Page 52 of Animal's Reformation
“Where did you get this?” he asked as he took it from her.
“I found it the other day at school after some of the kids were saying I don’t have a mom. Ms. Mooney said that my feather meant that an angel was near.”
Animal rolled the soft feather between his fingers. “She said that?”
“Uh-huh. Do you believe in angels?”
“I guess. I never really thought about it, but it’s not common to find a feather in the winter.”
“That’s what Ms. Mooney said.”
Warmth spread through him. “Did you feel better after you found it?”
“Uh-huh. Ms. Mooney said that a white feather is one of the best.”
“She said that?” The memory of how Olivia felt in his arms flooded his senses with pleasure.
“Yeah.”
The thought of her voice whispering in his ear, the scent of her perfume curling around him, the softness of her lips pressing against his, and the feel of her tits in his hands were all playing havoc on him at that moment.
“Dad?”
Animal jerked his head back and scattered away the images. “Yeah?”
“Do you like it?”
He looked down at the palm of his hand. “I do, but it’s yours.”
“I want you to have it.”
Heat radiated through his chest and his finger closed around the feather as he stood up. “Thanks, kiddo.” Animal brushed the back of his hand across Lucy’s cheeks. “What about going out to get some barbecue at Big Rocky’s? Afterward, we can get some ice cream at Red Spot Creamery unless you think it’s too cold for it.”
Lucy shook her head. “No, I don’t think it’s too cold for ice cream.”
Animal laughed and embraced her. “I don’t either. Why don’t you wash your face and then meet me downstairs.”
She broke away from his arms and scurried to the bathroom. He walked out of the room, his jaw clenched. Animal had every intention of calling Emerald and telling her to give Lucy a call.She’s such a fucking, selfish bitch!He strode over to the living room window and looked through the blinds at Olivia’s house. Several lights were on and he pictured her lying on the couch wearing sexy lingerie while watching television and thinking of him. Well … it washisfantasy.
“I’m ready, Dad,” Lucy said behind him.
Animal turned away from the window. “Let’s get going.” He smiled at his daughter and made his way toward the garage as she followed close behind.
* * *
Black T-shirts, denim,and leather filled the main room, as a cacophony of music, shuffling feet, clinking glasses, and loud voices merged into a roar. Church had been particularly heated that morning, and Animal needed a double whiskey, pronto. Skinless, one of the three prospects scrambling to make sure the brothers were taken care of, placed the tumbler in front of him. Animal tipped his head back and let the amber liquid slide down his throat.
“We shoulda gotten rid of the traitorous bastard back when we dealt with Tigger,” Wheelie said, slamming his beer bottle on the counter.
Animal shook his head. “Yeah—we fucked up.”
Rags turned to Bones, who’d been unusually quiet. “You guys are tight. Did you know he was a fuckin’ turncoat?”
Bones held his hands up. “Don’t fuckin’ get on my damn case because a friend of mine—a brother ofoursis a goddamn rat. I didn’t know shit. I knew he was pissed as hell about Tigger. He thought the club abandoned Tigger and had a double standard when it came to Wheelie.” He jerked his head in Wheelie’s direction. “But he made amends with it, or that’s what I thought. I mean, it’s been almost two years since all that went down, right?”
Animal nodded. “Yeah, just about.” He clasped his hand on Bones’s shoulder. “I’m not blaming you, dude. I think that goes for most of us here.” The other men tipped their chins at Bones. “It’s just been a while since we had a brother betray the club.”
“And to fuck around with Metal’s old lady? They’re together, not getting a divorce or any shit like that. Asshole!” Rags pounded his fist on the table.
