A last gentle touch, then he’s moving away. Pulling out his phone and snapping into it, a scowl darkens his face.
“Yes, VP. We’re on our fuckin’ way.”
I laugh at this expression; I can’t help it. He’s aroused and frustrated. Putting his phone away, he spins around to face me.
“You think this…” he growls as he exaggerates trying to get himself comfortable in his jeans, “… is funny?”
I only laugh harder. He stalks toward me once more, a dark threatening scowl on his face which he makes sure I’m noticing. “Woman, I’ll have you know, grown men tremble when they see me like this.”
Now I raise my eyebrows, and then wave down toward his cock straining at the zip of his jeans. “Really? Grown men? Tremble at… that?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Barking another laugh, his hands rest on my shoulders and he turns me around. “Clubhouse, now.” He slaps my ass lightly, then adds, “And let’s hope I get myself under control or you might just see them quivering at the sight of my tremendous weapon.”
I’m still giggling as he pushes me out of the house and down the track toward the clubhouse. Glancing at the man walking by my side, I’m full of wonder of how fast everything’s happened, my abduction seeming to be the catalyst that caused us both to validate our feelings for each other.
As we come to the clubhouse, I put my hand on his arm, stopping him for a moment, looking down pointedly. “Just want to check you’re decent.”
“Fuck, woman, keep staring at my cock like that and I won’t be.” Taking my hand, he pulls me into the clubhouse. “Now get inside.”
As we walk through the door, two things hit me at once. First the noise, hollers, and shouts of congratulations and ‘welcome to the family’ that I’m greeted with.
Viper’s grinning like a loon as he approaches. “Give your old man a hug?”
I take it Drum’s told them all, and that Viper welcomes the news. I let him put his arms around me and squeeze me against him. As I struggle for breath, suppressing a wince at the pressure on my tender ribs, I notice the second thing, that I’m the only woman present. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Wraith approaching his prez.
Drum leans over and says quietly, “Sophie okay with all this?”
“Yeah, I think she was relieved.”
What’s that all about? But I’m not in the dark for long.
Pulling me across to a table, Drum sits me down, and waggling his fingers asks Marsh for a couple of beers. They appear within seconds. We’re joined by the VP, the sergeant-at-arms, Bullet, Heart, and Blade. As they look at me in expectation, I shrug and turn to my man.
“Sam, I’ve claimed you as my ol’ lady.”
I nod, still not understanding.
“That gives you a certain status in the club, and that’s why you’re here.” Drum swigs his beer as though taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “You need to know some shit. The feds have dropped us in it.”
Processing what that might mean, I keep quiet, certain there’s more to come.
“The slavery ring. We broke part of it, but not all. We’re expecting trouble; they’re coming to get the women.” At my gasp, Drum covers my hand with his. “We’re gonna keep you safe, Sam, no one’s gonna get their hands on you again.”
This isn’t a time for me to get hysterical, I don’t like hearing what he’s explaining, but if it’s something I’ve got to face up to, I’m glad he’s sharing it with me and not keeping me in the dark.
“What do you need me to do?” I repeat the question I asked him earlier, realising if he’s sharing club business, there’s a good reason for that.
“Fuck, she’s a good one, Prez.”
I smile at the unexpected praise from Peg.
“We need you to keep the women occupied and calm. Our plan is to keep them up at the guest guesthouse, out of the way. We’ll leave a few men with you, but if, when, the shooting starts, you’re to keep them together. I can’t have a dozen women running around screaming and getting in our way.”
That’s not going to be an easy task. The traumatised women are probably going to go apeshit if they think there’s a risk they’ll be captured again. Quickly I start running through the best way of handling them, putting my personal fears to one side.
“Do we know when the attack’s coming?”
“Soon. Today, we think.” Drum nods his head toward the offices out back. “Mouse and Devil are listening to whatever they can pick up.”
“Sam, we’ve got a handle on this, but it could get bloody.” The VP’s staring at me, trying to read the thoughts behind the expression on my face.
