Zethora's POV

I look down for probably the tenth time in the last thirty minutes. I'm currently sitting on the couch watching one of Tyler's favorite movies, Mission Impossible. He has seen this movie so much that he can say line by line the entire movie. I roll my eyes before flicking popcorn at his head. He flinches before turning to me with narrowed eyes. 

"Z, just call him." 

I tilt my head at him acting confused. I may be talking now but it is still limited. I've been too used for the last few years making know sounds that it comes second nature. Now it's his turn to rolls his eyes at me. 

"You can't act like you haven't been waiting for him to call you... Your face says it all." 

I huff and cross my arms before I hear him chuckle beside me making me toss a pillow at his face. He continues laughing and goes back to his movie before I let his words sink in. I chew on my nail for a hot minute before saying fuck it and I text him. 

Zethora (10:21) Hey sugar, you awake?

I send it and wait a few minutes but nothing comes through. I sigh before setting it down figuring he probably fell asleep. It wouldn't be the first time he was wiped after a game but he usually text me. About ten minutes later the phone rings, Maddox's name lighting up my screen. I pick it up listening but am confused. 

"Hi, my name is Dean. I'm a bartender from Hell's Angels. I am currently here with someone named Maddox Kane. He won't tell me your name but keeps referring to you as sweetheart." He pauses and I panic not feeling comfortable talking to this guy. I look to Tyler who is already looking at me confused. I push the phone towards him and he places to his ear. 

"Hi my name is Tyler Rogers, are you with Maddox Kane?" He nods his head as he listens in. "Yea... No no, will be there... where are you?" Tyler pulls out his phone looking up the address. "Got it man, will be there in 15." He begins getting up and I am quick to follow still trying to catch the conversation. "No, don't give him anymore. See you soon." 

Tyler clicks off the phone before throwing on his shoes. I turn off the TV before following him towards the door. We climb into his mustang and he takes off. Sitting in his car, my fingers can't stop twiddling as I stare out at the dark scenery that we drive by. Tyler focusing on the GPS on his phone. 

After ten minutes we pull up to what appears to be a biker's bar. A line of Harley and Indians lay across the entrance to the bar. I can see Maddox's truck farther down. Tyler turns off his mustang looking confused like me. We climb out and timidly walking towards the door. Half dressed woman hanging on men as they puff out of their cigarette's standing near the entrance. The men's eyes travel to me and I step close to Tyler who protectively tucks me to his side. 

We walk in and our eyes scan the bar. We hear a loud thud and look over to the bar rail. Sitting near the end is Maddox who is pounding his fist against the bar top pointing his finger at the bartender. Tyler is quick to pull me towards him as fear grips at my skin like a second home. My legs feeling wobbling walking over to him. We get close enough to hear part of the conversation. 

"Come on man, one more... yeah? HEY I'M TALKIN TO YOU!" 

I feel my heart rate take off like a damn rocket hearing his aggravated tone. Tyler gently tugs me to continue walking until were right up behind him. Tyler placing his hand on his shoulder. 

"Hey Kane!-"

"Buzz off, I'm not doing autographs tonight." He cuts Tyler off still trying to look at the bartender who is clearly working another guest at the other end. "I KNOW you can hear ME!" 

"KANE!" 

Maddox looks over his shoulder and sees Tyler before his eyes drift to me. His face softening from the glare it previously held. He attempts to stand up but his legs give out. Tyler is quick to step up settling him back on the bar stool. His gaze still fixed on me. My limbs refusing to unfreeze as the memories of my past coming screaming back at me. 

"Sweetheart, I need you!" 

And just like that I find my muscles loosen enough for me to step forward. My mind willing to allow it hearing his tone change from the harsh tone to a defeated tone. He slumps back and I am quick to step forward throwing my arms around him as he wraps me in the steel cage I have come to love. His head dropping to my shoulder as I feel his body tremble. I look over my shoulder to the worried face of my cousin. I try giving him a reassuring smile that he accepts before waving down the bartender. All the while, Maddox's face glued to the juncture between my neck and shoulder. I rub his head soothingly, the way I know he likes. 

I look to see Tyler handing over a wad of cash as the bartender hands him the keys to what I'm assuming is Maddox's truck. He walks back over and looks to Maddox who looks like he is falling apart further scaring me. He has never been this distraught before. Some days he would be upset about practice or pissed about a game but never... lost.

I pull back slightly causing Maddox to panic tightening his arms around me. I look to Tyler who looks at the situation in utter confusion as to what we need to do. I relax my breathing willing myself to calm down my nerves. Maddox needs me right now. 

"Sugar, hey let's get you home..." 

"Don't leave me Zethora." 

His voice completely cracked sounding as if he is crying on my shoulder. I shake my head negatively as I cup his head forcing him to look up. The sight practically breaking my heart. His tears clearly showing as his red irises attempt to focus on me. I wipe away his fallen tears and cup his cheeks firmly pressing my lips to his forehead. 

"I'm not going anywhere..." 

He hears me and let's me step back only slightly before his hand twitches resisting the urge to pull me back in. Tyler steps beside him throwing his tree trunk arm over his shoulder hauling him up off the stool. I watch practically helpless standing beside him as they wobble through the bar. I don't even notice the eyes that are looking at me. It doesn't go unnoticed though as all of sudden Maddox yanks at a person standing near him. The bar stops and looks waiting as the scrawny guy looks wide eyed up at the massive man gripping him. Maddox doesn't even seem drunk as he stands up pulling the guy to his face before he speaks dangerously low. 

"Keep... your fucking eyes OFF of my woman." 

All who glanced at Maddox are now looking at me before turning back. The kid nods his head before Maddox shoves him back making him fall to the ground. My body slightly shaking but Maddox is quick to throw his arm over my shoulder pulling me into his side. I hide my face as we all begin walking again. Tyler still helping but Maddox seems to be leaning more on to me. We make it out and then notice we have to figure out what to drive. Tyler hands me the keys to the mustang as he helps me get Maddox into the passenger seat. He flops down and can barely keep his eyes open. 

I close the door and look back to Tyler. He pulls me into a hug and kisses my head before releasing me. I get into the driver seat turning on the engine. Reaching for the gear stick my hand becomes engulfed by another. I look over to see Maddox's eyes glazed over. 

"I can't loose you sweetheart." 

I grip his hand tightly before leaning over to kiss his cheek. His eyes closing as a tear slips out. I kiss it away before turning back to the road. Taking off out the bar wondering what exactly has happened. 

We make it to his house in good time. Tyler pulling in beside us. He helps me get Maddox inside the house since he is gone. Fox goes crazy when we get inside, not taking likely to Tyler who is stalling hauling the massive dead weight up the stairs. I rub on Fox's coat willing her to relax as I follow Tyler up the stairs directing him to the bedroom. Opening the door Tyler is groaning from the weight on his shoulder before flopping him on the bed. I am quick to check his head but he is still sleeping. 

"Z, I don't know if you should be here." 

I turn to Tyler who is clearly worried about what has happened. I look back down to Maddox rubbing his hair out of his face knowing he needs me. Looking back to Tyler, I have no doubt my answer.

"I'm staying."