Chapter 13

13

GREY

W e’d infiltrated the compound with only a few incidents. But since this wasn’t yet an intended bloodbath, we only tranquilized the guards. When we reached the clubhouse, I motioned for my boys to spread out, cover all the exits, and only took Patriot, Rom, and Phantom inside with me.

Silently, I’d opened the door and stepped into what looked like a large gathering space with a bar and plenty of seating. Similar to our lounge. From my research, the men who’d been talking to my old lady were the president and vice president.

At my announcement, confirming Maverick’s assumption that he was a dead man for taking my woman, Lorelei whipped around them and ran straight into my arms.

“Grey! I knew you’d come for me.”

Knowing my brothers had the other men in their sights, I shoved my gun into the back of my pants and framed Lorelei’s face with my hands. “Of course I did, little firecracker. Are you alright?”

“Yes. Nobody hurt me.” She glanced over at the VP for a second before adding, “I’ve been well taken care of, I promise.”

After giving her a quick, hard kiss, I shoved her behind my back and approached the two men. They didn't back away or show any fear, but they watched me warily, unsure of what I would do next.

Finally, the president stepped forward. “Mav didn’t know she was an old lady when he ordered the boys to grab her. You won’t get any resistance from us when you take her and walk out of here.”

“I don’t give a fuck if it was intended or not. No one.” I took a step closer to Maverick and growled, “ No one touches a Silver Saints old lady or anyone under our protection. You had to know you were signing your death warrant the moment you found out who she was.”

“She only showed us her property patch minutes before you showed up,” he argued, crossing his arms over his muscular chest and glowering at me. I was a little impressed. He was pretty much my equal in height and weight, and there was a calmness to him that told me he was deadly. Arms were not my specialty. I was dangerous, but most of my skills were best utilized in front of a computer.

But…I had a hell of a right hook. I closed the distance between us and cocked my head to the side. “You know I can’t let this go unanswered.”

Maverick’s eye narrowed a second before my fist hit his jaw. “Fuck!” he shouted as he stumbled backward, running into the bar. He coughed a few times, then turned and grabbed a glass before spitting blood into it. “Ouch. Shit.”

I watched him, waiting for his reaction once he’d had a chance to get his head on straight. Finally, he stood and faced me, scowling fiercely. “I deserved that,” he said evenly. “But that's the only free one you get.”

Satisfied that I’d made my point, I nodded. “Fair enough. Just make sure everyone knows that bruise is courtesy of a Silver Saint. And if it had been a deliberate kidnapping, or she’d been hurt in any way, and there wasn’t a connection between our clubs, you’d be taking a dirt nap.”

“We’ll make sure word gets out,” Fox assured me.

“I have a message for you to deliver too,” Maverick piped up. “Tell Lee to stay the fuck away from my sister or he’ll get more than a broken jaw.”

I stared at him for a moment, then nodded. “Fair enough. However, I have to ask. Is your concern with this relationship just you being an overprotective brother, or do you really fear for her safety?”

“A little of both,” he admitted. “As my sister, she’s a target. I have to make it clear that she’s untouchable.”

“She’s just as untouchable if she belongs to a Silver Saint, wouldn’t you agree?”

Maverick shrugged. “Sure. But Lee isn’t a Silver Saint.”

“Lee,” I called out. “Come make peace with your woman’s brother.”

Maverick’s furious gaze flew behind me, looking all around for the man he so obviously wanted to kill. Or at the very least, beat the shit out of.

“Maverick, I’m sure you and our prospect can work out your differences. For the sake of the woman you both love.”

Fox snorted, and I glanced over to see him holding back laughter. We had Mav by the balls, and he knew it.

“He’s an SS prospect?” Maverick clarified, his tone doubtful.

“You think we let people borrow those vests?” I spat. “We take our membership as seriously as you do. And now you know that Kansas will be as protected as any of our women.”

“That’s what you meant about a connection between our clubs?” Fox asked.

I nodded. “A misunderstanding wasn’t enough to save Maverick’s hide. We can’t be seen as giving even an inch when it comes to the safety of our women. But if we share a connection, particularly a blood connection, leniency is not seen as a weakness.”

“Touché,” Fox replied. “Well played.”

Maverick still looked like he wanted to argue, fighting with his rage, but Fox shoved him toward another door. “Go cool off. This is done.”

Maverick inhaled slowly, then looked at Lee with an expression that might have had me shaking in my boots if it had been directed my way. “If I find out you hurt her in any way. Make her fucking cry even one damn tear…”

“We normally keep that shit club business,” I told him. “But in this instance, Mac gave his word that you would be given the right to deal with him if he mistreats your sister.”

“Acceptable,” Maverick growled, then spun on his heel and marched out of the room.

I hurried back to Lorelei and ushered her out the door. Cash pulled up with my truck, followed by the other SUVs. Once everyone was in a vehicle, we set off for home. Fucking finally. I had some celebrating to do with my woman.