Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(15)

That’s how Gabe, Ant, and I became friends. I joined them a couple of weeks after that.

I gave in on wallowing in my self-pity and went to their compound. We had a few drinks, chatted with the ladies hanging around the compound, and enjoyed good food. They accepted me straightaway and asked me to join them; even the older bikers approved of me joining them.

I never intended on joining the MC. I wanted some riding companions, I’ve always wanted to see how it felt not to ride on your own, and I ended up with a family.

They did make me f*cking pay for being a prospect. The f*cking stupid things I had to do were ridiculous, and even though I was older than some of the guys, their Prez included, I didn’t give a f*ck. A part of me needed the acceptance into a new family, and it brought me out of the state that I was in.

It also totally brought us closer together as a family, and we work great together. I climbed the steps into the MC world, and I wouldn’t change any of it.

Even the f*cked up shit we’ve been through, they gave me a feeling of belonging and making sure everybody was safe and happy.

I’d give my life for any of my brothers and their ladies. They are my family, my brothers and sisters. You don’t have to be blood-related to feel that way for others.





Annabella

April 10, 2012

Tuesday evenings are spent at Gail’s mom, Suzie’s place. We have dinner and play games. It’s a tradition they’d had since Gail and her brother, Danny, were little and I’ve been included after living with Gail for only a couple of days. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. It’s like I’ve known them for ages. They never made me feel bad or anything about being so young and pregnant and being away from home. They do ask me sometimes, but they aren’t pushing me to open up to them. I do feel that it’s about time I open up to them. It’s only fair. I know they just want to help me.

Gail knows some stuff, like what happened with my aunt and why I ran away, the rest she doesn’t know. I still can’t bring myself to talk about my parents. It’s too painful, and it’s been almost twelve years. One morning they were there, and the next they were gone. I wonder what they would think of me if they were still alive and knew I was pregnant. A part of me knows they would be disappointed because they would have taught me better, and the other part hopes they would be happy to be young grandparents. I’ll never know and that’s the hardest.

“Are you okay, Anna?” Suzie asks, bringing me out of my reverie.

“Yes, this is delicious, as always.” I smile, taking another bite of my orange chicken.

“Thank you, but that’s not what I meant. You seem lost in your thoughts.”

“I was.” I sigh and set my fork down before wiping my mouth and taking a sip of water. I can feel Danny, Suzie, and Gail’s eyes on me. It’s somewhat unnerving, but I know they just want to make sure I’m okay. “I was just wondering what my parents would think of me being seventeen and ready to pop a baby out.”

“I’m sure they would be happy to be young grandparents. Hell, I would be. I had Gail when I was eighteen and Danny when I was twenty. Do I regret having them young? Never, it’s the best. I’m still young and able to follow up with them and enjoy doing things I might not have done had I had them later on in life. Things happen for a reason. You were meant to have little Elijah,” Suzie tries to reassure me.

“Can’t you call your parents or something? I’m sure they would love to hear from you,” Danny chimes in.

“Unless you have the number for the direct line to heaven, I don’t think I’ll be able to call them,” I say sadly but with a trace of humor.

“Oh shit, I’m so sorry I didn’t know,” Danny apologizes profusely.

“It’s okay, you didn’t know. I haven’t told anyone since I left my aunt. I don’t want to see the look of pity people get when I tell them.”

“I just thought they kicked you out or something because you were a wild teenager,” he sniggers.

“I was the most boring teenager ever, I think. I was living with my aunt when I left.”

“Why did you leave?” Suzie asks, and I’m about to answer to her when I feel something wet run down my legs. “Are you okay?” The look of horror on my face must have alarmed her.

“Either I just wet myself or my water broke.” I rub my tummy and look at Suzie.

“Danny, take your sister to her place and get Anna’s hospital bag. I’m taking her to the hospital.” Suzie ushers him out of the house as Gail is already outside.

“The baby is coming?” he asks, sounding totally lost.

“Yes, and it will come on the dining room floor if you don’t hurry!”

“Got it, boss.” He runs out of the house, and I hear the car engine start.

“Are you ready?” Suzie asks me excitedly as she helps me up.

“Not in the slightest.” I wince as I feel a contraction come.

“You’ll do amazing. I’ll be with you every step of the way, don’t worry.”

“You have no idea how much this means to me.” Another contraction takes my breath away as I hold onto the car while Suzie gets the door open for me to get in. I’ve never been in this much pain, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, I’m not sure I want to go through it.