THE ROAD TO HELL
CHAPTER 2
FIVE DAYS
The Judge had struck and Lane’s hands were shaking as he fumbled the antivenom. He tried to grab it, but the syringe rolled away on the table that suddenly stretched out for miles.
Kait’s arm was bleeding. There was too much blood for only a bite. But it wasn’t. There were several bites and lascerations, and they were all over. This was all wrong.
Kait went limp in his arms, breath slowing—then stopping. He shouted, but his voice came out muted. He shook her. Checked for a pulse but she was gone. He held her tight and collapsed on the floor with her.
Suddenly—Kolton appeared in front of him, calm and cold. “We should kill the snake,” he said.
Then, just like that, the room shifted again—every Krait member stood in the chapel, guns raised, aimed at him. He didn’t move. Then the sound of gunshots rang out—
POP. POP. POP.
Knock-Knock
Lane jolted awake and the room snapped back into focus. His hand flew to Kait’s wrist before he was fully conscious.
She had a pulse. She was still breathing.
“Hey, honey,” Loraine said as she walked in.
She stepped inside without waiting for permission.
She was already dressed for the day—hair pinned back, loose linen blouse, long skirt, rings catching the early light.
She took in the room in one sweep.
Kait in bed.
The rumpled blanket and pillows.
Lane still gripping Kait’s wrist like he was anchoring her to the mattress.
“Good morning,” she said quietly.
Lane didn’t answer.
He checked Kait’s pulse again before finally letting go.
“How is she doing?” Loraine asked.
He cleared his throat.
“Better. Made it through the night.”
Loraine moved closer to the bed. She brushed Kait’s hair back from her temple and pressed the back of her hand lightly on her forehead, then her throat.
“She’s warm,” she said.
Lane nodded once. “She had a fever earlier, but it broke.”
Loraine looked at him then. Bloodshot eyes. Jaw tight from clenching. Hair out of place—at least by his standards.
She set a small canvas bag on the dresser. Clean rags. Water. Something herbal that smelled faintly of mint and clove.
“I can take over so you can get some rest,” she said, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Lane didn’t move at first.
His eyes stayed on Kait.
“I’ve got her,” Loraine added, her touch steady. Not indulgent. Certain.
He exhaled slowly.
“It’s okay. I need to monitor her breathing. Make sure paralysis doesn’t set later than usual—”
“Lane,” Loraine said, calm and firm. “Go get some sleep. Randy said she’s passed that.”
He hesitated.
Leaving her felt wrong.
Loraine held his gaze. “I will take care of her.”
That settled it.
He nodded once and stepped back.
“She’s going to be very weak when she wakes up.”
“Yeah, Randy told me everything I need to know,” Loraine said with a gentle nod.
“She’s going to be shaky. She won’t be able to grab things or—”
Loraine smiled gently and Lane stopped talking.
His hand hovered over Kait’s wrist like he might check again, but he didn’t.
“Thanks.”
He turned and walked out.
The door closed behind him with a soft click.
Loraine sat down on the bed next to Kait and caressed her arm. “So sorry, Kaitydoll.”
Then she reached into her bag and set a deck of tarot cards on the blanket beside her.
Kait breathed shallow but steady.
After dinner, the men gathered in the chapel. Cricket and Buster sat at the far end of the table, trying to look more confident than they felt.
Don leaned on the head of the table, eyes scanning the room. “Cricket, Buster,” he said, a faint smile touching his lips, “I wish your first sit-down was under better circumstances, but here you have it. This is how club business rolls sometimes.”
Cricket gave a quick nod, while Buster straightened up in his seat.
Don’s tone shifted, all business. “We’ve got a run to cover. The deal was twice a week, no exceptions. Blaze, you’ll lead. Kolton, you’re going. Cricket and Buster, this is your first run, so pay attention.”
Kolton frowned slightly. “Do I really have to go on this? I should stay in case Kait—”
Don cut him off with a look. “She’ll be fine. Lane’s got her. You’re going on this run. That’s the end of it. You’re Kowboy’s second.” The weight of his authority settled the matter instantly.
Kolton nodded, swallowing whatever protest was left.
