Alexander hasn’t said a word, but lets out a breath, which he seems to have been holding for some time. Keola and Memphis are waiting for his reply, too. I’ll understand if he turns me down for the sake of his club, but right now, he’s starting to get in my way.
He looks at me, grabbing my shoulders. “What do you need?” Shock floods through me.
“Really?” I say, dumbfounded.
Keola looks at Alexander, probably thinking this is a terrible idea, that I’m bringing trouble and evil into their club.
“No, you’re joking with me. It can’t be that easy.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“What did you have in mind?” He inches closer.
“Send one of your prospects to Lucie to help and wait until Shiloh can get to her. Legally, she needs to report this, and Shiloh can help. I’m going to go have a little chat with Benedict. I’ll carry my knives, Britt will most likely have her gun, and Reva and Sam might have their tasers. I’m not letting this go, Alexander. I protect my own, just like you do.” I spit out my rushed plan. I’ll figure out my conversation starters as I drive, but I need to dress for battle. After a moment of deep breathing. “I am just going to talk with him, I’m not going to start a fight.”
“What do you need from me?” he growls out again.
I keep spitballing. “I’ll need back up. Maybe send in Joaquin with me or the ladies, I don’t need you to get yourself hurt or into a turf war.”
He nods at my reply as I move to open my car door. “Maybe if all goes well, we can discuss a mark.” He smirks at as he whips out his phone to make a few calls.
I’d texted my friends to meet me at the house and arm themselves. I’ll explain when I get there, knowing full well they’ll join me. The thought of them being like my own club makes me laugh. As I drive, I attempt to repeatedly call Shiloh. She and I are more acquaintances than good friends, but I know I can rely on her, especially in emergencies.
By the third call, she picks up. “Teresa, this better be an emergency.” I can practically hear the sass and fire in her tone.
“Lucie Lynn.” That’s all I need to get her attention.
“I’ll be at her place in twenty.” She hangs up the phone and I shoot Sparky a message, giving him a heads up that Shiloh is incoming.
In my rearview mirror, I see truck lights and motorcycle headlights, knowing that I have a tail. I may be acting impulsively but in this moment, I feel power and strength, something I haven’t felt in a while.
We get to my place in record time. I rush into the bedroom with Alexander and Seamus on my tail. Without hesitation, I whip my clothes off to change and holster my knife.
Alexander clears his throat, holding out my favorite red jacket with two fingers. “Figure you might want this.” He searches around my dresser, finding the necklace he’d gotten me. “This, too.”
I haven’t really worn it since he gave it to me. I didn't think it as an everyday wear, but I humor him. As I grab the items from his hands, he holds onto mine a bit longer.
“If you have something to say, say it now. I’m not changing my mind.” I can see there’s something he’s holding back. The strain in his neck and his hard features give it away.
Finally, he lets out a rumble. “I’m fully trusting that you know what you’re doing.”
“I sense a but in there, Alexander.” I know him better than he thinks.
He sighs. “But. You can act impulsively sometimes, and that might end in an early death for youandme.”
My heart melts. I cup his cheek, stroking his face with my fingertips. I may act impulsively sometimes, but there’s a reason.
“You’ll find me in the afterlife.” I plant a kiss on his lips, tenderly, one that lingers. At this moment, I may just be falling in love with him.
I hear the slamming of my front door and pull my hand away, the moment over. Alexander follows behind me as I lead Sam and Reva from my living room out the door.
The roar of the bikes sounds like thunder in a summer storm. Seeing Alexander lead the pack of wolves, like a wicked prince taking charge of his kingdom, is intoxicating. The girls and I, however, situate ourselves in Britt’s truck.
“Where are we going and whose kneecaps are we busting?” Britt zooms out of my makeshift driveway.
“We are not choosing violence tonight. That is the last resort. I am just going to speak some truth and leave a lasting impression.” I say.
I quickly fill them in. “We’re going to the Predator’s Nest. Benedict got to Lucie Lynn, and I feel it’s time to send the Falcons a message,” I growl, counting the knives in my pocket and in my holster.
“So, we just show up? Then what?” Sam spills out. I can sense the nervousness in her voice.