Chapter Nine

Devil

WATCHING DOC PUT Genesis' arm back into place is one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I can't say that I haven't watched it happen in the past because we've all been there or close to it depending on what we've done in the past. I have dislocated my shoulder and it hurts like a bitch. Even without waking up, I could tell Genesis was in so much pain. That's after Doc gave her a shot of pain medicine. He got her shoulder back where it should be and then put her arm in a sling so she's not moving it all over the place. Raptor asked why she hasn't woken up yet, and Doc doesn't know for sure. All he knows is that her vitals are good and she does have two lumps on her head. That could be the reason she's not waking up right now. If she doesn't wake up in the next two hours, he's going to take her to his office so he can get further testing done on her. For now, he's done bloodwork and is continuously checking her vitals. Doc's rarely left her side since we got her to the clubhouse and is currently sitting in the chair at Raptor's desk.

"Devil, why don't we go check on the baby so we know how he's doin' when Genesis wakes up. Doc will call us if she opens her eyes so we can get back up here. We'll get somethin' to eat and make sure we're not needed for anythin'," Raptor suggests, pulling my attention from Genesis as I face my best friend.

"I'm not leavin' her, Raptor. I want to be here when she opens her eyes so she's not alone with Doc. No offense, but she doesn't know you to my knowledge," I state, my voice hard as Doc looks up at me.

"I don't see her wakin' up right this second, Devil. The pain medicine will keep her asleep for a little bit longer. I didn't give her a strong medicine because of the injury to her head. You have time to get somethin' to eat and check on Matie before comin' back. If you don't eat, you won't be any good to her when she does finally open her eyes," Doc informs us as he keeps his attention on Genesis where she lays in the middle of Raptor's bed with the blankets pulled up to her chest.

Doc has pillows surrounding her shoulder and arm to keep it in place when she's asleep. For the first time looking at Genesis, I use the opportunity to truly look at her. Despite the bruising covering her face, she's got bags under her eyes from lack of sleep and her face is paler than I've ever seen it. The darkness of the bruising only reinforces how pale she really is. Genesis' eyelashes are long as they rest against her face and for the first time she looks at peace. The weight of the world isn't resting on her shoulders or concerns about work and the baby. It's like she's truly calm and not letting anything get to her. I want to make her look the same way when she's awake.

"Fine. I'll leave long enough to eat. I'm not goin' to church or anythin' else no matter what anyone says. Matie can sit with us when we eat. Morgan's had him since we came back up," I finally tell Raptor as he starts to head for the door of his room and I slowly follow him.

Before walking through the door, I look back at Genesis one more time to make sure she's not waking up. Honestly, she's barely moved since Doc put her shoulder in place again. After releasing a scream that barely left her lips, Genesis settled down and has been in the same position ever since. I didn't even know someone who was knocked out could scream, moan, and whimper in pain or anything else. Doc looked just as surprised as us when it happened so maybe it's not a common occurrence.

I finally pull my eyes from Genesis and follow Raptor to the stairs as we make our way to the common room. Everyone is sitting around the room, not partying or talking really loud when we enter. Morgan is holding the baby in her arms as Raptor heads straight for her and takes Matie from her. He walks back over to me and hands the little boy over. Cradling him against my chest, I sit down at the empty table next to me and don't move as I look down at Matie sleeping in my arms.

"Want somethin' to eat?" Deegan asks us, stepping up at my side and looking down at Matie.

"I guess that's the reason I'm down here," I tell him, not having an appetite at all, but knowing I have to eat something.

"I'll be right back with somethin'. Vault ordered pizza and shit for everyone. We left some for Raptor, Doc, and you to have once you came down. I'm gonna take a plate up to Doc if that's okay," he informs us as Raptor sits with me with two bottles of water.

"Yeah. In and out. Don't linger, Deegan. Genesis doesn't need to wake up to find a ton of people in my room," Raptor says as the Prospect nods in agreement before disappearing again.

Vault and King walk up to the table and pull out the two chairs opposite of Raptor and myself. I don't really want to talk about anything, but I know what they have to say is important and they don't want to wait to share whatever it is. So, I wait and tell myself to listen to them and not let my attention wander to the woman up in Raptor's bed.

"I didn't catch much on the security footage from the club. For the most part, what I can tell is that there were at least three men involved in the attack on Genesis. They caught her at the back door where she was leanin' against the wall before draggin' her into the forest behind the club. Once they disappear into the trees, I got nothin' on what happened. What I do know is they did hit her before draggin' her away," King informs us, fueling my rage as I try to keep myself in check since I'm holding the baby. "When they left, the assholes went around the side of the buildin' and I lost them. they didn't get in a car or anythin' so I can't even tell anyone what we're lookin' for. My best guess is they parked down the road and walked back there usin' the shadows to hide as much as possible."