“Kowman, take Mack to the ranch with you so he can heal up and stay out of sight. Klaus and I are going to catch up with McNeil and see how the junkyard investigation is going. Kode’s got Snake Eyes, Ram will cover Kait at the Alley, and Diablo’s gonna help Lane around here.”
He looked around the table, meeting each gaze. “We can’t slow down. Even when we’re down two members.”
Everyone nodded and murmured in agreement.
“Alright, y’all got your assignments—so move.”
Chapel
After dinner, the men gathered in the chapel. Cricket and Buster sat at the far end of the table, trying to look more confident than they felt.
Don leaned on the head of the table, eyes scanning the room. “Cricket, Buster,” he said, a faint smile touching his lips, “I wish your first sit-down was under better circumstances, but here you have it. This is how club business rolls sometimes.”
Cricket gave a quick nod, while Buster straightened up in his seat.
Don’s tone shifted, all business. “We’ve got a run to cover. The deal was twice a week, no exceptions. Blaze, you’ll lead. Kolton, you’re going. Cricket and Buster, this is your first run, so pay attention.”
Kolton frowned slightly. “Do I really have to go on this? I should stay in case Kait—”
Don cut him off with a look. “She’ll be fine. Lane’s got her. You’re going on this run. That’s the end of it. You’re Kowboy’s second.” The weight of his authority settled the matter instantly.
Kolton nodded, swallowing whatever protest was left.
“Kowman, take Mack to the ranch with you so he can heal up and stay out of sight. Klaus and I are going to catch up with McNeil and see how the junkyard investigation is going. Kode’s got Snake Eyes, Ram will cover Kait at the Alley, and Diablo’s gonna help Lane around here.”
He looked around the table, meeting each gaze. “We can’t slow down. Even when we’re down two members.”
Everyone nodded and murmured in agreement.
“Alright, y’all got your assignments—so move.”
Kait's room - later
Kolton sat on the side of the bed, his hand resting near Kait’s but not quite touching. She looked pale, but her eyes were sharper than they’d been earlier.
“I have to head out on a run,” Kolton said, his voice softer than usual. “Don’s sending me and the new guys with Blaze. I’ll come check on ya as soon as I’m back.”
Kait gave him a slight nod, her voice low. “I’m feeling better, Kolton. Don’t worry. How’s Mack?”
“Fine. He’s going to the ranch with Randy, lay low for a few.”
Kait nodded. “That’s good.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about him.”
Lane knocked twice and stepped into the room.
“Hey,” Lane said not glad to see Kolton there.
“Hey. The patient’s awake,” Kolton said. “And feeling better.”
“Good.” Lane nodded once and moved to the foot of the bed.
“She almost tried to get out of bed, but I didn’t let her.”
Kolton smiled faintly. “I’m glad you feel better, babe. Just—don’t push yourself, okay? Lane’s got you covered if you need anything.”
She glanced away slightly, her expression neutral, but she gave him a small, appreciative nod. “Be safe. Don’t go through Falfurrias.”
Kolton went over to her and kissed her lips. “Nah. I’ll be back as soon as possible. Just rest.” He gave her a gentle half-smile before heading out.
“Okay,” said Kait and he left.
Lane remained where he was for a few seconds, still standing at the foot of the bed. Hands loose at his sides now. Watching her breathe.
It felt longer than it was.
He finally moved, stepping closer to the side of the bed Kolton had vacated. Not sitting. Just standing there, close enough to monitor.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Fine.”
Her voice was steady, thinner than usual.
“The antivenom did its job. No total paralysis. Milking the venom out earlier helped too.”
She drew a slow breath. Her body felt hollowed out. Every muscle heavy and slow.
“You want some water?” he asked.
“No.”
“You hungry at all? I can have them bring you some toast if you—”
“No.”
“You need anything?”
“Just for you to leave.”
He didn’t move. Her words shouldn’t have surprised him but they did.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said quietly.
She stared past him at the wall.
He slipped his hands into his pockets to stop himself from reaching for her hand.
“Listen, I… didn’t mean for you to get hurt,” he said.
“No?”
“No.”
“You just doubted me and dared me to?”
There was no heat in it. Just truth.
He swallowed.
“I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
“Then I proved you wrong twice.”
He nodded once. “Yeah. You did.”
