Stone arrived seconds later, eyes narrowing. “They’re escalating.”
Havoc cracked his knuckles. “Good. I’m bored.”
Ledger snapped a photo. “This isn’t random. They know exactly who they’re talking to.”
Grim muttered, “I say we burn their clubhouse down.”
Stone ignored him. “Rook.”
Rook didn’t look away from the message. “Yeah.”
“She’s not staying here.”
“I know.”
“We move her to the clubhouse. Full protection.”
“I know.”
Stone lowered his voice. “You good?”
Rook’s jaw flexed. “No. But I will be once she’s safe.”
Avery touched his arm. “Noah…”
He turned to her, eyes fierce, voice low and steady. “I’m not losing you again.”
He stepped closer, cupping her face with both hands. “You hear me? I don’t care what they want. I don’t care what they think they can do. They don’t get near you. Not while I’m breathing.”
Avery’s heart pounded.
She didn’t know what the future held. She didn’t know how dangerous the Reapers really were. She didn’t know what came next.
But she knew one thing:
Rook wasn’t letting her face it alone.
And for the first time in a long time…
She didn’t want to run.
Chapter 23
Avery
There was a new weight in the air when Avery stepped inside the clubhouse now.
Last night, it had been noise and adrenaline and safety wrapped in chaos. Today, as Rook led her down the hallway toward his room, it felt quieter. Heavier. Charged.
His hand was wrapped around hers, warm and steady, thumb brushing her knuckles like he needed the contact as much as she did.
A prospect carried her overnight bag behind them, but Rook didn’t let go of her hand long enough to take it. He didn’t let go at all.
Rook stopped at the door, her hand still in his. His thumb dragged a slow line across her skin, like he needed the contact to steady himself.
“Aves,” he murmured, “last night you were scared. That’s why you stayed. But walking in now? That’s you choosing this… choosing me.” He angled his head, eyes locked on hers. “If this feels too fast, you tell me.”
She lifted her gaze to him, to the man who’d stepped between her and every threat without hesitation, who’d held her like she mattered, who’d kissed her like he’d been starving for it.
