He paused, so I said, “I got the impression from Scott and Dad that they don’t want to either, and I find that hard to believe.  Storm is strong enough to do it.”

He nodded, and then said quietly, “There’s another reason why your Dad doesn’t want to take them on, babe.  And I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

I really had no idea what it could be, and why I wouldn’t like it.  “What, J?”

He blew out a long breath before he continued.  “Blade is your half brother.  He’s Marcus’s son.”

The room spun, and I struggled to breathe.  “What... how?  Shit, does my Mum know?”  My thoughts and words weren’t coherent so I stopped talking.

“Your mother found out today, and I thought your father was going to tell you too - ”

“Scott knows, doesn’t he?”  I interrupted him.

“Yeah, babe.  He’s known for a little while.  I found out this week.”

“Does my Dad have anything to do with Blade?”

The look that crossed J’s face could only be described as devastated.  That’s when I knew; that was the moment that the love I had for my father crumbled in a bloody mess of lies and deceit.

“Yeah, babe,” he said softly, pulling me into a hug.

I welcomed his arms, his warmth, and sank into his love.  We stayed like that for awhile; he gently caressed my hair and pressed his lips to my head.  He was my shelter from the storm.

Eventually, I pulled away and asked him to tell me the rest.

“Blade was born after Scott, before you.  He is four years older than you.  His mother has been your father’s mistress ever since, although from what I understand, they have been on and off throughout those years.  Blade is their only child, and your father has had a relationship with him all his life.  They get on okay, and Blade has given Marcus his word that Mandy won’t come after you again.  Apparently, he wasn’t aware that she was mixed up in all of this.  Marcus and Scott have agreed not to pursue her.”

I tried to take all of that in.  “And you?  Are you going against their orders?”

“I don’t trust that bitch, and I want her taken care of.  I’m pissed off that Marcus and Scott have backed off.”

As I listened to what he was saying, I realised that this was the first time he had been so open with me about club stuff.  Amongst all the crap we now had going on, this was my shining light.  It was a pivotal moment in our relationship.  I gently laid my palm against his cheek.  “Thank you,” I murmured.

He looked confused.  “What for?”

I smiled at him.  “For telling me all of that even though I know you didn’t want to.”

He covered my hand with his and squeezed it lightly.  “You were right to push me.  And you were right that I need to tell you what’s going on.  Thank you for being patient, baby.”

“I need to go and see my Mum,” I said, torn because I wanted to see her but I also wanted to stay right here with J.

“I’ll take you.”

I kissed him, and grabbed my bag before he headed out.  I was very apprehensive about what we would find when we got to my parent’s house, but at least I had J with me.

***

My mother answered the door dressed in a bathrobe.  So out of character for her.

“Madison,” she simply said, as a way of greeting me.  Her face was all puffy, and she looked like shit, but at least that ugly red welt from where my father had slapped her was gone.

We followed her inside and sat at the kitchen table.  My father was noticeably absent.  Thank god, because I think I may have punched him if he had been there.

“So, you’ve heard the wonderful news, I take it.  You have another brother.”  I didn’t fail to note the sarcasm.

“Mum, talk to me,” I pleaded.

J stood up.  “I’ll leave so you girls can have a talk,” he offered.

“Sit down, J.  You’re part of this family, and as far as I am concerned, there should be no fucking secrets anymore,” my mother said.

“Did you know before today?” I asked her.

She sighed.  “I always suspected your father was playing around,” she shrugged, “It’s what happens in that club.  I chose to ignore it.  But I had no clue he had a mistress and a child.”

I didn’t want to ask my next question, but I couldn’t stop myself.  “Is that the first time he hit you?”

The way her shoulders slumped, and the sad look that flitted across her face told me what I needed to know.  J made a noise and I looked at him.  He was clenching his fists, and grinding his jaw.  This must be hitting close to home for him; his father used to beat the shit out of his mother.

“How bad, Mum?” I was so mad at not only my father, but also at myself, for not noticing.  I had lived in a happy little bubble that was actually just one big, fat fucking lie.

She sat in front of me, a picture of vulnerability.  I watched as she pulled herself together, and plastered the stoic look that I knew so well, onto her face.  “Not as bad as some women receive.  And only when I really pushed him.”

Oh my god.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  “Are you leaving him?”  It was almost a challenge, because I was fairly sure I knew what she had already decided to do.