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There’s a brief pause on the other end, and then he replies, “What’s going on, Slash?”
I take a deep breath before explaining the situation. “It’s a long story, but there’s a girl here who’s been targeted by the Iron Serpents. I need you guys here to keep her safe while I handle them.”
I can practically hear the concern in his voice as he responds. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. Just hold tight.”
“Thanks, Brick,” I say before hanging up. I glance over at Sadie, her eyes fluttering closed, and I can’t help but feel a fierce protectiveness for her. With my brothers at my back, I’ll make sure she’s safe and put an end to Viper and his gang once and for all.
“Before they show up, I think it’s time to explain exactly why I’m here.”
CHAPTER8
Sadie
I’ve been stayingwith Slash for the past two nights, and I can’t help but feel like I’m living in a dream. But I know I can’t stay cocooned in his motel room forever, so I decide to head home and face my family. I’m apprehensive about their reaction, but I’m determined to stand by Slash. He drives me there in the rain and pulls the bike up onto the sidewalk to let me off right in front of the porch. I toss him my helmet and jog to the front door.
My heart is slamming against my ribcage. The front door looms before me like a gateway to judgment, but I take a deep breath and step inside. The moment I enter, I’m greeted by the worried faces of my parents. I guess Lizzie told them I was coming. They look at me as if I’ve spent years lost at sea, and their concern is almost tangible. I brace myself for the storm I know is coming.
“Sadie, where have you been?” my mom asks, her voice trembling with fear and anger. “We’ve been worried sick about you.”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve been with Daniel.”
My dad’s face darkens at the mention of his name.
Lizzie comes into the room and gasps, catching the bruise surrounding my eye. I tried to cover it with makeup, but the rain must have washed it away. “Sadie, what happened to you?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. When my parents see what she’s staring at, they rush to my side. My mom’s hands flit around my face like hummingbirds, not wanting to hurt me, and my dad leans in close and splutters a string of obscenities. The only one I catch is “—fuckingkill him.”
“Itwasn’t him!” I shout over their fussing. “It was someone connected to the robber. But I’m fine. It looks worse than it is.” My words don’t seem to soothe their worry, but I can’t let them blame Slash for everything that’s happened. “It’s not his fault, Dad,” I argue. “He’s been protecting me, and I trust him. Can’t that be enough?”
“Protectingyou?” Dad scoffs, gesturing to my shiner. I sigh heavily and repeat, “It wasn’t his fault. He wouldneverhurt me.”
My family exchanges worried glances, but I stand my ground. I know they’re scared for me, but they have to understand that Slash isn’t the enemy here. I just hope I can make them see that—because if it comes to a choice between him and them, I’m not sure I could give him up.
Once I’ve said my piece with my family, I slide back onto the Harley behind Slash, and we head back to the motel. The lot is teeming with motorcycles. The Cascade Reapers have arrived in my town.
* * *
A mix of relief and apprehension washes over me at the sight of what must be twenty burly, tattooed bikers. Not one of them catches my eye like Slash does, but I see the similarities—leather jackets, tattoos, bulging muscles, unruly hair, and beards all around.
Slash guides me in an arc, introducing me to most of the MC members, who all wear leather cuts adorned with the Cascade Reapers insignia. As I shake their hands and exchange pleasantries, I can’t help but feel out of place, even though Slash’s hand has been resting possessively on my lower back the whole time. These men are tough, weathered, and their close-knit bond is palpable. They look intimidating, their rugged appearances and stern expressions making me feel like an outsider.
I suddenly feel like an intruder in a world I don’t understand. The overwhelming energy of the group leaves me feeling even more out of my depth, and I can’t shake the feeling that my family might be right—I don’t fit in with these people.
For now, though, I lean into Slash’s embrace, grateful for his support.
“Sadie, I want you to meet Brick,” Slash says, guiding me toward a tall, broad-shouldered man with a salt-and-pepper beard. “He’s the president of our club and one of my closest friends.”
Brick offers me a warm smile, which immediately puts me at ease. “It’s nice to meet you, Sadie,” he says, extending his hand. “Slash has told us a lot about you. We’re here to help in any way we can.”
I shake his hand, appreciating the sincerity in his words. “Thank you. I’m grateful thst you’re here.”
As the gathering progresses, I notice Slash watching me from across the room, his eyes filled with concern. I do my best to give him a reassuring smile, but I can’t help but wonder if I’m making a huge mistake by involving myself in this world.
My doubts continue to grow, but I know that I can’t turn back now. I’ve made my choice to stand by Slash, and I can only hope that, in the end, it will be the right decision for both of us.
When the introductions are over, Slash pulls me aside, a determined look in his eyes. “I need to go deal with Viper,” he tells me, his voice low and intense. “I can’t let this go on any longer.”
I nod, understanding how serious this is. “What about me?” I ask, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.
Slash looks at me tenderly and cups my face with his hand. “I want you to stay here at the motel with Ghost and Riot. They’ll make sure you’re safe while I’m gone. Trust me. They won’t let anything happen to you.”
