Hissing between my teeth, I jerk to find Trouble there.
“They’re not going to be able to recognize him at this rate to understand your message.” Releasing me, he rubs the back of his neck. “You alright?”
My hand curls and uncurls. “He deserved to be tortured for his crimes. I’m weak for killing him too quickly.”
But that’s not the man I am anymore. The last time I tortured a man, it ate at me for weeks every time Penelope smiled at me.
Trouble’s snort irritates me, and he’s smart to step away. “Trust me, I don’t think anyone is going to think you’re weak after seeing him.”
Looking down at Blaze, I see his point. Not just bloodied, his face is barely able to contain its shape. It’s a good thing I stopped when I did.
Grabbing Blaze by his arm, I drag him out. Feeling my pulse racing, adrenaline pumping through my blood, it’s only silence that surrounds us.
There are no longer bullets flying, signalling the end of this fight.
It doesn’t take long to find where most of the members of this clubhouse are. Trails of red guide us right where I need to be.
Bodies litter the floor. Some of them are drowning in their own puddles of blood. Some, zip tied, unable to do anything but watch.
Diesel and his prospects are playing babysitter, watching over the survivors. He glances over at me when he notices my arrival. Ripper follows his gaze, and he looks between me and the body I’m dragging.
My VP doesn’t crack a joke to fill the stale air. Instead, he looks at me in amazement. Just like he did when we were younger.
Dropping Blaze’s body on the ground, I release the growl that’s been clawing to get out.
“Crimson Road bows today, or it burns. Choose fast.” Snapping the order, I return their glares with one of my own. “Any brother who stands with me keeps his life. Anyone who stands against me loses it.”
Standing firm, I take them all in. Drinking in the potential for growth, for the ability to pull something out of the ashes, my head jerks when one of them struggles against their bindings.
One of them growls back, snapping his teeth like a wild dog. “Fuck you.”
I don’t have any need for wild dogs. I need obedient ones who are willing to protect their brothers. Who can be taught.
“Ripper.” Looking over at my VP, I scowl at his smile.
He makes his way toward me, already reaching behind him. Pulling out his pistol, he slides it into my palm.
Pointing at the snarling dog, I don’t think twice about pulling the trigger. The shot rings out, echoing in the silent room. Blood splatters against my boot, and I blink before looking at the others.
I need to offer second chances. Even if half of these men don’t deserve it, I need to be humane. There has to be some of them who want a better life. Something to hold pride in.
I’m not a monster. Not anymore. I traded that in for a woman far out of my reach.
Ripper plucks the gun out of my hand when he realizes I’m getting lost in my thoughts. “Does anyone else have an issue?” He waves around his gun, looking around in case anyone is hesitating. “No? Fantastic. So, when the rest of your crew shows up once word gets around, you’re going to make sure everyone knows this bastard is dead.” He nudges Blaze’s leg with his foot. “You’re not going to retaliate. We’re going to be best fucking friends by the end of the week.”
Tearing my gaze away, I look at Trouble. “Grab their VP and their hacker. They’re coming with us. Make sure Warden is still alive. We’re going to need more wheels.”
“We can check their garage. We’ll find something.” Nodding his chin, he turns, disappearing.
“When I return, I don’t want to see a single hint of Crimson Road in this hellhole.” Growling the words, I jerk my chin toward the others. “Let’s go. I think we got our message through.”
If not, I have no doubt that I’ll return and set everything ablaze. If I can’t claim this place as mine, I’ll ensure there’s nothing left for others to seize.
12
Penelope
Leah is anxious, and for good reason, too. She’s hugging her medical bag, waiting for those doors to push open.
