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There was such honesty in the older set of those greys as Legend told Phoenix, “I owe you.” Nodding with a determination I can only describe as valiant, he added, “Call on the Stallions any time. What you’ve done for us will never be forgotten.”
With immense sympathy, Phoenix pointed to the injured Lynx. “Legend, Cade made the right call to have you come here. That is your son lying in that damn bed.” The man peered at the younger version of him: Spear. “As you know, I have one of those, and I hope you would do the same for him.”
As if pained to imagine any man experiencing the same anguish as he was presently enduring, Legend nodded again. “No questions asked. You have my word. I’ll personally reach out to Cade and thank him.”
From what I understood, Cade was like Legend, the President of a mother chapter. I wasn’t quite sure what that meant, but it was an honor to witness the vow between the two Presidents as it felt as strong as a blood oath.
Then Legend stared at Spear, silently promising him the same. With respect in his eyes, Spear dipped his chin.
Studying these men interacting, I felt I was doing it from afar, even though I had been in the same room or building all last night and early this morning. Taken from Devil’s Cave, I’d been thrown within a magnificent circle I didn’t feel I’d earned, therefore I was a stranger to the miracle of an unexpected unity between them all. Mammy was correct. These were not mindless men who lacked a sense of right or wrong, as I had been told by society and Lorenzo. These were vibrant souls with a fire flowing through their veins and courage roaring in their hearts.
Even the Steel Stallion, Dagger, who wore an eyepatch—something that would have made most men feel less worthy—held himself with undeniable reverence. He may have been casually leaning against the wall closest to Legend, but I sensed he was on guard. I sensed he would’ve thrown his body, with incredible speed, to take a bullet meant for Legend or Lynx. Oh, yes, he was a force. Of what, I couldn’t be sure, but I knew it was mighty. And it perfectly blended with the cultivated energy between the two presidents and Spear.
Did all four men have the appearance that screamed, “Fuck with me and die”? Most definitely, but that deadly vibe exuded an unrebukable discipline. There was a calmness that seemed to be nurtured when treated with respect. That respect silently seemed to morph into an unspoken loyalty that quickly reached deep into what these men stood for.
Nothing of what Da had exhibited and used to betray me.
From what I had gathered so far, the Stallions and Souls on Fire were newly acquainted clubs, yet they had swiftly unified. Observing their interactions, I witnessed them easily deal with issues such as security, locating and transporting bikes, and Lynx receiving immediate medical treatment. These MCs worked together as I would imagine packs of wolves would do. Instincts ruled their every move.
This was a different caliber of behavior versus what I watched daily, with the way Lorenzo directed his men. Lorenzo was cold, brutally so. Everyone in his wake experienced the frostbite that his presence always conjured. He could look you directly in the eye, lie to your face, and stab you in the back simultaneously.
At the Souls on Fire clubhouse, the sun had yet to rise, but I kept Lynx from that wrath. I couldn’t have felt prouder, imagining Kelly smiling down at me. Yet, to stay with Lynx would bring another opportunity for Lorenzo to let his cruel gifts shine. My rescue wasn’t finished.
After Phoenix and Spear left the room, shutting the door behind them, it was eerily quiet. Only a dim lamp on the nightstand lit the room so that Lynx could rest properly. Not that much light was needed to see Legend and Dagger were very focused on Lynx, and both appeared to breathe better now that the young man was back in their care this club’s doc had performed surgery to remove the bullet and given Lynx good pain meds and strong antibiotics.
Moved by their obvious care for this man, I knew they needed the truth to keep protecting Lynx. Quietly, I explained, “You shouldn’t have brought me here.”
Having only shared a few hours with Lynx, I didn’t know him. Not like they did. And, the danger I knew was coming had me feeling like an intruder in that bedroom. I wasn’t a part of their comradery.
Neither man seemed surprised by my comment, nor did either speak. At least not for a few long moments, so I went back to staring at Lynx—the marvel.
Hearing a heavy exhale, I dared to peer up and saw Dagger staring at me. May have been with only one eye, but it was a bold blue and full of wisdom. “You’re that sure this Lorenzo is going to come lookin’ for ya?” There was no judgment in his tone. Only the reality that most men wouldn’t take on a motorcycle gang for just a girl.
I squeezed Lynx’s hand tighter, promising to be a shrew if Lorenzo were to find me and bring VP any harm, then clarified, “Not to sound conceited, Dagger, but I don’t think. I know.”
Arms crossed over his formidable chest that spoke of youth and strength, not the forming wrinkles in the corner of his eye. Untamed brown hair swayed as Dagger nodded, acknowledging what I said, not disagreeing with me.
Staring at his son, who was clearly one of the most important beings in his life, Legend’s gravelly voice swallowed all the silence in the room, as did his impressive presence. “Elle, if that’s the case, I need to know what I soon got charging toward my club.”
“Nothing,” I declared without an ounce of hope. “I’ll leave, then nothing will come for you.” As I stood, still holding Lynx’s hand, my eyes welled but I fought it. “Or him.” Crying over leaving a man I had just met felt immature and borderline pathetic, but I couldn’t control it.
Finally letting exhaustion seep in, Legend told me, “We forced you to leave Devil’s Cave. What’s coming isn’t on you.”
Yes, at Devil’s Cave, Legend had directed a younger man by the name of Vice to guide me into the SUV, but I wasn’t exactly fighting the club’s Enforcer. Being close to Lynx just a little longer made me blind, so I got in that back seat and let Lynx lean against me while he suffered in pain. To say my arms didn’t stay locked around him the whole time would be a lie.
Exhaling deep regret, I said, “Thank you for trying to take the blame from me, but it doesn’t change the fact my next actions are crucial to avoid Lorenzo’s backlash on your club.”
From the wall, Dagger’s sudden dark chuckle sent chills raking down my spine. There was no fear in his expression, which seemed more like longing for Lorenzo to dare challenge him. “Even if he were to get you back,” he spoke those words as if not believing for one second that scenario was even feasible, “you don’t think a mafia goon like him won’t want his bark to be heard?”
“Bark?” I was doubting Dagger had any inclination of what he was up against. Lorenzo had a small army at his beck and call, and he wouldn’t hesitate to use it.
“Yeah.” Dagger’s lips exaggerated his next word. “Bark.” He paused to lick his teeth. “Wolves bite.”
Blinking in disbelief, because I had eerily just referred to these bikers as packs of wolves, and feeling unsettled because I sensed Dagger was delivering a threat he had every belief he could make, I confessed, “Your lingo is evasive, but I assure you Lorenzo has power. I’ve seen him use it. Many times.” I swallowed, hoping that power didn’t painfully crush me for this betrayal, and I swallowed again because I was clueless about where to run to avoid it, while coming up with another way to end my life.
Peering back down at Lynx, my eyes caressed his sleeping form, and I felt my shoulders sag. “Please tell your VP… that I’m sorry.” I still couldn’t seem to bring myself to release his hand. His long fingers, donning a couple of large silver rings, and his heated palm, perfectly calloused, were so comforting I felt as if I had been holding that hand all my life. “I would’ve loved to see those sorcerous eyes one more time.”
Legend leaned back in his chair, rubbing his own spooky greys. “I’m not going to pretend I understand the mystic shit happening between you and my son right now, but I’m also not going to ignore a gift when placed in my hands.”
