Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“It took him having to come here for you to realize it?” Daisy asked.

“Yeah, I just, I don’t want us to ever fight, you know? I love you so much and I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’ll never lose me,” Daisy said. “It will always be me and you, no matter what the guys say. They can go and suck it.”

Tabitha laughed, hugging her friend close. They sat up now and she closed her eyes, happy with her decision. Of course, she still had to tell Simon, but that would come in time. She had no intention of moving away soon.

“Well, lookie what we got here.”

Tabitha tensed up. She and Daisy got to her feet as they looked across the field to see Ryan and Luke. They weren’t alone either. It looked like a couple of guys from their crew were with them. They were in Fort Wills territory.

“You need to leave,” Tabitha said.

“Why? We’re on open land.”

“Skulls’ land,” Daisy said. “You’re in Fort Wills. The Skulls could see this as an act of war and you don’t want that.”

“Maybe we do.”

She looked at Luke. He was glaring right at her and she did the same right back. There was no way these guys were going to intimidate her.

“I’ve got to say. We were out for a stroll and I didn’t expect to come across two whores begging for it,” Ryan said, stepping away from the group.

“Ryan,” Luke said. His voice was firm.

Tabitha kept Ryan in her sight. Now if she knew Anthony, he wouldn’t allow Daisy to go anywhere without some form of protection. So long as they waited this out, he’d come to her rescue. She had no doubt.

She was tense, waiting for the impending fight.

If Anthony was close, Simon wouldn’t be far. He’d been dealing with something with Lash about his upcoming birthday.

Ryan was getting closer and Tabitha stepped in front of her friend. She wasn’t going to show fear. Rather than back down or try not to fight, she got into Ryan’s face.

“Fuck off!” she snarled at him.

He grabbed her arms and she went to knee him between the thighs, but he shoved her away hard.

Just as he was about to kick her, a rock hit Ryan in the head.

Anthony was already making his way across the field. He tossed another rock. This one hitting Ryan in the face. Tabitha scrambled back. She remembered as kids that Anthony would spend hours tossing rocks or balls. He didn’t stop until he’d mastered the perfect aim to hit every single target.

Ryan stumbled back and Luke came forward.

“I suggest you take your boys and get the hell away,” Anthony said.

Fear ran down Tabitha’s back. Anthony kept on walking toward them. The stones were gone but the intention was there.

Luke held his hands up. “We were just walking.”

“Then walk elsewhere. You want to start a fight, you come to me. Stop cornering our women like a bunch of pussies.” Anthony stood, hands on his hips, waiting.

Tabitha’s heart raced.

Luke looked at her, turned, and left.

“I don’t get him,” she said, hugging Daisy. “You okay?”

“I should be asking you if you’re okay. I don’t know what their game is.”

“Luke wants to fuck with Simon. He likes you,” Anthony said. “Be careful there. Ryan’s unhinged.”

“And you’re sane.”

“I’m not pissed at my leader’s infatuation. Ryan is.” Anthony turned toward her.

“I don’t encourage any of that shit! We were here first.” Her anger built.

Anthony held his hand up. “I didn’t say you did. What I’m saying is what I’m seeing. I’m making you aware. That’s all.”

“Did you follow us?” Daisy asked.

“You don’t go anywhere where I can’t guarantee your protection,” he said.

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“It means I will always be there if you need me.”

Okay, she was starting to feel like she’d invaded a private moment. “I think it’s time we headed back.”

Daisy kept staring at Anthony.

Tabitha tugged her arm.

“Right, heading back. Yes. Let’s head back.”

“Is Simon free yet?” Tabitha asked.

“They’re negotiating his party,” Anthony said. “Chaos Bleeds are coming to town.”

“Oh, joy,” Daisy said. “When they come to town, there’s always a chance they could argue. I hate it.”

“They’ve been on good terms for a long time,” Tabitha said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t help it. It feels like something big is going to happen and that scares me. Doesn’t it scare you?” Daisy asked wrapping her arms around herself.

“I’m starting to believe you’re a little paranoid.”

“Again, I don’t know why that’s a problem. I get this horrible feeling something bad is going to happen and each time I do, something does,” Daisy said. “You should heed my warning. I don’t make them every single day.”

“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Tabitha asked.

“Don’t mock me.”

****

Eighteen.

He was at that age he could get married without his parents’ consent.

He just needed to wait until Tabby was of age and then she’d belong to him. Glancing down at the woman in question, he smiled. Her head rested on his chest. Her hair fanned out. She was so beautiful. He glanced at the clock and saw it was a little after six. His parents had already arrived yesterday, as had the club.