2- homecoming

I drove as far as I could, trying to forget everything that just happened. I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing. Dylan's voice still ringing in my head. I needed to find my family. I needed to get Jane to a safe place.

i hadn't spoken to my brothers in years, and my parents were gone. my mother passed after a mysterious accident that is still under investigation, and my father met his demise shortly after the downfall of my marriage.

I had to turn my phone off because Dylan was blowing up my phone with calls and text of threats and pleads.

I wasn't falling for that again, not this time. Jane is 3 months old, and she's already seen too much for even an adult to witness. I wasn't turning back. No amount of money or luxury was going to make me return. he may be a big bad wolf, but I'm even bigger and badder lioness.

I had the feeling to check my phone, so I pulled over for gas and turned my phone on. After what seemed like a million notifications later and filling up my tank, I finally had the chance to look at my phone. Amungst the threatening and pleading text from Dylan, I had text from my oldest brother Kev *call me asap Karina.* i didn't even know my brother knew my number, let alone that he still cared. I checked my missed calls, and he had, in fact, called me 14 times. I knew my brother had connections to get information on me, but why contact me now? it's been 3 years since I spoke to my family.

I called Kev, and he answered with a sigh of relief. "Karina, are you ok? where are you? is Jane ok? why was your phone off?" My big brother spoke so fast with panic it was heartwarming. who knew he cared so much about little ol' me. how did he know my daughter name? it was the greatest sound in the world, next to Jane's first cry, hearing my eldest brothers voice.

I chuckled a little. "we're fine, Kev. I'm somewhere at a gas station. I don't really know where but I'm sending you my location." I sent my location and could hear my brother growl with frustration.

"Karina, you're literally 15 minutes away from home. How did you manage to make an 8 hour drive in 6 hours!?" Kev sounded mad but also impressed

"Lead foot and fight or flight mode, I guess. I honestly don't remember driving. I just remember taking a few breaks for gas and tending to Jane. how do you know my number or about your niece?" I checked my baby mirror. My little angel was fast asleep in her carseat without a care in the world.

"What you think we were gonna let you get married and then disappear? just come on home. I'll meet you at the gate, " Kev said firmly, I could hear my other brothers in the background.

"ok, but promise me no big fuss about us coming home." I half begged half demanded

"No." kev said short but stern

"No, why no?"

"Because we said so!" All 5 of my brothers said in unison. I couldn't help but be excited. hearing all my brothers talk at once made me feel safe again. I knew going home was going to be nerve-racking, but I also knew we'd be safe.

i drove to the big house, my brothers Kev and kal in their black suv in front of me. It was more like a castle. The outside was gray stone, 8 stories high with a big pebble stone driveway loop up front. guards and staff waiting along the white granite steps leading to huge oak double doors. I was nervous to be home, but I was relieved to be here. I hadn't been home since I married Dylan 3 years ago. He forbade me from ever seeing my family again.

I got out of the car and went to grab Jane, but my 3rd brother Kyle had already gotten her out of the car with such gentle care she didn't even stir a bit. "Glad to have you home, Kar. but you're in big trouble, little girl. " Kyle said playfully but seriously at the same time. I hated being the youngest of 6 and the only girl.

Kev and Kal stood in front of my car, looking at me in shock and awe. they were identical twins, but I could tell them apart. Both towered over me at 6'4, 10 years older than me,deep gray eyes, black slicked back hair, and light Grey button-up shirt sleeves rolled to their elbows, showing off their tattoos, black slacks and black shiney shoes. Kev had a scar on his right eye brow from where I hit with a bat practicing t-ball. I was 8, and I was terrible.

Kyle walked past them, taking Jane inside. gah, he looked like their identical triple now. Kyle is only 2 years younger than the twins, 6'3, black, with short spikey hair, deep green eyes, and the same dark clothes with a few less tattoos.

as Kyle walked in the house, kal whispered something in his ear, and I saw my youngest two brothers, Kane and Kade, walk to my car and start unloading it. they were twins also. they also towered over me at 6'3, gray hazel eyes, deep brown short hair, black button-up shirts, gray slacks, and black shoes. they seemed as if they couldn't even look at me as if I disgusted them.

"Welcome home, little girl." Kal said with hurt in his eyes but excitement in his voice. "we have missed you dearly and can't wait to catch up. but first, we must get you inside cleaned up and checked over by a Dr."

I smiled with tears in my eyes. now I knew why all my brothers were trying to avoid looking at me and acting strange. I had completely forgotten about the burning sensation and pains all over my body. I guess my adrenaline had stopped me from feeling and remembering I had just gotten my ass kicked a few hours ago. I looked at myself in the reflection in my car window and saw all the blood and bruises covering my body. I stepped towards Kev and Kal right as I fainted from the sight of myself.