Katie POV

"Chrys...w-what in the actual fuck?!" I whisper yell after a minute of shock. "How...why...how and why are you here?!" My heart felt like it would beat straight out of my chest at any moment. Chrystal...my brother's Chrystal is here and I don't know what to make of it.

A small smirk makes its way to one side of her mouth, but it's gone in a split second. I haven't seen here in almost two decades, yet she still looks the same, only slightly weathered. The biggest difference is her eyes show pain. The same pain I see in Max's eyes everyday.

"It's really nice to see you, Kay," she says with a lot of relief and sincerity. Like I'd be the one to flake...

After attempting to calm myself with a deep breath and closing my eyes to the world I open them to look at her again. This must be what it feels like to see a ghost. "I wish I could say the same," I mutter. I don't know why she's here or what her story is, but she's done enough damage. I know my brother better than most and can tell he's never been the same since she left. The only time he's resembled the man he once was is when he found out about...oh fuck. Is that why she's here?

After a small sigh leaves Chrystal she pipes up again. "I know I'm probably not your favorite person, but there was a time we were close. As close as-"

"As close as what? Sisters? You have a lot of fucking nerve, Chrys...." I raise my voice a little louder than I should have.

"I'm not going to argue with that. There's just...there's a hell of a lot you don't know."

"How about you start off with telling me what I don't know then," I cut her off before she can start with excuses. I used to look up to Chrystal. She was a few years older than me, but she used to go out of her way to talk to me and include me. It may have been nothing to her, but growing up with a lot of insecurities and anxiety, it meant a lot. I felt seen and it helped get me out of my shell. When she vanished without a word only to file for divorce from my brother a while later, I felt betrayed. I felt like her entire being was a façade and I will admit that I resented her. I hated her because I felt like a friend let me down, and I hated her more for what she did to my brother. He practically worshipped the ground she walked on and she didn't seem to care one bit.

"I...can't," she says in a defeated tone. "At least not yet, but I promise I will tell you eventually. I never wanted to hurt you or Ma-," she breaks at the end. Only then do I finally look back into her eyes and see the unshed tears begging to come out. "I never wanted to hurt anyone, I swear on my life."

I stare at her for a few more moments before burying my face in my hands. I see the pain, I do. However, the timing is really suspicious. She's been gone for over 18 years...gone without a trace. Why is now a good time to come back? Ugh...this is all too weird. I don't get a good feeling about any of this.

"Why are you here?" I ask with impatience clear in my tone. I want to get to the root of her being here so I can get back home and figure shit out. The longer I'm away, the more Blaze and my brother will definitely worry. They also think I'm an idiot, but I'm completely aware that they have trackers on my phone and car. I know it's for my safety and I won't argue that. The issue is they aren't as smooth as they think they might be, and if I can see that, I'm certain others can as well. It could also be why those Renegades are fucking with our town.

She takes a moment to herself before speaking again. "I...just needed to be near. I can't go up to BC to see my parents and I only thought of one place that truly felt like home."

"Well that's great and all, but I don't think you're necessarily wanted around here anymore. You did a lot of damage and I don't want any more old wounds to open," I mutter.

A long, tense bout of silence is shared between Chrystal and I. I feel pretty stupid for letting my curiosity get the best of me. I could have-no should have hung up and went on about my day as if everything were normal. My biggest worry is hiding this from my brother.

"How is he?" she asks in an almost whisper while staring at her coffee mug like it's interesting.

I instantly scoff at that question, getting her focus back onto me.

"He's great," I lie without hesitation. "Got married about 15 years ago and he's been running the club well." The smirk and smug attitude that was on my face as I said that quickly died as I saw the pain in her eyes after I told her that. The guilt hit me hard, but I pushed that feeling down as much as I could. She didn't have to see her own flesh suffering like I did. I keep that thought in my head to keep me from reaching over to comfort her.

"I'm really happy for him...and for you. You look incredible, Kay, I mean it." She says in a soft tone.

A conflict in my mind arises. Do I bring up a child she gave up? As much as I want to because I still see the Chrystal that I grew to love like she was my blood, she left. And it hurts to think that all of us were disposable to her.

I mutter a small thanks and continue to debate everything in my mind. From whether I keep this a secret to my brother to bringing up an abandoned child. I'm holding multiple double edged swords and I don't like it one bit.

Instead of directly spilling anything, I decide to let her share what she wants. "So...what have you been up to all these years?" I ask with an incredulous brow raised. I feel I should take everything she's about to say with skepticism so I don't get too attached again.

