Page 30 of My Protective Biker

"That's her."

"She knows what she signed up for?"

"She treated a gunshot wound at four in the morning and still showed up today. I'd say she knows."

Chuck laughs. "Fair point."

Clint crosses to where Carina is standing with the women and says something quiet. She nods and follows him to a corner near the bar where it's quieter. I watch from across the room but don't interfere. This conversation needs to happen.

They stand facing each other and Clint doesn't waste time.

"You know what Roan is," Clint says, voice low enough that I have to focus to hear it.

"I know he's Vigil. I know what that means."

"Do you?" Clint's expression is neutral but assessing. "You know we operate outside the law. You know we use violence when necessary. You know the things we do would put most of us in prison if the wrong people found out."

"I know."

"Knowing and accepting are different things." Clint crosses his arms. "Being with Roan means being Vigil family. Means you're under our protection. Also means you accept what we are and what we do without judgment. Without trying to change it. Can you do that?"

Carina doesn't hesitate. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because Roan told me the truth about his world and let me decide. He didn't lie or soften it or ask me to pretend it's something it's not. That's not asking me to compromise who I am. That's asking me to see clearly and choose anyway. I can do that."

Clint studies her for a long moment. "You understand what protection means? You're a target now. Anyone who wants to pressure Roan can come at you. Marrow knows about you already, guaranteed. They'll use you if they can."

"I understand."

"And you're still choosing this."

"I'm still choosing this."

Clint extends his hand. "Then welcome to the family."

She shakes it and they head back toward where I'm standing. Clint catches my eye and gives a single nod. Approved.

Carina comes to my side and I put my arm around her waist, pull her close. She leans into me and I feel some of the tension drain out of her body.

"You good?" I ask quietly.

"Yeah. He wanted to make sure I understand what I'm getting into."

"And do you?"

"I do."

By seven-thirty the brothers are filtering toward the back room for church. I make sure Carina's settled with the women first, watch her sit down next to Katherine who immediately starts talking about something animal-related, then follow the others.

Church is standard until Clint brings up Marrow.

"Victor Crane is desperate," he says, standing at the head of the table. "He's lost men, lost territory, failed to leverage Zoe. Intel from Cain's source confirms he's planning to hit Bloomfield proper this weekend. Two targets confirmed. The Anchor and the elementary school."

The room goes silent.

"He's targeting civilians," Tate says, voice flat.