Chapter 26

26

HALO

I fall to my knees, unable to really hear what they're telling me.

Riot's okay.

He's alive.

They have him.

"Oh, my God!" My hands cover my mouth and I can't breathe.

Star holds my shoulders as she drops to her knees next to me. "It was Charles," she tells me. "He had a GPS tracker in a watch he gave Riot. Cash, Charles and Manny got to him fast."

"Where is he?"

"Lafayette, they're taking him to the hospital first."

I glance up through my tear stained eyes. "Tell me the truth; he's really going to be okay?"

She nods. "He is. I'm not gonna lie, Hustler said he was pretty beat up, but he's gonna be alright."

I collapse onto my ass and Star pulls me into her arms.

"Is she okay?" I hear Tilly. She made the ride as well. All of these people in my life that I'm so grateful for are here for me.

"She's gonna be fine." Star holds me until I'm out of sobs.

"Why did this happen?"

"We don't know yet."

"And the explosion?" I sob.

"Let's not worry about that."

I pull back from her. "Don't lie to me, Star, we've always been able to be honest with each other."

Her face is grave when her eyes flick to Tilly, then back to me. "It was the Airbnb. The important thing is you're okay."

"And Cookie. Where's Cookie?"

"He's right here," Tilly says, crouching down to pat his head.

Of course, my mascot is never far from my side.

"We could've all been killed."

Star sighs. "I know that, but the important thing is, you're not and it's all going to be okay. We'll take you to see Riot, babe."

"What about Antoine?"

"Your dad and Nevada went to look for him. We hope nothing happened, and we've no idea if he was really involved. Until we know more, Antoine could be innocent in all of this."

"I can't see him giving these assholes our address," I whisper. "How would he even know…"

I trail off, looking over Star's shoulder at my mom. She's been close by, and supportive.

Maybe it's because of my dad's words earlier, I'm not sure, but right now, my mind is reeling.

"I told him where you were staying," Mom says. "But it was only because he wanted to stop by."

I shake my head. "He wasn't happy when he found out Riot was here." Yeah, I'm using his biker name from now on and I don't care. "He was so nasty about everything. He told me you were trying to save my soul."

"Antoine wouldn't," Mom maintains.

"What if he had no choice?" Star raises a brow.

I don't add that according to the surveillance, it seemed as if Antoine wasn't coerced into anything. Then again, maybe he was threatened. These people have no morals, they'll stop at nothing to get what they want. Just because my brother happens to be a spiteful, vindictive ass, doesn't mean he'd knowingly have anything to do with this.

But I'm still worried because nobody's seen him since the van drove off from his house.

I swallow hard. I can't think about that. "We need to go," I whisper. "I need to get to Riot now."

"Daddy and I will drive down as soon as we find Antoine." Mom moves toward me. "I promise."

I nod. "Thanks, Mom." She doesn't deserve it, but I pull her into a hug. "I'm sorry we brought this here. It was never meant to be like this."

"As long as you're okay, Lourdes, that's all that matters." For the first time in a long time, it sounds like she actually means it.

I just want to be with Riot. I want to see my dad before I go, but Riot's hurting and he needs me.

Star puts an arm around me. "I've gotta wait for Nevada. You'll be safe with Hawk, Tag and Harlem."

"You're more than welcome to stay here until Rowley and Nevada get back," my mom says.

"Thank you." Star gives her a nod.

Tilly hugs me. "We'll be right behind you."

"Thank you for coming." I smile. "It means a lot."

I follow the three large men out to a black truck and climb in the back with Cookie. Hawk climbs in behind me.

"Buckle up," he says, when I don't reach for the seatbelt.

I think shock's setting in, because he reaches over and pulls the seatbelt down for me, strapping me in.

"Thanks," I mutter.Cookie snuggles into my side and I hold him close, kissing the top of his head.

"Girls are beside themselves," he tells me. I know Hawk isn't much of a talker, so him making an effort is strangely comforting. "I know, my messenger has been blowing up." I should really message them back.

"Jas, Deanna and Luna all tried to get in the truck," Harlem adds, turning around from the front seat. "Main thing is, Riot's gonna be okay."

I nod. "That's all that matters." I just need to see him now.

