He goes rigid beneath me instantly, warmth gone, his body snapping into that terrifying calm that means something is very wrong. Mason fills the doorway, face hard, eyes sharp, president voice already locked and loaded.
“We’re going on lockdown,” he says. No warning. No easing into it. “Someone just shot up Perdition.”
My stomach drops. “What?”
“Multiple shots fired,” Mason says. “And it wasn’t just the bar.” His jaw tightens. “Couple of bombs went off in the clubhouse.”
The room tilts.
“The clubhouse is attached to Perdition,” I whisper, like saying it out loud might make it make sense.
“I know,” Mason says grimly. “That’s the point. They hit both at once. Shots in the bar. Explosives in the clubhouse. Chaos on every side.”
Cold fear crawls straight up my spine.
“No casualties yet,” Mason continues. “But there’s structural damage. Fires. And cops are already swarming the entire block. Media won’t be far behind.”
I feel him move under me, careful but fast, setting me on my feet like I’m something fragile and priceless at the same time. His hands stay on my hips for a beat longer than necessary, grounding both of us before he lets go.
“We’re not going there,” Mason says. “Not tonight. Anyone with a patch, anyone sleeping next to one, anyone who brings their kids around that building is a target.”
My heart starts pounding so hard it drowns everything else out.
“All officers, old ladies, and kids are relocating,” Mason says. “Immediately. No exceptions.”
“Where?” he asks, already reaching for his jacket.
“Ashton,” Mason replies. “Hawk and Sledge are already there with the Ashton chapter. They’re set up for numbers. Secure. Quiet. Off the radar.”
“How bad is it?” he asks.
Mason meets his eyes. “Bad enough this was planned. Those fuckers wanted bodies in that building.”
By now, everyone’s in the living room. The air is tight, heavy. I look around at the serious faces, the way no one is joking, no one is brushing this off. Rev stands near the doorway, eyes locked on Brooke.
“You’re coming too, princess,” he says.
She crosses her arms and levels him with a look. “I’m not sleeping with one of you. No offense, Bri.”
“I don’t fucking care,” Rev snaps. “You’re coming with us whether you like it or not. I’ll throw you over my shoulder and chain you to me if that’s what I have to do.”
She sighs, then straightens. “That won’t be necessary. Not that I don’t trust your club, Mason, but I’d rather have eyes on my sisters and know they’re okay. The alternative, not knowing when I’ll see them again… yeah. I’m coming.”
Rev smirks. “Whatever you say, princess. Pack a bag. We’re leaving in thirty minutes.”
I turn to Blade. “Should we pack something too?”
He nods. “Yeah. Come on, baby. We’ll ride over to my place and probably still beat Rev to Ashton.”
I stand, sliding off his lap, and we share a look. One of those loaded ones that says everything without saying anything. Then I head down the hall to Brooke’s room.
“Hey,” I say softly. “We’re leaving.”
She looks up, and it hits me how worried she really is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this. “Be smart out there, Bri,” she says. “And as much as I hate to admit it, listen to Blade. He’s going to keep you safe. I can tell he loves you, even if it’s a little… fucked up.”
I laugh, because of course she says it like that. “I love him too. We’re going to figure it out.”
“I know you will,” she says. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”
