“Thanks.” I nod, pulling out my phone.
When everything happened, Soul and Venom met me at the hospital. It was a whirlwind of shit happening, and while I know Steel needs to know about it, I wanted him to hear it from me once I knew the outcome. Especially when I have a feeling it’s going to escalate our war with Zane in Vegas.
Tate and Kincaid were with their lawyer when Willa was shot. And as horrible as her father is, I doubt he’d try to kill her. Which means someone must have followed us from Vegas.
Steel answers the phone on the second ring. “What’s wrong?”
“Who says anything’s wrong?” I drag my fingers through my hair.
“You don’t call unless something’s wrong.”
“Fair enough.” I let out a deep sigh. “Willa’s been shot. I think Zane might have had someone follow us. I wanted you to know so you can keep an eye out.”
“Fuck. Is she okay?”
“She will be.” I ball my hand into a fist, reminding myself that she’s still here.
I haven’t lost her.
“Surgery went well. The doc says she’ll wake up soon.”
“I should send a couple more guys out.”
“No.” I shake my head. “We’ve got it covered here. Soul and Venom are at the hospital, and we’re watching each other’s backs. I shouldn’t have let her out of my sight. That was my fault. It won’t happen again.”
“You sure? It’s been quiet here, so we’re good if you need more bodies.”
“That’s probably what they’re counting on. Zane must figure that if he causes trouble in Texas, it will split the club’s resources and make it easier to pick us off.”
“You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right.”
I wipe my hand down my face. “We’ve got this under control on this end. Whoever did it ran off when I showedup, so they clearly don’t have backup. The three of us can take care of one person. Also, I put out a few calls to the people who owe me favors in this town. There are eyes on the hospital and the ranch. I’ll know if anything seems off.”
That’s the good thing about small towns. Nothing goes unnoticed.
“Let me know if you change your mind. We’re here for you,” Steel says.
“I appreciate it. How’s Tempe doing?”
Steel chuckles.
“What?”
“You’re asking about my old lady. Willa really is bringing out another side of you.”
“Fuck off.” I chuckle.
“Tempe’s good, much better this past week. You just worry about things there. I’ve got it handled here.”
“Thanks, Prez.”
We hang up, and I stare out the window that overlooks the parking lot. The sun peeks over the horizon.
When was the last time I looked at a sunrise? I’m awake for plenty of them. Stumbling out of the strip club first thing in the morning. Partying until one day melts into another.
But I stopped caring about things like a sunrise. Or anything for that matter. After I left Texas, I chased one high after another. Anything so I wouldn’t have to sit still and think about what I was doing with my life.
Soul and Venom sit quietly, scrolling through their phones. Not making conversation, but not leaving either.I’m grateful that they rode to Texas even though I told them not to bother. Sometimes I forget that people can be there for me—that they’d even want to.
