Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“So you’re The Skulls?” Eddie asked. He was on his feet, approaching them. He went to touch Daisy’s shoulder but Anthony grabbed his hand.

“Don’t touch.”

Simon watched as Anthony applied enough pressure for Eddie to back off.

“This isn’t all of us,” Daisy said, stepping back against Anthony.

“Yeah, my evil twin brother probably has his tongue down someone’s throat right about now,” Tabby said. “You’re my guy’s friends.”

“Yeah.”

“You have his back?”

Simon touched hers. He had to put his hands on her, to feel her against him. It had been too long since they’d last been together.

“Always,” Eddie said.

“You two know how to fight? I hate to say it, but you look like two rich boys who have everything done for you.”

Dean tensed up.

“They are two rich boys but believe me, they’ve got my back.” He kissed her neck. “I love that you worry about me.”

“I don’t like leaving my boy behind. You have his back, I’ve got no problem with you. You let anything happen to him, and you’re going to have to deal with me.”

Dean whistled. “Are you going to have a talk with Amber about that?”

“Amber?” Tabby asked.

“Viperous bitch who wants in my pants. Trust me, I’ve got her covered.”

“Do I need to have a word with her?”

Simon cupped her face. “Not to spoil our Thanksgiving weekend. I don’t want your parents having to take you away from me.”

“Are they always like this?” Dean asked.

“This is tame,” Daisy said. “Believe me. We’re getting conversation out of them. That’s a good thing.”

“We’re not that bad,” Tabby said.

“Not right now, but give it a little time. They will be smacking on each other. It’s gross,” Daisy said.

“This coming from the girl who has never been kissed before.”

“I am saving myself for the right guy. You of all people should know that. It’s not my fault the right guy came to you when we were still in diapers.” Daisy folded her arms. “Besides, it was a pleasure to meet you.” She held her hand up and gave a little wave.

“What are you two losers doing back here?” Simon asked.

“Aw, and we thought you were sneaking out to find us,” Eddie said, taking his seat back on the wall.

“I was, didn’t actually think you boys would be here.”

“My parents are … being giant pains in the ass. I needed a break and so I came here.”

“Shit, I’ll talk to my dad. Is this about the whole marriage thing?” Simon asked.

“You got it. They’ve got my intended staying with me now. They’ve even put her in the same room. The sooner I get her pregnant, the quicker the wedding, and you guessed it.” Dean shook his head. “I would have called you but you said you got this thing going.”

“Am I missing something?” Tabby asked.

Simon looked to his friend.

For the next five minutes, Dean told them what was going on in his life.

“Wow, that is kind of fucked up,” she said.

“Kind of fucked up? Nah, it is fucked up. It’s not good.” He shrugged. “I’m dealing with it.”

“And Devil hasn’t done anything yet?” Tabby asked.

“He’s got shit going on with my mom. I promise. I’ll talk to him tonight, and I’m going to say our door is always open if you need it.”

“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”

Thunder rolled through the air.

“Looks like we’re heading back,” Eddie said, jumping off the wall. “You want me to give you guys a ride?”

“Nah, we can walk,” Simon said.

“Pleasure meeting the two of you.”

“Damn, I hope I’m there when you meet Amber. I’ve got a feeling she’s not going to like you.”

Eddie and Dean left and Tabby turned to him. “This Amber girl sounds pretty interesting. Should I be worried?”

“Not at all.” He kissed her lips.

“Let’s head back,” Anthony said.

Taking Tabby’s hand, they walked back to his home. Daisy stood close to Anthony the entire time. When the heavens opened up, Anthony removed his jacket, placing it over her shoulders, and she sank into it, thanking him.

“I told you,” Tabby said, whispering.

“Are they together?”

“No. She doesn’t believe he sees her that way.”

“Do you think she wants to be with him?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

When they arrived at his home, Lash waited to take Anthony and Daisy to the motel where they were staying. Tabby hugged her friend close and then Anthony before they got into the car.

Entering his home, he took the jacket from her.

“I’m going to go and take a quick shower. Warm up. Go and talk to your dad. Your friend clearly needs something. The fact he’d rather hang out around the back of a library speaks for itself.” She cupped his cheek, kissed him, and rushed off.

When The Skulls were in their home, they had always been told to treat it like their own. They rarely visited Piston County. Watching Tabby walk away, smelling her on his skin, damn, he felt at peace, which was the first time in a long time.