Zahirah

The past two days had been an emotional roller coaster for the whole family. We tried to shield Arif from what happened to his sister, but it was hard to do when she was waking up at night screaming her head off. We finally told him why. For such a young boy, he had a fierce protective instinct. He boldly confronted Twisted.

"What are you going to do about this? He can't be allowed to get away with it. He and his friends have tortured us enough. He touched my sister!" he said angrily.

Twisted gripped his shoulder. "I know he did, buddy, and I promise you, we're not letting it go. He'll pay for it, but this is club business now, and I can't talk about it."

They'd argued some, but in the end, Arif backed down. He'd been moody and withdrawn since. Aliya was withdrawn, and she cried a lot. I felt helpless. I was about ready to find them both someone to talk to. What held me back was knowing there was unfinished business. I didn't want to speak to an outsider and accidentally expose something that might harm the club. I knew whatever they had planned, it wouldn't be pleasant. Twisted kept those details to himself, too.

There were a lot of angry faces and whispered conversations, along with more than one church. They were planning. All I told Twisted was to make sure the slimeball got payback along with his parents. Despite not confirming it, I knew tonight would be the night they went after him because it was Billy's birthday. This would be a helluva birthday present. I smirked as I thought about it and how I wished I could see it.

"What's that look for?" Twisted's voice asked as he came through the door. I jumped at the unexpectedness of seeing him home. He'd been at the clubhouse with his brothers in church.

"Truthfully, I was wishing I could be there when you teach Billy his lesson. I was thinking about what a birthday present it would be. You're going tonight, aren't you?"

"Storm, I know you're a warrior, but Aliya needs one of us here with her. Let me take care of this. She's mine as well as yours. They fucked with our family for the last time. I swear to you, they'll suffer."

"I know what you say is true on all accounts, but I still wish I could be there. I'm thinking after this is over, I need to find someone she and Arif can talk to. Only who would that be? I don't want them inadvertently telling club secrets."

"Let me see what I can do. Between all our friends' clubs, surely someone has a therapist we can trust in case something slips. There are several women in the clubs who've been through what Aliya has, but it was worse. They were actually raped. They would be more than willing to talk to her, but I know what you mean, especially regarding Arif being able to talk. Let me take care of the trash, and then I'll find someone."

I walked over and wrapped my arms around him. He hugged me tightly. "I'm so damn lucky to have found you. I'm not sure how, but I'm thankful and love you, Brody. Thank you for protecting those kids like they're yours. No need to rush out and find someone this second. Take care of this, and then we'll work on the other."

He lowered his head and gave me a tender, though thorough kiss. When he was done, he stared solemnly at me. "Baby, I'm the lucky one, and I for sure have no clue why you gave me the time of day, but I'm beyond thrilled you did. I will always protect the three of you and anyone else we add to this family. I love them just as I love you. And I'll get on finding someone they can talk to. Give me a week. While I'm gone tonight, a part of the brothers will be around. You and the kids will have all three prospects right here for you. Don't let the fact they're not patched fool you. All three have shown they have grit and can protect you if needed. We don't anticipate they will need to, but we always leave our families guarded."

"We'll be fine. What time are you leaving?"

"Not until late, so the kids will be in bed, and you should be too. I know you won't sleep, but at least you can rest. We're heading out at midnight. We'll take them at their house. It's been two days, and we haven't done anything. They might be relaxing. And after a celebration, they'll be less alert. Wire said they're going out to dinner tonight, Billy, his parents, and his two best friends."

"How does he know that?"

"If you have it on the internet, he can find it. He somehow discovered their reservation. I didn't bother to ask how. Anyway, until then, I want to spend time with my family. When I get back, we'll get on with our lives."

"That sounds perfect. Okay, the kids were in their rooms. Do you want to see if they're up for family time?"

He nodded, and that kicked off the next several hours with them. We laughed, ate, and played games. I was happy to see smiles on all three of their faces, and I wore one, too.