“Hold on,” King and I say in unison.
We look at each other, then turn back to Mix. “You keep talking about my daddy like he survived,” King says as he steps toward Mix and tilts his head.
“He and Rose did, for the most part,” Mix says as he looks between us both.
“You didn’t think they could kill your old man did you?” The sound of a raspy voice comes from behind us.
King and I spin around at the same time. Standing tall in the doorway is a scarred-face Cage. He looks older, but bigger and more sinister than I remember. His golden hair is tied back as if to show his scars with pride.
As I take him in, I notice the slight tumor on his right arm. Cage sees me home in on it and flexes his chest, taking a step forward. “Don’t let that bullshit fool you,” Cage rumbles. “I’ve had enough time to build my strength back. Now, are you two boys going to stand there and stare at me like a ghost or are you going to show your old man how much you missed him?”
King is in motion before Cage finishes his words. They wrap each other in a tight bear hug. I’m stunned. I fight back my own emotions as I watch King hold on to his father.
The two can do nothing but embrace for how long, I couldn’t tell you. Cage repeatedly pats King on the back, hard, as he begins to tell him how proud he is of him. I thought I couldn’t be more shocked than when Eva announced she’s pregnant.
Now, I’m just struck speechless. King and Cage release each other, and Cage opens his arms for me. I move into the arms of the man who has been my only real father figure. My heart bled when I thought I lost this man forever.
As I pull back and look at his scarred face, I want to quench my thirst for blood more than ever. It never sat right with me that Cage was in a freak accident. He’s one of the best riders I’ve ever seen. He taught us all.
“Six years,” I choke out.
“A long fucking time, son,” Cage says gruffly. He grabs me and King by the backs of our necks. “You boys have made me so proud. I’d hoped my shit wouldn’t come knocking at your door, but I’ve been waiting. Getting my strength back and waiting. That son of a bitch has known how to find me.
“I’ve even played the sitting duck for him to try—posing in a wheel chair and all—but my life won’t satisfy him. He wants the club or at least what’s left of it after he tries to bring it down.”
“That shit’s never gonna happen,” King grates out.
“You’re fucking right, son. My grandkids are going to run this show someday,” Cage says with a wide grin.
He kisses first King’s forehead then mine, reducing us to the boys we used to be. My heart squeezes, I love this man and we all took losing him hard.
“Damn proud of you boys,” Cage chokes out in the raspy sound that has become his voice. “My boys.”
Chapter 32
Distraction
Owen
The four of us roar with laughter in the clubhouse basement. It feels damn good. Cage looks like he’s been in need of laughter and camaraderie for some time now. From the way he has told us he has been living, I know it to be true.
I think I’m still in shock that Cage is sitting here before me. It feels good though. It feels damn good. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since we all pulled up chairs and started to talk.
The trouble brewing has taken a back seat for a few hours. Right now, we’re just a few men shooting the shit. Cage has a way of putting a smile on your face. That hasn’t changed.
What has changed, is the twinkle that used to dance in his eyes. Cage looks like he has become a harder man than he used to be. Don’t get me wrong, Cage Kennedy has always been one bad motherfucker. He just had a way about him that put you at ease in every situation.
Now, I don’t think many people would feel too relaxed in a room with him. It’s not just the scars or his new raspy voice either. It’s like Cage has truly become a lost soul—the shit Squad members are made of.
Suddenly, the air in the room shifts and the laughter dies down. “How are my girls?” Cage asks somberly.
King tosses a thumb over his shoulder. “Well, you already heard this one knocked up Eva. Other than that, I think she’s good. Then again, what do I know? Those two have kept me on my fucking toes.”
King shakes his head. “Some shit went down with Sal. She won’t tell me what and I know not to push her. I’ve just been hoping it’s not as bad as my imagination has made it,” King stop to purse his lips. “Seeing her with Gutter is the happiest I’ve seen Sal in a long time. I hate that shit, but I noticed.”
“Boy, you’ve done the best you could. Rose and I left you in a tight spot. You took care of your sisters and you’ve run this club.” Cage nods. “You’ve done a fine job of both.”
“Now you’re back and you can take the gavel back,” King says with a broad grin toward his father.
Cage shakes his head. “My days as prez are over. It’s time for new blood to take over. You’re where you’re supposed to be. Now it’s time for Brick to take his place,” Cage says as he looks me in my eyes.
My green gaze locks with his hard, blue stare. I knit my brows in confusion. “I’ve been leading the Squad since you’ve been gone,” I say.
“Right where we needed you to get you ready for now. Mix isn’t getting any younger. It was always in the plans to
