Natalie
The weekend comes around, and before I leave work Jaxon tells me that he pulled in a favor to get another law firm to take on Marko, so he’s not our problem at all anymore. I thank him, let him know how much it means to me that he had my back throughout this and leave the office on a high.
I get a call from Rhett just as I arrive home. “Hey.”
“Hey, Natty, are you with Atlas?” he asks.
“No, why?”
“Trying to get a hold of him,” he says.
“He could still be at work or riding home. Is everything okay?” I ask, sitting down on my couch.
“Yeah, I don’t know. Marko just hit Toxic, shot the windows out,” he says.
“Is everyone safe?” I ask.
“Yeah, you just worry about staying safe. Don’t go anywhere alone.”
“I know, Rhett. I’m okay. I’ll call Atlas and get him to call you.”
“Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I end the call, and send Atlas a text.
Natalie: Toxic was hit. Rhett is trying to call you.
Atlas: Fuck. Sorry, I’m with CJ and Aries. Shit is going down. I’ll call Rhett back and then come to yours. Your security cameras are on and everything is locked?
Natalie: Yes. I’m fine.
Atlas: Maybe go to Cara’s. It would be safer.
Cara calls me a second later. “Hey. What the hell is going on?” I ask her.
“Atlas just told me to go pick you up. Marko hit Toxic, and a few people were inside. Luckily no one was killed, but Bear got shot,” she explains. “Decker can come and pick you up?”
“No, I’m okay. I have high security here, and I can’t just hide out at your house forever.”
“Natty—”
“I’m okay. I’ll call you if anything happens,” I assure her.
This Marko thing isn’t going anywhere until he’s dead, and I can’t hide at Cara’s for God knows how long. If he comes here, he comes, and I will handle it by defending myself in any way I know how. I’m not going to let him control my life like that.
“You better,” she grumbles.
We get off the phone and I get changed out of my work clothes and into sweats and a tank top. I check that all my doors and windows are locked and cook some dinner for whenever Atlas comes back here after dealing with all the shit that comes with being in an MC. I’ve taught myself over time how to remain calm when in a high-stress situation. I grew up around this. I just pray that everyone I love remains safe.
Atlas: Where are you?
Natalie: At home.
Atlas: You are so stubborn.
Natalie: I’m fine.