by Jenika Snow
Mother-fucking-Ted.
He’d been one of the men I thought I could count on.
I went to him whenever I needed advice in the beginning and now I saw the truth as if it was clear as fucking day.
That bastard. I was going to gut that piece of shit and feed him his own asshole. Rage unlike anything I’d ever felt before consumed me. I couldn’t believe how angry I was.
This was pure betrayal.
Pretending to be dead, concocting this plan, I had hoped I was wrong, that Vincenzo had some kind of access to the security within my club. Seeing the truth right now, I lowered the binoculars and waited as I heard the unmistakable sound of motorbikes.
My MC was here, but I had a feeling they were here for Rooney. They didn’t know they’d been lied to or fed bullshit.
There was no way I was letting Rooney die.
Dropping the binoculars onto the floor, I grabbed two guns, strapping them to my sides, and holding two more. It was show time.
Rooney
* * *
With bullets flying and all the yelling, I couldn’t help but think about Bryn. It was the worst possible moment to have her on my mind, the image of her barefoot and pregnant on repeat in my head yet, that was exactly how I imagined her. Swollen with my kid, she’d make an amazing mom, I just knew it. I wanted to get the chance to put a baby inside her and to take care of her as she bloomed.
Holding on to my gun, I sent a quick prayer to whoever was listening to me, not that I imagined anyone was.
I wasn’t a good guy. This had always been my problem. I was a very bad guy that did really bad things, and right now was one of those times.
Moving out of my safety zone among the plants, I rushed out and caught Ted and Vincenzo. Guards were covering their front and as they were distracted, I popped two bullets into each guard’s head, shot a bullet at Ted and grabbed Vincenzo around the throat. Without waiting, I opened the door, and slammed it closed just as the lights came on. The room I was now in looked like a storage closet.
“Well, well, well, I guess you’re the reason they’re shooting,” Vincenzo said.
“I don’t know why you’re looking so fucking smug, you piece of shit.” I clocked him in the side of the head with the butt of my gun. I opened the door and dragged Ted’s heavy ass into the room. I slammed my foot into his dick for good measure, relishing the sound of his cry of pain. With his hand covering his genitals, I landed another blow. Pleasure rushed through me, and I went to do it again, but Vincenzo started to laugh, stopping me.
Turning, I stepped right up to him.
“What the fuck do you think you’re laughing at?”
“It’s just so fucking easy. I mean, you think you’re this big secret that there’s no way to track you but it’s all so easy. Bryn, Rebekah, you’re all nothing. I can have what I want, when I want. When I get Bryn, I’m going to fuck her so hard I’m going to make her bleed.”
Grabbing the lapels of his jacket, I shook him. I had to do that, otherwise I’d shoot him in the head. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Did you really think you were safe, Rooney? Do you really think that whore of yours is safe? I’m going to have her and when I do, I’m going to make sure she knows never to leave me alone.”
I didn’t like that threat.
“I’ve got six men heading to your special cabin to get her back. Venom’s woman too. They’re going to be mine and it’s all your fault, Rooney.”
Ice slid down my spine.
“You lie.”
He gave the location of my cabin. “It’s not a lie. You think I don’t watch my enemies? You think I didn’t know everything about you before I picked you? You’re weak, Rooney. You’ll always be weak.”
I went to land a blow to his head when the door slammed open.
One by one, the MC that had always been my brothers filed into the room, or as many as could fit into the small space. Crank in the lead. Gun raised.
“Look at me, you piece of shit,” he said.
“This is not what you think.” Right now, I needed to get out of this place and get to my cabin. Looking at my club, I knew I wasn’t getting out of here any time soon.
“Drop the gun,” Anarchy said.
Gritting my teeth, I did neither.
“It’s about time you boys showed up,” Ted said. “I need you guys. Kill him.”
“Don’t listen to him. He’s a rat.”
Ted smirked. “I’m the rat? You’re the one that killed our Prez. We saw his body. Kill him, Crank. Kill the man that ended our Prez. Venom didn’t deserve to die.”
“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t!” Venom pushed his way through the group and I’d never been the kind of guy to kiss another, but right then and there, I could have.
I watched as Ted went pale.
“Venom.”
“You’re alive?” Crank asked.
“Venom, he’s got guys on our women,” I said, drawing his attention back to me.
“What?” Venom asked.
Vincenzo started to laugh. “This is always so much fun.” He looked down at his watch. “I wonder who they’ll kill first?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Brynleigh
I’d just set down my cup of tea when the sound of an approaching car came from outside. I looked over at Rebekah and smiled, feeling relief fill me that Rooney was finally back. We both stood at the same time when we heard car doors shutting. Two of them had closed, meaning Venom was with Rooney.
God, I’d been so stressed wondering if he would be okay, if he’d come back to me.
“I was so worried,” Rebekah said on a half-laugh, her relief evident as well.
Before we could even take steps toward the front door, it was thrown open, pieces of wood splintering as someone kicked it from the outside in. I screamed out in surprise, only to see two men dressed in dark suits step inside.
I recognized them instantly, remembering them from Vincenzo’s.