After this, we definitely need a vacation.

Jas:

I'm so worried! Plz let us know what's going on when you can

Jas:

Are you okay?

Luna:

Maybe we need to hire a truck and go to the Parish?

Luna:

That's not a bad idea. I mean, she has Star and Tilly though, she's not alone

Indigo:

I don't like any of this. I thought we'd have a break after all the drama in Mississippi ?? who's even responsible?

Deanna:

Cash said it was someone from Riot's past, but didn't give names

Luna:

Maybe you need to suck his dick harder

Deanna:

Hey, I suck it hard enough, thank you. And you know how they get when they try to keep us out of shit

Jas:

Yeah, that never goes down well

Crystal:

I think we need to have more girl time. I feel like I never see anyone anymore

Summer:

Agree. We need a weekly girls night

Luna:

I'm in! Maybe we host it at each other's houses, and we just get together and have nachos and drinks?

Bella:

Love the idea. We should probably keep this chat clear though for when Halo gets around to reading it

Aspyn:

I'm up for nachos and tequila. I'll bring the pi?ata. I hope Riot and Halo are okay. Don't they have a dog?

Crystal:

Yeah, he's called Cookie, and he's so sweet

Star:

We're leaving soon. Heading to Lafayette, that's where Riot is

Luna:

Drive safe. We're contemplating hiring a bus and meeting you there

Star:

Your ol' man might not be so happy about that

Luna:

Since when am I afraid of that grumpy ass?

Jas:

We need to be here for Halo when she comes back. She's going to need all the support she can get. Is it true the Airbnb they were staying at got blown up?

Deanna:

Yep, can confirm. That's messed up

Summer:

Talk about a lucky escape. I agree with Jas, we need to stay put. Riot will be released soon and then they'll be heading home

Manny:

Riot's gonna be fine guys! I'm with him now

Indigo:

Holy crap, Manny. When I heard you'd gone with Cash, I just about had heart failure

Manny:

Hey, I've got skills. Trust me, I'd rather be there making cinnamon rolls for my boy Riot, but I gotta go where the club needs me ???♀?

Luna:

He's gonna be riding off this for weeks

Manny:

Probably months. I'm gonna need some pampering when I get back

Deanna:

Like that's gonna happen ?? what did you actually do?

Manny:

I'll have you know there were guns, and I untied Riot's ropes. Poor bastard. He's in a bad way

Me:

How bad is it, Manny?

I've been reading but unable to put anything in the chat. I mean, I want them to know I'm okay, but it's more important that Riot's getting the care he needs. Now my panic spikes all over again and I shift in my seat. Hawk side eyes me and I pretend not to notice.

Manny:

He's asking for you

Me:

Can I talk to him?

Manny:

He's pretty doped up, but I'll see what I can do

Jas:

We're here for you, Halo, we'll be waiting when you get back

Me:

Thanks everyone. I'll keep you updated

I click out just as my phone rings with Manny's number on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Kitten?"

Tears well in my eyes. "Riot?"

"It's me baby, everything's gonna be okay, I'm gonna be fine."

I don't hold back the sob that leaves my throat. The boys in the car all keep their heads turned to the front, but there's no doubt they can hear me.

"I thought you were dead."

He chuckles. "Far from it. It'll take more than that to keep me down, babe. You know that."

"We're on our way, we'll be there in a few hours." I pat Cookie's head while he sleeps next to me.

"I can't wait to see you."

"I love you so much."

"I love you too." His voice cracks and I know he feels it too.

There's some ruffling in the background and then I hear Manny's voice. "God speed."

"Thanks, Manny. Keep my old man safe. I'm coming to bring him home."

"Roger that, Miss Kitten."

I smile and hang up.

Not long now. I'll be back in his arms and I don't plan on ever leaving.

Manny stands before me. "Gotta brace, Miss Kitten."

I shake my head. "Why? Manny, you're scaring me."

He holds my shoulders. "It looks worse than it is, just remember that."

"Oh, no."

He pulls me into a hug. "You crazy kids are gonna make it, I can tell. If you have this much love for one another this early on, I'd say you got it right."

