He’s Poseidon’s only family, and because of his past life in the military, he understands our unit. Cronus asked him to remain close in case we needed help getting the girls out. We had no clue it was going to be Stormy.
“Yeah, why?” Poseidon’s voice has a bit of an edge to it.
I understand he doesn’t want to bring his father into the fact that we have men who won’t see the light of day ever again, but this is different. He won’t see them or be involved in that aspect.
“Seems the girls have a tagalong that’s going to need to be transported to the clubhouse.”
“He’s about five out.”
“We’ll wait.”
Stormy
* * *
I hand him back the helmet and turn toward the truck when Atlas reaches out and pulls me into his side. “I have someone coming to take care of your dog and truck. I’ll have to scan it to make sure Diego didn’t put a tracker on it.”
“I don’t know if Gurgi will go with anyone else. He’s pretty attached to me and Maisy, but mostly me.”
I surreptitiously take a closer look at Atlas. He’s bigger than I thought he was. Tall and muscular. I feel those muscles ripple along his arm as he holds me close. His wavy brown hair brushes his shoulders. Tattoos curve along his neck and hands, hinting at more hidden beneath his jacket, shirt, and vest. His nose and ears are pierced. Thick silver gauges stretch his lobes. Large silver rings wrap around his long fingers. His beard is trimmed but still rough-looking. His mustache is thick, with just hints of gray threaded through, not enough to make him look old, though.
I’m not scared and don’t feel nervous to have him holding me. I feel protected and, for the first time in a long time, calm.
“Will he attack?” Atlas’s voice rumbles, and I can’t stop myself from leaning into him.
I close my eyes and draw in a deep breath. Cedar and leather wrap around me, but there’s something else. A hint of mountains. I miss that scent.
Home.
“If he feels like I’m in danger,” I answer as Gurgi starts barking and pushing against the partially open window. “Let me go to him.” I try to pull away, but he won’t release me.
Atlas is just as affected by me as I am by him. I look up into his deep gray eyes and feel my insides turn to goo. The old me surfaces, and I realize just how attracted I am to him.
“Please. I don’t want him to break the window.”
He lets me go as another truck pulls up. An older man, who reminds me of my father, gets out of the passenger side. The truck takes off, leaving the man standing there. He glances at Atlas, then walks toward us.
When I reach the truck, I hold out my hand for Gurgi to smell. He licks it, and in that moment, I feel a sense of calm. I take a moment to reflect on what just happened in the club. I’m concerned about Maisy and want to know where she is.
Reaching into the slim pocket of my shorts, I pull out my keys. I never leave my keys in my locker, and my bag never had my fake ID in it either. I open the truck door, and Gurgi jumps out, immediately putting himself between me and the men.
“Is that a dog or a fricking bear?” the man says cautiously, not wanting to approach.
“Everyone says that. He’s a dog. A Tibetan Mastiff, to be exact.” I reach out and pet his head. “And he’s my baby. I don’t go anywhere without him.”
“How is this going to work?”
Gurgi growls at the man as he steps closer.
“Here.” Atlas tosses him his keys. “You take my bike, and I’ll drive my girl and her baby. No scratches, man.”
The older man chuckles. “I make no promises.”
Atlas focuses back on me. “Will he let me drive?”
“He’s okay, big guy.” I pet Gurgi. “Reach out, palm up, and talk to him.”
“Really? He isn’t going to eat me?”
