Page 28 of Raven's Daggers

The guys walk over, say something to Eddie and then hop in and take over for him. Eddie reluctantly gets out and heads my way. Walking up to me, he pulls me into a hug and squeezes.

“Hey kiddo, you doing okay? I never heard back from you.” He says, holding me tighter and I can feel the tears forming in my eyes.

Nodding, I answer back, “Yeah, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened, but if we can talk, I’ll try to explain to you what I told Naomi. I didn’t mean to take it all out on you.” I start to say, trying to hide my face in his shoulder, but he’s not having it. Pulling away, he grips my shoulders tight and meets my gaze.

“You listen to me. You have nothing to be sorry for. Whatever it was, we’ll work through it like we always do. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I was worried about you, not me. I knew I’d be fine.” He gives a soft chuckle then links his arm with mine. I hate that he notices the wraps on my wrist and as we head towards his office, he looks at me and raises a brow.

Walking in, I sit in one of the soft leather chairs and he leans against the desk. Letting out a long sigh, I go into all the details again. Same shit I said last night. Even filling him in on the cutting part. The worry etched across his face tells me all I need to know.I need to get my shit back under control. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get there.

“Raven, why didn’t you tell me about the guy at the bar? Hell, even the text. You can’t keep holding it all in. Let us help when we can. And before you say it, yes, I know you don’t like to ask for help. Honestly, I know you don’t even need it, but for this situation, let us help. Then you can go back to being solo if that’s what you want.” He says matter-of-factly. He’s right though, and I hate to even admit that. I know I’m a badass, but whatever this shit is, it’s triggering all the Brock memories and I know I won’t survive that shit a second time.

“Fine. I’ll take the help. Just know the guys are going to want in on it too. Just so you and Zeke are aware.” I state, rolling my eyes at the fact that I managed to get it out that I would even accept help. “Ugh, for fucks sake.” Eddie begins to chuckle and I pin him with my ‘no bullshit’ stare.

“So, when are we going to talk about the guys that have decided to follow you around? Are they like lost little puppies and you’re now their “owner?” He questions, doing air quotes as he begins to laugh. I start laughing with him, loud enough that Naomi comes in from her office next door.

“What is so funny in here? I mean, I wanna laugh too.” She looks at me and I repeat what Eddie just said, causing her to full belly laugh with me.

“First off Eddie, I don’t own them. I don’t know what we are. Right now, we’re just four people who enjoy each other's company I guess.” I shrug but Naomi elbows me in the side and wiggles her brows.

“Mhm, if that’s what you wanna call it. Don’t let her lie to you uncle.” She chuckles again, then walks out of his office with that statement hanging in the air.Fucking rude, bestie.

“Well, Feel like training today? I could use the distraction.” I admit, trying to change the subject.

“Sure kiddo, let's get out there. Apparently we are switching it up today. It’ll be me plus the guys training you. See how much you can take and what we can work on.” He says, already headed back towards the ring. Well fuck, it’ll be a hell of a workout day.

Chapter eighteen

Raven

A week passes by, and I’m still in my routine with Eddie and the guys. I can already tell the little changes it has made. I feel stronger, more confident and my wrists aren’t as noticeable.Time for another coverup tattoo.I’m still on high alert though. I haven’t heard from that unknown number again, and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Naomi and Marco have even started working with us in the mornings, which eases my mind a little when it comes to her. If Eddie doesn’t have me at the gym training, I’m constantly out making runs for them. Zeke has even had the guys busy when we’re not training. But, I just have this gut feeling like something is about to happen. I don’t know what, but I can feel it. My phone buzzing pulls me from my thoughts.

Naomi: Hey, wanna hangout later? Listen, I need a whole girls day. Plusss remember yousaid you’d teach me to ride??? Well, I need more than 1 lesson ??

This girl, I cannot with her. Chuckling, I shoot her a reply back.

Me: Yes babe, I got you on the lessons. How about later today? I haven’t heard from the guys so I’m all yours boo ??

Naomi: Say less bitch!!! You are all mineeee. See you later.

Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I hop on my bike, start it and take off. Checking the safe houses is something I haven’t done in awhile, so when Eddie asked, I was all over it. I enjoy seeing everyone making a life for themselves and the kids getting to finally enjoy their life. They have all been through so much.

Pulling up to the gated compound Eddie and Zeke had built, the gate guard nods at me.

“Well, hey there stranger. It’s been awhile. They will be excited to see you.” he says with a smile on his face.

“Thanks, I miss coming. Just been caught up with all the other bullshit. How’s it been? No problems right?”

“Nah, it’s been quiet.” He replies, and I give an appreciative nod at him as I pull through the gates.

Pulling up and parking by the little playground, I notice Sierra playing with the kids. Getting off, I start to walk over to them. Before I make it very far, Blakelyn is making a beeline towards me. Squatting down, she runs into my arms and I wrap her up as she squeezes me.

“Where have you been? I miss you.” She exclaims, a little hint of sadness in her voice. Her sweet little voice gets me every time.

“I’m sorry, I had to work.” I give her a small pout and she gives me the biggest grin in return.

“That’s okay. Will you come push me on the swing?” She asks so sweetly. I chuckle as she links our hands and drags me over to the swings, waving at Sierra as I walk by her. She gets on the swing and I start pushing her.

I would never tell anyone this, but Blakelyn has easily become my favorite. Poor girl has been through it and she’s only around five, maybe six. I met her when Eddie and I got called to a job, found her mom beaten and raped, we couldn’t save her. We found Blakelyn hiding in a closet crying. She sat there until she saw me, then she ran right to me. We found someone here who took her in without a second thought. Unfortunately, she couldn’t have kids after all she endured, so she gladly took in Blakelyn. They bonded so easily and I knew right then that she would finally get the life she deserved. Both of them would.