Evie gave her a smile. “It’s Friday night. We always have a party downstairs to unwind.”

Winter tried to keep her expression neutral so that Evie wouldn’t know her feelings were hurt.

“Maybe next week, Winter, when you’re stronger,” Evie said, sensing Winter’s emotions. Winter smiled hesitantly, picking up her fork. She could tell Evie was in a rush to leave so she chased her away, picking up her book to read after she left. She could hear the music, the laughter from the men and giggles from the women coming from downstairs. Finally, unable to focus on her book, she got herself ready for bed. Sliding into the cool sheets, she turned the light off and went to sleep.

A hard bang against the wall startled her awake during the middle of the night. A small scream of fright escaped before she could prevent it. A warm hand circled her nape, bringing her back down to Viper’s chest.

“Shh... go back to sleep,” he murmured.

“What was that?’ she asked sleepily.

“Nothing, go back to sleep,” his hand rubbed her back until he felt her go back to sleep.

Saturday, Winter woke early and dressed before Viper. She was sitting in her chair by the window reading when he stretched lazily awake.

“How long have you been awake?”

“Not long. I thought I would read until you woke.”

“I won’t be a minute.” He was quick and Winter was downstairs eating breakfast before most of the others dragged themselves out of bed. Evie came in with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. Jewell and Ember also took a seat at the table, all with dark circles under their eyes.

“I take it you all had fun.” Winter said with a smile.

“You could say that.” Evie smiled. Beth and Razer entered the kitchen, which surprised Winter. They fixed their plates then joined Winter at the table.

“We were just telling Winter we had a good time last night.” Evie said while Beth took a bite of her eggs.

Beth blushed, refusing to take her eyes off the plate. Winter looked at her curiously.

“I told her she could come next week if she’s stronger.” Evie said watching for everyone’s reaction.

Beth and the others looked at Viper to see his reaction.

Hastily, Winter cut in. “That’s alright, I don’t want to intrude. I already have taken over so ..”

“I think it’s a good idea.” Viper inserted, taking the bacon she had left uneaten off her plate.

“Good, I have just the outfit you can borrow.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Beth shook her head. “She can borrow one of mine, and I will have a discussion with her beforehand. I will not allow a repeat of my first experience.” Winter was getting the message this was no simple party. “Perhaps I may give it a pass. Thanks anyway.”

“I think you would enjoy it, it won’t be as crowded as it usually is. Some of the members will be leaving Wednesday to go home for Thanksgiving. We always have a dinner here where everyone pitches in but some members always go home,” Jewell replied. Her dark hair, loose around her face and combined with her green eyes gave Jewell a sultry appearance that Winter feel plain and washed-out.

“I will think about it,” Winter said while playing with her food.

“Let’s get to your morning exercises.” Evie worked her hard that morning and Winter was happy with the results she was seeing. She had quit taking her pain meds, preferring to deal with the tolerable pain versus staying on the medication for longer than necessary. They decided to forgo the hot tub, choosing to sit at the kitchen table and drink a cold beer instead. Razer had been working out so Evie had enlisted him to carry Winter upstairs to the kitchen. Evie then ordered Train to carry her to the living room sofa, who politely did as he was told before returning to the kitchen for his meal. She was still wearing her shorts and pink sports bra but as no one was in the room, Winter didn’t let the exposure bother her.

Rider came in with Natasha and they sat at the bar laughing and talking. Beth and Razer joined Evie and Winter in the sofa area. Evie left to get them another round of beers. As she did, she noticed Rider and Natasha glance her way before getting up and going up the stairs. Winter lowered her eyes, hurt that they had left because she was in the room.

Viper came in the front door with an angry stride. Seeing them seated, he sat down on the sofa next to Winter, throwing his arm over the back of the sofa.

“Want a beer or whiskey?” Razer asked.

“I just came from seeing Sam.” Viper’s snapped.

“Whiskey it is.”

Winter didn’t ask any questions before when she had thought they were friends. She would have quizzed him now but decided to stay out of the discussion. However, she didn’t close her ears to their conservation either.

Razer handed him his drink and sat back down next to Beth.

“She still insists that Gavin is the father of her baby. I told her I would still help locate the kid but she won’t change her story. I know Gavin didn’t touch the little bitch, she was underage and that was a rule he wouldn’t break.

“I agree with you. I don’t believe he did either.” Razer said, taking a drink of his beer.

Winter bit her lip, trying to stay out of the conservation, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Perhaps he didn’t have time to tell you before he was murdered.” Winter suggested. Samantha was Vincent Bedford daughter, Winter’s cousin. Evie had explained that Sam had told everyone that Viper’s brother had fathered her child before his death, wanting Viper to help her find the child that Vincent had hidden from her. Winter hadn’t even been aware that the girl had been pregnant.

Viper took a swallow of his drink and stood up. “I would expect you to take up for your family. It’s because of them I don’t have my brother.” Winter paled feeling as if he had struck her. Viper picked up his glass going into the kitchen.

“Razer, could I impose on you to help me to the bedroom?” Winter made sure her voice didn’t wobble. “Evie, I think I’ll lay down for a nap. if I could borrow a phone, I can give you a call when I want to take a shower.” For safety, Evie always waited in the bedroom in case Winter needed her help.

“That’s fine. We’re going to be eating lunch in thirty minutes. Want me to bring you something?” Evie asked, concern evident in her voice.

“No, I’ll wait for dinner.” Avoiding Beth’s compassionate gaze as Razer lifted her into his arms, Winter held herself stiffly as he carried her to Viper’s room. Razer sat her on the side of the bed making sure her wheelchair was within reach.

“Need anything?”

Winter dared to reach out and touch his arm as he turned to leave. “No, I have everything I need. Thanks for all of your and Beth’s help, Razer.”

He nodded, giving her a funny look as he left. As soon as the door closed, Winter opened the phone and searched for the number she needed. It didn’t take long to find it and make the call. Hurriedly, she maneuvered herself into the wheelchair before getting herself dressed. Throwing her medications into her purse, she put the strap around her neck and shoulder, carefully opening the door, just cracking it and peeping out into the hallway. If everyone was already in the kitchen and dining rooms eating lunch she should have just enough time.