“I don’t like this,” I argue as I rub my fingers through my shaved head, with enough pressure to alleviate the tension.
“I know you don’t. Do you fucking think I like this?” King says as he snaps around to look at me. “But this is the only option we have for now, and you know that Trent will do his best to keep Dakota safe. All the prospects we have are ten times better than any of them. Just the fact that they’re Wolverines already makes them superior in combat.” I know what he says is true. I just hate the fact that another male will be protecting my woman instead of me.
“Do we have any idea why they were on that side of town? It’s not their usual hangout,” Gunner asks as he pulls out a chair and sits down.
“No fucking idea, but I can tell you whatever it was, they will do it again after seeing us at the salon,” Hawk says. “But we all know Gloria can stand up for herself. They also have the panic button if needed, and Hunter programmed all our numbers into Dakota’s phone in case of an emergency.”
“Well, no time like the present,” King states. “Goliath, go get Trent. Hunter, wait here. The rest of you go get some work done.” King doesn’t say anything until we are alone, and then he turns to face me fully.
“I know this is hard for you. I can just imagine the rage your wolf must be in, but you need to hold it back, brother. We will send Trent. He will keep her safe and be her shadow, and when we do catch that fucker who thinks he can hurt women, he will be all yours.” A knock interrupts our conversation as Goliath sticks his head in.
“Here he is. Found him in the kitchen.” He steps back and Trent walks in. He is the oldest of the prospects but only twenty-two. I know that Trent is capable of protecting Dakota, but not as capable as me. I know that is what I’m having a problem with, as I want it to be me protecting my mate, but there is nothing I can do, as I also know that for now, I need to help the others with the Hades MC, or this war will touch more lives than we want.
“You’re looking for me, King?”
“Yes, come on in and close the door.” When Trent has done as requested, King continues. “We need you to do something for us. Do you think you’re ready?”
Trent stiffens. “Yes, I think I am.”
“We have a problem; Hunter here has mated.”
Trent looks over at me and frowns. “I don’t see how that is a problem?”
“Not that, but the fact that we are at war with the Hades MC and there is someone after Dakota, Hunter’s mate.” King walks away from the window and comes to stand before Trent. “We need you to be Dakota’s shadow, to keep an eye out for any danger to her.”
“I’ll keep her safe.” He looks over at me.
“With your life,” I state, and he swallows before he nods.
“Hunter, direct Trent on what he needs to do. I need to go.” King walks out, leaving Trent and I standing here, looking at each other.
“She’s working at the hairdressers in town. I want you to go there and keep an eye on her. If you see any of the Hades men riding past or hanging around, you phone me. As you know, we have cameras everywhere, but sometimes by the time we see what is happening, it can be too late.” I scrub at my face in frustration. I wish I could just make her stay here, but I know that that would be the worst thing I could do to her. After being abused by someone for so long like she was, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do.
“I understand.”
“No, you don’t understand,” I say. “The man after Dakota is her ex-boyfriend.”
Trent frowns. “Is he from the Hades MC?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean he is less dangerous. I will send you a photo of him. He is dangerous, so if you do see him, you contact us immediately, and don’t try to confront him alone if you can help it.”
“You think he can overpower me?” he asks, his shoulders tense.
“He was a marine, and even though you’re faster, stronger, and can hear him from a mile away, he is versed in combat, which you haven’t seen much of.” I walk towards Trent until I am standing right before him. “Be smart. Keep your head and keep my woman safe.”
“I will.”
“Okay, then, I will send her a text to let her know that you are coming and that you will be her guard. You can go.” Trent nods and then turns and leaves. Fuck, I know it’s good to have Trent there to keep Dakota safe, but I still feel uneasy. Pulling out my phone, I send her a text to let her know that she will have an escort when she leaves, and that Trent will be there for anything that she might need.
Okay, but this is temporary, she replies, which has me shaking my head in frustration. This woman will be the death of me.
As I walk out of the meeting room, I stop as I see Blue walking towards me. “About fucking time,” I mutter.
“Miss me?” he quips with a grin.
“Not a chance. Finally having peace and not having to listen to your squawking voice every day,” I tease.
“Yeah, yeah,” he mutters just as he reaches me. He frowns. “There’s something different about you.”