It hurts to laugh; my entire body feels like I've been run over by a truck. Hawk stayed outside with Cookie since we can't have dogs inside the hospital. I wish he could come in and see his daddy.

"I'm so scared, Manny."

He kisses my head. "It's gonna be alright. You have all of us." He looks over his head, the biker named Bandit stands by the door, guarding it. "Right, handsome?"

Bandit flicks his eyes to Manny. "Not standin' here for no reason."

He whispers in my ear, "All the cute ones have a little sass."

This time I do laugh. "Is your mind always on the pepperoni?"

"No, just trying to take your mind off things."

"I need to see Riot."

"We can't until the doctor comes out, so just hold on."

I turn to Bandit. "When will they be done?"

His eyes shift from Manny to me. "When they're done, but like Manny said, gotta brace, baby girl. It ain't pretty in there."

I bite my lip as Manny swings an arm around my shoulder. The boys are all back in the waiting room, aside from Cash and Charles. Suddenly, the door opens and an older man comes out. He looks around, spots me and then gives me a nod. "You must be Halo?"

I nod. Is this Charles?

He closes the door behind him. "I'm Charles."

We shake hands. "It's so good to meet you, though I'm sorry it had to be like this."

He holds up a hand. "Don't be sorry. The way Myles talks about you, it would've happened soon enough."

"Is he… okay?"

His eyes flick to Manny's then back to mine. "He's gonna be fine. He's got a broken collar bone, fractured cheek and fractured ribs. He's also got a nasty gash on the back of his head and a concussion. Gonna be a while before he's back on his feet."

Tears well again. "I feel like I'm in the twilight zone."

"You and me both."

"Did they catch who did this?"

Charles shakes his head. "I don't know, but that's not important now."

I vow right then and there, that there is no way on God's earth this person is going to live and breathe the same air as us. I'll find them, whoever they are, and they will pay for doing this to us.

"Hey, didn't you say you've got a dog?" Manny looks around as if Cookie might just appear.

I wipe my eyes. "Yes, but he's not allowed in."

Manny just smiles. "Leave that up to me." He waggles his eyebrows and then adds, "Yo, Bandit? Wanna steal a meal cart?"

Bandit frowns. "What the fuck for?"

He taps his nose. "Let's just say it'll make Riot a happy boy."

A few moments later, the door opens again and the doctor comes out. I don't even wait. I push my way through and barge into Riot's room. I stop in my tracks. He's sitting up, wires and drips hooked up to him. Holy mother of God.

When Manny said brace, I wasn't prepared for this.

Cash stands next to his bed, his eyes fall on me before he palms the back of his neck.

I rush to the bed as Riot smiles. His face is almost unrecognizable. One eye completely closed shut with a giant bruise forming. He has cuts and scrapes all over him. His arm is in a cast and a bandage around his head.

I don't know where I can touch him, but I lean down and fold into his good arm that isn't wrapped up like a mummy. "Oh, Riot." I cry openly into his neck as he soothes me. Telling him it's okay and everything will be better now.

I hear movement at the door, then Cash gives me a sympathetic smile and leaves. I glance behind me. Everyone has left to give us privacy.

"Baby," he murmurs. "I was so worried about you. I heard about the explosion."

"I wasn't there, I was at Mom and Dad's," I tell him. "Riot, when I found the flashlight and saw the blood…" I can't even finish. I hug him again, sobs wracking through my body as he holds me.

"It's worse than it looks, Kitten. I promise. No internal damage. All of this will heal."

"Who did this to you?"

"Woman named Shade."

"A woman?"

"She's the ringleader. She was my ex-handlers ol' lady, and I had no idea. When he died, she blamed all of the people involved. He wanted out and she believes he was taken out. I was one of the ones that she says should've helped him."

I pull back and stare at him. "Please tell me she's dead."

"She got away, but it won't be long before we find her."

"How did she plan all of this?"

"She's an ex-sniper, like me. And she had a team behind her, granted, most if not all of them are dead. She's very good at hiding, hence her name." He coughs as I wince, hating to see him in pain.

"Try and rest." I kiss the top of his head. Unable to feel anything right now, I keep my mouth shut. He doesn't need to hear a tirade from me about what I'll do to this woman when I get my hands on her. I'll make it my personal mission in life.

