Bad Vibes (Inkspirationz Book 1) Read online

  An Inkspirationz Novella

  Bad Vibes

  Scarlett and Brody’s Story

  Michelle Heron

  Contents

  Dedication

  Note from the Author

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Acknowledgements

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  This book is a work of fiction, created by the author. All names, places and characters are a creation by the author herself. Anything resembling something real or similar are completely coincidental.

  No part of this book, whether in the electronic or physical form, may be reproduced, copied, sold or distributed in any way. That includes electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any other form of information sharing, downloading without the author, expect for limited, sharable quotes on social medial, or for the sake of a review.

  If you purchased, you do not have the permission to upload it anywhere else, it is your own copy but may not be shared without the permission of the author first.

  Cover Design: Heron Designs

  Formatting: Michelle Heron

  Editing: Michelle Heron and the members of Heron’s Cove Beta Team

  An Inkspirationz Novella, Bad Vibes: Scarlett & Brody’s Story

  Copyright © 2019 Michelle Heron

  All rights reserved.

  Dedication

  To my husband, Mark.

  Our love is endless, and I am yours always and forever.

  Note from the Author

  Bad Vibes is considered a novella because Scarlett and Brody’s story continues through out the upcoming prequels and sequels yet to come. So be sure to look for the titles in the future.

  And thank you reader for taking the time to read Scarlett and Brody’s Introduction Story. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave me a simple review at the end.

  Enjoy!

  Prologue

  Scarlett

  October 2016, Chicago

  As the bass of Jason’s music thumps like an angry heartbeat around us, I stroke my very pregnant belly from the side of our bathtub. “Come party with me Scar. You know you want to.” My poor excuse of a boyfriend sings from the other side.

  Thankful my brother isn’t home to witness Jason’s latest episode, I approach the bathroom door. “I need to go bed Jason. I’m too tired for this.”

  “Ah come on, ever since you got knocked up, you’re no fun,” he laughs, slapping at the door. “Look, I’m sorry okay, I didn’t mean it like that.” He softens when I don’t answer. “Can you just come out here so we can talk?” He adds, slurring his words.

  Knowing this is his way of getting what he wants, I don’t give in. “Ugh, the fuck with you then. I’ll find someone else willing to party.” He announces, pounding on the door one last time before his foot falls disappear down the hall.

  He’s gone baby, I whisper, as the front door slams, rattling the framed photos on the wall. Continuing to massage my growing belly I sigh with relief before my brother’s voice speaks up from the other side, “Scar? Is everything okay?” He asks.

  Shit, I whisper as I rush to wipe away my tears. Unlocking the door, I open it to find Kurt hanging in the door frame. “Where’s he going?” He asks, as his blue eyes meet mine. “Shit Scar, what did he do to you?” He barks, sounding like dad.

  Taking in my swollen face, the shame of it all is too much. “It’s not that bad.” I shrug, him off.

  “Not that bad?” He presses turning my face into the light. “Scar your eye is black and your hands are fucking bruised to shit.” He barks, dragging his hand over his buzzed head.

  When did my little brother grow up?

  Watching him torn up over this, I realize he’s right. This needs to stop. Squaring my shoulders, I take a deep breathe and pray I’m strong enough to do this. “You’re right, it is bad, and this is the last fucking time he hits me.” I state as I push past him. “Pack a bag Kurt, we’re leaving.”

  Within a twenty-minute time span Kurt and I have gathered enough necessities for the two of us to make a clean break, even if that meant we had to live in Dad’s GTO until the baby’s born. Reaching the front door with the last of my things, I feel a shiver of pain shoot across my stomach. Ugh. I groan, as the intensity grows stronger. Maybe if I stop for a minute. “Ugh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” I mutter as my water breaks, three weeks early. Leave it to my son to be born on all Hallows Eve. I snicker with a sense of pride. “Kurt.” I call out, between contractions.

  “What’s wrong?” He asks, rushing to my side.

  “My water just broke,” I cry from the floor.

  Glancing around the hall for an answer, the worry is written all over his face. “What do I do?”

  “You’ve gotta get me to the hospital.”

  Collecting me from the floor, he says, “Let’s go then.”

  Ushering me out of the house in a hurry all I can think is when did my brother get so big?

  “Are you sure you trust me to drive dad’s car on a learner’s permit?” He teases with a quirk of his brow.

  “Just drive the damn car like a normal person and get me to the hospital before my son arrives okay?” I tease along, before another contraction hits.

  Placing me in the passenger’s side, I’m amazed that my little brother, is now a young adult, and taking on the responsibilities this baby's father should have been man enough to fill.

  Arriving at the hospital, it takes another two hours of labour before I’m finally given the okay to push. “You’re doing great,” my doctor instructs as Jason comes stumbling into the room, drunk off his ass. “Wasn’t anyone going to call me? I’m the father after all.” He boasts, stumbling over his own two feet.

  Lunging across the room, my brother grabs a hold of Jason. “You have fucking nerve showing up here after doing that shit to her face.” He fumes, spitting in his face. “Get the hell out.”

