Chapter 11

The stench of sweat filled the room as I kicked open the door, my heart pounding in my chest. It felt like a sick joke. There they were, Tina and Kennedy, bound to chairs. But they weren't alone—a man stood behind them, holding a knife to Tina's throat.

"Brooks," Tina gasped, eyes wide with terror. "Please, do something." The desperation in her voice sliced through me like a razorblade.

"Let ‘em go," I growled, trying to hide how shaken I was by the sight before me. "Or I'll kill you where you stand."

"Brave words, Devil," the man sneered, pressing the edge of the blade into Tina's delicate skin. A drop of blood welled up, and I clenched my fists, knuckles white. "But I don't think you want your wife's blood on your hands."

I knew I had to get them out of this situation, even if it meant sacrificing myself. The thought of losing Tina and Kennedy tore at my soul, but I couldn't let them die. No matter what.

"Let ‘em go and take me instead," I said, my voice cracking. The man laughed, low and cruel.

"Look at you," he taunted, turning his attention back to Tina. "Your husband's ready to die for you. Touching, really. Does that scare you?"

Tina stared him dead in the eye. "You don't scare me," she spat, the fierce love of a mother and wife burning bright within her.

"Really?" the man sneered, tightening his grip around Tina's throat. "How about now?"

"Enough!" I roared, unable to bear seeing her in pain any longer. "Take me, you bastard. Just let them go."

In that moment, I knew damn well what I was risking. Death wasn't something that scared me—not when it came to protecting my family. But I also knew Tina better than anyone. She had a strength inside her that could withstand anything. This man didn't scare her. And as long as she held onto that strength, I had faith that we'd make it out of this hell alive.

"Alright," the man said, his eyes locked on mine. "You've got yourself a deal. But remember… your wife's life is still in my hands."

As he spoke those chilling words, I steeled myself for whatever may come next. Whatever it took, I would save my family. At any cost.

As I prepared myself for whatever twisted game, the man had planned, a sharp crack echoed throughout the room. The man's grip loosened on Tina's throat, and I watched in shock as his lifeless body crumpled to the floor, blood leaking from the middle of his forehead.

"Damn good shot, Dax!" I exclaimed, relief flooding through me as I registered my brother-in-arms at the doorway, pistol still smoking in his hand.

"Brooks, we gotta move," Dax urged, concern etched on his face, as he kept watch for any other threats that might lurk nearby.

"Right," I agreed, crossing the room to where Tina and Kennedy were tied up. My hands shook as I fumbled with the ropes, tears blurring my vision. "I've got you, baby. We're gonna be okay."

"Thank God," Tina whispered, choking back sobs as I freed her from her bindings. She wrapped her arms around me, holding on tight as if I might disappear at any moment. I held her just as fiercely, my heart swelling with love and gratitude for this strong, incredible woman.

"Daddy!" Kennedy cried out, her bright blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears as I moved to untie her next. Relief washed over Tina's face as she took our daughter into her arms, squeezing her close.

"Baby girl, you're safe now," she murmured, pressing soft kisses to the top of Kennedy's head as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "We're all safe now."

I grabbed Kennedy in my arms and Dax took the frontline.

"Let's get out of here," I said, my voice rough with emotion as I turned to Dax. He nodded, his steely gaze scanning the perimeter one last time before signaling the all-clear.

"Lead the way, brother," I replied as I took Tina's hand.

As we made our way out of that nightmare, I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But as long as we had each other — my family and my brothers in the Red Devils — we could face whatever challenges life threw at us. Together.

The Red Devil's clubhouse as we gathered to honor our fallen brothers. The weight of loss hung heavy in the air, a tangible reminder of the price.

"Damn it, Zane," I whispered, my voice cracking as I stared at his empty chair, now draped with his kutte. He had fought like hell to protect Tina and Kennedy, but in the end, he'd paid the ultimate price. My heart ached for Tina—not only had she been through so much already, but now she had to face life without her brother.

"Brooks," Dax said, clapping me on the shoulder. "We're all feeling it, man. Let's remember the good times, huh?"

I nodded, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill. Drawing a deep breath, I turned to address the room. "Zane was one hell of a rider. I remember when he first joined the club, barely old enough to ride. He challenged me to a race on his first day. Damn kid almost won, too."

A murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd, soft smiles appearing on the faces of our brothers despite the pain we were all feeling. It was a welcome moment of levity amid the sorrow.

"Remember when Zane saved that stray dog?" one of the guys chimed in, shaking his head with a chuckle. "He insisted on bringing it back to the clubhouse, even though it had fleas. Named it Rascal, and it followed him everywhere."

"Never thought I'd miss the sound of that damn dog barking," another added.

"Zane always had our backs," Dax spoke up, his eyes glistening as he shared his own memory.

I nodded, remembering how Zane's fierce loyalty had been a driving force in our club. "And he loved his family more than anything," I added, thinking of Tina and their strong bond as siblings. "He'd do anything for them."

"Damn right," Dax agreed, raising his beer in salute. "To Zane—brother, friend, and one hell of a Red Devil."

"Here, here!" came the chorus of voices as we all raised our glasses, drinking deeply in memory of our fallen friend.

As the night wore on, we continued to share stories and memories of Zane and the others we'd lost. The pain of their absence would never fade completely, but together, we found solace in honoring their lives and the bonds that held us together as brothers.

"Zane would be proud of us," I whispered to myself, staring up at the stars above. "We'll keep fighting, brother. For you, and for our family." And with that vow, I knew we'd find the strength to carry on, no matter what challenges lay ahead.