Recluse Protection

Chapter 10

I'm probably overreacting, it isn't his issue that I grew up with shit. It ain't his fault that I got handed some shit fucking cards, now I'm playing them to the best of my ability. I shake my head making my way towards Gear's old room. I pass by House Mouses who are cleaning up after the late night party, earning side glances that tell me more than their words could. I'm not welcome around here, they don't want me taking a place they've claimed in their mind. Not like I want their fantasies anyways. I grew up in the real world.

Closing the door behind me I stare at my bags, the one I had brought with me. I'm glad I have a lock box to keep some shit private. I'm sure if I don't cover my ass shit's gonna blow up in my face before I can amend whatever issue Bear started all those years ago. I'm not sure who this said devil is that he made a wager with, or even what that damn wager was. He left me with notes and videos how much of this is going to help me?

Dropping on the bed I pull out the few pictures I have left of these men. When I was first found I was pitiful, a gangly teenager shaping into a woman. I looked pathetic, especially when I was forced to wear the clothes of the guys. A lot of my nightshirts came from then, Gears took me shopping wasting a shit ton of money on me for a new wardrobe. I broke down in tears at the gesture, that was one of the first acts of kindness I had ever witnessed. I chuckle softly shaking my head seeing the picture of me perched on a car lift, looking down at Gears as he fixed something.

He was showing me how to fix a car's brakes, and wanted me to learn things that would help me. Taught me things to do if I ever went out into public and couldn't keep my eyes on my car. How to check brake lines, see if they'd been tampered with. How to check if something had been placed on my car, if anything had been fucked with. I was barely seventeen, Gear's became the older brother I never thought I'd have. While I was trapped with those pricks I heard girls talk about missing their siblings.

How they missed their family, just wanted to be back home. I guess at one point they stopped finding shitty parents that would sell their kids. Blowing out a harsh breath I changed to another photo. It's of me and Patriot. Standing on the back porch I was holding up a pair of antlers, Patriot holding me up. They belonged to my first buck I ever got. I was letting out the call of a warrior, hollering for the kill. I was ecstatic, having been able to take down the buck for food. I continue to flip through my photos seeing me and one of the members doing something together.

I finally came across Bear's photo, he was staring at me, telling me about his family. This is when I first felt like I was a part of something. I didn't feel like I was holding them back or being some kind of trouble. I was asking him questions of his family, of his life. I shake my head, I wonder when it all changed for him. When he didn't want me dead. I look back at the bag tucking away the photo's. Hearing a knock on the door I zip the bag closed, shoving it under the mattress. Hiding it away, I don't want to risk anything.

"What?" I call out, walking to the door and pulling it open a crack.

"Cobra's calling Church, said to come and get you." I nod, stepping out of the room and locking it.

"Alright." Forger walks on, leaning heavily on his cane. I make sure to keep my pace with him. Glancing around seeing members milling around, catching their eyes and seeing their apprehension and confusion.

"How are you handling it here?" I turn towards him and take a moment to respond with a shrug. I'm not used to it, I miss my home, my land. I miss my shit, but there isn't any use in crying over it, I can't go back. Not now anyways.

"I'm dealing with it." He chuckles pausing to look at me, forcing me to stop as well.

"That's now what I asked and you know it. How is it hitting home?" He rephrases the question, making me sigh and jerk my hands through my hair.