She shifted slightly against the pillow, the effort visible in the tremor of her arm.
“You need help—”
“No! Just go,” she said with everything she had. It wasn’t much.
He didn’t move.
“Gotta ride it out,” she said. “Let it run its course just like the first time.”
He studied her for a moment.
“So just go about your business. I don’t need you.”
“Well, too bad because you are my business right now,” he said. Not sharp. Not possessive. Just matter-of-fact.
Kait let out a short scoff and shook her head weakly.
“Look,” he said trying to fight the words in his mouth. “I’m sorry for not believing you. Okay?”
“Yeah,” she said. “Because sorry fixes everything, right?”
Lane closed his eyes for a second and exhaled through his nose.
He had earned to be slapped with his own words.
A soft knock at the door saved him from saying something he may regret. He opened it.
“Oh—hey, Kount.”
He stepped aside without answering. Sunshine leaned past him to look into the room.
“Hey, Kait. How are you feeling?” she asked as she walked in.
“Like shit,” Kait said from the bed. “Glad you’re here. Come in.”
Sunshine approached the bed. “You need something?”
“Yeah. Will you—”
Kait started to sit up.
“What are you doing?” Lane said immediately, crossing the room.
“Don’t,” Kait snapped, lifting a hand to stop him. “Amber, can you help me to the bathroom?”
“Of course,” Sunshine said glancing at Lane.
“I can carry you there—” Lane began.
“No thank you.” Kait swung her legs carefully over the edge of the bed. “And I’d like to change too, so if you wouldn’t mind…”
Lane stopped.
He couldn’t insist after that.
“I’ll be right outside,” he said quietly.
He stepped out and closed the door behind him.
Sunshine raised her eyebrows as she watched him go. “He was worried sick about you, you know?”
“He’s a fucking asshole,” Kait muttered.
She pushed herself to her feet.
The moment she stood, the room tilted slightly. Her legs felt like they didn’t fully belong to her.
Sunshine slipped an arm around her waist.
“Easy,” she said.
Kait steadied herself and slowly shuffled toward the bathroom.
“Leave the door open,” Kait said. “Just in case I fall over.”
“Oh my gosh, I hope not,” Sunshine said from the doorway. “I can’t believe you got bitten. I didn’t even know you guys had a snake here.”
“You can’t tell anyone about it.”
“Of course not,” Sunshine said quickly. “Klaus and King already warned me last night before I left.”
“Good.”
Kait flushed the toilet and washed her hands slowly.
“Can you grab one of Kolton’s shirts from the dresser?” she asked. “First drawer.”
Sunshine was already moving before Kait finished speaking.
“Of course.”
Kait looked at herself in the mirror.
The sight was familiar, but it was not as bad as the first time, her face still had some color.
“You got the pictures!” Sunshine called excitedly from the bedroom.
Kait blinked.
Then she remembered the photoshoot.
She splashed water on her face and reached for her toothbrush.
“This one okay?” Sunshine said, stepping back into the bathroom and handing Kait a plain white t-shirt.
Kait slowly pulled off her top.
Sunshine tried not to stare.
“Jesus Christ, Kait,” she said. “Your body’s insane. You could make serious money dancing.”
Kait snorted softly and pulled the shirt over her head.
“Yeah. Right.”
“I’m so fucking serious,” Sunshine said as she stepped out of the bathroom. “On amateur night some girls pull like three grand sometimes.
“Really?” said Kait with a mouth full of toothpaste.
“And they’re not half as hot as you,” said Sunshine while going through the photos she’d found on the dresser.
When Kait finally stepped out of the bathroom, she was gripping the doorframe for support.
Sunshine looked up.
“Kait—”
Kait’s knees buckled.
Sunshine rushed forward just in time to catch her weight.
“Kount!” Sunshine shouted.
The door flew open.
Lane crossed the room in two strides.
He caught Kait before both women toppled over.
Without hesitation he lifted her, one arm under her knees, the other supporting her back.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” Kait murmured, though her eyes were already drifting closed.
“You need to stay in bed. You’re doing way too much,” Lane said.
He set her down carefully, guiding her onto the mattress.
Sunshine stood a few steps away, watching.
