Aftermath: Dane

This story is a continuation of Cain's Queen. If you have not read Cain's Queen, you can order it by clicking HERE.

Chapter One

Dane stood at the door holding his breath. "Today was supposed to be a good day," He thought to himself.

He knew he would have to go in that room and sober up Cain. It had been five years since Ann's death and Cain still had not recovered from the devastation. No one had.

Dane turned the knob, opening the door. Cain sat in a chair shirtless, legs spread wide. Taking a long draw off a joint with a bottle Jack in hand. The nude redhead between Cain's legs worked her hardest on his erection.

Cain glanced up at Dane. "What do you want?"

"You've got two hours to get sober, clean up, and be at your daughter's graduation.

What the fuck is wrong with you!" Dane yelled over the music.

The redhead never misses a beat. Taking in as much of Cain as she could. Her head bobbing at a steady pace.

"Fuck," Cain said as he sat down the bottle and took another drag off the lit joint then putting it out. He gently grasped the girl's shoulders, pushing her back away from him as he stood. His erection was evident as he pulled out his wallet, tossing the girl a few big bills.

The girl, still on her knees as she leaned over to pick up the money. Her face was flushed, her lips a little red and swollen.

Cain looked over to Dane. “I can toss in a few bucks for you if you want?"

"Leave" Dane instructed the girl. "Put it away. I'm sick of seeing your cock! Let's go. I have a suit ready for you. You need a shower."

Cain looked down at his soldier. "I think he's jealous," He said as if he were talking to an old friend.

"Shut the fuck up." Said Dane as he walked out the door.

Cain tucked in his old friend and zipped up his jeans. With some adjusting, he was able to fasten the button. As he walked toward the door he grabbed his t-shirt. Pulling it over his head. Turning to the girl still on the floor. "Close the door when you leave."

Cain sat in his chair at his daughter's graduation. He was proud of the beautiful, strong-willed woman that Abigail had become. He knew he had nothing to do with it. Dane and Ruby had taken over her care when he had failed her. His heart ached at the thought that Ann wouldn't be here to see Abigail walk across the stage. Ann had loved Abigail as her own daughter. In a way, he had failed Ann as well. He had not found her killer.

Dane sat next to Cain. He could see Cain was on the verge of losing it. "Hold it together, man." He said as he patted Cain's shoulder. "It's going to be okay."

"No, it's not. It will never be okay again. She should be here. Not me." Cain whispered.

"We can't change the past," Dane responded coldly.

"I failed them both," Cain whispered again.

"Maybe if you get your head out of your ass and stop feeling sorry for yourself you will have time to fix your relationship with your daughter." Dane spat. "Now, shut the fuck up."

Dane, Cain and Ruby stood outside waiting for Abigail to join them. While waiting they spotted Brant and Loki walking towards them. They all greeted one another in a pleasant manner.

"Hey, guys we couldn't find you when we got here so we just sat wherever." Brant said.

"That's okay man, just glad you guys made it." Dane responded.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Loki proclaimed.

Ruby walked over and kissed each of them on their cheeks. "You boys will be joining us for dinner, won't you?"

"If you're doing the cooking, yes ma'am." Loki said with excitement.

Everyone began laughing at Loki's enthusiasm as they heard Abigail running up and calling out their names.

"Uncle Loki, Uncle Brant. You're here!" She shouted, throwing her arms around their necks. "I was afraid you wouldn't make it."

"No way Little Red, couldn't miss seeing you walk across that stage." Loki said as he gave her a tight squeeze and kissed her head.

"You guys have been gone for weeks. I really missed you." Abigail said.

"Sorry, kid, we had business to handle but knew we would be here on your special day." Brant said, hugging her. "Didn't mean to worry you."

"I'm just glad everyone made it." Abigail said as she looked around as if she was trying to find someone.

"So, what did your dad get you for your graduation?" Asked Brant.

Everyone turned to look at Cain. Everyone had questioning looks on their faces. Abigail smiled excitedly.

Cain stood still. Taking a deep breath. He didn't know how this was going to go down. He looked at everyone, seeing their concerns. Cain began to sweat. "I got you something, but it may not be exactly what you asked for," Cain said with concern.

Cain could see the slight disappointment on her face but she didn't let the others see. The others looked at him with curiosity. He just smiled weakly.

"Let's go home." Cain said as he hugged Abigail and started toward the cars.

"What did you get her?" Dane asked, whispering in Cain's ear.

"You're not going to like it, but it's the only damn thing she asked me for," Cain said, strain in his voice.

"What is it?" Dane asked.

"After dinner, then I'll give it to her," Cain promised.