Instantly I went into fight mode. I reached out for the gun Rooney kept on top of the mantle, kept Rebekah behind me, and aimed it at the first man who stepped forward.
“Little girl, put the big boy toys down before you hurt yourself.” He grinned, flashing a gold tooth. “You don’t have it in you to shoot someone. I can tell by the way you’re shaking.”
I felt resolve fill me.
Without thinking, I fired a shot. The bullet hit the wall beside him.
Everyone froze, no one moving, breathing. The shock on his face was evident. He was clearly surprised I’d had the balls to pull the trigger.
And then it was as if everything went in slow motion. I pushed Rebekah toward the back rooms. When the men charged forward, I ran after her, shouting for her to get in the room.
Once in the room, I slammed the door shut and locked it, but they were banging on it moments later. I turned and looked at Rebekah. “We only have a few seconds.” She was breathing hard, but looked collected, as if she had her shit together.
She nodded once.
I watched her go over to the bed, crouch down to reach under it, and pull out a shotgun. She stood and pointed it at the door. I stood beside her and did the same. The men were shouting, banging on the door, and I half expected them to use their guns to blow the lock away.
I didn’t hesitate as I pulled the trigger three times, putting bullets through the door. I heard curses ringing out, shouts of pain coming through.
I’d gotten one of them.
And then everything stopped, all activity ceasing. No more banging, no more trying to get inside.
My heart was racing. Everything went silent, the very air chilling. We were both breathing heavily, the noise filling the room. I looked over at Rebekah, confused as to what was going on, if I’d killed them.
But I didn’t waste time.
I turned toward the window, the opening small but enough for us to get through. Rebekah stayed by the door, the gun pointed toward it.
I started making quick work of opening the window and pushing out the screen.
Then I looked over my shoulder and whispered, “Rebekah, you go first.” She looked over at me and started backing toward me, her gun still trained at the door.
She hesitated a moment, but then all at once handed me the shotgun. I helped her through the window, and when she was safely on the ground, I handed her the gun back. I faced the doorway, expecting them to burst through, frozen for just a moment. And silence still greeted me.
I made fast work of climbing out the window. My feet hit the gravel landscaping, the rocks sticking into the soft soles of my feet. I didn’t know where to go, but we couldn’t stay here. I pointed to the woods and she took off across the yard toward the tree line.
I was fast behind her, hauling ass, pumping my arms and legs, knowing if we stayed we’d be dead. And then searing pain in my side stopped me. I fell to the ground, the gun getting knocked a few feet away for me. I cupped my side, the burning pain so intense I couldn’t help but cry out.
Lifting up my hand, I saw dark wetness coating my fingers and palm.
Blood.
I’d been shot.
My heart was racing as I looked around, the moon high and bright enough that everything had a silvery glow to it. And then the sound of approaching feet had me freezing and looking in the direction the noise came from.
There, just a few from me, were the two men Vincenzo had sent. One of them held his hand over his side, his body hunched. At least I’d gotten the bastard.
“Little girl, you made a bad fucking mistake.”
I started scooting backward, my side screaming out in pain. And then I felt my gun. I had it in my hand, raised it, and before I could think about it, I pointed it at him and shot. Time stood still as I saw the bullet tear through his face, blood spraying out and covering my face and chest.
“Fucking bitch,” the other man said, but before he could make a move toward me his head was blown clean off, the sound of the gun going off close to me making my ears ringing.
I turned and saw Rebekah standing in the tree line, the shotgun pointed out in front of her, her focus intent.
The two men were now nothing but bodies on the ground, and all was still and silent.
But were more coming? Had they killed Rooney and Venom?
Was this the end or the beginning of more shit coming?
And then I heard the sound of an approaching vehicle. I felt my eyes widen as I looked over at Rebekah. She looked just as scared as I did. I knew whoever was here wasn’t Rooney and Venom. I could feel it.
“Go,” I hissed. “Get out of here.”
She shook her head. “I’m not leaving without you.” She ran up to me and tried to help me to stand, but the searing pain in my side took the breath from me and had me crumbling to the ground once more.
“I can’t, Rebekah.” I was all but in tears now as I looked at her. I could hear the men talking as they went through the cabin. They’d find us sooner rather than later. “Get out of here. Run, get help. Save yourself.”
This steely resolve covered her face. “No. I’m not leaving you.” She tried to help me to stand once more, and I braced my weight against her, the pain causing tears to slide down my cheeks. “We get out of here together.”
We started moving toward the tree line but didn’t make it more than two steps before we heard gun being cocked.
“Where do you think you’re going?” The voice behind us was dark, deep. “Turn around.”
We did what he said, and although it was dark, I could make out the man who stood a few feet from us. He was tall and sinister looking, and when he grinned I saw a flash of a gold tooth. I knew him, recognized him from Vincenzo’s place.
“Get the fuck in the cabin. We’re about to have a real good time.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rooney
With Venom hot on my heels, I took off out of Vincenzo’s home, grabbing the first available bike I came to. I didn’t even need to look back to see Venom following me. I was already heading toward my cabin, aware of not only Venom but a couple of the club guys in our wake.