  Struggling to maintain a straight face, he says, “It was an accident.” As his eyes wander towards mine.

  “How was that an accident?” He presses grabbing a hold of Jason’s shirt.

  “Look guys, you’ve got to take this outside, so I can do my job okay?” My doctor requests, as the two of them continue to shove each other.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Jason speaks up with a rasp in his tone.

  “Which doesn’t warrant you the right to be here,” Kurt states.

  “Awh,” I scream, as a sharper contraction rip’s through me. “He can stay.” I blurt, trying to take back control. “Just shut the fuck up and let the doctor do his job okay?” I bark, annoyed that Jason found me so quickly, one of his side pieces must have called him. I realize, feeling violated.

  As another half hour of pushing and breathing go by my doctor finally announces “It’s time for the final push. You can do it Scarlett.” He encourages from beneath the sheet.

  The pressure in my stomach lessons as my son cries for the very first time. “Congratulations, Miss Voight, you have a beautiful baby boy.” He announces, while placing my son in my waiting arms.

  “Ohmygod,” I cry, as both Jason and Kurt come to our bedside. “Hey baby, it’s your momma.” I coo, cradling him in my arms.

  “Do you have a name?” The nurse asks, with a smile so wide it completely takes over her face. Turning to my brother with pride, I whisper, “Jacob, it was our father’s middle name.” I explain, as my brothers lip curls into a half smile.

  �
��I think dad would be proud.” He says, growing closer to his nephew.

  The next two days are purely a mixture of feedings, changings, and passing out from exhaustion, but at least we were healthy enough to home, the only problem is we don’t have one to go back to.

  “All set?” Kurt asks, while cradling his nephew in his arms.

  “Sure am.” I nod, even though my heart feels like it’s about to break.

  Placing Jacob in my arms, Kurt walks around the wheelchair. “Where’s the asshole?” He asks, by my ear.

  “Who cares. All that matters is right here.” I coo, focusing on my son’s perfect little face as Kurt pushes us forward.

  Exiting the hospital, my heart feels like it’s up in my throat as we near dad’s GTO, still filled with all our stuff. “What’s the plan here Scar?” He presses, before locking the brakes on the chair.

  “What do you mean?” I whisper, as I maintain my focus purely on my son.

  “We’re not going back there, are we? You know that place isn’t safe for a baby.” He presses, crouching down in front of us. “You need to stick to the plan and leave his ass.”

  “And where do you think we’re going to go Kurt? We really don’t have any other options here and I won’t raise my son in our car.” I sniffle, feeling overwhelmed and defeated at all once. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen. I worked too hard to take care of myself and Kurt over the years and for what? “Let’s just go back to the house for now and we’ll figure something out from there.” I suggest, feeling as defeated as he looks.

  Clutching his head in frustration, he groans. “I thought you’d say something like that.”

  “What do you mean Kurt?” I ask, as I realize he’s been acting a little off. “What did you do?” I accuse, as a bike rumbles in the distance. “You better not have called someone.” I bark, as a bike comes to a rolling stop in front of us.

  Turning his back to us, I watch as Kurt approaches the rider. “Thanks for coming.” He says, as the rider dismounts and my instincts go into overdrive.

  Removing his helmet, the rider utters my name as he lowers his shades. “Is that you Hondo?”

  “Hey baby girl.”

  The sing-song tone of his voice instantly reminds me of the good old days, the days where we’d all work in the garage together, that was until one of the client’s eyes started wandering my way.

  “Kurt here reached out and informed me that you’re in a little bit of a situation so I’m here to help.” He offers, and even though Hondo is one of the ‘good guys’ nothing comes free with this Club. Ready to decline anything from him, my son interrupts with a cry.

  “We’re fine.” I lie, too embarrassed to admit I couldn’t handle things on my own like I thought I could.

  “Look,” Hondo starts, growing closer, “I get you want to handle this on your own but every now and then we all need a little help. Let us help you baby girl.” His lips curl into a smile as he whispers. “Your old man would be proud, you know that?” He pauses, his eyes filling with regret as they take in my son’s features. “Your old man would be proud, you know that, right?” He offers, placing his hand on my shoulder. “Kurt’s told us everything you’ve been dealing with and I’m sorry the Club dropped the ball with you. Let me make it up to you by fleeing Chicago for good. Off the books of course. No one will ever have to know a thing.”

  Knowing Hondo, the way I do, I know this is his way of trying to help, regardless about how I feel about the Club since my father’s death. “Fine. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my son safe.” I sigh, relinquishing some of my power.

  Chapter 1

  Brody

  Toronto, December 2017

  Perched on the steps of our former home I murmur a silent farewell to the memories and tragedies that occurred here over the course our lives. Staring at our home for the last time the few remaining memories of my mother begin to play before me like little flecks of light but the ones that stick out the most our Friday nights. I’d rush home from school knowing the old man would be busy with Club business, so mom and I took the night off. We’d order pizza and pig out in front of the TV with whatever movie we could find.

