... and Forever (Next Generation: Chaos Bleeds 1)

Tears flooded her eyes as the anger filled her to the core. She clenched her hands into fists. “Get out.”

“No. You can hide who you really are, if that makes you feel better. I get it, but I will not run from you.” Instead, he stepped close into her space.

She flinched away from his touch and he tutted. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“No? Then don’t talk to me.” He didn’t walk away. His arms wrapped around her and held her close to him. “I’m not going to let you go. Not even for a second.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to stay here for as long as you need me.”

She closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of leather and grease that always seemed to linger on him. He always played with his bike, even when it didn’t need fixing, and she knew it helped to calm the beast within him.

Holding on to him for dear life, she sniffled.

“I wanted to hear him scream,” she said, whispering the words for only him.

“I know.”

“I … I don’t know what to do. I feel so much anger.”

“I’ve got you. I will always have you.” He kissed the top of her head.

She pulled back, clearing her throat. This wasn’t about her. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she focused on him. “What do we do? What happens? Will Simon ever come back?”

“I doubt he will come back now. He spoke to her today. I don’t know what he has planned.” He rubbed at the back of his head.

“Did you call Dean?”

“No.”

“Who do you think did?” Daisy asked, wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Devil.”

“Really? Even with the whole agreement they’ve got going on?”

“Yes. Simon is still his son and I’m guessing they’re going to do everything they can to protect him.”

“What happened to the body?” Daisy asked.

Anthony opened his mouth and closed it.

“No! You don’t get to hide stuff like that from me. I won’t have it. Just tell me the truth. I can handle it.”

“Can you?”

“Yes.”

He stared at her, driving her crazy. In some way or another, he always tried to protect her. She understood it but hated it at the same time. Nibbling on her lip, she waited.

“I believe Lash and Devil scrubbed the place clean. There will be no evidence of Ryan ever existing.”

“What about the club?”

His gaze moved past her shoulder.

“Don’t. I’m not fucking stupid. You said so yourself. I’ve been here before, right? I know you don’t just kill someone and everything is okay. Tell me. Now.”

Anthony turned his back, his hand running through his hair. She knew he was pissed.

“They made a deal with the Dogs to stop an all-out war.”

She gasped. “You’re wrong.”

“I’m not wrong.”

She shook her head.

“They did that. He was part of their fucking club.”

“I know.” Glancing toward the stairs, Daisy didn’t know what to say. “This is going to kill her.”

“It won’t. I’ll fix it.”

“How? How can you fix it?”

“One day, I will.” He went to Daisy, cupped her face, and slammed his lips down on hers. She knew he had no choice but to kiss her. If he didn’t, he was likely to go and find the sons of bitches who hurt their best friend and take them on one by one. Or knowing Anthony, he’d take on the whole club without even thinking.Chapter OneFive years later

Tabitha glanced down at her cell phone and cursed.

“I’ve got to go,” she said, getting to her feet. She felt Angel’s, Daisy’s, and Darcy’s eyes on her. Way too much attention for her liking.

They were all at The Skulls’ main clubhouse. Angel had offered to organize some kind of potluck, helping to raise money for the school to go on a trip.

“You need to go?”

“Yes, I’m needed.” She pulled her satchel over her head, resting it across her chest, and lifted her head. All three women looked nervous. “What?”

“Nothing,” Angel said. “It’s just, we wanted you to have fun today.”

“I did have fun. Lots of super fun.” She forced a smile to her lips. “Duty calls though.” Without waiting for one of them to offer her company, she moved through the clubhouse that had changed so much in the last five years.

Since graduation, Anthony had become glued to Lash’s side, working with his father in improving The Skulls’ position. They owned more businesses within Fort Wills that had also expanded out to the city. Their time of dirty deals, deaths, and bullshit was long and truly over.

Tabitha rubbed at her chest, hating the way her thoughts were going. It was impossible for her to even think of the time when The Skulls had nothing but enemies, she’d have been happier. Simon wouldn’t have had to leave because her family, even Chaos Bleeds, would have supported him. She wouldn’t be all alone. These moments were what she hated. The thoughts she couldn’t turn off.