Leaving The Way: Book Two (The Way Trilogy), стр. 33

He stops mid-sentence as there’s a commotion at the back of the room. Every head swivels, including my own as I see Chase slowly helping Ash through the doorway. She looks much better today, although that’s not saying much, her face is still horribly bruised and swollen. I prayed all night last night that this won’t leave her disfigured.

Her head is cast down as she focuses on her steps, and when she realizes the room has gone silent, she jerks her head to face us. “Oh, I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to interrupt.” She struggles to get the words out as she tries to get turned back around.

“No, no. Ash, there’s nothing to be sorry for. We saved you each a seat. Please, join us.” Mateo motions to the two empty seats on Luke’s right, and then urges Brea to get them something to drink.

When she returns with the cart of drinks, Ash chooses tequila and orange juice and I giggle. She’ll learn. Oh, she’ll learn.

Once they have both been served, Ash takes her first sip and sighs muttering, “Where have you been all my life?” And that gets a laugh out of everyone in the room.

She sets her glass down and looks to Mateo who still stands with his chair pushed back, and asks if it’s okay for her to say something. Seeing his nod of support, she doesn’t bother standing, but does clear her throat twice before speaking.

“I just wanted to say thank you. I know most of you don’t know me, but I can’t say how much I appreciate what you did for me; the fact that you came and fought for me.” Finishing her scan of each face, she turns her gaze to Mateo. “I know some of your men were injured, and for that I’m truly sorry.” Mateo attempts to interrupt her, possibly to brush off her guilt, but she just plows on. “I’m very grateful to you Mateo, and your family. Without you I’m not sure I would have lived much longer. So, thank you, and thank you for allowing me to stay here while I heal.”

She relaxes back in her chair as I wipe a stray tear from my cheek.

“I’m so glad we were able to get to you in time, little one. You are family now. You will always be welcome here.” When he finishes, he raises his glass and everyone follows as he says, “To family!”

There’s a chorus of, “To family”, around the room, and then Mateo clears his throat before getting back to business.

“I’m glad we are all here, safe and sound. Getting Ash back was certainly our priority, even if it did not go as planned. But now, we must focus on taking down the church that would do such things to an innocent girl.”

Cody interrupts Mateo’s rallying speech, “You clearly don’t know her.”

And then Chase says, “Yeah, she’s a lot of things but innocent isn’t one of them.”

Everyone laughs at that, even me, although I do feel the need to defend my bestie. “Hey, hey! Layoff my bestie, at least until she heals.”

Ash leans up, and points in my direction before adding, “What she said” which earns another round of laughs.

When the excitement settles down, and with a final laugh, Mateo picks up where he left off. “I have received word that Lord Paul of the Titans and Dakota of the Osage will be here tomorrow.”

The room fills with murmurs and hushed whispers. It seems this is the first everyone is hearing of this, except for Daniel who only nods with his forearms rested on the table, hands gripped tightly together. I look to Luke, and he seems to be taking the news well, despite him only finding out now.

When the room quiets, Mateo continues. “I have yet to hear from Josh of the Republic, but that doesn’t mean much. If memory serves me, he likes to make an entrance.” He looks to Daniel and they both share a quick laugh. “They will have traveled a long way to get here, and will no doubt need to rest before we meet. Because of that we will delay the official meeting until three days from today. We’ll begin at ten a.m. on Saturday, unless of course either of them object.”

With that the room erupts into multiple side conversations. Easton and Tommy are huddled together discussing security while Luke listens in. Daniel leans in and whispers something softly to Camila before kissing her on the cheek. Just as I’m about to ask the only thing I can think of, Mateo interrupts everyone and answers it.

“Daniel of course, will serve as my second.” He and his brother exchange a knowing nod, and then he turns to Luke. This is the one thing I knew was coming, and it terrifies me. “And Luke, you’ll be my third.”

My head jerks to Luke as he gives Mateo a solemn but respectful nod.

Everything fades away. I don’t even hear him announce the General as his fourth, although I somehow know he does. Thank goodness we haven’t eaten yet because I know it would all be coming right back up if we had.

Without a word, I scoot my chair away from the table and stand to leave. I vaguely hear someone say my name, but I don’t turn around. As soon as I turn the corner, out of sight from everyone in the room, I run.