Lane rolled Kait gently onto her side, adjusting pillows behind her back, lifting the blanket over her legs, making sure she was supported.
Efficient. Careful. Almost second nature.
Sunshine remembered the look on his face the night before.
And the tension between them behind the Alley that one night.
There was definitely something there.
Kait shifted slightly on the bed, still breathing unevenly from the effort. Without meeting Lane’s eyes, she muttered, “I’ll be fine. I’m sure you have more important things to do. Sunshine’s here.”
Lane stood still for a moment, watching her catch her breath, but before he could say anything, Sunshine stepped in.
“Don’t worry,” she said lightly, giving Lane a small smile. “I’ll stay with her, and when I head out, I’ll have one of the girls check in. You’ll know if something happens.”
Lane gave Sunshine a brief nod, exhaled, and stepped back. “I’ll be close,” he said, more for Kait than anyone else, before turning and leaving the room.
The door clicked shut, and the tension went with it.
chapel
Lane stepped into the chapel later that night. The room was dim, the long table still bearing the remnants of the earlier meeting. Don stood near the far end, flipping through a notebook, but looked up as Lane approached.
“Figured she’d kicked you out sooner or later Don said, closing the notebook. He leaned on the table with both hands, his eyes sharp. “How’s she holding up?”
“Not as good as she thinks. She got out of bed too soon and almost fell,” Lane said.
“She alright?”
“Yeah, Sunshine’s with her now. I’ll check back after this.”
Don nodded, then his gaze lingered a moment longer.
“How’d the junkyard thing go?” Lane asked, keeping his voice even.
Don barely missed a beat. “Handled. Klaus and I went to visit McNeil. The three we dropped were nobodies, so no fallout, no attention. It’s swept under the rug. We’re in the clear.”
“There’s still the one that got away,” Lane said lighting up a cigarette.
“I doubt he’ll be back. But you ain’t gotta worry about that. You got your hands full taking care of Toast.”
Lane exhaled the smoke slowly then fast. “She won’t even let me near her.”
Don didn’t flinch. His tone stayed cold as steel. “Can’t blame her. You’re still responsible for her recovery, though. And when she’s good, you two are gonna learn to get along.”
Lane frowned.
“You’ll be spending a lot of time side by side until you figure it out and this shit stops. Skip recoveries, Mondragón runs, even Huntsville runs if we need to, I don’t care.”
Lane let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Oh yeah. I’d love to see her reaction to that.”
Don didn’t blink. “Even if she flips her shit. I ain’t dealing with it no more.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“Playing dare with a venomous snake…”
Lane exhaled the smoke hard.
“Fuck outta here,” Don said pushing him playfully.
Lane got up lazily and got out of the chapel.
Diablo stood there, leaning against the door, a cigarette burning between his fingers.
Lane walked over.
“Hey.”
Diablo took a slow drag before speaking.
“What the fuck, man? What happened to Toast—”
Lane couldn’t lie to him.
He told Diablo everything.
The dare.
The Judge.
Kait proving him wrong in the worst possible way.
By the time he finished, they were sitting on the floor and Diablo lit up another cigarette.
Silence settled between them.
Lane rested his head on the wall.
Diablo watched him for a second.
“Holy fuck,” Diablo muttered finally.
Lane didn’t respond.
Diablo exhaled hard. “She gonna be alright?”
“Yeah,” Lane said quietly. “I’ll make sure of it.”
Diablo studied him for a moment.
“I gotta ask, man. Why?”
Lane exhaled through his nose.
“’Cause you were right about what you said. Okay?” he said, finally looking at him. “About everything. And yeah… I have no idea what to do about it.”
Lane pushed off the floor and started walking away.
Diablo pressed his lips together.
“Kount, dude…”
Lane didn’t stop.
“I gotta go check on her.”
The bikes rolled into the Three Rivers Texaco.
Blaze pulled up to the pump first and killed the engine. Kolton rolled in beside him.
Cricket and Buster parked a few spaces down.
“Grab some smokes while we fill up,” Blaze said, nodding toward the store.
Cricket and Buster headed inside.
Blaze slid off his bike and started fueling up. Kolton did the same at the next pump.
