Raptor (Fury Vipers MC: Dublin Chapter #2)

13. Mallory

Chapter 13

Mallory

" H ey, sweetie, you doing okay?" Ma asks as she places a cup of tea on my desk. "You've barely slept."

I glance at her. She's worried. I get it. Whenever we leave the house, we're on edge, wondering when Micah's going to show his face. Over the past three months, he's found me on four separate occasions. Each time he finds me, he beats me until I'm on the verge of unconsciousness and then flees. In the past three months I've had a broken nose, broken arm, and a broken leg, not to mention I’ve been stabbed on multiple occasions. Micah wasn't lying when he told me he was going to break me. I'm so fucking frightened to leave the house, scared that he's right behind me, ready to attack when he feels like it.

"I'm okay, Ma, just been busy." It's not a lie. With Ma working from home, she's not able to earn as much as she used to, and with three mouths to feed now, along with having to save money away for a rainy day, things have become tight. I began looking for a job not long after Shay was born, and I found one. It suits me perfectly. I can work from home and work around Ma and Shay.

"This job," she says as she takes a seat on the bed, her voice soft so as not to wake Shay, who's sleeping soundly in his crib. "Are you sure it's safe?"

I glance at my son. His face is content as he sleeps. It's hard to believe he's three months old now. The time has gone by so fast. He's growing like a weed.

"Ma, right now it's paying the bills, and that's all that matters. No one knows my identity other than the owner and she's not going to say anything. I'm helping her out by taking these tasks off her hands."

She sighs heavily. "You're organizing hits, Mallory. It's not an easy job nor is it safe."

"I know," I whisper, hating that this was the only job I could get. "Ma, your life has been turned upside down because of me. The job you love isn't there anymore because you've had to step back to protect me. I'm doing what I can to ensure that we're all doing okay. If it means sending messages to people I don't know with details for their target, then so be it. I don't know these people and I would like to keep it that way."

She reaches for my arm. "I hate that you have to do this in the first place."

I squeeze her hand. "It gives me time to spend with Shay. Watching him grow up and getting to be here is everything I could have wanted. This job may not be for everyone, but Ma, the shit we've been through the last three months, it's made me not feel for this job. I'm good at keeping it separate from my real life."

"I'm proud of you, love. You're doing amazing, even if we are in hiding. Are you sure you're good to go tomorrow? I don't want anything to happen to you."

I smile. Tomorrow, my best friend is getting married, and I wouldn't miss it for the world. She's finally getting her happy ever after and I'm thrilled for her. I always knew she and Stephen would end up together. He was the only person she was interested in, ever since she was fourteen. It's always been him. I'm just thankful he got his head out of his ass and saw that she's his. I'll always have love for Stephen. He's saved her. Her father is still alive but he's in hiding. I know that once Stephen finds him, he's going to kill him, and the day that happens I'm going to celebrate by dancing on the fucker's grave.

"Yes, I'm sure. I would never miss Jess' wedding, Mam. I'd love it if you and Shay could come, but we know that's not safe. Right now, this home is secure, and as long as only one of us leave, Shay will remain safe. I can't have him or you hurt, Ma, not for me. I'd never forgive myself."

She gives me a sad smile. "I know, sweetie. I just wish things were different. Have you tried calling Shay's dad again?"

Sadness hits me deep in the pit of my stomach. "Yeah," I whisper. The same thing happens every time I call the number. It's no longer in use. I've no way of contacting him, and I've not spoken to Chloe in a while, not wanting to bring my shit to her doorstep. She's been through enough as it is. So we text a lot. I've asked her about Raptor via text but she never replied, and I got the feeling she didn't want to talk to me about it as she changed the subject quickly, so I dropped it.

"Honey, maybe one day you'll find out how to get a hold of him."

I nod. "I'm thinking of asking my boss," I say softly. "She's amazing at locating people. I know it would cost me, but I think it'll be worth it."

