Edge Of Darkness (Arrow's Edge MC #2) - Freya Barker Page 0,99

me. “How are things coming along at the house?”

I grin down at her. Ever since she walked in on me cleaning out the rotting food from my fridge, and I brought her right back to the clubhouse, I’ve managed to keep her away, but not without her asking about the progress at least twice a day. Pretty sure living in the clubhouse has lost its appeal, if it ever had any.

“Tomorrow I’ll show you.”

The smile she beams up to me is more than payment enough for my bleach-pruned fingers.

If I wasn’t already invested in my sobriety, scrubbing off the visible remnants of my alcohol addiction from my house has only solidified my commitment. I owe Tse big time. He quietly followed me into the mess I left of my life before, and helped me eradicate any evidence remaining. We didn’t talk a whole lot, but having him there without judgment went a long way to being able to move forward, leaving the past behind. A true friend.

Tomorrow we’ll have our clean start.

“Can’t wait,” she whispers.

Me neither.

“Lissie!” Kiara calls out from the large sectional in front of the TV. She’s taken a real shine to Lissie. “The movie is starting!”

“Quit hollering across the room, child,” Lisa admonishes her, as she comes out of the back hallway with a pile of folded kitchen towels. “Get your keester off the couch and walk over if you wanna talk.”

“I promised I’d watch Frozen with her while the boys do their homework,” Lissie explains with a grin, before getting up and heading over to where the girl is waiting on the couch.

“Talking about homework…” Luna stands up as well. “…I should head home and make sure Ahiga is doing his. Ouray called earlier, they’re on their way back. Let him know we’re at home?”

“Will do.”

I look over at the bar where Tse already joined Wapi and Honon for a beer. My father is sitting with them, his eyes scanning the club. I follow his suit, noting the boys bent over their homework at the large table; the two older kids at one end, and the three youngest at the other. I let my eyes drift to the couch where Kiara is snuggled into Lissie’s side, both girls focused on the large screen. In the kitchen I can just catch a glimpse of Lisa standing at the stove, where Momma spent so many years looking after us. When I turn back to the bar, my father’s eyes are on me, a faint smile on his face, his hands signing.

“What do you see?”

I don’t have to think about the answer.

“Family.”

He nods.

“Welcome home, boy.”

“Thanks, Pop.”

I walk over and put my hand on his shoulder before turning to Wapi who is manning the bar.

“Toss me a water?”

“Keep waiting for everyone to be here, but that won’t happen. I’m thinking now’s a good time.”

“Lisa?” I take the water bottle from Wapi and catch Pop nodding.

“Lisa!” I yell, grinning.

Just then the door opens and Brick, Paco, and Ouray walk through along with a dark-haired, young kid, maybe twelve or so.

“Lord, gimme patience,” Lisa grumbles coming out of the kitchen, spearing me with a look. “How on earth am I supposed to teach them kids manners when they’ve got you lot as examples?”

My brothers and I chuckle. Her words are much the same as my mother’s had been for as long as I can remember. She used to be forever on our case.

“What’s with all the yelling?” Ouray wants to know, herding the shuffling kid ahead of him.

Nosh gets up from his seat and walks over to where Lisa is standing, a fist propped on hip. He digs his hand in his pocket and pulls out the keys, handing them to her. I see the confusion on her face.

“Why are you giving me the keys to your house?” she asks, taking them from him.

“Your house now,” he says, before turning around and sitting back down at the bar.

I look over at Lissie, who has her head turned, and her face crumples when she sees Lisa burst into tears.

“Good fucking Lord,” Ouray complains loudly, to which Lisa’s head snaps up.

“Language!” She wipes her tears away resolutely and turns to the new boy, who looks like he’s about to run out of here. “What’s your name?”

He looks behind him as if there’s someone else she might be talking to, before turning to her. “Ravi,” he says in a raspy voice.

“Ravi,” Lisa repeats. “You look like you could eat. Come with me.” Then she turns