The sound cracked through the cabin like a gunshot. They froze. Another knock, harder. Urgent.
“Fuck,” Frost muttered, already stepping back. He grabbed his jeans from the floor, yanking them on, shoving his feet through without bothering to button them properly. His expression had shifted completely, focus sharp, concern immediate.
“Stay here,” he said, already moving.
She nodded, heart hammering now for an entirely different reason, grabbing a towel she wrapping it around herself as he strode out of the bathroom.
Frost didn’t slow as he crossed the cabin. He reached the front door and hauled it open—
“Maddog?” he barked. “Faith?” Worried something had happened to the couple.
The quiet that followed was anything but calm.
Maddog stood on the small porch, phone pressed to his ear, his voice sharp and carrying as he barked orders into it. Gone was the easy pride from earlier—this Maddog was all business, all edges.
“No…lock it down. I want eyes on every route in and out. Call me back when you’ve got confirmation.”
He ended the call and looked at Frost. “We’ve got an emergency with the chapter. You’re with me.”
Frost didn’t hesitate. “I’m coming.”
Maddog nodded once, already turning away to make another call. Frost spun on his heel and jogged back through the cabin. He pushed into the bathroom, breathless, adrenaline still buzzing through him.
“Constance.” He stopped long enough to catch her eyes. “I have to go. I’m sorry. Something’s going down with the chapter.”
He didn’t wait for questions. Didn’t trust himself too. He crossed the room in two strides, grabbing his shirt, pulling it over his head, fingers fumbling as he shoved his feet into his boots. Buttons were skipped. Belt half-fastened. The careful restraint from moments ago was gone, replaced by urgency and duty.
“I’ll be back,” he said, already moving for the door again. “I promise.”
Then he was gone, boots pounding across the floor, the front door opening and closing with a final, hollow thud. Thebathroom felt too quiet afterward. The tub still steamed. Candles still flickered. And Constance stood there alone, the warmth draining from the room.
“Is this what it’s like being a part of a motorcycle club?” She asked the empty room.
Sighing she shut off the water, dropped the towel and stepped into the deep tub. She could contemplate life withherbiker while she soaked.And worry.
Chapter Twelve.
Frost looked back just once as he threw his leg over the bike. He barely settled in the seat when he brought the beast to life.
Kicking it into gear he rolled away from the cabin following Maddog as they left a trail of dust behind them. He had no idea what had happened, no idea if something happened to one of their brothers. Being part of the club meant he went when called; there was no not going. It was part of the life. Part of the code.
Brotherhood wasn’t just a word—it was a bond forged in loyalty, tested by fire, and strengthened by blood. They lived by a code, one that demanded honor, respect, and trust. Those things made up the foundation of a brotherhood that stood against all odds. They were bound together by an unbreakable loyalty. The Broke Bastard’s would fight, bleed and die for one another, because in their world nothing mattered more than the men riding besides you.
Frost thought he should have stopped long enough to explain to Constance that he might not be back right away. That he’d make sure she got home in the morning. He hadn’t done either. As soon as Maddog said they needed to ride he was on the move.
Now that he was on the road all the what he should’ve done thoughts flooded his mind. The problem he was having was when had he decided to be in a relationship with Constance? Maybe he was over thinking things. She probably didn’t think they were dating. Fuck if she didn’t. Because he sure as fuck wasthinking they had jumped in with both feet first and with their eyes wide open.
The sun was settling down on the horizon leaving the evening sky painted in pinks, and purples. He kept Maddog in his sights as they ripped down the country road heading for whatever danger awaited them.
Any other time he felt intensely connected to the road. He was always aware of every subtle change in the surface through the handlebars and seat.
The motorcycle’s weight and low center of gravity provide a stable ride as he leaned into curve after curve. The constant vibrations reminded him of the bond between him, the bike, and the world around him. Around him was a two-hundred-degree view unobstructed by windows or walls.
He could smell the environment, fresh cut hay, dry dust, and the scent of cattle off in the fields. The temperature dropped as they got closer to the nearby river. He was fully immersed in his surroundings, his mind clear and focused, alert.
Frost couldn’t keep Constance out of her head; he should have pulled her to him. He hadn’t given her the choice to walk him to the door. Had she watched him get on his Harley and roll out of sight. Fuck. he hadn’t kissed her goodbye.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts Frost down shifted and tapped the brakes as he hit a turn a little too fast. He managed to keep it on two wheels. They blasted down the highway. They were locked and loaded. Two of their own had a date with destiny. The reaper’s looking for two more victims and they were willing to hand them over into his waiting arms. In their world, you didn’t betray the club. The code. The brotherhood. The family. Twisting the throttle they ripped down the highway.