"Three fuckin' men took on one woman?" Raptor growls, his voice low and deadly as Deegan drops off plates for each of us and walks away again. "That's fuckin' ridiculous. Nothin' came up in her background check that would indicate anyone after her. I've been over it more than once. Who are we thinkin' these fuckers are?"

"Do we know who the father of the baby is? Where she even got the baby?" Vault asks, his eyes drifting to Matie in my arms as I lean forward slightly and pick up a piece of pizza before taking a bite.

"No. Up until this point, it wasn't our business to ask those kinds of questions. When she wakes up, I'll talk to her and see what I can find out," Raptor says as he slowly eats his own food and I know he doesn't have an appetite either.

"I don't want to make a production out of this shit after what Genesis has just been through. Raptor and Devil, you two talk to her and see what she has to say. I want as much information as possible from her without upsettin' her and makin' her shut down. Don't force her to tell you anythin' but see if she'll talk," Vault says, leaning forward on the table as he looks between the two of us.

"I wouldn't push her regardless of what anyone said. Genesis doesn't deserve that shit and I won't upset her more than she already is. When she wakes up, she's gonna be in pain and who knows how she'll be mentally and emotionally. We'll do what we can and let you know if she talks," I return, pushing my plate of food away and standing with Matie in my arms.

Without waiting for anyone to say another word or follow me, I leave the common room and make my way back to Raptor's room. Opening the door, I enter and find Doc checking Genesis over again. He's taking her vitals and marking things down like he typically does. I don't say a word as I remain standing at the foot of the bed and keep my eyes locked on Genesis. Nothing else matters as I let myself zone out while holding Matie in my arms and thinking of the woman laying before me.

"She's wakin' up," Doc says, pulling me out of my head as I look down to see him still on the edge of the bed with Genesis.

Raptor isn't here so I have no clue how much time has passed. Especially with Matie still in my arms and fast asleep. I say I zoned out, but I was aware of Matie in my arms and the room around me. It's like I just became super focused on Genesis and couldn't see past her. It's probably not the best time to be holding Matie in my arms, but I was aware enough that nothing would've happened to him.

"Where's Raptor?" I question Doc, looking around the room to find no one else with us.

"I'll get him now. Let her wake up slowly," Doc tells me, leveling me with a look to show how serious he is right now. "She might be confused, but there's nothin' we can do until she's fully up. Don't pester her with questions and let me be the first to talk to her."

"Okay, Doc. I don't want to do anythin' to upset her," I tell him, my voice soft as Matie stirs in my arms and snuggles deeper into my chest.

"I know you don't, Devil. We'll get this situation figured out. I'll be right back."

Doc leaves the room like his ass is on fire. He leaves the door open as I listen to him calling for Raptor from the hallway as he races toward the stairs. My eyes are locked on Genesis as she opens her eyes and moans as the full force of the pain hits her. I've been in enough situations to realize that's what is happening to her right now. I sit on the end of the bed carefully and wait for Genesis to look at me.

"Hey, Sweetness. Doc will be right back. Don't try to talk until then. I don't know if your throat is sore. Maybe he'll give you some water to drink," I warn Genesis with a soft voice when she looks at me.

Thankfully she doesn't try to respond as her eyes flutter closed for a second again. When they pop open, I watch as her gaze darts around the room and I know she's looking for Matie while trying to figure out where she is at the same time.

"Sweetness, I've got Matie right here in my arms. You're in Raptor's room at the clubhouse. We'll talk about why in a few minutes. For now, try to relax as much as you can. Doc and Raptor will be right back," I tell her as her chest starts rising and falling rapidly with fear and panic.

Raptor races into the room just as I finish speaking and he stares at Genesis in his bed before stepping up to the side and dropping to his knees so he's on the same level as her.

"Angel, thank fuckin' God you're awake. I've been so worried about you," he tells her, his voice cracking with the emotion flooding his body as he only has eyes for Genesis.

If it were anyone else, I'd say I was jealous. Considering I'm feeling the same as he is right now, I can't be upset. Even with the uncertainty between the Raptor and myself. Doc enters the room slower and steps up next to Raptor.

"Genesis, I'm Doc. I have a practice in the city and work for the club. I've been takin' care of you since you were brought in a few hours ago. You're quite a lucky lady. I'm sure you're in pain and that your throat is sore. I'm guessin' you were screamin' and that caused slight inflammation to your throat, but it will heal just fine. Your shoulder was dislocated and I put it back in place. That's why your arm is in a sling right now. You have some cracked ribs and that's gonna take a while to heal. I've got them wrapped for now but there's nothin' more I can do for them. Every other injury is superficial. Bruisin' and cuts all over your body and some scrapes along your legs.

"Morgan cleaned the blood from your body the best she could. You do have two lumps on your head from bein' hit there. For now I don't want you to take a shower. I'm sorry to say that Morgan didn't get the blood out of your hair. In a few days, we'll get that taken care of. You'll have to have help and I would prefer you to take a bath instead of a shower at this time. I just don't believe you'll be steady enough on your feet for a shower. I'm gonna give you some water to help your throat. You shouldn't have any issues talkin' if you don't overdo it. These guys are gonna have questions and after answerin' them, please don't talk anymore tonight. I will leave some pain medicine and you won't need any more of the antibiotic until tomorrow when I come back to check on you. Do you have any questions?" Doc informs her as Genesis looks on with eyes as wide as they'll go considering the swelling she has going on there.

