A heavy silence fills the room as everyone but Coyote, Nerd, and I leave the room. The entire time my face stays buried in Nerd’s shirt as I try to stop the trembles from racking my body.
This I never wanted anyone to see. Me, having a panic attack. Freaking out about motorcycles moving as one. Or better yet, flipping out over my brother and the man I’ve been in love with since I first laid eyes on him, beat each other up.
Chapter Ten
Nerd
Fuck, I should have known something like this would cause Cara to freak. Violence of any form could be a trigger that brings on a panic attack. With the way she acted upon the approach of my brothers, I knew she was starting to get scared; however, her brother and I going at each other didn’t help matters.
Holding her to me, I do my best to sooth her trembling body.
“Come on, babygirl,” I murmur softly against the top of her head as I guide her into the kitchen and set her on the counter.
“I . . . I . . . I’m sorry,” she hiccups.
Frowning, I grip her chin in order to lift her face so she has no choice but to look at me. “Why are you sorry?”
“B . . . Because it’s my fault.” Fuck me. Cara has a way with gutting me without meaning to.
“Cara, kiddo, this isn’t your fault,” Coyote grumbles, moving to stand near us. He’d stayed quiet as I took care of my woman. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I was pissed.”
“Brother,” I mutter, shaking my head. It wasn’t his fault either. “No one is at fault here. Last night, after the shit with Luna and her going missing, I made a decision. Went with it and brought my girl back home where she belongs. I was giving her the night to settle in and calling you in the morning to come over.” I state making sure Coyote is looking directly at me as I finish talking. “Wasn’t trying to keep shit from you.”
“Still don’t like it. Not after everything she’s been through . . .” Coyote doesn’t get to finish as Cara interrupts him.
“She is right here. I don’t want to be talked over or about. This is why I hadn’t wanted to come home yet,” Cara mutters.
“Cara,” Coyote starts only to stop when she shakes her head. A look of grief crosses his face at the hurt in hers.
“Don’t. I don’t want pity and I don’t want anyone treating me like I’m made of china. That’s not how I’m going to get over anything. I learned that in group. If you just think of me as me and not a victim then I’ll eventually be able to move forward.” The anguish in her voice is hard to miss.
“Okay, kiddo,” Coyote mutters as he nods in agreement. “I’ll do my best. Can’t guarantee I won’t go into big brother mode when I feel the need to protect my little sister.”
Letting out a hesitant breath, Cara gives us a slight smile. “Okay,” she whispers.
“Now that the drama’s done, think we can talk about everything tomorrow? Give Cara the night to adjust to being home,” I suggest.
“She’s not home, until she’s at my place with her family,” Coyote growls.
“Coyote,” Cara murmurs before I can speak up. “Please don’t. I love you. I know you want to be there for me, but I feel safe here. With Nerd. He’s my friend.”
Friend?
Looks like I’m going to have to make her see we’re more than just friends. She’s my woman whether she wants to deny it or not. I’m not about to let her go.
“Friend?” Coyote grunts.
“I claimed her.” I declare gaining Coyote’s heated glare.
“Nick,” Cara murmurs.
“Come again?” Coyote snarls.
“Claiming her, brother. I’d intended to do it when she finished school, but after this shit, I’m not waiting any more. Am I giving her the time she needs to heal and get her head on right? Yeah, but she’s doing it here in my house. A house I bought knowing she would love it. Now, you see where I’m coming from?” By the time I finish, I lock eyes with Cara making sure she got where I was coming from.
None of us speak but finally Cara nods her head in understanding at the same time Coyote sighs. “Alright, I don’t like it, but fuckin’ hell if Cara feels safe with you then so be it; however, you fuckin’ hurt my sister, Nerd, and I’ll end you. Brother or not. She’s the only family I have besides my woman and kid.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” I nod, turning my attention to him.
“Good. Then tomorrow, I’ll be bringing Tinsley and Cody out here to finally meet Cara,” Coyote states as he moves pushing me aside so that he is able to hug his sister. “Missed you, kiddo. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Tentatively, Cara wraps her arms around her brother. “Missed you, too. I’m sorry I was so stubborn when school started. I shouldn’t have shut you out the way I did.”
“It’s okay, kiddo. Now I’ll see you in the morning,” Coyote states stepping back from Cara.
“Okay. But we’re supposed to go furniture shopping sometime tomorrow and get groceries,” Cara says softly.
“I’ll call and let you know when we’re on the way,” Coyote grumbles, lifting a hand to rake his fingers through his hair. I know this isn’t easy for him. Shit, if I had a sister and she went through what Cara did. I’d be the same way. It’s why I wasn’t pissed with him for the punches he threw at me. Granted, I gave him just as many.
Soon as the door closes behind Coyote, leaving me alone with Cara once again, I step back into her space.
“Friend?” I ask her.
“Nick,” she murmurs.
“Babygirl, I’ve made my intentions known and you know it. I get you need time and I’m more than willing to give it