“I’ll need to get my gun, Drum. I want to be ready, just in case.”
“You know how to use one, darlin’?” This from Peg.
Thinking I’d already demonstrated that the morning Drum and I were chased, the look of such disdain I throw him causes Blade to laugh. “Looks like she can manage one just fine to me.”
“Okay.” Drum puts a finger and thumb to the bridge of his nose and pinches it. “I’ll send Marsh up with you—”
“Sorry, Drum, but can I have Joker and Beef as well? I noticed yesterday, they seemed to be the least threatening.”
“Beef?” Bullet scoffs a laugh. “He never stops talking about pussy!”
A grin spreads across my face. “He’s upfront about what he wants but knows ‘no’ means ‘no’. They don’t mind his flirting as he doesn’t come over as threatening. Joker’s the same, he makes them laugh. The women have gotten used to them and will be more relaxed with those two around.”
“Good call, I’ll do that.” Drum punctuates his sentence by giving me a kiss, making the others chuckle.
“Pussy whipped already, Prez?” Drum flicks his middle finger toward them, but there’s a twinkling in his eyes despite the seriousness of what they are planning.
Slick comes across. “All set up, Prez.”
Looking at my man, I see his face tighten, all levity fading away. He looks at me for one long moment, drinking in my features as though he might never see me again. The thought that he and the others will be putting themselves in danger scares me. I take a deep breath, knowing better than to let any of my own fear show. Drum needs to know he can rely on me to do the task he’s assigned me, and not to see the panic I’m keeping hidden inside.
No lingering goodbyes, I just touch my hand to his cheek, trying to stop its shaking. “Go do your thing, Drummer.”
His fingers cover mine, then moving it down, places a kiss to my palm. The flare in his eyes shows he knows exactly what I’m doing. Then with a nod, he turns away. “Beef, go get Sam’s gun from her bike with her. Then you, Joker, and Marsh get up the top of the compound.
“Be safe, Sam.” His voice breaks as he whispers into my ear.
It’s hard to keep the hitch out of mine as I reply, “You too.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Drummer…
Slick’s announcement tells me I need to take charge, but I linger a little longer watching Sam leave. Our plan should keep all the females safe—sweet butts, old ladies, and the women we rescued—only putting them at risk if our defence fails. Like my brothers, I’m ready to put my life on the line to protect them, and to save my club. But the best of plans can go wrong. What if I never see her again?
When she disappears out of view, I put an end to my introspection. No space for misgivings now.
Mouse emerges from his hole. “Prez? Just heard chatter. They’re on their way.”
“Any indication of numbers? Or anything else to let us know what we might be facing?”
“That’s a no. Sorry.”
That would be too much to hope for. It’s time to get this job done. I get to my feet, circling my hand in the air to indicate my brothers should gather around me.
Devil approaches, giving me a nod. “You ready to get moving?”
“Yeah. You got the boys briefed?” At his confirmatory dip of his head showing the English
man had been getting shit organised while I’d been talking to Sam, I jerk my chin in appreciation, then continue, “Right, let’s fuckin’ get to it then.”
Devil slaps Slick on the back and they move off, followed by Lady and Shooter. Dart’s close behind, and like Slick has a heavy canvas bag slung over his shoulder. Moments later we hear the sound of bikes starting, then roaring off.
Before I can leave the clubhouse my phone rings. “Speak to me.”
“Great!”
As soon as I end the call, it rings again. “Yeah?”
“Got you.”
My VP is looking at me expectantly; I don’t keep him waiting long. “Red and Snake are in position.”
“Fuckin’ ace.” I have to agree. It means we’ve got the backup we need.
I glance around the remaining men. “Let’s get this party started!”
“What you fuckers waiting for?” Peg’s snarl encouraging them, I lead the men outside.
