"You're not a Brother. Church is closed to anyone who isn't a full member." No apology in his voice, just fact. "You give me the intel, I translate it for the club. They need to understand the threat before they vote to authorize action."
"And if they vote no?"
"They won't." His certainty is absolute. "But if they did, you'd still be under my personal protection. Just means I handle Kline alone instead of with Brotherhood support."
This isn't professional courtesy or a temporary alliance. This is a personal claim backed by willingness to kill.
Ocean wind buffets the truck as we transition from highway to coastal route. Anchor Bay appears through the darkness, familiar buildings silhouetted against the night sky.
Cole pulls out his phone, keeps one hand on the wheel. "Need to update Will."
The call connects through the truck's speakers. Will answers on the first ring. "Talk to me."
"Kline sent operatives after Shelby in Portland. Attempted grab in public, coordinated surveillance. I extracted her, lost pursuit on I-5. She's with me now, heading to my place." Cole's voice becomes a pure tactical report. "Situation's escalated. Kline's desperate."
"Gemma's secure. Nash and Tate are running shifts, Shaw's coordinating perimeter security." Will pauses. "You claiming personal protection?"
"Yeah."
"Good. She stays with you until this is over. Bring her intel to Church, we'll vote on Brotherhood response." Will's tone carries presidential authority. "I'll send someone to watch your place tonight so you can work with her and get some sleep. Church convenes at oh-seven-hundred."
"Copy that."
Cole ends the call and we continue into town. His house sits on the north edge, security lights activating as we pull into the driveway.
A motorcycle is parked on the street, and I recognize Danny leaning against it, kutte visible even in the dim light. Cole rolls down his window.
"Will sent you?"
"Yeah. Perimeter's clear, swept the property before you arrived. I'll take first watch." Danny's eyes cut to me briefly, then back to Cole. "Four-hour rotation. Mike's got second shift."
"Copy that. Any movement, you call me before engaging."
"Understood."
Cole pulls into the driveway proper and kills the engine. "Brothers are watching the perimeter. We're secure."
Inside, he still runs his security check—windows, locks, alarm system. Making sure we're protected before allowing himself to stand down.
When he finishes, he finds me in the kitchen, still wearing my jacket, go-bag at my feet. The adrenaline is fading now, leaving exhaustion and awareness of how close I came to being grabbed.
"You're staying here." The statement isn't a question, delivered in that flat tone that says arguing would be pointless.
"Cole—"
"Kline sent operatives to grab you in public. That means he's willing to take risks that expose his operation, which means he's desperate, which means he's more dangerous now than he was this morning." He crosses the kitchen and stops close, invading my space deliberately. "You stay here where I can protect you, or I take you to Will's place and park you there with armed Brothers on rotation until the threat is neutralized. Those are your options."
The absolute certainty in his voice makes my pulse kick up. The reaction isn't fear but recognition that I'm looking atthe operative who eliminates threats, not the VP who manages Brotherhood business.
"I'm a federal agent. I don't need?—"
"You nearly got grabbed by trained operatives hours ago." He cuts me off, hand coming up to grip my jaw, forcing me to meet his eyes. "Federal authority means nothing to Kline. Your badge won't stop a bullet or prevent an extraction. What keeps you alive is staying close to someone willing to kill anyone who tries to take you."
The words would be empty posturing from most people. From Cole, it's a promise backed by years of Delta Force missions and the kind of darkness that doesn't hesitate when violence is necessary.
"Well, how could I refuse such a charming invitation," I say, trying for lightness.
The attempt falls flat. Cole's expression doesn't shift, that cold control not cracking even slightly.
