Page 27

I quickly brush my teeth and throw on my boots, tired of sitting around and doing nothing about the shit this town keeps throwing at us.

What is this anyway—high school pranks?

On my way out, I stop by East’s room.

He puts his call on mute, leaning against his door. “You headed out?”

“I’m heading into town to have a chat with our new friends.” My teeth grit.

“I can meet you later. Animal control is going back and forth with Fish and Wildlife. They’re trying to decide whose problem this is going to be.”

“As long as it’s not my problem, I don’t care what they decide.”

“That’s what I fucking told them.”

“Let me know how it goes. I’ll be back.”

East nods, closing the door when someone comes back on the line.

My head is hammering as I step outside.

Aiden and I were up late trying to solve our construction issues. We’re considering bringing in a crew from out of state, even if the city council might continue to hold us up on the permit side. At least they wouldn’t be friends of the people constantly shutting us down.

After we narrowed down our options, we finished off a bottle of whiskey by the fire and passed out. I barely had time to sleep and sober up before Lawson showed up at my door this morning.

Turning the corner to the garage, I find my bike baking beneath the Texas sun.

Fuck my life.

I forgot to pull it into the garage, which is going to make for an uncomfortable ride. I’m used to living in a place that’s hotter than hell since I spent the last few years in Vegas. But that’s dry desert. Nothing like the choke of humidity in Lanceleaf.

The leather seat burns through my jeans as I climb on. Thankfully, the wind cuts through some of the heat, making it bearable this morning as I peel out.

Kincaid waves when I pass by the main Ironside Ridge gate. He’s been working with Will’s men to replace the fence around the property, and he’s making good progress already. In my side mirror, I spot him directing a few of his men while talking to someone on the phone, reminding me I need to call Ghost, our tech specialist in Vegas, to see if we can set up a security system around the perimeter. A few sensors, cameras, anything to prevent this kind of shit from happening again.

When I finally make the turn onto the main road, my lungs empty. I take a deep breath and let the open road calm me. Riding is my therapy. There’s nothing too big or too difficult when I’m on my bike. I let the hum of the engine wash over my thoughts and settle into the vibrations.

Until something blocking the road at a distance catches my attention.

I slow down as I get closer, assessing the two trucks turned sideways to block my path. Zander stands, leaning against one of them with his arms crossed over his chest. Two of his buddies are at either side, guns already in hand.

I roll to a stop fifteen feet away and pull off my helmet. “How nice of you to save me the trip into town.”

“Always happy to do a favor for the neighbors.” Zander lifts off the truck, walking toward me as I climb off my bike.

He’s avoided me since the day I went to Ransack to get my truck back from Harloe, but I knew he’d approach eventually. Of course, like a coward, he outnumbers me and corners me when I’m alone.

Lawson alluded to him doing the same with Jackson. But Jackson was a nicer guy—a bit more accommodating. After this morning, I’m done trying to smooth things over. Zander needs to wrap his head around the fact that there’s been a change in leadership, and I’m done with him and his buddies getting one over on us.

We meet halfway between my bike and his trucks. “I assume you’re here to boast about the little gift you left in the clubhouse.”

“Gift?” Zander’s eyebrows pinch as he glances back at his men. “Did we leave Shane and his friends a little gift? I apologize if I don’t know all the crap you’re getting into out there. I’ve got far more important things to focus on, but I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having trouble.”

“I’m sure you are.” I’d like to shoot him where he stands, but I doubt I’d make friends with the city council if I did. “So, what’s with the welcome party? If you’re not here to claim the snakes, what the fuck do you want?”

His smile widens. “I’m glad you asked. You and your friends cost me money last night.”

“What are you talking about?”