Amelia follows, carrying a larger bag that must contain both her and Anna's belongings. It's pitifully small for what should be a life's possessions. I reach out to take it from her, our fingers brushing as she relinquishes the weight.
"Thank you," she says quietly, and I'm not sure if she means for taking the bag or for everything else.
"Car's out front," I tell them, turning away before I can dwell on the warmth of her skin against mine. "Beast will ride with us. Security precaution."
As we head outside, I scan the street for anything suspicious. It's a habit, ingrained by years of military training and heightened by our ongoing war with the Iron Eagles. The street is quiet, just a few locals heading home from the bar down the block.
I load the bags into the trunk while Beast helps Anna into her car seat. My sister slides into the back next to her daughter, leaving Amelia to take the passenger seat beside me. The arrangement feels oddly domestic, like we're just a family heading out for a weekend trip rather than running from a violent ex-husband.
I pull away from the curb, driving casually but alert, taking a roundabout route to make sure we're not followed. In the rearview mirror, I see Jenny whispering something to Anna, who giggles softly in response. Beast catches my eye from his position in the third row of seats and gives me a thumbs up to indicate everything's clear.
"So," Jenny breaks the silence after a few minutes. "What did you mean by 'tough times'? Is there something going on with the club?"
I consider how much to tell her. The less she knows about our war with the Iron Eagles, the safer she is. But she's not stupid, and she deserves some explanation.
"We're having some issues with another motorcycle club," I confess. "Nothing for you to worry about. It's being resolved."
"Is it dangerous?" she presses.
"Everything in life is dangerous, Jen," I reply. "Crossing the street is dangerous. Dating is dangerous. Apparently, even being a cop's wife is dangerous."
She falls silent, and I immediately regret my harsh tone.
"I'm sorry," I add more gently. "Yes, there's some risk involved with the other club, but we have it under control. The safe house is secure, and no one will connect you to us. You'll be safe there."
Amelia shifts beside me, her hands twisting anxiously in her lap. "Will you stay? At the safe house, I mean."
Her voice is so quiet I almost miss the question. When I glance over, her eyes are fixed straight ahead, as if she's afraid to look at me when asking for reassurance.
"Yes," I tell her. "Tonight and part of tomorrow. Then I need to handle some business, but Beast will stay with you until I get back."
She nods, visibly relieved. "Thank you. For all of this. I know we're strangers, and you didn't have to help us."
"You're not strangers," I correct her. "You're Jenny's friend, which means you're under our protection now."
"Our protection," she repeats, testing the words.
"The Savage Riders look after their own," I tell her, the words coming easily to my lips. "And now, that includes you and Anna."
I turn onto a narrow dirt road that winds through dense forest, the SUV's headlights cutting through the darkness. After about two miles, the trees open up to reveal a small clearing with a cabin nestled against the tree line. It's nothing fancy. Just a two-bedroom structure with a wide porch and reinforced shutters, but it's solid and secure.
"Home sweet home," I announce, pulling up to the front. "At least for now."
As I kill the engine, Anna's sleepy voice drifts from the back seat. "Mommy, is this our new house? It looks like the one from the story about the bears."
Amelia turns to look at her daughter, and for the first time since I met her, a genuine smile spreads across her face. "It does look a little like that, doesn't it? But no bears here, just us."
"And the big men," Anna adds, pointing to Beast and me.
"Yes," Amelia agrees, her eyes meeting mine over the center console. "And the big men to keep us safe."
Something awakens in my chest at her words—a protective instinct that goes beyond club obligation or family duty. I want to keep them safe. Both of them. Not just because Jenny asked me to, but because they deserve better than the fear they've been living with.
"Let's get you settled," I say, breaking eye contact. "It's been a long day."
As we unload the car and move into the cabin, I catch Beast watching my sister again, his expression softer than I've ever seen it. Jenny doesn't seem to notice, focused on helping Annaget comfortable in the new space, but I do. And despite my earlier warnings, I can't find it in me to be truly angry.
After all, who am I to judge? I've spent the last hour trying not to stare at Amelia, trying not to notice how, despite the bruise darkening her cheek, she's absolutely gorgeous. Trying not to imagine what she'd look like with her guard down, smiling freely, without fear shadowing her eyes.