The moment tonight was done, I was going to have to find a new cabin. It would be something Bryn and I took the time to find together. There would be more times together. There’s no way in hell I’d even allow myself to think Vincenzo had taken the one thing that had any meaning, any value to me.
Bryn was mine.
I’d protect her.
I wouldn’t fuck this up.
Not now.
Not when I finally had her.
I didn’t know how much time I had. When did Vincenzo send his men? Why the fuck did I think it was a good idea to leave her? How many men would he send? From what I’d known about Vincenzo, he didn’t like to do things by small numbers. He liked a lot of men, a lot of power. Just thinking about it, I felt unease in the pit of my stomach. There’s no way Rebekah would be able to take care of her either.
They were both vulnerable and thinking about how scared she would be, I couldn’t handle it. I was struggling to hold my shit together.
The club knew Venom wasn’t dead, so I wasn’t having to dodge bullets. Venom had his rat. Ted would answer for his crimes. I’d get to kill Vincenzo and be done with that piece of shit. Now, all of my fears were on how I’d find Bryn and Rebekah.
I went the most direct route and I didn’t notice anyone coming back in cars or any suspicious vehicles that threw alarm bells over my head.
The moment I made it to my cabin, I saw not one, but two cars, both with the doors wide open. One guy was standing, smoking as if he didn’t even give a shit, and I didn’t even give him a chance to get his bearings. I fired my gun, climbing off the bike without even turning off the engine.
I didn’t wait for Venom or any of the other guys.
My only focus was getting to Bryn.
I heard a feminine scream and I nearly lost my shit as I rushed into my cabin. I’d already noted two more dead guys on the main porch before I even entered the cabin. I could only hope that had been done by my girl and Venom’s. When I entered the main cabin, one guy was dead on the floor, a bullet wound to the head.
Looking around the main cabin, I saw another man bleeding and holding his chest.
I didn’t give him chance to beg for his life as I grabbed the kitchen knife I spotted on the counter and plunged it into his neck, killing him. I had been right about Vincenzo. He never would send a couple of men when he could make a statement. They were just two women, and yet he made sure there were plenty of guys here.
Venom was right behind me as I rushed toward the back of the cabin in time to see our women fighting for their fucking lives. Bryn was on the floor, hitting the man on top of her while Rebekah had her arms locked around the man’s throat. He was trying to thrash the women off him, but they were both holding on. Venom rushed forward, grabbing Rebekah around the waist and I held the man away from Bryn, brought the knife across his neck and slashed his throat.
Dropping him to the floor, I turned to Bryn.
Shit!
For years, I’d tried to keep her safe and far away from all of this kind of shit, to protect her.
She looked at me and it broke my heart to hear her sob. I knew I needed to leave her alone, to allow her time to come to terms with what had happened here but the thought of not holding her, of ignoring her, didn’t sit well with me.
I needed her more than anything else in my life.
Dropping the knife to the floor, I gathered her up in my arms, holding her to me like a lifeline. That’s exactly what she was, my lifeline.
I loved her more than anything and I didn’t ever want to let her go.
“We killed them,” she said, crying.
She held on to my arms. Her nails were biting into my flesh, but I took it. There’s no way in hell I was ever going to let her go. Part of me expected her to push me away. I’d just slit a man’s throat in front of her and I didn’t give a fuck.
He was going to hurt my woman and as far as I was concerned, anyone who hurt Bryn would always die. Simple as that. You hurt my woman, I kill you.
“I’ve got you.”
“We thought you were dead,” Rebekah said.
I looked over Bryn’s shoulder at Rebekah. Her face was bruised, and tears spilled down her cheeks. She looked like she’d been through hell and I could imagine she had.
“We heard the car arrive and we thought you’d returned. Bastard!” Rebekah hit Venom. “How dare you leave me in the middle of the night? I told you I can handle everything.”
“I didn’t want to scare you,” Venom said, capturing her hands when she kept on hitting him.
Bryn was in my arms shaking. I smoothed back her hair, just holding her.
Everything was falling into place, so I could have these few moments of enjoying her. I would be torturing by the end of the night and I wouldn’t get this time back.
“Scared? Do you have any idea what it would feel like not getting to say goodbye? Or at least kissing you? Don’t ever do that again.”
The sting across my face startled me. Bryn had actually slapped me, and I was shocked.
“Don’t do that to me again either. Sneaking out like that, it’s cowardly.”
“I didn’t want you to worry.”I noticed she was pale and I looked at her body.
“I’ve been shot,” she said.
I saw the blood on her side and I cursed, as did Venom.
“We’ve got to get her back to the clubhouse,” Venom said. “What do you want to do to this cabin?”
“It’s not safe anymore. Burn it.” I picked Bryn up even as she protested. “I’m carrying you to my car, deal with it.”
“You know I totally kicked ass tonight,” Bryn said.
“I know.”
“Am I hot right now?”
“Super hot.”
She rested her head against my shoulder and all I wanted to do was take care of her.
Chapter Twenty-Six