"I'm glad you're here, where's my dog?"

"He couldn't come in—" I start, then there's a knock at the door and Manny appears before we can say come in.

He's wheeling a food cart with a tablecloth over it, Bandit on the other side trying to contain his laughter.

"On today's menu, ladies and gentlemen, we have smoked trout on a bed of lettuce, an entree of Caesar salad and if you're a good boy, we might just give you a Cookie!"

Out of nowhere, Manny pulls the tablecloth aside and Cookie jumps off the small shelf onto the floor. He hobbles over and I can't help but laugh. Riot laughs too, but I know that hurts him.

"Daddy's boy!" Riot calls as Cookie immediately rushes to the bed, his tail wagging as Riot bends to pat his head.

"We broke every hospital protocol," Bandit tells us. "And we're probably moments away from bein' kicked out."

"Ye who have little faith." Manny rolls his eyes.

"Thank you for doing this," I tell them, watching our dog lick Riot's hand. "I'm sorry in advance if you get kicked out."

Bandit shrugs. "Plenty of us in the waitin' room to take over."

That's the thing about this club; they stick together. Nothing is too much trouble for any of them. Not when it comes to one of their own.

I turn back to Riot. "I'm so glad we're together again."

"Me too. Now kiss me like you mean it."

"But you have a busted lip, I don't want to hurt?—"

He leans up, wincing as his lips press to mine and it feels like home. He's my home.

Living without him? No, that's not possible. I would rather die.

"I love you, Myles, now and forever."

"Not as much as I love you."

Lace cries about as much as me when we finally get home and Riot's resting in his bedroom. Casey is on standby to take care of him, but a routine hospital visit is on the cards. Much to his disgust.

"You're one lucky son of a gun." She wipes her eyes, perched on the side of his bed. "I don't know why that crazy bitch would come after you like this."

"That's what we're all trying to work out," Riot says.

We've only been home a few days, and Riot has been exhausted. My parents came down and I offered them my apartment since I'd be staying here. They've been so supportive, especially after seeing the NOLA Rebels rallying around Riot and me.

It's still hard for my mom to stomach, but Riot didn't ask for this. And she's been keeping quiet about any of her displeasure. I never really thought my parents could turn around, especially not my mom, but I guess life has a funny way of surprising you. Dad and Nevada returned, and Antoine was taken in for questioning. He'd skipped out and tried to leave town, and was later arrested.

I'm still in shock when the police told us that he'd accepted a large sum of money for information on our whereabouts. My brother sold me out. I've no clue how the hell I'm going to process that, so I've put it aside for now. There's too much going on with Riot's recovery to deal with any of that.

"Whatever happens, the crazy bitch will get what's coming for her," I add. There is no rock this scum can crawl under. I won't let that happen. "For now, we know she's left the state. It's just a matter of tracking her down."

Riot turns to me, his face even more bruised than it was a few days ago. "I don't like that tone, it tells me you're up to somethin'."

I fold my arms over my chest. "Nothing to see here, baby."

He narrows his eyes but I ignore him, turning to Lace. I put my hand on her shoulder and she smiles up at me. "I just never thought I'd be sitting at your bedside," she sniffles. "It's always you that's been the one in charge, that can stop anything, Myles."

My heart aches for her as they share a moment together. "This doesn't mean you're in charge; it just means I get to be pampered by my two favorite girls."

I roll my eyes. "Here we go. He's got me baking cookies and pies for his recovery."

"Hey, a man's gotta eat. Plus, I did specify you were to cook naked in that apron and that didn't happen."

I pat his chest. "I don't want to get your heart rate up, honey."

Lace wrinkles her nose. "Okay, eww, and that's my cue to leave."

We both laugh, then Riot winces because laughing, coughing or even breathing hurts for him right now.

Cookie looks up from his bed near the floor. Now he and Riot are matching with their casts. Riot even colored his sleeve with army print to match Cookie's. It's pretty stinking cute.

He glances up at me. "Couldn't have done this without you."

I press my hand to his cheek softly. "As long as you make a full recovery, that's all that matters."

He grins, his pretty eyes lighting up. "Oh, I plan to, Kitten. Just you wait and see."