“The Spiders are planning on expanding their operation from coast to coast, but they need to take Portland first,” Doc explained. “The Saints need more soldiers on the streets, and we need their protection. Without them, we’re vulnerable.”
“It still feels like we’re caught in the middle of some shit we didn’t start.”
“Sounds like life to me,” Doc replied.
“So, what’s our next move?” I asked.
“Our next move is to lay low and keep close tabs on our families. I want everyone paired up when you’re out, no exceptions. If you see a member of the Spiders, or come across anything out of the ordinary, you report it to me directly.”
“That’s it?” I snapped.
“What are you looking for, Doom?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a plan for going after the guys that tried to blow up my family.”
The words “my family” had never felt so heavy on my lips. My heart was burdened with my love for Lyric and our child and my desire to protect them.
“I know how you feel, Doom,” Doc said.
“You have no idea how I feel, and I have no intention of laying low, while the Spiders that tried to take out the people I love are crawling the streets.”
I stood and walked out, slamming the door behind me.
* * *
Lyric
The bed dipped and I craned my neck as Doom stretched out beside me. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“You look like someone killed your puppy, John Wick.”
“Someone tried to kill my woman,” he growled.
“Well, there is that.” I sighed. “How’s Rabbit?”
“He’s gonna have some rehab to deal with in the coming months, but he’ll be okay.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, baby. I promise.”
I relaxed and pressed my back against his front, snuggling closer.
He slid his hand across my waist, palming my belly. “I should never have let you go over there.”
“Um, hello, you don’tletme go anywhere. I’m an adult and it’s my house. I go where I want to go,” I pointed out.
“Lyric, don’t get all alpha female on me right now. It wasn’t safe, I knew it, and I should have gone with my gut.”
“I can’t have someone dictate my life, Lin—”
“Jesus Christ, woman, stop. I’m gonna fuckin’ dictate it until I know you’re safe, hear?”
I sighed. “Okay, honey, I hear you. I know this freaked you out, but I’m okay. You’re okay. My house…not so much.”
“Dad’ll take care of it,” he promised. “How’s our little blip?”