Ma smiles. "I think so too. Now, get some rest. You've been awake all night. If Shay wakes up, I'll take care of him. It's been a while since I've had some snuggles with the little guy."

"Okay, Ma. Thanks."

She gets to her feet and presses a kiss to my forehead. "I love you, Mallory. Get some rest." She walks out of my room and I do as she says. I climb into bed and lie down, my gaze on Shay, who's fast asleep. He only wakes once at night for a feed and that's usually around midnight. He won't wake again until about six or seven. Today, it's the latter.

I close my eyes, and it doesn't take long until I'm drifting off.

I help Jess fix her veil as she stares at herself in the mirror. "How?" she asks, her eyes filling with tears.

When I got the phone call three days ago to tell me that Jess was getting married, I was shocked but excited. Then Jer and Stephen demanded help with everything. They want today to be special for Jess, and I adore them so very much for that.

"Stephen and Jerry both wanted you to have a wedding dress, Jess. They wanted this day to be special for you. They called me and asked me to pick a dress you'd love. They wanted to surprise you. I'm so happy you love it." I grin at her as I explain the calls I received. "I have to admit, I was shocked when I heard you were getting married, but who you were getting married to didn’t surprise me."

Her laughter is soft and melodical. It's been a long time since I've heard her laugh so carefree. "It's always been Stephen."

I nod. Anyone could see that. "It really has. I'm glad he got his head out of his ass and has also stopped stalking you. I'm even more grateful that he saved you. I'm sorry I couldn't."

Jess shakes her head, her eyes filled with horror. "No," she whispers as tears shine in her eyes. "You were my rock, Mal. You've always been my rock. Where's my handsome nephew?"

I glance away, hating that I couldn't bring him with me. The guilt that I have is real. I feel so much guilt for having to hide him away from the world because of the shit I'm in.

"Mal," Jess whispers. "What's going on?"

I blink away the tears. I will not cry. This is her day. I'm not ruining it. "It's fine. You're getting married today. That's a joyous occasion."

"No," she says adamantly, reaching out and gripping my hands. "Mallory, what's going on? Talk to me, please."

I can't help but clutch on to them, scared that if I tell her, things will get worse. "I'm in trouble," I whisper. "God, Jess, I'm so scared."

"What's happened?" she asks, her eyes wide and her lips parted.

"The night that we went out before Shay was born," I say low, hoping no one is listening. "Remember what happened?"

She nods. It's not every day you watch someone beat another man to death. It's ingrained in our minds. Neither of us will ever forget what happened.

"The O'Learys aren't happy, Jess," I tell her, hating that I'm doing this today of all days. "Micah O'Leary has been trailing me."

She blinks, her brow furrowed. "What?" she hisses harshly. "Mallory, why did you never tell me?"

"You've been going through so much, I couldn't tell you. I didn't want you to live in fear either."

Jess shakes her head. "God, Mallory, you should have told me. I would have helped you. What's he done?" she questions. She knows me too well. "Tell me, please. What's he done to you?"

I glance away, taking a steadying breath. "Please," I beg, my voice just above a whisper. "This is your wedding day, Jess. Please just leave it be."

"Tell me," she urges. "Please."

"He threatened to kill us, Jess. Threatened Shay and me. He broke into our home and held a knife to my throat while Shay was lying in his crib beside me. I was so scared," I cry, my tears coming thick and fast. "Ma came home and he ran away. Since then, we've been in hiding. I hate that I'm so scared. I'm afraid that he'll find me."

I don't delve into everything else that's happened. She doesn't need to know all the gory details. My dress hides the scars Micah has given me, and I'm glad that it does. Otherwise she'd be in tears at the sight of them.

"I'm so sorry," she whispers softly. The pain in her eyes makes my stomach clench. God, this isn't her fault. It's not.

"It's not your fault, Jess," I tell her as I swipe away my tears. "This isn't on you. This is on them. They're doing this, not you. We'll be fine."

