The protective walls of the compound, which had felt like sanctuary days ago, now seemed like targets painted around me.Every member who nodded respectfully, every Prospect standing guard -- all of them now standing between me and the storm I’d brought to their door.
I only hoped none of these people would get hurt, or worse, as they tried to keep me safe.I wasn’t sure I could live with the guilt.
* * *
Samson found me in the bedroom, folding laundry and putting it away.He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Everything okay?”
I paused.Was it?Not really.“I’m scared.Not just of Davis coming for me, but of someone here getting hurt.”
“You’re mine, Callie, and there isn’t a brother here who wouldn’t die to protect you.That’s just the way of things here.Just as I would do the same if Lyssa or any of the other old ladies were in trouble.”
The possessiveness in his tone should have frightened me after everything with Chief Davis.Instead, it filled me with warmth, and a sense of belonging.
“I’m scared,” I admitted, the truth I’d hidden even from myself these past days.
“Good.Fear keeps you sharp.Keeps you alive.”His hand moved to the healing wound at my temple, touch featherlight.“But you don’t have to be scared alone anymore.”
He rose, pulling me with him, his hands steady on my waist.Then he glanced toward the bed, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly as he bent down and pulled out the duffel bag I’d hidden.
“Next time you try to leave,” he said, setting the bag on the dresser, “pack warmer clothes.Nights get cold on the road.”
My cheeks warmed.“Actually, I didn’t pack that just now.I promise I wasn’t planning to leave.”
He pulled me close again, arms encircling me with a security I’d never known, at least not since Chief Davis, had forgotten was possible during his control.I never thought I’d find it in the most unlikely place -- a biker compound surrounded by Prospects with guns, cameras monitoring perimeters, and a man whose claim meant protection rather than possession.
I’d wanted to run before, and Samson had proven to me that wasn’t my only option.I’d learned to put my faith in him, and now it was time to trust his club too.
This time, when Chief Davis came for what he believed was his, he’d find something new -- someone willing to stand between us, someone who wouldn’t back down, someone who’d claimed me.
And behind him, a brotherhood ready to fight.
Chapter Eight
Callie
The afternoon light slanted through Samson’s windows, casting elongated shadows across the kitchen table where I sat with my hands wrapped around a cooling mug of coffee.Three days in the compound had taught me to read the signs -- the tightening around Samson’s eyes, the way his shoulders bunched beneath his cut, the increasing frequency with which he checked the locks and peered through the blinds.Something had changed.Something beyond the perimeter patrols and camera installations.Something he wasn’t telling me.
Samson moved to the window again, lifting the edge of the curtain just enough to peer outside, his body angled to keep away from direct sight lines.His jaw clenched, the muscle jumping beneath his skin as he let the fabric fall back into place.
“You’ve checked four times in ten minutes.”My voice cut through the quiet.“What’s wrong?”
He turned, face blank, but I’d learned his tells -- the furrow between his brows, the tension at his mouth.
“Nothing new.”He crossed to the coffee pot and topping off a mug that didn’t need it.A stall -- he’d done it before.“Just being careful.”
I set my mug down slowly.“Don’t do this.”
He paused mid-motion, coffee pot suspended.“Do what?”
“Lie to protect me.”I met his gaze directly.“I’ve had enough men deciding what truths I can handle.”
The barb landed.His shoulders dropped slightly as he set the pot down, exhaling heavily through his nose.He leaned against the counter, the afternoon light catching the edges of his profile as he weighed honesty against protection.
“Wire spotted three unmarked vehicles on the access road a mile out,” he finally said.“Deputies inside.Armed.”
My heart stuttered in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral.“Davis?”
