Chapter 4

The haze of those lost days clung to me like smoke, voices echoing in fragments. I swore I heard him — Bobby, my ex, his cruel tone unmistakable, and that kid from my first night in Sapulpa, Tank’s younger brother. How the hell did Bobby find me? Before I could grasp it, another sharp poke in my arm sent me spiraling back into darkness.

When I woke, the sterile smell of antiseptic hit me first, followed by the soft beep of a monitor. Deacon sat beside me, his face etched with worry and rage. “I found you outside my gate three days ago,” he said, his voice steady but heavy. “We put you in a coma to reset your bones and clean you up. You’re safe now, Layla. We’ve got your schoolwork covered — they think you’ve got the flu. Someone’s been doing your assignments, and we’ll take them back. They won’t take more from you.” He paused, his jaw tightening. “They drugged you, so you won’t remember much. But they raped you, and one of them branded you — a wolf ring mark. We’ve got a lead on who did it, tons of DNA, but no matches yet. We gave you meds for pregnancy and STDs. You’re gonna be okay.”

His words landed like blows, each one sinking deeper. I curled into myself, tears burning my eyes as the truth settled in. They’d violated me, marked me, but I was still here. Deacon’s arms wrapped around me, strong and steady, as I sobbed into his shoulder.

“I heard them,” I choked out. “Bobby and that kid. Tank’s brother, I think. Their voices… before they knocked me out again.”

Deacon’s grip tightened, his voice low. “We’ll find them, princess. They’ll pay.” He didn’t sugarcoat it, and I didn’t want him to. The doctor had mentioned my slow healing, saying the vitamins I’d been taking for years should help, but I hadn’t noticed a difference. This time, recovery would take longer, and I hated how fragile that made me feel.

I asked Tanner to grab the burner phone from the safe in my apartment. I needed to contact Uncle Rick, but I wasn’t ready to tell him everything. I’d change the safe’s code when I got home; no chances taken.

I texted Rick: / 'Sorry, lost the phone in the house. Couldn’t message.' He probably won't believe me but that gives me a week to heal and get my shit in order.

A few days later, I was back in my apartment, the familiar creak of the basement door greeting me. Zero and Lady bounded over, their warm fur brushing my legs, their excited whines filling the emptiness. I sank to the floor, letting them nuzzle me. School was done, so I threw myself into training. The gym equipment Tanner set up in the dining area became my sanctuary. I hit the treadmill, lifted weights, practiced combos, anything to rebuild the strength stolen from me. I can build my muscles back up.

A week later, I sat at my high school graduation, the auditorium buzzing with proud families. I wore a deep purple dress under my black cap and gown, black leggings hiding the bruises still fading on my legs.

The Wolf MC kids’ names were called, and their crew—my so-called “family”—cheered loudly, Mom’s voice cutting through the crowd. When my name echoed through the speakers, only Tanner and Star shouted for me. Deacon was out of town for a meeting, but I caught Star filming, her phone angled to capture me for her dad. He’d tried to reschedule, but the other party wouldn’t budge. In the crowd, I spotted Uncle Rick, keeping a low profile. We locked eyes briefly, and I knew he was waiting until my birthday to talk.

I didn't get to look at much on the laptop but I saw that the bitch isn't my mother. I don’t know when they found out or why they left me with her this whole time but that’s a problem for another day. So they were not paying attention to me. That's what I thought would happen but it still stung, she is the only mother I can remember. At graduation, they didn’t even look my way.

After the ceremony, I found Tanner and Star, and we snapped a photo together. I noticed Lisa standing there staring at my mother with hate so I look at her and I see her taking pictures with the graduates, so are my brothers.

“Let’s go, guys,” I said, leading Tanner and Star away.

We grabbed burgers from the diner and went home. Lisa waved as we left. Back home, we sprawled on the couch, watching a movie. I know Tanner and Star told Deacon what happened, but I don't care if they do. They also told him they haven't seen my family since we moved in here. I prefer it that way. They are always at the MC, and no one checks on me. Hell, they don’t even text me.

Mid-movie, Star sat up, her eyes bright. “Let’s go. We wanna show you something.” Curious, I followed them, hopping on my Harley as we rode to Spirit MC’s compound.

The night air was crisp, the roar of our bikes drowning out the world. When we pulled up, a bonfire blazed, illuminating a banner that read “Congratulations Ice.” Tears pricked my eyes as Rock, the VP, pulled me into a bear hug. “We’re proud of you, kid,” he said.

“Thank you, everyone!” I shouted, my voice carrying over the crackling fire. A table groaned with presents, a cake, and Cook flipping burgers at the grill. We sat around the fire, Tanner handing me a beer as we ate and talked.

My phone buzzed relentlessly — my brother, sending pictures of their party, Mom showering the other graduates with gifts. I smirked and sent back a photo of my banner, the pile of presents stacked in front. That’ll shut him up.

Spirit MC didn’t have any other graduates this year. Tanner and Star are homeschooled. So this was all for me. Deacon handed me the deed to the tattoo shop I’d dreamed of, a gift from the MC. “We’ll keep it in my safe until you’re settled,” he said. I hugged him, my voice thick. “Thank you all. This is the best day I’ve had since Dad died.” I left soon after to let the dogs out, my heart full.

Back home, I parked my Harley and saw Lisa crossing the street, her blonde ponytail swaying. “Hi, Lisa,” I said. “Your brother’ll get mad if he sees you talking to me.”

“Oh, well,” she said, shrugging. “I don’t appreciate what they’re doing to you. Congrats, by the way — I saw you got valedictorian and a scholarship to art school. That’s amazing.” She handed me a small box, her smile warm.

“Thanks,” I said, taking it. “It’s okay. Dad was the only one in my corner. I was there when they shot him, sitting at the table. He covered me and my godmother. Mom acts like she’s mad I survived. I’m sure that’s not how they tell it at Wolf MC.” I paused, the truth spilling out. “They got $100,000 each in his will. Ghost and I got the rest. That’s why they hate me. Dad was rich. His dad was the Mafia boss in Tulsa until Uncle Rick took over.”

Before she could respond, my phone rang, the screen flashing “Senator Papa.” I waved goodbye to Lisa, stepping away. I couldn’t risk her mentioning this call to Mom, who despised him for reasons I still didn’t understand.

“Hello, Senator, how are you today?” I said, signaling I wasn’t alone.

“Congrats!” his voice boomed, followed by cheers from what sounded like a room full of people.

“Thank you, guys,” I said, unsure why they’d called but grateful for the warmth.

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