“I think it’s time you take it back, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I think you’re right. Well, if Ransom is going to order me around, we may as well get to it,” I grumble, opening my bag to grab my leathers. We all packed them just in case. You never know when there will be an opportunity to ride. “I don’t want to be stuck in a cage if they’re going to hunt us, Wilder. Marie can ride well enough to hold her own, and it’ll be safer this way. We’ll deal with them and be on our way. I’m going to change.”
Walking toward the bathrooms, I see Marie leaving in her riding pants, boots, and leather jacket. She also has layers of clothing under the jacket to keep her warm, and I wrap my arm around her waist, lifting her into the air as I continue to walk.
“Lore!” Marie hisses, her voice low as she stares down at me. She doesn’t wiggle, she merely tosses her clothes at Ransom as we pass him. He catches it without thinking, smirking as he continues to speak with Ryder.
I trust him to situate our weapons logistics. He knows what he’s doing.
“Marie,” I drawl, walking into the bathroom and shutting the door behind us. Dropping her feet onto the ground, I flick the lock and begin to change. “Storm spoke with you?”
“Yes. I have the Kimber on my stomach,” she says, touching the area as she speaks about it. “The Springfield at my back, and there’s a knife on my ankle. I also have a knife in between my breasts, Lore. I’m good. I promise.”
“You scared?” I ask, pulling a black long sleeved thermal shirt on. I don’t want bulk affecting my movements. Every second is going to count.
“No,” she says, making me stop as I grab my cut.
“Why?” I ask, curious.
“I have four alphas who will kill anyone who tries to hurt me,” she replies. “I want to be able to ride at your side, and that means being able to handle the dangers too. We’re going to be smart, but we’re not going to live in fear, Lore.”
“That’s my girl,” I purr, making her grin. “Will you do me a solid and carry a sawn off shotgun for me, please? Just a little one.”
“Where do you suggest I put it?” she giggles, making my heart soar.
I think the universe knew exactly what it was doing when it brought Marie to us. No one can tell me anything different.
“I’ll show you,” I say instead of answering her. Pulling on my cut, I grab my shit and shuttle her out of the bathroom with me. “Ryder!”
“Damn, you don’t have to yell,” he mutters, fitting a holster to one of the bikes. “Marie, I’m going to add a black metal holster to your motorcycle. No one will be able to tell what it is but you. This way, you’re equipped to keep up with your pack.”
“That’s what I wanted to show you,” I chuckle, kissing her cheek. “Storm, find her a shotgun with the least spicy recoil we have so she can shoot from the bike if necessary.”
“I really am Combat Barbie,” she breathes, making Ryder bark out a laugh.
“Getting close, kiddo,” he says, standing. “The loaners are all done. Let me just add on the piece I need for your bike, Marie, and you’ll be ready to go. And Lore? Call me if you need a clean up crew. I’m still capable of doing that.”
Ugh. Ryder isn’t even that old, but he acts as if he is.
Everyone else is dressed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they just stripped behind the SUV to get it done. Rolling my eyes, I put my clothes away, and half an hour later, we’re on the road.
“How’s it feel?” I yell once Marie has been riding for a few minutes.
“It’s sexy!” she laughs, the visor of her helmet pushed up to talk to me.
Smirking, I pull up my neck gaiter and let her enjoy her first ride on her own motorcycle. She’s not a backpack, she’s riding on her own steam. There’s nothing like the freedom of riding, and knowing no one can take it from you.
It makes me miss my motorcycle for a brief moment, but this is her time. I’ll ride the loaner so I can be a part of it. My bike will be waiting at home for me.
We’re pulling into the park when the loud sound of motorcycles that clearly aren’t ours fill the air.
“Can you go a little faster, Princess?” I ask, breathing a sigh of relief when she gives it some gas. There’s no hesitation, she simply guns it. “Ransom, Storm?—”
“Bringing up the rear,” Ransom growls.
Wilder and I flank Marie in the middle of the pack, flying up the path. The trees should cover us, but the guys behind us racebehind and catch up quickly. It’s when a damn bullet hits the bark to my right that I decide we’re going on the offensive.
“Spread wide,” I say, making sure my voice won’t carry further than our pack.