"How long will I need to recover?" she asks, her voice raw and raspy as she winces.

Doc quickly grabs a bottle of water as Raptor helps her sit up a little more so she can drink without making a mess on herself or choking on the water. I remain at the end of the bed with Matie sleeping in my arms.

"Your shoulder will need to be in the sling for up to six weeks. It can take up to sixteen weeks for you to fully heal from that injury. The cuts and bruises will fade over time and shouldn't take more than a few weeks to disappear completely. Your ribs will take about six weeks to heal. Honestly, your shoulder will be the longest part of your recovery. I don't want you returnin' to work until it's healed completely," Doc answers her before handing the water over to Raptor and letting us know he'll be in the common room.

"Sweetness, can you tell us what happened tonight? I know you probably don't want to with how we've treated you, but we need to keep you safe and we want to catch the bastards who messed with you," I ask her, turning to lean against the wall so I can get more comfortable.

"I don't have a choice but to trust the club I guess. Tonight made me realize I can't handle this situation on my own and that I need someone at my back. Thank you for finding me," Genesis begins, her voice still raspy and raw sounding as she takes a minute to gather herself and rest her throat. "I grew up in foster care. None of the homes were necessarily bad and I didn't get beaten or anything like that. It wasn't until I was placed with the Pratts that I finally finished bouncing from one place to the next. They already had a daughter of their own. Her name is Melinda and she's a year older than I am.

"Melinda is selfish and only cares about herself and getting what she wants. Shortly after graduating from high school, she met a man named Ricky. I never liked him, but kept my mouth shut because I knew saying anything wouldn't work with Melinda. She got pregnant with Matie and I was checking on them as often as I could. Ricky doesn't like me either. Thinks I interfere too much and said I was trying to take his family from him. He's not a good man.

"Ricky got Melinda hooked on drugs after she had Matie and started to pimp her out to all of his friends. I found out and tried to get her to stop. It didn't work. That's when Ricky banned me from showing up to see them. The day after I helped Morgan here with the wedding, Melinda showed up to my apartment. She handed Matie to me and told me she couldn't be with Ricky anymore. Melinda had been beaten to hell. I made sure she wasn't going to change her mind because there's no way in hell I was going to turn Matie away. I love him and she knows that. She handed over a folder with paperwork I'd need. Including signing away her rights to him. I've had Matie since then and have tried to hide it because this definitely didn't go through the proper channels."

"Fuck, Angel. I'm glad you've been there for Matie. It's been hard on you though. We've both seen the strain you carry," Raptor says, a frown on his face as he looks at me and I nod in agreement with him.

"What happened tonight at the club, Genesis? Who did this to you?" I ask her, keeping the rage out of my voice as much as possible.

"Ricky showed up at the club before you came outside. He wanted to know where Melinda is. Didn't really ask about Matie until I was away from the club. His only concern is Melinda. Honestly, I don't know where she is. The night she brought me the baby is the last time I've had any contact with her. At this point, I'm not even sure if she's still alive. Her parents don't even know I have Matie with me because I'm afraid they'll take him from me.

"Anyway, Ricky doesn't ever get his hands dirty unless he's beating up Melinda or one of his other women. He's cheated on her from the second they met. Two of his guys stepped out of the shadows and they held me while Ricky questioned me. After they hit me in the head, they dragged me into the forest you told us to never go in. Ricky slapped me like the bitch he is before asking me again where Melinda and Matie are. When I went off on him, he released the two assholes with him to beat the fuck out of me. I don't know how long they beat on me, but Ricky told me he'd be back before kicking me in the ribs and leaving me alone. I thought I was gonna die out there. Thank you again for finding me," Genesis answers me with tears rolling down her face.

I carefully lean toward her and use my finger to wipe a few away so they don't soak her, the pillow, and the sling around her arm.

"Do you know Ricky's last name?" Raptor asks her as Genesis' eyes start fluttering closed again.

"Ricky Carmichael. He's the one who had this done to me," she says, her voice fading to nothing as sleep claims her once again.

Raptor and I sit in silence with Genesis until Matie wakes up as Morgan enters the room to grab him from me. She lets us know she'll be in her room with him so he can get fed, changed, and some more sleep. With a nod in response from us, Morgan leaves us alone in the room again. My best friend and I remain focused on Genesis as she sleeps fitfully, nightmares clearly plaguing her. I move closer to her the best I can without getting too close to her injured arm. Raptor lays his head down on the bed by her hip and we slowly let our eyes slide closed to join Genesis in sleep. Neither one of us worry about anything since we're both light sleepers and will wake up if she does again.