Page 51 of Twisted

I nod and feel my heart racing as we leave the sanctuary of my newfound happiness and head back to deal with the shadows of my past.

* * *

As we waitoutside the huge door, I hold Sam’s hand tightly. At least he’s by my side; I thank God for that, at least.

When Ryder called and told us to come, there was never going to be any other answer than ‘when?’ We know there isunfinishedbusiness here that needs sorting, and so here we are.

I hear the footsteps approach and feel curious as to who will answer.

As the door flies open, I relax as I see Brewer grinning at me. The tears flood my eyes as he holds out his arms and I stumble into them. They wrap around me and he says gruffly, “Welcomehome, darlin’.”

I squeeze him tightly and feel my heart settle—just a little.

Brewer was always like a father to me, despite not being that much older. His old lady, Lou, is a force to be reckoned with and the two of them always treated me like a much-loved member of their own family.

Brewer was shot a while back and we didn’t think he’d make it. Ryder and Lou kept vigil by his bedside while I cared for their son, Jack. It was a dark time, but he pulled through and they never forgot how I stepped in to help.

He whispers, “We missed you, Kitty.”

I swallow my tears and smile happily. “I missed you too, Brewer. How’s Lou and Jack?”

I watch the sunshine enter his eyes as he grins. “Challenging.”

I laugh as he drags me inside with Sam following closely behind.

I spare a thought for the man I love who must be dreading this as much as me. It won’t be easy for him seeing the familiarity I share with the group of bikers I knew so intimately. However, in the fucked-up way we lived, they are the only family I ever had - until Sam. I can’t change that and wouldn’t want to either.

As Brewer leads me into the clubhouse, something happens that knocks me for six.

I’m conscious that it’s a full house. There are lots of Twisted Reapers but they are rarely all together at any one time. Even on a job, half of them remain behind at the compound.

Today there isn’t a spare seat in the familiar clubhouse as we move inside. Then it begins. A slow clap that gains in volume and speed. As we pass, there is nothing but the sound of clapping that sends light to my heart and sparks a different kind of emotion inside me.

Soon the claps turn to cheers as we walk through the wall of bikers who all want to pay their respects. The noise deafens me as one by one they shout theirwelcomeand congratulate me on a job well done.

I laugh happily and hug many a strong biker in my path. The women are no different and I feel the happiness warm my heart as my friends surround me and cling to me like the long-lost friends they are.

The tears come thick and fast as I’m welcomed back into the heart of my family. This is home and always will be. These people are my family and nothing will ever change that.

Then I see him and my world stands still. Ryder King, President of the Twisted Reapers MC with his trusted deputy by his side. His eyes study my approach, but this time they watch me with respect and acceptance. There is no desire in them, just a fondness for one of his own.

Snake smiles and I run to him and hold on to the man I love like a big brother and holds the dearest place in my heart.

He shuts the rest of them out with his bear-like frame and whispers, “Welcomehome,darlin’.”

I squeeze him hard and then feel a small hand on my shoulder.

I turn around and see Bonnie, his old lady looking at me with happiness and tears in her eyes. She whispers, “We missed you, Kitty.”

I fall into her open arms and say softly, “I missed you too, Bonnie. I missed all of you.”

Then, as she pulls away, I see another woman staring at me nervously. Just for a moment there’s silence as we stare at each other. I feel as if the whole club holds its breath as I face the one woman who held my life in her pretty little hands.

Ashton King, the woman who took what I thought was mine, is staring at me with such emotion I think my world stops. I watch her lip quiver as she moves toward me. I don’t miss the fact she’s heavy with child and that fills me with a happiness I never thought I’d feel.

She steps forward and says softly, “Thank you, Kitty. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for me. I can’t believe you did it.”

I step toward her and smile gently.