I keep my focus on the gunman, not daring to look at Xavier yet.The man is older than I expected, mid-sixties, with Riggs’s same cold eyes and the weathered look of someone who’s lived a hard life.His hand is steady on the weapon, the mark of experience that makes him more dangerous than his son ever was.
“I said, let her go,” I repeat, my voice like ice.“This is between us.”
He laughs, a harsh sound that makes Daphne flinch.“Put your gun down first.Kick it over here.Then we’ll talk about who lives and who dies today.”
My peripheral vision catches Xavier shifting slightly in his chair.Our eyes meet for a fraction of a second, just long enough for me to see he’s unharmed and for him to understand my silent message: be ready.
“Fine,” I say, slowly lowering my weapon.“Just don’t hurt them.”
I place my gun on the floor, making a show of straightening up with my hands raised.The old man’s eyes follow the movement, his attention momentarily split between watching me and controlling Daphne.
That split second is all we need.
The window behind him explodes inward as a flash-bang grenade crashes through, detonating with a blinding light and deafening bang.In the same instant, I dive for my gun, rolling to the side as chaos erupts.
Xavier lunges from his chair, tackling Daphne sideways off the bed just as Riggs’s father squeezes off a wild shot.I hear Xavier grunt, in pain or exertion, I can’t tell, but there’s no time to check as I bring my weapon up.
Two shots, center mass.The old man staggers backward, surprise etched on his face as crimson blooms across his chest.His gun clatters to the floor as he collapses against the bathroom door.
“Clear!”I shout, already moving toward Xavier and Daphne huddled on the floor beside the bed.
“We’re okay,” Xavier says, his voice steady despite the situation.He’s shielding Daphne with his body, one hand pressed against her abdomen in a protective gesture that makes my chest tighten.“We’re both okay.”
The room fills with movement as Grey and my father burst through the doorway, weapons drawn.Trenton appears at the shattered window, his military-grade tactical gear a stark reminder of how much has changed since he was just a club kid running around the compound.
“Building secure,” Matthew’s voice reports through the comms unit clipped to Trenton’s vest.“Two tangos down at the rear entrance.No other hostiles detected.”
Relief washes through me, so powerful it nearly brings me to my knees.Instead, I holster my weapon and reach for Xavier, pulling him into an embrace that’s probably too tight, too desperate, but I can’t help myself.
“You scared the hell out of me,” I murmur against his hair, breathing in his scent, antiseptic and that fancy shampoo he uses, now mingled with gunpowder and fear-induced sweat.“The blood pressure thing was genius.I knew something was wrong immediately.”
He pulls back just enough to look at me, those intelligent eyes scanning my face.“I knew you’d understand.I just wasn’t sure if you’d have time to get help.”
“Always,” I promise, pressing my forehead against his.“Always for you.”
Daphne makes a small sound, drawing our attention back to her.She’s trembling violently now, delayed shock setting in as the adrenaline ebbs.Xavier immediately shifts into doctor mode, gentle hands checking her pulse, her pupils.
“Let’s get her to the clubhouse,” I suggest, already knowing my mother will have the medical room prepped and waiting.“It’s secure, and she needs to be checked properly.”
Xavier nods, helping Daphne to her feet with careful movements.“Your baby’s fine,” he reassures her, his voice taking on that calm, professional tone I’ve heard him use with patients.“But we need to monitor you both for a while.Stress isn’t good for either of you.”
My father approaches, his massive frame filling the doorway as he surveys the scene.His eyes linger on the body of Riggs’s father before shifting to me.
“It’s done,” he says simply.“Grey’s handling cleanup.And your mother’s expecting you at the clubhouse.”
I nod, understanding everything he’s not saying.The threat isn’t over.Riggs’s family extends beyond his father, and word of today’s events will spread.But for now, in this moment, we’re safe.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, the words inadequate for what he and the others have done today.“For coming so quickly.”
He clasps my shoulder once, his grip firm.“Family protects family.And the doctor’s family now.”His gaze shifts to Daphne, softening slightly.“Her too, I suppose.”
It’s as close to a blessing as we’re likely to get from him, acknowledgment that our circle has expanded to include not just Xavier but those under his care.I feel a surge of pride that has nothing to do with violence or power and everything to do with the man watching over Daphne with such gentle concern.
As we make our way out of the shelter, Xavier keeps his arm around Daphne’s shoulders, speaking softly to her.I follow a step behind, hyperaware of our surroundings despite Grey’s assurance that the threat has been neutralized.
Outside, the morning sun has fully risen, casting long shadows across the parking lot where club members stand guard.Trenton and Matthew are conferring with Grey, their postures relaxed but alert.They’ve transitioned seamlessly from military to MC life, bringing skills that have just saved what’s most precious to me.
“Thank you,” I say as we approach, the words directed at both young men.“Good timing on coming home.”