"I've been up north, just teaching and living a quiet life. I don't really have much else to brag about," she answers quickly.

"Hmm...anyone special in your life?" I see her quickly close her eyes for a moment and it takes a lot in me to once again refrain from helping her while she's in distress.

She shakes her head slowly after a moment and keeps her gaze at the table once her eyes open up again. Boy do I feel like a jackass...kind of. I let out another exasperated sigh and rub my temples before speaking again.

"Look...I'm sorry for being such a bitch...it's just really hard to see you again. I can't get over it instantly and I don't know if I want to let you back into my l-"

"You have every right to be rude. It's completely okay. In fact...I'd be worried if you were being friendly," Chrystal cuts me off. "Like I said, there is a lot I can't let you know yet, but I can maybe tell you a little and you can then decide if you want to keep in contact or if you want me to disappear from your life again. It's entirely up to you," the words tumble out of her mouth in a pleading tone. "I just...missed you. Saying sorry won't mend things, but for what it's worth I am truly sorry for everything."

"Fine," I say with finality in my tone. At this point I just want to get on the road and be alone so I can clear my head and try to make up a story in case Blaze or my brother ask me why I left so suddenly. "I don't know how you got my number, but when you want to tell me whatever you can, just text me. We'll have to keep it outside of Broomfield in case my brother has me followed. Leaving earlier was already shady as shit."

Chrystal let's out a small breath of relief and nods in appreciation. It looks like a large weight is lifted from her. However, I can see there is still a lot more holding her down, but I'm trying my best to keep a distance. If I am the one coordinating things at least I have a certain amount of control over the situation, over her, and over my brother's feelings.

At least I hope I have control.

~~~~~~~

Fleur POV

Have you ever regretted something almost immediately after doing it? That's how I feel right now after only mulling over Brandon and Jasmine coming to us. It sounded so lovely once Tank suggested...but maybe it was just because I was too busy relishing in his voice. 

Why am I like this?

Jazz immediately responded in our group chat that they were planning it out and will be on their way to us from Lake Tahoe and a stop overnight in Salt Lake. And as excited as I am to see my other best friends, I'm now worried. Jazz is beautiful and unafraid of flirting so that already has my head spinning. I have no claim to make whatsoever, but the thought of seeing her batting her eyes at Tank has my stomach in knots. She's everything I'd like to be. Hell, if I were into girls I'd be swooning over her so it's likely he could be interested. 

Other than that, I've brought another female into town where one was just taken. What if somehow she's targeted on the way in or something and her and Brandon end up missing. If I had food in my system it would be making its way up my throat right about now. The simulation of them being kidnapped in my mind is already making me feel guilty. I wish I could hire someone to follow me around and slap me upside the head whenever I attempt to make rash decisions. 

Justin wasn't keen on the idea of staying here longer, but warmed up a bit once our friends agreed to come here. At least that feels like a small victory and right now, I'll take whatever I can get to lessen the anxiety that's almost crippling me. Although, his extra closeness since Tank has been here is becoming a slightly irritating, I'd rather have him calm than upset with me. 

Where can I find a backbone? Asking for a friend...

It's now just past noon and we've been hanging in the hotel room pretending we care about what's on TV, when it appears we are all lost in our own thoughts. I can guess Justin is thinking about Bran and Jazz visiting and what we can all do, just the four of us. And Tank...well...he's most likely thinking about how boring it is babysitting me and how he wishes he could be anywhere else. These are just my best guesses though. 

A few moments pass with the only noise being whatever daytime television we have it on before a buzzing coming from Tank breaks us out of our trance. Justin and I both turn to watch as he stares at his phone for a moment before typing a response to whoever messaged him. Before we can turn our attention back to the TV in an attempt to act as if we weren't being a bit nosy, he's on his feet.

"Your dad wants us to meet him at your grandmother's home. He thinks it would be better than staying at the hotel all day," he says while keeping his gaze entirely on me before quickly looking at Justin. "You, follow me in her car...she's ordered to ride with me." My heartbeat accelerates at the smirk that resides on the right side of his face when he finishes. The only response Justin gives is a scoff and mumbling 'whatever' before he starts putting shoes on. Men and their testosterone or whatever.

As soon as I'm back in Tank-wait Katie's car, I'm curious enough to speak up. "Why are we going to Nana's place?" I ask and his head snaps to the side to face me. He eyes me for a second before facing behind us to back out of the parking spot. Yeah, that's not rude at all I want to say, but I know I am a coward. 

Soon we are pulling into the street and heading in the direction of Nana or Max's mother...or at least I guess it's the correct way. I peer through the passenger mirror to make sure Justin is right behind us. Something tells me Tank would lose him in a heartbeat if he were ordered to do so. The authority Ma-my father has over all those men including Tank is a bit terrifying now that I think about it. I'm afraid to find out what stuff they do. So far Max has shown me nothing but kindness and care and it's awful to think he might be into things that could harm him. Worrying about his safety is definitely added to my list. Oh, I can't forget Tank...I should forget, but something tells me I can't. 

A few more seconds pass and I almost forget I even asked Tank a question before he finally answers. "According to Blaze, she called Max and yelled at him to get you over there pronto," he says with a voice laced in amusement. "I agree though. It will be nice to have some space...no offense," he chuckles. God, that sound. "I bet she's already making a big meal for us..." he adds. 

"This will be my second time meeting her," I say, more to myself than him. "You must know a lot about her." 

Another small chuckle leaves his mouth. I'm on a roll. 

"She's always feeding us and making sure we're taking care of ourselves. She has Katie keeping an eye out on us too," he says. "You're here now, so they're damn well going to take care of you..." he adds in and then mutters something to himself that I can't quite make out. The idea of more people there for me brings a sense of peace to me...less lonely. I can't help but let a small smile take over my face at the thought of all the new family I have. Even if it's just the ones I've already met, that's quite enough for me. 

