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Relief crashed through me as Maddox talked about his expectations for me. A protectiveness I hadn’t felt before had taken hold of my soul regarding Ember. If Hero and the others wanted me to claim her today, I would’ve. Regardless of the secret she had, and believe me, my mind went wild conjuring all kinds of scenarios, not one had scared me off.
I wanted her.
I would get her and claim her as mine.
Then I could do my time in the club, and get patched in.
“Come Monday, you’re at the beck and call of every member in the club so enjoy your freedom while it lasts.” Maddox watched my reaction.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
A high-pitched ringing came from Storm’s direction and stole everyone’s attention.
“It’s Birdie.” Storm answered the call without hesitation. “Hey sweetheart, I’m in church.”
“Fuck,” Raymond muttered. A formidable tension radiated off him.
“I’m coming. Stay put.”
“What?” Raymond asked.
“Birdie, I want you to go back inside the boutique. I’ll be there in—” His face turned candy-apple red, as if she’d cut him off. “I know you can take care of yourself, but foul play could be involved.” He cut his gaze at Maddox, then Raymond.
“Go.” He nodded at Bjorn. “Take a prospect.”
“I’m going with.” Raymond got to his feet and bolted, not waiting for Maddox’s approval or Bjorn.
“Bjorn and Ray are coming.” He paused. “I don’t care what you want Melody Hope!” Storm’s voice rattled the roof.
It was never good when a parent used a child’s first and middle name.
“Keep it up, and I’ll put you on lockdown!” Storm genuinely appeared pissed off. “Yeah, you should’ve called your mother if you didn’t want me to freak the fuck out.” He threw his phone at the wall.
“What happened?” I asked.
“She hung up.” Storm stormed out like a violent tornado.
“Church is adjourned.” Maddox hit the gavel on the table. “How was that for your first time in church?”
“Riveting.” I stood. “I’m gonna go to the boutique. Was supposed to meet Birdie at The Bullet.” I glanced at the time on the wall clock. My cell phone was in the basket outside of the room. Phones weren’t allowed in church. I guess that rule didn’t apply to Storm. “Seems I’m late.”
“Go help rescue her. If Storm gets to her, it’ll get uglier in a snap.”
I left without a backward glance at my old man, who’d been surprisingly quiet. But I’d seen the look in his eyes. He was observing me. Watching to see how I handled myself and if I could control my mouth. I did all right.
Jogging out of the clubhouse, I searched for Ember. She was probably at home. It hadn’t sounded like she was with Birdie. I’d just have to catch her tomorrow.
8
Ember
Sister Chic Boutique looked like a crime scene with all the trucks surrounding it, and the lights flashing on the sheriff’s car out front.
What in the hell happened?
I rushed inside, thankful I had been driving by and saw the mayhem.
Storm looked as if he’d blow any second like an angry volcano as he spoke to a deputy.
