1
Haven
After abandoning my car two miles away and walking through the darkness using nothing but a star-lit sky to guide me toward my destination, I make it. Right at the heart of the Steelwood MC. A building far too big for something all the way out here in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but grass and trees.
Bikes are lined up in a long row; the owner of each is inside, where music vibrates through the walls. Too many to count on both hands together. Meaning, I’m about to enter the Devil’s den—my deathplace.
Using the darkness to my advantage, I creep up from the back and try to remain unnoticed as I move along chipped brick walls toward the source of the music. Reaching the corner, I pause long enough to steady my heart and catch my breath.
Not that it matters. Just thinking about heading inside is all it takes to make me dizzy. My fear is what will give me awayat this rate. I’m one panic attack away from drawing unwanted attention.
I can do this. Think of Paulie.
Taking in a deep breath, I ignore all the warning bells and make my way into the clubhouse. The sound of music and cheers swallows up the silence of the outside, devouring it like a meal. I’m left dizzy by the smell of cigarette smoke and spilled alcohol. If I’m not careful, I might accidentally step on broken glass or liquid.
How my brother regularly hung out in a place like this is a complete mystery to me.
I have an unsettling feeling of being watched, as if I’ve already been noticed, but I know it’s just fear trying to make me run. I won’t run.
Someone turns the jukebox up, the song’s beat matching my heartbeat. Thethump thump thumpis overwhelming.
Instead of letting myself freak out like I want to, I focus on my mission here. One small task to handle, then everything in my life can go back to the way it used to be.
I’ll convince Paulie to stay far from thugs with drugs. Then, I’ll make enough room for him in my home so I can keep a good eye on his actions, so we don’t get in such a tight spot ever again.
First things first. Confirm Eliza Parsons is here. Then convince her to come with me. Take her to Meadow Falls so the Crimson Road MC can have her. Easy as pie.
Where do I even begin? I can’t exactly ask for the pretty blonde without attracting unwanted attention. Sure, I have a picture, but that’s a quick way to look suspicious.
Spotting a bar with a pretty good view, I stroll over with the intention of scanning the faces to see if any of them stand out. I just need to find someone who stands out.
I’m way in over my head.
There are so many blonde women here, it’s not funny. Most are sitting on the laps of bikers. A few are throwing back shots, as if tomorrow isn’t Wednesday.
I’m not the one to judge, but something tells me none of the women I can see is the one I’m looking for.
Just as I’m disappointed by the last head of blonde hair, a man plops down next to me. One look at him and fear tightens in my chest. He’s wearing a patch on his chest with “Vice President” spelled out in all caps.
My nerves start prickling up, and I force my eyes forward in hopes he won’t notice me.
He leans forward, calling out for a drink, waving to a woman who seems to be ignoring him as she pours someone else a drink.
Stay calm, Haven. Breathe.
I’ve mastered the art of being invisible; now is the most crucial moment of my life to take advantage of it.
The same woman drifts our way, but she doesn’t stop in front of him. Instead, she stops in front ofme.
“Need something to drink, sweetie? You’re looking pale.” Her brows pinch together as she tilts her head. “Maybe something to eat.”
“Do you have anything non-alcoholic?” I ask quietly, thinking it can’t hurt to try. I’ve never been to a bar, but I can’t drink anything that might impair me, even if it makes me stand out. Food isn’t an option, not when I know I won’t be able to keep it down.
The corner of her mouth twitches as she tries not to smile, but she nods and disappears long enough for the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up.
He’s watching me.
Telling myself that it’s just my imagination, that I’m trying to psych myself out, my eyes trail to the side to confirm my suspicions.