We each know what to do. We’d discussed the tactics in church, acting on Devil’s suggestions. A very useful man to have around I’d learned—he used to be a member of the elite British Forces, an SAS officer, and we’d done well to listen to what he had to say. While the ultimate aim is to defend the compound and clubhouse, we made the decision not to be sitting ducks letting fuck knows how many get close enough to pick us off. No, we’re going to be the ones directing this show. We’re taking this fight to the front line.
Exiting the door, I hug Peg to me, slapping his back. “Good luck, man. Take care.”
Then I do the same to the VP. All around me, men are hugging and wishing each other luck and to stay safe, then the salutations over, I go to my bike along with Blade, Tongue, Bullet, Rock, and Heart. The second wave, led by Wraith, follows us down to the compound gates. The gates slowly slide open and I lead my group through, casting an eye behind me to take one last look at the place I’ve called home for so many years. Its protection always top of my agenda, but now even more important as it houses my old lady. My vow, as I leave the club behind, is to do everything I can to keep her safe and out of harm’s way.
The small group I’m leading head for the ramshackle buildings just below the compound. The original vacation resort had offered hiking in the foothills for the guests’ enjoyment, and these falling-down sheds had once served as stabling for horses. Being outside our boundary, we haven’t bothered to restore them, but today they’ll do as a place to keep our heavy metal rides out of sight.
As the other group, led by Devil on a borrowed bike, thunder past, I watch them go. My eyes, drawn to the desert, take in the saguaro surrounding us. It’s hard not to imagine we’re taking part in a western, playing the role of cowboys defending our homestead—the only differences being we’re on steel horses today and not acting a part.
Once we’re parked up and bikes hidden, I wave for my group to gather round me, nodding at Blade.
“Prez?”
“Rock, take Tongue and Bullet and wait on the other side of the track. You got your phone switched on?”
“Yeah.”
“Blade, Heart, you’re with me. As soon as we know they’re coming, Heart and Tongue, you do your shit, okay?”
“Got it Prez.” Already both men are assembling their M40A3 sniper rifles. They both served as Marines and I’ll just be leaving them to get on with what they know best. The way I’ve placed them is one pair on either side of the track. Bullet and Rock will serve as spotters, and I’ll be keeping an overall eye on things.
“Our job is to stop any that get this far from reaching the compound, okay? Tongue and Heart will start taking them out, the rest of us step in when they get closer.” And if they get past us, Wraith will lead the last stand.
“You want us to go further down?”
We hadn’t discussed this. “Leaves you exposed.”
The two snipers look at each other and shrug. “I’ll take that risk,” Tongue offers, and Heart nods in agreement. Christ, Crystal would have my balls if anything happened to her man.
We sort out our other weaponry, each taking one of the semi-automatic M-10s Wraith had picked up from over the border not so long ago, and of course, making sure our Glocks are fully loaded and we’ve got enough spare ammunition.
Once we’re suitably armed, I point down the track. “Go choose your positions. And for fuck’s sake, don’t shoot each other!”
Nervous laughter accompanies my statement, a few more man hugs and the snipers and spotters start walking down the road spotting a location to set up. There’s no rush as yet, we’ll get an early warning from the others closer down toward the highway if anyone’s about to approach us.
Tongue goes with Rock; Blade stays by my side. We find cover behind some low-growing shrubs. The enforcer pulls out a crumpled pack of smokes which appear to have been in his pocket a long time. When he sees me watching him, he gives a rueful shrug. Sneaky bastard, he must have had them all along.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I don’t delay answering when I see that it’s Red.
“Got some suspicious looking fuckers coming down from Phoenix way. Reckon they’re what you’re waiting for.”
“How many, Red?”
“Three trucks. Hard to say how many’s inside.”
“Okay, just follow behind when they get ahead of you and keep out of sight.”
“Will do, Drum.”
Quickly, I update Devil. “All set on your end?” Devil and his team are a quarter of a mile down.
“Yeah, we’ve got the stingers in place.”
“Everyone know what to do?”
