On the way out of the shop, my cell vibrated. A number I hadn’t see in a long time popped up. Grinning, I swiped across the screen.
“Venom! Where you been, brother? What do I need to do to bring you into Nevada?”
He chuckled. “Got my own special brand of shit here in Ankeny.”
Yeah, I could understand that. “Your club good?”
“Fuck yeah. Just heard some news I thought I’d share.”
“Share away.”
“Picked up a couple of Scorpions snooping around the clubhouse. Fuckin’ idiots weren’t even quiet about it. Damn prospects.” He paused as I snickered in response. “One of them squealed like a little piglet and spilled his guts. Trouble is comin’ your way, brother.”
Fuck. Not now. “Well, shit.”
“Heard your chapter took out Vladimir Solonik and his nephew Alexi Voltoy. Those Russian assholes are thick as thieves all over the U.S. Problems in quite a few chapters.”
“Not the kind of news I wanted, brother.”
He snorted. “We took down Ivan Miloslavsky. Turns out he’s related to those fuckers and another one is working his way through Nevada. Russian named Sergei Resnikov. He’s got his eye on Tonopah.”
“Let him come,” I spat.
“That Black Market Railroad is a problem, brother. We got to deal with it on all ends.”
I caught his meaning. “Yeah, I feel you. Consider it done on my end.”
“Good to hear, Grim. Stay in touch. Give a shout if you need backup.”
“Will do. You let me know if you need us. I’ll be there, Venom.”
“Got it, brother.”
Fuck. Shit was stackin’ up faster than I could take care of it. This wasn’t good. Out of the fryin’ pan and into the motherfuckin’ fire. It never seemed to end. Trish was right about that. Danger and the MC went hand in hand.
We ended the call and I sighed, pulling out a cigarette and lighting up. I could feel my blood pressure rising with the knowledge that my club was still being targeted. Right now, all I wanted to do was ride out to the hospital and check on my brother.
Mammoth, Hannibal, and Diablo traveled across Hwy 95 with me as we enjoyed the warm breeze and the freedom of the road. No man could understand the wind in your face and the simplicity of riding the way bikers did in a club. Once we parked our Harleys, we made our way up to the correct floor.
Patriot wasn’t in his room, so we made our way to Naomi’s. Sure enough, he sat at her bedside like he was keeping vigil. She still wasn’t awake yet. He looked up as we entered and ticked his head in our direction. I hung back until the joking around had settled down a little.
“How you feelin’, Patriot?” I finally asked.
My brother winced as he moved his shoulder. “Hurts like a bitch but I’ll get over it.”
I snorted with humor, knowing he’d dealt with much worse as a combat Marine. “You’re a tough Bastard. I have no doubt you’ll be just fine.”
He shrugged, glancing at the bed where Trixie was sleeping. Nurse told us on the way into the room that Patriot hadn’t left her side since she was admitted. I wasn’t sure what it was about her that drew him in, but I could see that he was growing attached. “Wish I could give some of my strength to Naomi.”
“I bet a lot of Reapers have wanted the same thing.”
He nodded at my words. “She’s special, Grim. I don’t know why we’re so connected. Doesn’t really make sense but my Reaper took a bullet for her and would do
so again without hesitation. She’s under my skin, pres. I don’t know what’s gonna happen but I’m not leaving her side.”
I knew exactly what he meant. There was only one woman who had ever done the same for me and she was like a revolving fuckin’ door. In and out. Hot and cold. Always leaving me hangin’. Didn’t make any sense why I wanted her, but Trish was my weakness. Had been since the first moment I kissed her sweet lips. If I was honest, I’d have to say she stole my heart the day we met. An aura like hers, light like her sweet soul, it was unique.
“Say no more. I understand.”