For a minute the only sounds were gasoline running, hot engines ticking as they cooled, and Comedown crackling through the old speakers above the pumps.
Blaze glanced over.
“How’s Kait doing?”
Kolton shrugged, tightening his grip on the nozzle.
“She’s alright.”
Blaze raised an eyebrow.
“I still can’t believe she got bitten by the goddamn Judge.”
Kolton exhaled.
“I know, man. But luckily, she’s stable. Plus, Lane’s been watching her.”
Blaze nodded slowly.
“Good.”
Kolton screwed the cap back on his tank harder than necessary.
“I told her we should move into the house,” he said.
Blaze looked over. He remembered his conversation with Kait when they checked out the lake house.
“Like, your old house?”
“Yeah.”
Kolton leaned against the bike.
“It’s empty now. Perfect timing. Kyle started school… I told her we could take it.”
“And?”
“She won’t even talk about it.”
Blaze didn’t think so.
Kolton shook his head.
“I don’t get it. I mean… we’re together. We can have our own place. It just makes sense.”
Blaze rested his forearms on the handlebars.
“Just remember, bro. Kait’s not like other chicks,” Blaze said hoping he would get the hint.
Kolton let out a quiet scoff.
“You think?”
“Pretty big step,” Blaze continued. “Maybe she ain’t ready for all that.”
Kolton stared out at the empty highway and shrugged.
“It’s just me and Kyle.”
Blaze waited.
“What she gotta be ready for?” Kolton said.
Blaze scoffed and shook his head knowing that if he had to ask, he wasn’t ready to know.
“Just don’t be pressuring her about that right now,” he said. “She just got bit by a fucking snake.”
Kolton rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yeah, I know. I probably won’t even be able to sleep in the same bed with her tonight.”
“Give her room to breathe, man. Literally.”
Kolton didn’t answer.
Blaze straightened up.
“Let’s just worry about the run,” he said. “Everything else will still be there when we get back.”
Right then the gas station door opened and Cricket and Buster came walking out with drinks and a pack of cigarettes.
They finished fueling and rolled back onto the highway.
The sky was already fading toward dusk as Blaze took the lead, Kolton falling in behind him. Cricket and Buster followed, still stiff in their saddles, still learning how a proper run moved.
The miles stretched long and quiet.
South Texas opened around them in flat stretches of scrub, oil pumps, and distant ranch fences. The sun disappeared somewhere behind them as they pushed farther south, headlights carving narrow tunnels through the dark highway.
They avoided Falfurrias completely, cutting west to bypass Reyes del Camino territory before angling back toward the Rio Grande corridor.
It made the run longer.
No one complained.
By the time they rolled into the truck stop outside Roma, it was close to ten at night.
They parked along the far edge of the lot and killed their engines.
And waited.
Truck stops never really slept. Diesel engines idled in long rows while drivers wandered in and out of the building for coffee and showers.
Blaze leaned against his bike and watched the highway.
Nearly half an hour passed before the truck finally appeared.
The usual white truck with the needle and thread logo rolled off the highway ramp and slowed near the intersection.
Blaze straightened.
“That’s ours.”
Helmets went back on.
Engines roared to life.
The truck pulled north and Blaze rolled out behind it, the others falling into line without a word.
Four motorcycles escorting one quiet freight truck through the dark.
They kept their distance, letting the truck run point while they shadowed it up the highway.
Hours later the convoy split off north of the corridor.
The truck continued toward its destination.
The four Krait turned back toward Dryden.
It was close to three in the morning when the bikes finally rolled back into town.
The Nest sat quiet in the dark as most of the club was asleep.
But the lights were still on upstairs and Lane was outside of Kait’s room.
The room had gone quiet. Kait lay on her side, eyes half-open, still worn down but stubbornly alert.
Lane stood a few feet away, arms folded, watching her breathe.
Kait scoffed. “You’re really just standing there making sure I’m alive?”
“Yep.”
“So ridiculous. You can go now,” Kait muttered, her voice scratchy but firm. “You watched me drink and get fed. Nothing else to do here.”
Lane didn’t budge. “I’m supposed to keep an eye on you. And that’s what I’m doing.”
Kait exhaled through her nose.
“Least I can do.”