  So much has happened in this house, my inner self speaks up. My sister and I were both born and raised here, whereas both my mother and grandmother lost their lives here, one from early childbirth the other from a long battle against Cancer. I exhale, overcome with emotion. Done with the pain of my losses, I place the keys and the deed into the realtor’s waiting hand, with the realization that I’ve held onto the memories long enough. Moving down the worn driveway a glimpse of an oil stain reminds me of all the times Snake and I were holed up in the garage working on bike after bike while the old man dealt with Club business. I sigh, as the wound on my chest burns a little.

  Turning my back on the past, I hide behind my shades as I rev my bike one last time for old time sake. With the few remaining possessions, I had left from my life, I head towards my future, whatever that maybe. Pulling my bike away from the curb I set off for my Club granted leave, it was the least they could do after the losses I’ve suffered over the years. With my back to the street, I leave the only home I’ve known behind me.

  Inhaling my first breath as a free man, a part of me knows it's more than time to lay the past to rest... but being alone is a lot harder then I imagined. Taking to the open road, I have nothing but endless time and space ahead of me. Smirking into myself, I stop at a bus depot for a few road maps. Stopping to fuel my Harley and myself, I sit inside one the many Timmy’s. Laying the map out on the table, I begin to track the road trip Ashley and I always planned to take but unfortunately never found the chance to.

  Exiting past the Toronto city limits, I push the pedal to the medal and take off.

  Driving from destination to destination, I felt like I might have been accomplishing something until I realized I was alone. Wandering aimlessly from city to city, hotel room to hotel room I’ve finally had enough. Packing my duffle, I grab my thermos and stop off at the closets Timmy’s for a refill. Roaring through the drive-thru, I smirk at the young thing working the window who reciprocates with the gesture of licking her lips playfully. “Another time darlin’”, I mutter, before I nod my thanks for the brew. Tucking the hot travel mug inside my satchel bag, I make sure everything is secured to the sissy bar before I take to the road.

  Driving for three days straight gives me enough time and space to conclude that the Club is indeed where I’m meant to be. Entering the city limits of Toronto, the storm closing in on my heels is the perfect metaphor for the emotions I’m feeling. Rolling to a perfect stop, I can’t keep the flood of memories from returning while I sit here idling in front of the place, I held my dying sister.

  Locking down my emotions, I enter the Glory Bounds yard as a few members look on with curiosity. Roaring past the garage’s parking spots, I move past the ‘ranks’ of bikes alongside the lot. Since I’ve been gone just shy of a year, I’m not sure where I rank so to be safe, I park my Harley at the very end. Cutting the engine, I unclasp my helmet as a few members nod my way. Keeping my head held high, I wear my cut with pride. “Hey, hey, the prodigal son returns,” my former sidekick EZ calls out, approaching me with open arms.

  Clapping me on the back, I sing, “Here, here.”

  With a tip of his chin, Buck weighs in, “What brings you back?”

  “Just thought it was time.” I shrug, as the new Pres looks on from the Clubhouse. “How’s it been with Michael running things?” I ask, as he narrows his eyes at me.

  Probably thinks I’m here to knock him off the throne.

  Pausing to consider the idea for a moment, it doesn’t seem like that bad of an idea, someday but for now, I’m not about to step on anyone’s boots by taking over anytime soon. Defensively crossing his arms, Michael disappears into the Club as EZ’s crooked lip curls up with mischief. Rubbing his hands together in excitement, he asks, “Does this mean you’re back?”

  “I�
�m back.” I nod, which causes his smile to widen.

  “I fucking knew you couldn’t stay away.” My long-time best friend beams.

  “Don’t get too ahead of yourself. Michael has to allow me to stay first.”

  “What can he say?” EZ scoffs. “Your rightful place is the head of the table if you choose to claim it.” He states, leading the way towards the Clubhouse.

  “Do you plan on claiming it?” Buck asks, with wandering eyes.

  “Nah.” I shake my head knowing the only reason I’m back is to be close to the memories of my lost family. “I’d rather keep my head down for the time being.” I offer, as a few of the older recruits nod their recognition on our way by.

  “So where are you planning on taking rank?” EZ asks, slipping inside the smoke-filled Clubhouse. I forgot how thick it got in here some days.

  “I’m good just working with my hands.”

  “So, mechanic? That’s where you’re happy settling?” He presses, as my eyes finally adjust to the change of light.

  “That’s where I’m happiest.” I reassure, as Diamond’s eyes widen at the sight of my return.

  Lowering my eyes in shame, I can’t help but wonder what it's been like here for her after I left.

  “Wolfe.” A voice bellows, summoning me to Church, as my sister’s best friend slips away.

  Toronto, October 2019

  Waking me from a restless sleep, my Club assigned phone begins to vibrate on the table beside me. Ugh, I sigh, popping open one eye at a time. I was kind of hoping I wouldn’t have to face the day so early, I groan, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before reaching for the thing. “Take the day off.” The message reads, which is strange since we’re not usually granted days off with the Club.