“Need you back in Diamond Creek.”
“What the fuck for?”
“To track a killer.”
We pulled into the compound early the next morning to find the clubhouse in uproar as the local sheriff, Declan O’Rourke, squared off to King. “She needs to be put in protective custody, King!” Declan yelled furiously at his brother. “You did not seewhat that sick son of a bitch did! We still can’t find the rest of the body!”
King groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t disagree, Dec, but I’m telling you now, he won’t allow her out of his sight.”
“It’s not his choice!”
“Won’t allow what?” I asked as I walked over to them.
King smirked. “Go ahead, Dec. Tell Ravage what you want to do with his woman.”
I snarled, glaring at the sheriff, who flipped King the one-finger bird before looking at me. “It’s for her own safety. The killer left a note. He wants Karlyn.”
A low growl vibrated in my chest. The sheriff, Declan O’Rourke, a man worn down by the horrors he’d witnessed, met my gaze, his own eyes a mixture of fear and a grim determination I understood all too well. “He can want in one hand and shit in the other,” I spat, the words as cold and sharp as the steel of my machete.
This wasn’t a negotiation; it was a declaration.
Karlyn was mine to protect, and no one—not some crazy killer, not the sheriff—would pry her from my grasp.
“This isn’t a fucking joke, Ravage,” Declan snapped, his voice raw. “I’ve got body parts popping up all over town. Whoever this asshole is, he means business.” His gaze flickered to Karlyn, who stood talking to Grace by the bar, Indigo and Eros flanking her like shadows, their vigilance a silent testament to the constant threat that hung over her.
I watched her, my protective instincts a raging inferno, a primal need to shield her from the encroaching darkness that was both exhilarating and terrifying. She was my anchor, my sanctuary, and the thought of anyone—any-fucking-one—even daring to lay a hand on her sent a chilling rage through me.
“She’s with Grace,” I stated, my voice calm, controlled, but carrying an undertone of steel that promised consequences.“Indigo and Eros are watching her. She’s safe. And she’s not going anywhere with you.”
My eyes met Declan’s, a silent challenge passing between us.
I was the monster they feared, the one who dealt in brutal justice, but Karlyn was my weakness, my redemption, and I would burn this town to the ground before I let her slip through my fingers.
Declan sighed. “Fine, but she needs to stay in the clubhouse. In the meantime, I looked into you. You are among the best trackers in the country. The FBI has called on you many times. I need this fucker gone, and fast. I can’t have him killing anyone else. Will you help me?”
“Not sure how much help I’ll be. I track kids. Not psychopaths,” I said just as I heard Karlyn giggle. Turning, I watched her laugh at something Grace said, and muttered, “But if this fucker is after my woman, I’ll take a look at the scene.”
“Scenes. There are multiple scenes.”
Nodding, I whispered, “King?”
“She won’t leave my sight. I’ll shackle her to me if I have to.”
Nodding, I walked over to my woman. “Baby, I need to go help the sheriff with something. Stay with Indigo and Eros.”
“Is everything okay?”
Quickly kissing her, I whispered, “No, but it will be soon.” Looking at my brothers, I added, “She doesn’t leave your sight. If anything goes wrong, get her the fuck out of here and disappear. I’ll find you.”
Both men nodded but said nothing.
I followed the sheriff back into town, parking in front of the local bookstore. Ryder and Blade, brothers in the SilverShadows, walked out of the store to greet us as Declan groaned. “I don’t want you involved in this shit. Your job is to protect my daughter and grandson.”
“Don’t tell me how to handle my wife and kid,” Blade sneered. “They are at the clubhouse and safe.”
Declan opened his mouth to reply, but I cut in, “Bitch later. Where is the first crime scene?”
“Around back,” Ryder stated. “We can get to it faster by going through the bookstore.”
