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It wasn’t so long ago that the only person in my life I really cared about was Mom. Bull forced his way in, and Bash was just always there. I took it for granted, only recently recognizing the power there. Fee was the bridge, in a way. Something about her just made things easier, comfortable. Shaking that thought off, I focused on Atlas, who had finally finished chewing and was gulping down some water before he spoke.

“It’s actually been really good. We’ve already closed the deal on a few properties, two motels, and an old gym. Then we’ll start renovating. Some of the…Some of the women have mentioned wanting to help. They’ve started working on a system they can put in place. Code words and shit. They’ll work the front desk and get anyone to a bunker if needed.”

“That’s amazing. Giving them a chance to help like that. It’s…Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. It’s just a really good idea,” Lilah said from my side, her face serious. I reached down and grabbed her hand, lacing her fingers through mine and placing them on my thigh.

“Yeah. So far, so good, but we’ll see. There’s still a lot of work to do. To make sure things are safe after everything with Crow.” Lilah froze at his name, and Atlas paused.

“I’m sorry. I forgot that you saw him. You’re the one who made that sketch, aren’t you?” he asked, and Lilah nodded.

“Good job. It helped a ton. It was super realistic.” Atlas shot a look at Bash as if debating his next words before giving in.

“You hear about Dagger and the other charter Presidents getting called in?” he asked. I froze, looking at Bash.

“Yeah. Whiskey’s here too. They just got in. We’ll find out what’s going on tomorrow.” Bash’s answer was vague, which meant one of two things: he didn’t want the girls to hear the plan or it wasn’t finalized yet.

The next morning, there was a weird hum among the clubhouse after the arrival of other charter presidents. Lots of closed-door meetings, whispered conversations, and disgruntled faces. When Church was called, I went in with a knowing feeling building in my stomach.

Something happened, or something was about to. We all filed in, a shared stillness among us as we waited for the news. There was a mixed group of brothers in attendance; not just the guys from here, but from the other charters as well.

“We’ve had eyes and ears on Wyatt since he’s been out on patrol. Crow hasn’t shown up in the states since the New York sighting. We have a source able to go back and forth from the states to Canada. He confirmed Crow has essentially taken over a small town there, living out of the biggest house they could find and any other ones that tickled their fancy. Paid off the cops so no one would help the locals. Been living there, rent-free, nothing tied to his name or person, for over a year now. The town is getting fed up. Crow’s paid the cops off, and no one will help them. The few that tried to stand up turned up ‘missing’ the next morning,” Reaper informed us, the anger radiating off him was palpable.

“Acting like they’re some sort of viking marauders. Bitches can’t do anything for themselves. Just take what they think is owed to them. Preying on the weak, using fear to feed their greed. Pussies,” Bash added.

“With the few townspeople the source has managed to rally, they’ve agreed to help get us close to Crow without him knowing we’re even in the country,” Keys added as he pulled up a satellite image of the town. The houses Crow was squatting in were clearly highlighted. Routes in and out were discussed, as the plans for attack were meticulously laid out, everyone aware of their responsibility. Finally, Reaper called the meeting to an end.

“I’ll lead the team on the road. I want Atlas, Bull, Dare, Tommy, and Scythe on the road with me. Bash, you’ll head up the command here. Want you coordinating directly with the heads of all the charters. Keys will team up with the other hackers. Do whatever last-minute tinkering you need to do on our shit. I want us riding out tomorrow. Get a good night’s sleep, boys. It might be the last one for a while.”

The ride home was a blur, a mix of feelings rushing through me. Part of me was energized, excited. We were closing in on him. The other part of me couldn’t help but feel like it was the beginning of the end in more ways than one. Leaving Lilah wasn’t ideal, but to end this all so we could move forward, it would be worth it.

Stepping into the house, I heard the muted sounds of music coming from the studio. Making my way over there, I stood in the entryway just watching Lilah. She was lost in her work, her brow furrowed and fingers moving with deliberate movements.

“I used to watch you. At the time, I remember thinking that if all I got was just a glimpse of you, it would be enough.” Lilah froze at my words, watching me as I spoke.

“What do you mean?” she asked, putting her brush down and wiping her hands on a towel.

“After we first met, I followed you to work and class. Would just sit outside and watch you. At first, it was just to know more. Then I couldn’t stop. Anytime you went to Mom’s, I’d find myself just watching the security feed. A glimpse of your smile could take the edge off, but I became addicted. Couldn’t get you out of my head. Never imagined I would get to see you, touch you, have this be something real.”

“I guess I should be concerned that you were stalking me, but I’m not. It makes me feel…protected? I sound crazy.”

“You sound perfect. Perfect for me.” I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head. She settled against me, her head against my chest, her body relaxing in my embrace.

“You have to go somewhere, don’t you? A run?” I smiled at her attempt to use the right terms.

“We got a solid lead on Crow. Gonna head out with Bull and Reaper, try to end this once and for all,” I told her. She pulled back to look at me, those blue eyes assessing.

“Okay. What do you need me to do?”

“Can you stay at Mom’s while I’m gone? That way, I know you’re both in one place. You’ll have a brother on you at all times. Just…stay close, stay alert. If anything happened to you…I wouldn’t survive it.” Something dark and twisted filled me at the mere notion of Lilah hurt or scared.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll stick with Beth. Not gonna do anything to worry you. I know you need to focus. I don’t want you distracted, I need you to come back to me.”

“You’re my reason to come back, to exist. You’re my everything.”

It’s time to put the past where it belongs. Put an end to this shit so we can finally start on our future.

She stood up on her tiptoes to reach me for a kiss. It was soft, gentle. Those sapphire eyes watched me as I threw my shit in a bag, strapping a variety of weapons to my body, in my clothes, and even in my boots. Saying goodbye was too hard. The words wouldn’t come.

“I love you. Be safe,” Lilah whispered against my lips as we stood next to my bike.