Page 25 of Tico

We both watch Empress go and a chill skates down my spine at the hatred in her eyes when she levels Ember with a glare. IfEmpress does anything to Ember, she’ll be feeling my full wrath and the wrath of the club.

Chapter 14

Tico

Myphonevibratesinmy pocket and I dig it out to find Wire’s name on the screen. I squeeze Ember’s hip and lean down, kissing the top of her head.

“Gotta take this, Vicious.”

She goes up on her toes and I give her a quick peck and turn, heading towards my office as I answer his call.

“Give me a moment to get to the office.”

Wire stays silent on the line until a few moments later when I close my office door.

“Talk to me.”

“Earlier I put alerts on Drone, Bug, and Scooter’s credit cards. They were just used in Green Bay and tracing the history, I think they’re headed this way.”

“Chingar(Fuck). They probably figured she’d seek out Daemon since they were so close growing up. I’m calling Church. We need to get a few plans in place.”

“You got it, Prez.”

Hanging up, I pull up the club text thread.

Tico: Mandatory Church in thirty.

Heading back into the main room, I make my way straight to Ember. Her face turns worried and for the first time, I find myself struggling with how much to tell her as I wrap my arm around her, pulling her in close.

“I need to head back to the clubhouse for Church, Vicious, and I’d really prefer if you and Pyper were there.”

She pulls back slightly, frowning as she looks up at me. “What aren’t you telling me, Tico?”

I hesitate and then decide she needs to at least know they’re nearby so she can be on the lookout herself. “Wire got a ping off their credit cards, and we think they’re headed this way.”

Her body stiffens in my arms as her face hardens into the mask I haven’t seen since she disarmed Taco earlier this morning.Chingar(Fuck). Was that really only this morning?

“We don’t have phones anymore. Reese destroyed them to keep them from tracking us. Can you message Taco or your Prospect to let her know to pack a bag? If Taco’s still there, that is. I hate to do that to her since she probably already unpacked the little she was able to bring, but…”

Her voice trails off and I know where her mind went. That she hates putting a damper on Pyper’s good mood from getting so many books today and that she’ll have to leave them for now.

I squeeze her hip. “Go get your stuff, Vicious. I’ll call them.”

She nods absently, and already, I can see her fully shifting back into her previous fight or flight mode. While she was aware of her surroundings earlier and knew where the exits were, now it’s tenfold. I hate to see her so on edge, but I’m also relieved that she’s taking this seriously.

Pulling out my phone, I dial Taco.

“Taco, you still with Pyper?”

“Sí(yes). Just got your text. Do we need to change locations?”

“Yeah, we do. Can you ask Pyper to pack a bag for her and Ember? We can send Prospects out to get anything else they need later. Bring her straight to the clubhouse when she’s done. As soon as Ember’s packed up here, we’re heading back.”

“Will do. Does this have to do with who I think it does?”

“Sí(yes), they’re coming.

“Don’t worry, T. I’ll getla hermana de tu mujer(your woman’s sister) there safely.”