"Very," Claire says with certainty. "Tommy talked to him multiple times a day. Said Vulture was personally overseeing this operation because..." She trails off, looking uncomfortable.
"Because what?" I prompt.
"Because it's personal for him. Because of his brother."
The room goes silent. We all know the history. King killed Marcus "Talon" Reeves in self-defense five years ago when the Eagles tried to move into our territory. It was a fair fight, but Vulture never saw it that way. He's been building his club and his hatred ever since, waiting for the right moment to strike back.
"Is Vulture in Blackwater Falls now?" King asks, his voice betraying no emotion despite the personal nature of the question.
"I don't think so," Claire says. "Not yet. Tommy said he was coming for the 'main event'. I assume that means tonight's attack."
King processes this information, his face unreadable. Then he turns to Luna. "What do you think?"
"I believe her," she says simply. "The details match what we already know or suspect. And her injuries are consistent with her story."
Claire looks surprised that Luna's opinion carries such weight. She doesn't understand yet that Luna is more than just King's wife. She's his moral compass, the one person whose judgment he trusts implicitly.
King nods and turns back to Claire. "Here's how this works. We'll verify what we can of your information. If it checks out, we help you get out of town and somewhere safe once this situation is resolved. In the meantime, you stay here, out of sight. You tell no one else what you've told us. Understood?"
She nods quickly. "Yes. Thank you."
King stands, signaling the end of the meeting. "Luna will get you set up with whatever you need—clothes, toiletries, food. Tank, call a full church meeting for noon. All members, all prospects."
Tank nods and heads out, already on his phone. King leans down to kiss Luna briefly before following Tank out the door, his mind clearly already working through strategies and contingency plans.
Luna moves to sit beside Claire, her voice gentle as she asks about immediate needs. I should leave them to it, but I find myself hesitating, watching as Claire's shoulders gradually relax in Luna's presence.
"Rage?" Luna looks up, noticing my lingering. "Can you ask Jenny to bring some clothes? Claire and I look about the same size, but Jenny's closer to her height."
"Sure thing," I reply, grateful for the task. It gives me a reason to stay involved, to keep an eye on the situation—on Claire—without seeming like I'm hovering.
As I step out into the hallway, I find Beast waiting, his massive arms crossed over his chest.
"What's your read?" I ask him quietly.
Beast considers the question. He may look like a mindless enforcer, but he's one of the most perceptive brothers in the club. It's why Tank assigned him to guard Claire last night.
"She's genuine," he says finally. "Had a nightmare around three. Cried a bit, thought I couldn't hear. Later got up and rewrapped her own ribs. Didn't try to leave the room, didn't snoop around. Just sat on the bed for a while, looking lost."
I nod, relieved by his assessment. "King's keeping her here for now. I'm going to call your girlfriend for some clothes."
Beast raises an eyebrow slightly. It's subtle, but I catch his meaning.
"What?" I ask defensively.
"Nothing." His voice remains neutral, but there's a knowing look in his eyes. "Just noticed you've taken a personal interest in our guest."
"She's got a piece of shit hunting her," I reply. "Someone needs to look out for her."
Beast shrugs his massive shoulders. "Didn't say it was a problem. Just an observation."
I ignore the implied question and pull out my phone to call Jenny. Beast knows me too well. He can see that my concern for Claire goes beyond professional duty. But he's wrong if he thinks it's anything more than that. I don't do relationships. Not since Mariah left me and Eli. And especially not with traumatized women running from psychotic exes.
Jenny answers on the third ring. "What's up, Rage?"
"Need a favor," I say, keeping my voice low. "We've got a woman at the clubhouse who needs some clothes. Think you could bring some over? Luna says you're about the right size."
"A woman?" Jenny's voice is instantly curious. "Who is she? What's going on?"
