

I smiled. "Yeah. I guess so."

"So, give me the cards and let's figure this shit out."

For the next hour or so, Dimeter and I read and reread the cards until we were so exhausted we could barely keep our eyes open. In the end, Dimeter left me to my own thoughts.

The longer I sat there, the more nervous I got.

However, the cards were clear on one thing.

Whatever was going to happen would happen today.

The entire club was celebrating Cameron's birthday.

The cheerful boy was officially seven years old today, and I had to admit, I was glad I was here to see him celebrate.

Watching Cameron chase his little puppy around the backyard, I tried to enjoy the merriment, but everything in me was on high alert as I waited for fate to rear her ugly head.

The longer I waited, the more anxious I got. So, when I saw King rush over to Frank, I knew this was it. Whatever it was, this was the beginning of trouble.

Moving closer, I heard King ask, "Where is Enigma?"

"Left before the party. Why?"

"George just called. Bastard found Sugar. It's bad."

Shit. That wasn't good.

The entire club knew that Sugar's ex-husband wasn't a nice man. In fact, the bastard tried more than once to kill Sugar, and would have damn near succeeded the last time, if it hadn't been for Enigma and my brother showing up when they did.

"Callum!" Gunner shouted, causing everyone to stop what they were doing. Listening intently, we all clearly heard Gunner say, "Callum, Mike called. It's Enigma."

"What about him?"

"Mike just arrested him for murder."

"What?" Pyro shouted.

Gunner nodded. "Not lying. Mike said he was called to Sugar's place. Said it's a fucking mess. Paramedics rushed Sugar to the hospital. John Stanley is dead. Enigma admitted to killing him."

"Fuck!" King cursed, running his hand through his hair. "Okay, Scribe, get your ass over to the sheriff's station. See what you can do, and tell Enigma I said to shut the fuck up. Make damn sure he doesn't say shit to anyone. Not even Mike. Take Banks and Hawk with you."

"Hawk is with Trip at the hospital," my brother stated. "I need Pyro. He and Banks can help me keep Enigma calm."

"Priest. You and I are going to Sugar's place."

NO!

Oh God. Did he know what he was asking? Shaw couldn't. His mind wouldn't survive it. He barely survived it the last time.

Looking at Shaw, he stared at me, afraid. I could clearly see the worry and fear, as it radiated all around him. He didn't want to do this. No one knew what Shaw was capable of. He never talked about it. He always said it was his curse, for being the son of a serial killer.

"I need you to do your thing, brother. I know I promised you would never have to do it again, but I'm asking. For Enigma," King implored.

I saw the indecision in Shaw's eyes. He wanted to say no, but his loyalty to this club and his brothers wouldn't let him. The second he made the decision, an icy breeze blew against my back.

It was done.

He'd made his decision.

Oh God. What did he just do?

And when he nodded, unable to say the words, King simply replied, "Thank you, brother. Gunner, call Gator and the Bourbon Kings. Tell him what's going on. He can let Sugar's parents know. Then head over to the hospital and protect Sugar. Take Frank with you."

"What if they ride?"

"Then they ride."

"Callum," Bailey whispered, tears shining in her eyes as she looked up at her husband. "What can we do?"

"Cupcake, I need you and the ladies to stay here. I can't take care of Enigma if I'm worried about you girls running wild. Promise me you will all stay here."

"I promise," Bailey sniffed.

Running around the side of the clubhouse, I raced toward the vehicles, knowing he would already be there waiting, as King finished handing out orders.

Marching right up to him, I glared. "Tell him you can't do it, Shaw."

"I can't."

"The hell you can't. Just tell him no."

"I'm sorry, Phoebe."

"Please, Shaw. Don't do this. You don't remember what you were like the last time because you stayed drunk, unable to get the images out of your head. It almost killed you, Shaw!"

"I can handle it."

"No, you can't!" I cried, tears streaming down my face. "Oh God. Please, Shaw. Please don't do this."

In the next instant, his arms wrapped around me, holding me close.

"Don't cry, baby. It's going to be alright."

"No, it's not," I sobbed, shaking my head.

And I was right.

It wasn't.

Because when Shaw returned to the club later that night, I took one look at him and knew. He didn't have to say anything and there was nothing I could say.

Instead, I watched as he grabbed a bottle of Hell's Breath from behind the bar, before quietly walking upstairs to his room and shutting the door.