My eyes flutter open and I sigh in relief when I discover the room isn’t bright. I hear murmuring on the right side of me and try to crook my head through my drug-induced state to the sound. It’s ZZ talking with a doctor. I strain my hearing and try to focus on their words.

“So she’ll be okay?” ZZ asks the doctor.

“She’ll heal just fine. The fragment of glass barely punctured an artery.”

“But she bled a lot,” he says back to the doctor.

The doctor chuckles, amused with ZZ, I guess.

“Have you ever noticed a small cut bleed a lot, son?”

ZZ nods a yes.

“There you go then. She had a bunch of small cuts and one very large one.”

“Right, so what did you do to her in surgery?” he asks.

“Well, the large glass that was sticking out of her thigh was mostly stuck in flesh, fatty tissue. The tip grazed an artery. She was lucky. The artery only needed just a few stitches. The main wound to the flesh of her thigh was our worry after we stitched up the artery. We needed to make sure the wound was cleaned and stitched correctly to lower her risk of infection.”

“And did you do just that? I mean is she infection risk free or whatever?”

I notice the doctor smile at him.

“Son, she’ll be fine as long as she keeps it clean and rested. She doesn’t need to walk much during the first few days.” The doctor answers back.

“Okay, when does she get to go home?”

“Tomorrow, as long as she stays fever free.”

“Thanks doc,” ZZ murmurs while rubbing his jaw. ZZ actually looks stressed out and worried. “Look, I’m gonna give it to you straight here. I’m not leaving her side, and don’t be surprised when at least two more of my kind show up here.”

I gasp drawing their attention to me. ZZ’s eyes light up and the doctor comes walking over.

“How are you feeling Miss. Martini?” he asks, shining a light in my eyes.

“Call me Storm please, and I feel fine, just a little drugged,” I whisper. “I heard you talking about my surgery and the aftercare needed. I don’t need you to explain it again.”

“Very well, press that button for a nurse, and they’ll get you whatever you need. If all goes well you’ll be leaving here tomorrow morning with a few prescriptions. I’ll be back in just a few to check on you.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

I look at ZZ as he drags the chair over to the side of my bed and takes a seat.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Only a few hours. You know I’m pissed at you right?” ZZ laughs. Like I can really believe he’s pissed at me when he’s laughing.

“Why?”

“Tatiana may be my daughter Storm, but your life has the same value as hers. Don’t get me wrong babe, thankful as f**k that you did that for my daughter, but shit. I dunno. I’m just torn about it all.” He blows out a breath leaning back in the chair.

“I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Mason.” I smile.

“Jesus,” he curses.

“What?” I ask.

“Even after a surgery you look f**kin beautiful,” he huffs, as if he’s annoyed by it.

“Number two compliment. You’re on a roll,” I giggle.

A knock on the door stops my giggling as ZZ jumps up and I crane my neck to see who is knocking.

When the door opens all the way, Winter rushes in knocking ZZ outta the way. Braxxon follows behind her.

“Well you look good, so everything’s good?” Winter’s words come out in a rush as she assesses my entire body.

“Just some stitches and a small surgery, no biggie.” I smile, feeling loved.

Her eyes go wide. “Surgery?” She cries.

“No, no just a small surgery to stitch up an artery. No big deal.”

“Whatever, you’re gonna start carrying,” she says, sitting down in ZZ’s chair.

“Carrying what?”

“A gun, silly,” she says, in a duh tone.

“Um no,” I say back.

“Yes!” All three of them say.

I look to the guys and can see their minds are already set. My ass will be learning how to shoot so I can carry a gun. Lovely.

“So who shot at us?” I say, dropping the subject of me carrying a gun.

“Braxxon has calls made,” she says simply.

And that’s it. She’s curt, so I know to drop it and let the Club handle it.

“I’m gonna cancel the dress fitting and reschedule it for another day,” Winter says.

“No, I get out tomorrow. I might be gimpy but we are still doing it and that’s it. Don’t push me.”

“Angel,” Braxxon growls.

“Don’t start Braxx; send Sniper with us for all I care. We’re not canceling anything just because some idiots with a gun are trying to kill us. I’m not gonna hide with my ass tucked like a f**kin pu**y.” She practically yells at him.

“What she said,” I agree, out loud.

I’m not going to stop living my life. It’s too short for that.

“Angel you’re wearing on me thin, baby,” Braxxon growls.

ZZ sighs from across the room. “Storm needs rest can ya’ll take your couple spits somewhere f**kin else.”

“I’m fine,” I try to assure him.

“Darlin,” he sighs again.

“No, he’s right. We need to get going anyways. Club is going on lockdown and all that shit. Gotta help get groceries with Berry and being as Braxxon isn’t letting us travel alone, I want to get this shit done and over with. The sound of construction is going to be lovely.” Winter smarts off.