“Three of ours. Twenty-plus of theirs.”
Jackal nods. Processes. Then asks again, “Where’s Bonnie?”
Ash and I exchange a look.
“She’s safe,” Ash says. “I sent her to a safe house before the attack.”
“Smart.” Jackal’s shoulders relax slightly. “So she’s okay?”
“Ghost is with her.” Ash’s voice goes tight. “He got shot. He’s in bad shape.”
All the color drains from Jackal’s face. “What?”
“He took Bonnie to the safe house. Went out for supplies. Ran into Savage Legion riders on the way back.” I fill in the details that Ash can’t seem to get out. “Killed them all but one of them got a shot off before he died. Hit Ghost in the side.”
“How bad?”
“Bad,” Ash says quietly. “Bonnie called during the attack. Said there’s a lot of blood. He keeps losing consciousness.”
Jackal runs both hands through his hair. Pulls it. “Fuck. Fuck!”
“We’re going to get them,” Ash says. “Bring them back here?—”
“When?” Jackal cuts him off. “When are you going?”
“Soon as we?—”
“Now. You’re going now.” Jackal steps closer. “My sister is alone trying to save Ghost’s life, and you’re standing here having a fucking meeting?”
“We just got attacked,” I snap. “We needed to make sure the compound was secure?—”
“The compound is secure. I brought fifteen men. Plus whoever you have left.” Jackal looks around at the brothers gathering. “That’s enough to hold this place and plan a counterattack.”
“Counterattack?” Ash asks.
“Yeah. Counterattack.” Jackal’s jaw sets. Hard. Dangerous. “Marcus Stone just declared war. So we’re going to finish it. But first, you’re going to get my sister and Ghost and bring them home.”
Ash stares at him. “Jackal?—”
“That’s an order.” Jackal’s voice drops. Cold. Absolute. “I didn’t ride fifteen hundred miles with my chapter just to stand around with my dick in my hand. You’re the president of this club, Ash. Act like it. Go get your family. I’ll handle things here.”
“Okay.” He looks at Jackal. “You’re in charge until I get back.”
“Damn right I am.” Jackal crosses his arms. “Now get the fuck out of here before Ghost bleeds out.”
Ash doesn’t need to be told twice.
33
TITAN
Ash is already moving toward his bike before anyone can say anything else.
I watch him cross the compound, stepping over debris and shell casings. His jaw is set. Determined. For the first time since the attack started, he looks like he knows exactly what he needs to do. He throws his leg over his Harley and starts the engine. The roar cuts through the morning air.
Jackal steps up beside me. We stand there—both of us—watching Ash prepare to leave.
Ash looks back once. Meets my eyes. Nods.