Devil’s laugh comes down the line. “Your men can’t bloody wait to start playing with their new toys. Slick and Lady will get busy. Me, Dart, and Shooter will give them backup.” I grin, knowing they’ve got grenades and a launcher, they should be all set.
As soon as I end the call, my phone vibrates again, this time it’s Snake. “Got a couple of trucks slowing down like they’re looking for the entrance.”
Shit! That’s more than I expected, and they’re coming from two different directions. Quickly, I update the Englishman again, then thank fuck there’s only one vehicular entrance to the compound.
Devil’s been thinking fast. “Assuming they stay as they are and don’t group together, we’ll let the first trucks go past us. I’ll stay here with Lady and Shooter and send Slick and Dart further up and lay the second stinger across there. We won’t have a chance to stop them all otherwise. This way we can hit them in two waves.”
“You need more men with you?”
“Hopefully not, the grenades should do the trick.”
Quickly I contact Red and tell him to hang back and wait for Snake, not wanting him to get caught between the two parties.
Yeah, that was the plan, to disable the trucks and before the occupants can react, chuck grenades inside. We’re not wanting to take anyone alive today. Fuck the feds if they’re expecting anyone left to question. And any the grenades don’t take out, we’ll finish off with the guns.
It’s Devil again. “First two trucks have gone through. We’re setting up the other stinger now for the next three.”
“Great.”
In the unlikely event a truck will not be incapacitated by the sharp metal prongs, my team will take them out, and if they get past my boys, then it’s up to Wraith to protect the compound. Coming up behind to form a pincer movement will be the men Snake and Red have brought with them.
I know the first stage has worked as I hear the sound of the grenades exploding, followed by shots firing into the air. A second wave of explosions sounds from further down the track where Devil must have stopped the last trucks.
“First truck hit the stinger, the one behind couldn’t get past,” Slick tells me quickly. “Grenades did their job. We followed them up with the M-10s. No survivors.”
“Third truck’s been stopped. All dead,” Devil confirms.
Well fuck me if this plan’s not going smoothly. I wipe sweat off
my brow that’s not just caused by the heat of the day.
Snake calls in, Red’s on the same line. “They’ve learned fast. Two trucks have gone off road. Drum, they’re headed your way.”
Red butts in, “Drum, I’ll team up with Snake and we’ll come up quiet from behind. Don’t worry, man, we’ll have your six.”
“Got it, Red. Keep me updated. And take fuckin’ care.” I want no Satan’s Devils dead today, from whatever chapter.
There’s rapid gunfire in the distance, and now it’s Devil on the line. “They’re coming up past us. We’re under attack but holding our own. Watch yourselves, some have exited the trucks and managed to go wide on foot. We’ve got the others pinned down. Keep eyes on your flanks, Drum.”
The sound of gunshots ringing out makes my trigger finger itch. I want in on this fight. Moving under the protection of my cover, my eyes flick around, watching for anything out of place.
I see men circling around, more organised than I’d given them credit for. I count ten in all, and then two fall, taken out by my snipers. Another couple drop before the others respond and start firing back.
Taking advantage of the brush to hide them, they’re giving each other cover, making it hard for Slick and Tongue to take aim. But I haven’t revealed my position yet, and now I’ve got two in my sights. I set the M-10 to single-fire, get off a shot and one man drops like a stone, the other ducks down.
For a moment, it’s a standoff, then I see something move, ease sideways and shoot, then move to the next piece of brush hoping to take someone unawares. But I’ve exposed myself. A sudden intense burn hits my right arm, making my semi-automatic drop from my hand. Undaunted, I take out my Glock with my left. I might not be ambidextrous, but I can shoot well enough with my handgun to lay down covering fire.
Shots cease momentarily while each side waits for the other to make a mistake.
Then new guns enter the battle. Red and Snake have appeared and start taking the attackers out from behind. There’re screams and men falling, dead bodies hitting the ground. I risk standing and running, firing as I go. We’ve got our enemy surrounded, there’s no escape.
Satan's Devils MC Boxset 1 Page 66