I bolted to the man, landing one punch to his face, ripping off my other glove. I straddled him, the burst of anger clouding my judgement. I saw red. I felt the warmth of blood splattering myface. The fucker never lost his smile. His laugh echoed in my head. I felt the hands jerk me back, pulling me to my feet.
Hound Dog stood in front of me, glaring at me, silently warning me not to do any more damage. Franklin stood up, wiping his face from blood, flicking his gaze to me. “What’s the matter? Something make you mad?”
“What did you do?”
“What makes you think that I did anything?”
“Where is she?”
“Who?” He studied my face, and dramatically said, “Oh your little lady? Or whatever you heathens call your girls?” He flicked his attention to Melody standing beside us. Hound Dog growled out, a fire in his voice. The man clicked his tongue, “I only helped to make sure you were focused. You know it was a good idea that you wanted herhusbandto come home.” His blood started to drip on the floor from his bloody mouth.
“I’m going to fucking kill you,” I threatened, but we know I would bury the fucker… alive.
“Ah but you can’t. Contract states that everyone walks out of here alive, except perhaps the fighters.” He sauntered away, seeping back into the dark.
Hound looked back at me. “What did he mean? Shooter what did that fucker mean herhusband?”
“She’s in trouble.”
Hound’s eyes flashed with red. Months ago he was the one in my position, wanting to risk everything for his woman.
“Stray,” he snapped, “you and a prospect head to her house.”
Dillon chimed in, “I’ll go, sir.”
Hound wanted to argue but knew it was a losing battle. Dillon wasn’t in fighting shape, and he knew that and yet he still wanted to help, be useful, still show some loyalty to the club.
“Fine, but you stay in the truck,” Hound Dog ordered.
“I’m going too,” Melody added with fury in her own voice.
Hound Dog flicked his attention to her, “Songbird, you’re staying here.”
“Well, too bad, I didn’t ask you.” She tilted her chin up to him. “You gonna stop me?”
“It’s not safe.” His voice almost softened.
“Let me do this. Please?” she pleaded. She was a good friend to Amelia, and Melody could hold her own, especially after the fire and kidnapping. She was a strong woman but telling Hound Dog that was like telling a giant oaf that the tiny kitten could walk. “She needs all the people she can get. I’ll bring my taser.”
“You know I prefer you take my gun.”
“And have the thing knock me on my backside? No, thank you.”
Hound almost snickered, like a lovesick fool. “No, that’s my job.” He looked deep into her eyes, her eyes enchanting him to make him say yes. He grumbled and finally stopped fighting it.
Melody approached me, cupping my cheek. “I’ll bring her back, Shooter. You just fucking win this sucker, okay.”
Instantly, we were all reminded what a gift she was for the club. A brave soul that knew how to show love and adoration without words. The softness that battled with the rough edges of Hound Dog. Just like my Amelia.
I nodded, watching Melody, Stray, and Dillon rush off. I couldn’t slip into the thoughts of what if or were they too late. Amelia was a fighter and if something was happening to her, I hoped that she would fight until she didn’t have to.
Franklin leaned against the wall, chuckling to himself like he already won. His dominos falling into place.
With a slap on my back, Hound Dog called out to Otis and found Hank to walk me to ringside to begin the night that would change our lives one way or another.
The lights shined brightly, the roar of the crowd, and the intensity of the fight ahead of us, it was a switch turned off in my head. Finally, the demon was ready to unravel and devour.
Chapter 45
