Page 135 of Moonlight & Mayhem

“Chrome—” she started.

“Please,” he whispered. That stopped her. He didn't use that word often. Christmas closed her eyes, and Chrome watched her.

“One.” Her brow furrowed. “Two.” He felt as though he was holding his breath. “Three.” Her eyes opened. “Twelve times.”

Chrome stood so fast his chair crashed backward. “Fuck.”

Howler stood. “What?”

Chrome paced away from the table. No. No fucking way. “Chrome.” He turned, and Christmas was watching him. “Tell me what’s going on.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “The bells ring twelve times before the Returning.” Moon went pale, and Mayhem swore. Christmas looked surprisingly calm—too calm.

“What happens after?” Chris asked.

“I don't know,” he admitted.

“Then why are you freaking out?” she asked.

“Because outsiders don't hear the bells,” he said.

“How do you know?” Chris asked.

“Because they're not supposed to,” he said.

Her eyes narrowed. “Yet I do.”

“Yes,” he breathed.

“And Holly Ridge sent me an invitation. Which means they want me there.”

“Yes,” he said.

“Then we find out why they do,” Chris said.

“No,” he breathed.

Christmas leaned back in her chair. Here it came. “You really need to learn another word.”

“You aren't going,” he insisted.

“We already covered this,” she said. “I'm changing the answer.”

“You don't get to.” Chrome stood and stepped closer to her. “Do you understand what kind of place we're talking about?”

“Do you understand who you're talking to?” Chris challenged.

“Yes,” he said.

“I'm not some human woman who needs to hide behind you,” she insisted.

“I fucking know that,” he growled.

“Then stop treating me that way,” she said.

“I'm trying to keep you alive,” he insisted.

“And I'm trying to find out why a town I've never visited has been inside my head for six months!” Chris spat. Her voice echoed through the clubhouse. Chrome stopped, and Christmas stood. Her hands flattened against the table. “They knew my name.”