Kait shifted slightly, pushing herself upright just enough to glare. “Oh, so you have a conscience after all. Well, don’t worry. I’ll tell Don you’ve done your job.”
Lane met her gaze, steady but calm. “Sorry to break it to you but it will be a few more days before you recover, and I’ll be here for all of it.”
“Such fucking bullshit. But trust me, it will be faster than you think.”
“Either way. Take it up with Don. I’ll step out and let you sleep for now. Goodnight.”
Kait sighed, too tired to argue further.
Lane stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind him.
He sighed.
The rumble of engines rolled into the Nest just as Lane stepped out onto the second-floor walkway.
He paused at the railing.
Headlights cut across the courtyard as the bikes rolled in one by one, engines echoing against the concrete walls. Blaze pulled in first, Kolton right behind him, followed by Cricket and Buster.
The truck rolled in behind the bikes a few seconds later and eased into the far side of the lot.
The run was written all over them. Dust. Exhaust. Long miles.
Lane started down the metal stairs.
Kolton killed his engine and pulled his helmet off just as Lane reached the bottom step.
“How’s my girl?” Kolton asked immediately.
“Good,” Lane said. “She finally ate something. Not so shaky as yesterday.”
Kolton nodded, relieved.
“Good. I’m gonna go say hi.”
“You should let her rest.”
Blaze jerked his chin toward Cricket and Buster.
“Alright, you two. Let’s get our guest settled.”
Cricket and Buster followed him across the courtyard toward the office while the truck driver climbed down from the cab.
Kolton glanced up toward the second-floor walkway where Kait’s door sat under the yellow glow of the exterior light.
“I’ll just say goodnight,” he said.
Lane didn’t look up.
“She needs to sleep, Prince.”
“I know,” Kolton nodded and headed for the stairs.
Lane stayed where he was, talking quietly with Blaze about the run.
Keys changed hands. Doors opened. Boots echoed up the walkway.
The usual end-of-run routine.
But every so often Lane’s eyes drifted upward.
Kait’s room was still lit.
Minutes passed.
Cricket came back down after helping the driver settle.
Buster grabbed a soda from the cooler by the office door.
Blaze leaned against his bike while Lane smoked a cigarette.
Lane looked up again.
The light in Kait’s room went dark.
Lane’s jaw tightened.
Blaze followed his gaze to the second-floor walkway.
Then he looked back at Lane and smirked slightly.
“This fucking guy,” Blaze muttered. “I was just telling him to give her some room to breathe.”
“Why?” Lane said exhaling the smoke.
“Apparently he asked Toast to move into the house together since Lee went to rehab.”
“And what she say?”
“Turn him down.”
“Really?”
The next morning, Lane came in early, no fuss. Kolton sat in the corner, watchful but quiet. Lane checked Kait’s vitals, measured her pulse, asked a brief question or two—minimal words. Kait gave short answers, and Lane, not lingering, left without any friction—just duty.
After, Kolton helped Kait eat a little and he told her about the run.
“Blaze was on lead,” he said. “Everything went smooth. Roma handoff was clean. Driver was easy. He actually spoke some English.”
Kait nodded slowly, chewing a small piece of toast.
“Good,” she said. “Hate missing runs.”
Before much else could be said, Don stepped into the room. He gave Kait a brief nod, then turned to Kolton.
“Your mom said to meet her at the shop. Go now. She needs to figure out a schedule with Kyle.”
Kolton hesitated.
Don didn’t.
“Go.”
Kolton sighed, but he understood. He leaned down and kissed Kait softly on the lips.
“I’ll come back later,” he said and headed out, the door closing behind him.
Don stepped fully into the room then, studying her.
“So,” he said. “How you feeling?”
Kait shifted slightly in the bed.
“Better.”
“You eating?” said Don nodding toward the plate.
“Yeah, a little.”
“Good.”
He leaned against the dresser.
“I was just telling Kolton,” she said looking up at him. “I don’t want to miss out on the protection runs.”
“They’ll be plenty waiting for ya.”
He paused.
“But I’d rather have you at one hundred percent first.”
Kait gave him a small smile.
“Give me a couple of days.”
He chuckled and she smiled for a moment.
The smile faded a moment later.
