Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 47615 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47615 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
“As long as it ain’t me,” someone yelled from across the room. Which set everyone to laughing. So. I was right the second time.
Knight watched with pride as the guys surrounded Gunnar. Gunnar looked like he wanted to throttle someone but was also resigned to his fate. Wasn’t long before they had him smiling same as the rest of them.
Knuckles had to yell to be heard over the noise. ”Then we’ll call it done.” There was more applause and someone handed Gunnar a new cut, taking his old one and swapping them out.
When everyone finally settled down, Knuckles continued. “We’re heading into a storm with Rat Man. We need leadership that’s solid. Unquestionable.” His eyes locked with Gunnar’s. “I ain’t sayin’ I trust him more than anyone else. None of you would be here if I didn’t trust you.” His gaze landed on me for a brief moment. “But the man is literally my son-in-law.” That got more laughs. “And he’s a damned fine leader.” Everyone agreed loudly.
As church wrapped up and brothers began to filter out, their voices a low rumble of conversation, I caught Knuckles watching me. He gave me a slight nod in acknowledgment.
I returned the nod and pushed up from my chair. Whatever was coming with Rat Man, one thing was clear. The club was evolving. This wasn’t the Kiss of Death I’d gone to jail for nearly four decades ago. The club was now filled with good people. And they were preparing for war. Despite looming on the horizon, I felt something I hadn’t in years. A sense of belonging and purpose beyond merely surviving.
As I stepped out into the compound yard, the afternoon sun warm on my face, I found myself thinking of Ada again. I’d taken the fall for Rat Man. Not because I believed in the club. Kiss of Death MC back then needed to be buried. I’d gone to prison because I’d been scared not to. Now, having found someone I would do anything for, I realized I didn’t care what happened to me. I would eliminate the threat -- any threat -- to Ada. Whatever consequences I had to pay would be more than worth any transgression I committed to save her. The thought terrified and exhilarated me in equal measure. Because if you had something you’d do anything for, someone was likely to test you. Just to see if you’re serious.
Chapter Eight
Jag
I noticed the door to the spare room was ajar before I’d even fully stepped into our apartment. My pulse quickened. That door was always closed, always locked. Only I had the key. I moved silently across the floor. As I approached, I heard the soft rustle of movement inside. I relaxed slightly when I caught Ada’s familiar sweet scent, but tension still rode my shoulders as I pushed the door open wider.
Ada stood in the center of the room, surrounded by my stash. Cases of water bottles stacked against the wall. Shelves lined with MREs and canned goods. A medical kit that would make a combat medic weep with joy. Ammo boxes. Weapons. Everything a man would need when the world went to shit.
She turned when she heard me, her eyes widening slightly but her face remaining calm. Always calm, my Ada. That steadiness was what had drawn me to her from the start.
“So,” she said, gesturing at the walls of supplies. “Were you planning on telling me about your apocalypse bunker, or was I supposed to stumble on it when the zombies attacked?”
Heat crawled up my neck. I wasn’t embarrassed about the supplies. I was embarrassed she’d caught me keeping secrets. “Didn’t think it was worth mentioning.”
She picked up one of the med kits and unzipped it, revealing surgical equipment, antibiotics, and enough bandages to wrap a small army. “What are you preparing for?” She didn’t look like she was condemning me for this, rather she looked genuinely curious.
I stepped fully into the room, closing the door behind me. I didn’t like open doors at my back. “I just like being prepared,” I said, with a shrug. “Never know what you might need.”
Ada set down the med kit and moved toward me. “I think this is about more than being prepared.” She held my gaze. “This feels like fear. Like you expect to have to hole up here a while.”
I turned away. “I’ve got a feeling things aren’t over with Rat Man,” I admitted, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.
“No shit.” She wasn’t mocking me. If anything, her tone held relief at my admission. “Have you talked to the others?”
I shrugged. “It’s just paranoia. Think we’ve had this discussion.”
Ada stepped closer, her eyes not leaving my face. She had a way of seeing right through me that made me feel naked, exposed in a way that had nothing to do with clothes. “I trust your instincts more than any logical assessment, Jag. If you’re preparing like this, if you’re afraid we shouldn’t leave the compound, there’s a reason.”