Storm (Storm MC 1)

“Obviously. What have you done to piss him off?” he asked.

“Nothing. You know what Scott is like. Always finding something to be pissy about,” I snapped. Jesus, just thinking about my brother gave me the shits.

“Babe.” Blake paused and I was sure I could actually hear his mind ticking over. “The words pissy and Scott Cole do not go together in the same sentence. Your brother is far too intense that pissy just doesn’t cover it.”

I blew out a long, frustrated breath. “Yeah, you’re right about that.” Blake had met Scott a couple of times, so he had seen firsthand just how intense my brother could be. “Blake, why are you calling me?”

“Gina told me what a shit day you

had so I’ve made you dinner. Bring Serena too.”

“You’re a superstar, Blake Stone. We’ll be there in about half an hour.”

“See you then,” he said and we hung up. My day had just gotten better; it’s funny how the simple things that friends do for you can mean so much.

***

Two hours later I was at Blake’s house when my brother finally returned my call.

“Scott.” I answered and mentally banged my head against the wall. I really didn’t want to deal with his shit tonight.

“You been updated?” Yep, he was pissed at me.

I sighed. “Yeah, Griff called.” I hesitated and then threw caution to the wind. “Scott, I don’t need or even want to be kept in the loop on this shit.” I held my breath and waited for what I knew would not be a pretty reply.

“Fuck, Madison! You got no choice. The club needs to make sure you are safe, so you need to fuckin’ wise up and take this shit in.”

“What part of ‘I’m out’ don’t you understand?” I rubbed my eyes. It was too late for this argument.

“What part of ‘you are never out’ do you not fuckin’ understand?” he snapped back.

I knew I was testing my brother’s patience but I gave up caring about that a long time ago. I sat silently, trying to process what he was saying.

“Why do we have to rehash this crap every time you decide I should come back?” I searched for Blake’s eyes and found them focused on me. He gave me a tight smile and I just shook my head back at him. This stuff between Scott and me never got any easier and Blake knew how hard it was for me.

Scott softened his tone, “Madison, it’s different this time. Nix is involved.”

And with that, he had me. I sighed again, resigned. “Okay, talk to me.”

“Nix has made threats against the club so Dad wants you to leave Coffs Harbour. Move back here, where we can protect you.” Scott finally got to the reason for the call.

“No.” There was no way I was moving back.

“Why the fuck do you have to be so fuckin’ stubborn about this?” Scott was pissed again and I imagined him pacing and getting ready to punch something.

“Scott, you know what I left. I can’t go back.” I pleaded. I walked out onto the balcony and quickly lit a cigarette and took a long drag on it. Scott had stopped talking and I hoped he was remembering the mess I was when I left two years ago.

“Ok,” he blew out a long breath. “But I’m putting a guy on you.”

This was not what I wanted but I knew better than to argue. It was Scott’s version of compromising, and as he was not known for compromising, ever, I was grateful.

***

The next morning I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my gut, wondering where all this shit with the club would end up. I made a coffee and took it into the shower with me. Not being a morning person, I needed a caffeine hit to get me going. Serena, on the other hand, was always up at five am to get her run in before work. I didn’t understand this current trend for running and really couldn’t comprehend anyone wanting to get up that early to do it. As I took my shower I could hear her crashing around in the kitchen making breakfast. I cringed at the thought of the mess she would create making one of her juices; a mess that I would have to clean up.

“Maddy, do you want me to make you some breakfast?” she yelled out.

“No honey, but thanks. I’m just going to grab something on the way.”