“I’m sorry, prez.”
Don raised an eyebrow.
“As if Mack wasn’t enough.”
“So, what happened again?”
Kait looked down at her hands.
“I was feeding the Judge and I was just…”
She exhaled.
“Careless.”
Don chuckled softly.
“Lane already told me what happened. That he dared you.”
She sighed. “It was still me.”
“Yeah.” Don nodded slowly. “I guess it was. But you still covered for him.”
Kait didn’t answer.
“Even though he’s been an asshole to you since the day you got here.”
Kait looked away.
Don watched her for a moment then he smiled faintly.
“You won’t rat on a brother.”
“Never.”
Kait finally looked back at him.
“Figured.”
He pointed at her lightly.
“That kind of loyalty is why you’re here.”
He started toward the door.
“But next time,” he added over his shoulder, “don’t let some asshole talk you into stupid dares involving a venomous snake.”
Kait huffed a tired laugh.
“Yes, sir.”
Don opened the door.
“Get strong,” he said. “We’ll need you soon.”
Two days passed and Kolton woke to the sound of water running and the empty space beside him. He heard the shower and didn’t think twice—he got up, shed his clothes, and joined Kait. It wasn’t about romance; he just thought she might need help. But Kait, standing under the water, shot him a look. “I’m fine, Kolton,” she said, rinsing the last of the exhaustion away. He grinned and got in anyway.
When they finished, he handed her a towel. “Let me help you out there.”
Kait didn’t argue this time. She didn’t need him, but leaning on him was easier than resisting. He threw on a fresh shirt, looking as clean and refreshed as her, and together they headed out.
The Nest was waking up slow and loud like it always did.
Lane was in the garage with Diablo and Mack when the door to Kait’s room opened upstairs.
The three of them looked up at the same time.
Kolton stepped out first, one hand already on Kait’s back.
Kait followed a second later.
She looked better—color back in her face, hair still damp—but she moved carefully, one hand lightly on the railing as Kolton helped guide her toward the stairs.
Lane reacted before he even realized it.
He stepped forward instinctively.
Diablo’s hand caught his arm.
Subtle.
Firm.
Lane stopped.
Kolton had her.
Kait came down the stairs slowly, taking each step carefully.
Mack saw her first.
“Well I’ll be damned!” he shouted, breaking into a wide grin.
“She’s alive!”
The noise carried into the dining room.
Ram appeared in the doorway first, followed by Kode and Klaus.
They all looked toward the staircase.
“It’s the living dead girl,” Kode called.
Klaus clapped once loudly.
“About time.”
A small round of cheers followed as Kait reached the bottom step.
She rolled her eyes faintly but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
“Hi… good morning,” she said quietly.
Kolton kept a hand at her back as they went into the dining room.
Tracy was already standing.
“Oh my god, Kait,” she said, hurrying over.
Melanie and Alejandra followed right behind her.
“It’s so good to see you out of bed,” Alejandra said.
“We were so worried.”
Kait shook her head slightly, embarrassed by the attention.
“I’m fine,” she said softly. “Thank you.”
There was nothing boastful about her tone. No swagger.
Just quiet gratitude.
Kolton pulled out a chair and helped her sit.
Everyone gradually settled around the table again.
Conversation picked right back up—jokes flying, coffee being poured, plates sliding across the table. Tracy setting a plate of white toast in front of Kait.
“Dude, gotta play it.” Kode said, looking toward Diablo.
Diablo grinned.
“Fuck yeah. Should still be in the CD player.”
Kode jumped up and crossed the room to the stereo.
From the other end of the table, Lane watched her.
Every movement.
His eyes followed her hands as she reached for the coffee mug.
When she lifted it, he caught it.
The faintest tremor in her hand.
Only Lane noticed but said nothing.
Kait set the cup down and listened as Living Dead Girl started.
“Oh, fuck you all,” Kait muttered.
Kode and Diablo almost collapsed thinking it was hilarious.
Relief settled in Lane’s chest as he watched her smile finally turning into laughter.
She was going to be fine and that was all that mattered.
But as the table laughed and shouted the chorus along with Diablo and Kode, Lane thought about the last five days.
Now she was back on her feet.
And he had no reason to be near her anymore.
