“All in favor of patching Hollywood in, say aye.” Storm picked up where he left off.
“Aye,” I replied, shocked as hell. What all had I missed? Hollywood was an excellent prospect. He deserved to get promoted. But that only left Maddox, Ryder, and the new guy, Artic, for prospects. And Ryder was with me.
“Done. Next up are our new prospects,” Storm said.
“New prospects?” Okay, I had obviously checked out for a while and missed some shit.
“I nominated Jax, cuz,” Dodge said.
My eyebrows shot up. “Seriously?”
“He needs direction. Structure and a family.” My dad’s voice bled through the speaker.
“But he’s an addict.” Was I the only sensible person? Jax would be a risk. Any kind of addiction would make a person weak and unreliable. But drugs? Storm’s uncle Matt wouldn’t have agreed to let him in.
“Recovering addict,” Dodge shot back. “And he’s my brother-in-law.”
“Well, fuck me. I had no idea things had changed so much since I’d been gone. Y’all do what you feel is best.” I raised my beer and gulped.
“I will,” Storm said through what sounded like gritted teeth. I knew my best friend about as well as myself. I sensed that Storm had allowed Jax in because of my old man and cousin. “Jax will have to prove himself worthy to be a Knight just like the other dudes. He’s clean right now. He just has to stay that way.”
“I’ll make sure he will,” Dodge said.
“What other dudes?” I glanced at Espada as he shook his head.
“Were you not listening to me?” Storm growled.
“Guess not,” I replied honestly.
“Talk to your dad later.” Storm exhaled a deep breath. “Boxer and Ire will train the new prospects. I’m preparing for the worst. We don’t know what Bruno will do after we get Brynne. It could come to our doorstep in Minnesota or stay in Montana.”
“And if it comes to Montana, I only have four guys.” I was grateful to have Copper here, but five people wouldn’t be enough if Bruno went to war.
“Already talked to Mitch in Iowa. He said he’d send his SAA and a prospect to help. Cobra’s not sure what he can do with Hustler still gone. I think Karma’s distracting him.”
Chuckles came through the speaker.
“Great. This is a big fucking deal, and I only have a handful of men.” I got up from the table to get another beer.
“I will be there, son,” my dad said.
“No, you won’t,” I replied sharply. “You need to stay out of sight until I have Brynne.”
“Excuse me?”
“Dad, Tina couldn’t handle it if something happened to you. The guys and I will take care of everything here.” My brothers at the table nodded in agreement.
“We have time to decide who’ll go out. I’m not gonna leave you vulnerable,” Storm said assuredly. “Bone will probably be out after you get Brynne.” Storm paused for a beat. “Is the compound ready?”
“Mostly. Espada and I will ensure we have everything we need.”
“Plan to have enough supplies for a couple of months.” Storm’s voice trailed, something he only did when worried.
“Yeah.” My stomach churned when Brynne’s beautiful face flashed behind my eyes. She would hate me after all was said and done. I needed to stop flirting and getting close to her. She was just so goddamn irresistible and bewitching. How would I ever resist her?
I had no other choice than to deny my desires. But fuck if I didn’t want to act on them.
“I don’t have anything else to say. Meeting adjourned.” Storm hit the gavel on the table.