"I'll talk with Uncle Jer, Maverick, and Stephen. We'll make sure this stops. God, Mal, I'm so very sorry. I should have known something was wrong. I'm so sorry."

I pull her into my arms. I hate that I've made her sad on her wedding day, but I'm so damn glad I've told her the truth. "Don't apologize. I haven't told anyone. I'm so scared, Jess, so damn scared. What if he gets to Shay?"

"We'll make you safe," she promises me.

"I know," I reply softly. If anyone can it will be Jess. She'll do whatever she can. "Ma's been a Godsend, Jess. She's finally present and here. She dotes on Shay and she's finally showing me that she cares." I love how much Ma has changed. We're getting along so great, and I know it's not for show. She's deeply sorry for neglecting me emotionally as a child and she won't do it again.

"I'm glad she's around more and that she's present, watching Shay grow up. Nothing will happen to any of you. I'll talk to Maverick and Jer today," she says with a grin, her eyes filled with grit and determination. "They'll help."

I can't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, things are looking up. "I know. I love you."

"With my entire heart," she replies.

God, she's killing me. I swipe away the tears once again and take a deep breath. "Let's get you married."

Watching Stephen watch Jess as she walks down the aisle toward him makes me so happy. The love he has for her is so very clear to see. I had that. Looking back, I see that's exactly the way Raptor would look at me. God, I really did fuck up with all of that. I wish there was an undo button and I could fix everything.

I'm smiling wide and bright throughout the entire ceremony. Jess and Stephen love each other, there's no denying that, and together they look perfect. They've been dancing around one another for years. It's finally time they were together. I couldn't be happier for Jess. She deserves this and so very much more.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the officiant says, and I laugh as Stephen slides his arms around Jess' waist and hauls her close to him. The kiss is something that looks like it came from a movie. The two of them are caught up in one another, just the way it should be.

"Mallory." I hear the deep south Dublin accent and turn to see Freddie Kinnock standing beside me. "You're a hard woman to track down."

I raise a brow. "Oh, you've been looking for me?" I ask, and I'm shocked when he nods. "Why?"

"A guy's been looking for you for close to six months."

My heart starts to race and my body feels weak. God, no.

"You've got the attention of the American. He's been looking for you for a long time," he continues.

His words filter through my panic. "What?" I croak, trying to regain my breath.

"Raptor," he says evenly. "He's in Dublin, been living here for the past six months."

"What?" I breathe. "He's here?"

He frowns. "You didn't know?"

I shake my head. "No, I've been hiding."

His eyes narrow. "Why?"

"Micah O'Leary found out I was there that night," I confess softly, knowing Jess is going to tell Stephen and Jer anyway. It's only a matter of time before they tell Freddie.

"Christ, that fucker. What's he done?"

I shake my head. "Where is Raptor?"

"At the Fury Vipers clubhouse," he says. "But don't think you're going to get away without telling me what the fuck's going on. Mallory, what the hell has that cunt done to you?"

I once again shake my head. "I don't want Jess to know," I tell him quietly. "She feels guilty enough as it is. Me and my baby are in hiding so he doesn't find us, Freddie. The day I came home from the hospital with Shay, that animal broke into our home."

His nostrils flare. "What did he do?"

I pull the neckline of my dress down a little, showing him part of the scar I have. "He threatened me; held a knife to my throat while my son lay asleep in the crib beside me. He sliced me open and stabbed me. He blames me for what happened to his brother."

His jaw clenches. "He'll not hurt you again."

I give him a sad smile. "He's in hiding, Freddie. Over the past three months, he's found me four times. The man isn't going to stop until he kills me."

He pulls me into his arms. "Trust me," he says thickly, "he's not going to fucking touch you again."

I don't respond. He has no way of knowing that. There's no way in hell he can assure me of that. I can't trust anyone but myself to keep my son safe.

Tomorrow, I'll see Raptor. Maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to help keep Shay and Ma safe.