“You think he’s gonna be here?”
My eyes closed briefly, and I felt the Reaper tell me the truth. “He’ll be here. That new club, the Hell Titans. They know the truth.”
“Then we finalize our plans.”
The day of the rally dawned bright and warm. The sun rose with a golden promise that filled my heart with hope for the first time in years. I could sense Thunder coming closer, his battle-weary soul in need of love and comfort.
As the man who would give anything to be his father, I rose early and prepared for the day, triple-checking that everything was ready. Diesel chuckled as I made sure that every member of the R.B.M.C., Stallions, and Ryders understood the plan. Nothing was fucking this up.
As much as I hated the idea, I remained in one of the enormous tents erected at the rally, set aside for the Redemption Ryders.
Beside this tent, Steel Stallions, and across from them, the Royal Bastards had similar tents erected. My face could be recognized, which was a risk, but not as risky as Thunder seeing me before the right time.
It took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to leave that tent when I heard confirmation that the Hell Titans had arrived. Grim rode in with the rest of the Tonopah chapter, pulling into our space with heads high. He joined me, gripping my shoulder before he pulled me into his chest.
“Gonna be a day to remember, Diablo. We’re all here for you.”
Choked up, I could only nod.
Elle, Lynx’s ol’ lady, approached as I cracked my neck, fighting the need to run outside and grab Thunder, shooting my way through the Hell Titans if necessary.
“It’s all set. My girl will come through for us. She’ll lead Thunder here.”
I blew out a breath. “Thank you.”
Her kind eyes met mine. “He’s so loved, your Thunder. That boy will come. Don’t doubt it.”
“I don’t,” I answered confidently. “I just don’t know if I l can let go once I see him.”
Her expression read sympathy and understanding. “No shame in a hug that’s long overdue.”
I watched Elle walk away, musing over her words.
The time moved far too slowly. Agitated, I began to pace the tent. Until I heard his voice.
My Thunder.
I ran. The tent whipped open as I stared into my boy’s eyes.
He’d grown. So tall. A young man with striking blue eyes and broad shoulders, pain etched into his features.
“My boy.”
“Dio.”
I didn’t know who moved first. Our bodies met in the middle and crashed into each other. My arms wrapped around him. So tight.
I broke when his voice cried, “Dio.”
No shame. I sobbed, tucking my head over his, unable to get enough of my Thunder. The embrace wasn’t close enough. I doubted any length of time that day could have sufficed. “My boy.” My arms tightened their hold, giving comfort, strength, and the love I freely bestowed.
He bawled, “Dio.”
Unashamed, I rocked this beautiful young man that I spent nine years searching the earth to find. “Shhh. I got ya. I got ya.”
He wept, unleashing the pain he could no longer hold. I’d carry it for him, slash it to pieces, and slay the demons that separated us.
“She’s dead. She’s dead.”