Taken by a Monster (In the Arms of Monsters 2)

“I will. I promise.”

She got to her feet, and Preacher helped her as they left the busy hospital. Being outside in the cold air was refreshing and she breathed it in, stopping to inhale and exhale.

“Was it a hard session?” Preacher asked.

“It was intense, as they’re getting to that stage now. There’s always something to do.”

“How is your foot?”

“Still attached to my leg but he advises me it’s a good thing.”

Preacher chuckled. “Bear let me know five minutes ago you wanted to drive around town.”

“Or walk.”

“You want to go to old places, see if they help you remember?”

“Something like that.”

He closed the door of the car, and the scent of him surrounded her, making her feel protected and warm. Seconds later, he got behind the wheel of the car, turned the ignition, and they took off. To get out of the grounds, he drove slowly, making way for people passing. Out of the corner of her eye, she couldn’t help but watch him. He looked so powerful and commanding. His entire presence strong, resilient.

“How was your first night away from the hospital?” he asked.

“It was good. You know. I got breakfast in bed, which was totally cool. I happen to really like eating, so it’s a bonus. I like being around Bear. I mean, he’s my dad. You know what I mean.”

“All of this is new for you. I’m sure it’s overwhelming.”

“Yeah, it is.” She thought about Bishop. “What’s Bishop doing today?”

“I don’t have a clue. Unless it affects the club, he’s his own man.”

“You and him aren’t close?”

“We never were. He’s my son, and I was a bad father. I wasn’t ready to be a dad and I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a kid.”

“He’s alive, so you can’t be doing that badly.”

“There’s more to raising a kid than keeping them alive.”

She didn’t recognize where they were going. Preacher wasn’t speeding, and the silence in the car wasn’t uncomfortable.

“Are you busy today?” she asked. “I know I want to go and see places but if you’re too busy…”

“I’m fine. Believe me. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. This is what you need.”

“Great.” She kept on staring at him.

“I’m freaking out a little with the constant staring. Why are you trying to read my mind?”

“I’m not trying to read your mind. I’m just trying to figure out why it is you’re always trying to make my life better.”

“You’ve known for me a couple of weeks, Robin.”

“And you’re always there, helping me, making my life better. You’re making the right decisions. It’s not a complaint.”

“Then what is it?” he asked.

“I’m wondering why you’re doing this and not Bishop. If he’s supposed to be my husband, why are you at the hospital, not him? Why didn’t he come by yesterday?”

“Did you want him to come by?” Preacher asked.

She opened her mouth about to say of course she would, but she closed her lips. Being near Bishop was a little uncomfortable and she tried to keep her distance from him, even when he visited at the hospital. Was that even normal to feel so cut off from a guy who was supposed to be her husband? She didn’t know if it was just her memories, or the lack of that was affecting her.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I don’t know anything, not really.”

“Well, this might help.” He parked outside a large building proclaiming itself to be a high school.

“One day, we’re going to look back on these days as the worst ones of our lives,” Bishop said.

“Please, it’s supposed to be the opposite. These are supposed to be the best days.”

“We can’t all have everything.”

“I went here with Bishop?”

“Are you remembering something?” he asked.

“I don’t … no, I don’t think it’s a memory. A vague conversation.” She rubbed at her temple. It meant nothing to her. Everything was just a load of nothing.

She stared at the building, and before her eyes, it flashed to ambers and reds, and back to the fullness of greens. She’d seen the school throughout the different seasons.

“Did I graduate?”

“No. You were taken before you were able to do so.”

“Wow, that sucked. So I’m twenty years old, have no graduation diploma, and I don’t even know if I was a good student.”

“You were a good student. Smart.”

“I was?”

“Yes. You always made time for studying. You had a very tight schedule. You didn’t know what you wanted, if college was in your future, but you loved to learn.”

She looked back at the school but once again, it was nothing more than a blank. “I wonder if I’ll ever remember.”

“If not, I’ll be here, and so will the club.”

“And Bishop?” She noticed his hands clenched around the steering wheel and he didn’t seem particularly thrilled with her question.

“He’ll help where he can.”

“It says a lot that I haven’t seen him.”