~~~~~~~~

Ghost POV 

"You can't be serious, Nise! A girl was taken...literally fucking taken underneath our noses. I'm not fucking someone...I need to stay here!" I yell into the phone before I hear her mutter something while hanging up on me. I'm disgusted right now. Disgusted that she has the nerve to think I'd do something like that. I know our marriage doesn't run on love, but I'm not some asshole who would cheat on my wife. This is some petty shit I don't need right now so I'll just let her cool off and deal with the actual shit I need to. 

"Old lady not happy with ya?" chimes in my currently irritating vp. I only acknowledge him with an eye roll before turning to the drink I've been working on. "Might wanna take it slow on the liquid this mornin'...Trace received a message this morning from someone close to them shithead Renegades." Hearing that shitty name brings my attention to him fully. "Says they're planning on flanking us while our focus is elsewhere. Nothing' too soon, but he says it's comin'." 

"We need to call in some favors asap. Perez and his club owe us big. Reach out to him first," I say to Blaze as he nods while I speak. 

"I already got a few brothers on it, he's one on the list. They want you stressin'...try to chill for just a moment. Go spend time with that new kid of yours...she seems too sweet for this world and might need the security of a father to comfort her. I gotta go see where the hell Katie went," he finishes while walking away. I spend a split second wondering where she may have gone off to, but Katie is the most social person I know. She could be anywhere, with anyone. I don't worry too much about her. She'd probably be the one  saving my ass in the end. 

I decide to take a little of Blaze's advice and start my ascent upstairs to an open room. I could use a nap and going all the way home would be a waste. Especially with an angry wife. 

I'm not even halfway up the stairs before I hear Everest shouting my name. I turn to see that gigantic mother fucker moving faster than I thought possible for a person that size. Usually it would be amusing, but the worried look on his face says otherwise. 

"Prez, this was found on the door. I don't know who the hell put it there, but I stepped away from the front for maybe a minute and then this is there...the prospects outside said they didn't see shit..." he rushes out while holding a small piece of what looks like paper in his hand. As he gets closer to hand me the paper I notice it's actually a photo. My blood runs cold and my heart drops as soon as my eyes focus on the photo. 

It's a picture of Fleur...I can't place where the photo is taken from, but it's her just looking out somewhere and that boy she brought is next to her. What makes my legs almost give out are the words written below her.

this little doll will sell for a pretty penny

shame we won't get to break her in

~you're too late

"Get a hold of Tank and make sure he has her. I'm heading their way," I tell Everest and the few brother's that are behind him before I rush past them to get to Fleur. 

If anything happens to that little girl, I'll make sure the whole world burns. 

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Hey all. I hope you all have a super happy, healthy new year. Now onto a little rant.

Someone messaged me about the slow pacing of my story and that they don't like so many POV. That's super and all and it's your opinion, but I'm not going to change my story based only on a person's preference. Constructive criticism is one thing, but this was definitely not that. So, if you don't like the way something is written, just don't read. I'm not forcing anyone to read and there are endless stories on this app alone. I'm sorry if you don't like the way I write, but that's your problem, not mine.

Phew, okay...rant over.

Happy reading ❤️ (this includes any other story)