My stomach knots, my anger boils. With my fist clenched on the table, I see Savage eyeing me, cocking a brow in question. Heknows I am not one to lose my shit, but this thing with Val and her crew has gone on long enough.
One thing that has me feeling something close to relief is that no more attempts have happened on Stevie. She has been going to and from work with either me or a prospect.
After hearing that another kid died after taking the shit they are pushing, I know deep down that they need to be stopped.
“I am with you, Pres. These motherfuckers are putting our people at risk, and don’t give a fuck. History with her will not get in the way of doing what needs to be done.” My voice shakes with anger.
“We will deal with it as it plays out. It is you over them, brothers. Let’s get this shit done and get back to pussy and whiskey.” Pres bangs the gavel and we leave church, following Racer.
Target leans over to kiss Madalyn, who’s sitting at the bar with her laptop open while she works, their dogs lying at her feet.
I nod to her, and she mouths, ‘be careful.’
Reaching my bike, I slide on my helmet, starting her up. I look around and see my family, who is about to walk into a situation we do not fully understand yet. Being in this club, and back in Fort Lauderdale, I have been made to see that each and every member will do what needs to be done to protect what is ours.
My body feels tight with rage, and my jaw hurts from all the clenching, so I need this shit to end today.
My pipes mix with my brothers,’ creating the sound of brotherhood. With a nod from Pres, he pulls out of the compound, riding into a situation I know will end in bloodshed.
With every mile we ride, my rage builds, which is a new emotion for me. I am usually pretty chill, but knowing what thepeople I know are involved in, on top of them trying to hurt my girl, fills me with all kinds of fucking rage.
My hands tighten on my handlebars when I see the turn off that leads to the empty garden center.
Racer signals for us to pull over where Rogue planned. Hanging my helmet on the handlebars, I sling my leg over, and shake out the tension in my body.
“You ready for whatever the hell happens in there?” Racer calls to me.
We all stand in a circle and I look around at each man who is standing with me, full of fucking pride and love for these men. I owe so much to them. I would do whatever was needed to keep them safe, even take a bullet.
Thinking of dying for these men, Stevie’s face pops into my head, and my chest tightens. Fuck, we have only just gotten started; I do not want to do anything to leave her, but my brother’s safety is paramount.
Sucking in a breath, I look at my brothers and it sinks into my mind that they would take a bullet for me, too.
I straighten and nod.
“I am.”
“Good.” He looks at every one of us. “Let’s go— watch each other’s backs. No one stands alone.”
We repeat the club’s moto, and walk toward the old building.
To my surprise it is not falling apart; clearly this crew has been here a while. There are a few cars parked, and two dogs roaming around. Target heads in their direction, as he has the most experience with dogs.
Music can be heard from inside of the property, so we split up, taking each entry. I am with Savage, right at his back and ready to keep him safe, like he will me when the time comes.
“You ready?”
Looking at him, then glance at the building, I affirm, “Yeah.”
“This could get bad; I need to know that you will not hesitate, brother. She could be armed and ready to defend her crew.” I let his words sink in, and my stomach rolls.
This is not how I wanted shit to go down, but if it comes down to picking between her and her crew, and my brothers, I will not hesitate to pull the trigger.
With my gaze locked on his, I nod.
“I’ve got your back, brother.”
With a wink, he looks forward. “Then, handsome, let’s get this party started.”
