Dead Souls MC: Prospects Series Books 1-5

by Savannah Rylan

  “No!” I roared.

  I hit my knees just as the man’s body tumbled off the porch. Rock rushed back across the road, talking to someone on his cell phone. All I heard was Piper’s name before the world around me fell silent. Because all I could focus on was the blood Margot coughed up. The horrendous gurgling sound as I pressed my hand deep into the wound in her stomach.

  The only good part about all this was that there was no exit out of her back.

  “Margot, stay with me. Don’t—don’t close your eyes,” I said.

  But all she did was shiver. Cough. Splatter blood all over me as Rock yelled into his cell phone.

  “What’s going on? What the fuck is happening!?” Diesel yelled in my ear.

  “Margot’s been hit,” I whispered.

  And as I gathered her into my arms, her blood poured against my body.

  Blood that should’ve been pumping through her heart.

  24

  Margot

  I felt confident. On top of the world. Like I could do anything that was thrown at me. And after hearing Knox’s grievance, I was more determined than ever to make sure this all went off without a hitch. Clearing this warehouse with Bear behind me made me feel powerful, even though I trembled in my tennis shoes. I was worried about Sutton. About whether or not she was hurt. But I also knew she was being well taken care of.

  Especially since Piper was with her.

  All of us had our assigned duties, so we got to work. We navigated through the hallways, listening out for anyone that might still be moving around. I wouldn’t kill anyone. I’d already made that choice. But I didn’t have an issue with maiming them. Especially when it came to self-defense.

  I could go to sleep at night being okay with that.

  Bear and I got to the front of the warehouse without so much as a scratch. So, I figured we could go assist someone else. I didn't feel good about Rock going into the woods alone. Clearing the trees and creeping along in the shadows when there were way too many vantage points for these men who had ambushed us. I figured the least I could do was send Bear out there to help. Because I knew he wouldn't let me go into the woods. Not by a fucking longshot.

  So, I reached for the doorknob, tossing the front door open as Rock disappeared into the woods.

  “Maybe you can go help Rock while he’s—”

  “Margot, no!”

  The worry in Bear’s voice startled me. The roar of his voice jolted me. So much so that my back froze. I heard a gunshot go off and I went to duck, but not before I heard another one. And before I knew it, a searing pain ripped through my gut.

  Making me nauseous as I fell to my knees.

  Bear screamed something. I wasn’t sure what it was, because it felt like the entire world moved in slow motion. I knew there was a commotion around me. Because I heard the rushing of the footsteps. Panicked voices were far away as a pair of arms wrapped around me. A warmth settled over my stomach, something wetting my thighs. My hand fell against my stomach as I trembled, a cold sweat breaking out across my forehead.

  Something warm was leaking from me.

  What was it?

  “Margot, stay with me. Don’t—don’t close your eyes,” Bear said.

  He leaned me back and my eyes found his. I saw worry in them. His lower lip trembled. His hand moved out of my view before a pressure fell against my stomach, and it shot a blood-curdling pain throughout my body.

  My lips parted and I cried out. But then, I started coughing, feeling like I was drowning. Something came up the back of my throat and it tasted like metal.

  “Margot’s been hit,” Bear whispered.

  Hit? Did he mean...

  I’ve been shot.

  My arms and legs grew cold. I couldn't feel my fingertips and I couldn’t wiggle my toes. The professional part of my mind took over, walking me through what was happening. But it didn’t bring me any comfort.

  You’re going into shock. You’re losing too much blood. You have to keep your eyes open, Margot. Focus!

  “Stay with me, Margot. Okay? Don’t close those beautiful little eyes of yours,” Bear said.

  I moved my trembling hand over his on my stomach. I slid my fingers in between his. I parted my lips, trying to tell him. Trying to tell him how much I loved him. How much I adored him. How much I needed him in my life.

  But all that happened was another cough.

  And it covered Bear’s face in blood.

  “Rock!” he exclaimed.

  “I’ve got Piper on the phone. They’re turning around,” Rock said.

  “I—I lo—”

  “Shh, shh, shh, shh; conserve your energy, gorgeous. Okay? Conserve it,” Bear said.

  Then, the world fell silent.

  My eyes darted around as I shook in Bear’s lap. I couldn't hear anything. My vision started dimming. And try as I might have to keep my eyes open, it got harder and harder. My vision tunneled. Bear’s face grew darker in front of my eyes. Another searing pain worked its way through my system, and it caused me to cough.

  I struggled to breathe through the blood creeping up the back of my throat.

  “I love you,” Bear whispered.

  His lips pressed against my ear and I found the strength to nod. I found Diesel staring at me, my eyes focusing on him as blood trickled down the side of my mouth. I’d lost way too much blood. There was no way in hell I was making it out of this. My eyes closed as I listened to Bear beg me to keep them open.

  And as my body finally lifted itself from the ground, the world fell blank.

  “Margot, can you hear me? Let me know when you can hear me?”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Bear. Out. Now.”

  “Is she awake? Did you really do it!?”

  “Someone get him out of here.”

  “Margot! Margot, wake up! Wake up for me, baby!”

  “Come on, Bear. Out you go.”

  “Margot!”

  “When you can hear me, let me know. When you can hear me, let me know. When you can hear me, let me—”

  “Shut up,” I murmured.

  I heard Piper giggle as Bear’s voice faded into the background. My entire body ached. My throat was sore. My swallowed, trying to clear my throat, and it still tasted like ironed metal. Like fucking pennies had been shoved into my stomach.

  “Can you open your eyes for me?” Piper asked.

  “They hurt,” I croaked.

  “You have to open them up. Just once, okay? You know how this goes.”

  “Never been shot, so not really.”

  “Work with me here. Don't be one of those patients.”

  It took a lot of work to peel one eye open. It felt like I was fighting through wired stitches to get them to open up. But, when I did, I saw Piper smiling down at me.

  “Can you do the other one?” she asked.

  “Do I have to?” I asked, sighing.

  “It would be good if you did.”

  And with a roll of my eyes, I worked to open up the other one.

  “There’s a good girl. Now, can you follow my finger?” Piper asked.

  “Can I close them when you’re done?” I asked.

  She shot me a playful glare and I giggled, but it only caused me to cough. Which hurt like a bitch.

  “Holy fuck,” I groaned.

  “I’ll press your morphine button once you do these tests for me. Okay?” she asked.

  “Morphine? Wait a second, where am—”

  “I’ll answer questions once you do as I ask,” Piper said.

  “Fine. Fine,” I said, sighing.

  I followed all of her tests to the best of my ability. She tested my eye movement and the pressure I could put against her hands with my own. She tested my toes, making sure they had feeling and that I could move them. I bent my legs as far up as they could go before my gut started hurting again. Then, she had me sit up slowly so she could check for any signs of other traumatic injuries.

  And after clearing me for anything e
lse, I laid back down as she drew a chair up to my side.

  “You gave us all a scare there,” Piper said.

  “How in the hell am I alive right now?” I asked.

  “What? I’m a talented doctor.”

  “But I lost too much—”

  “Did you know you and Bear are the same blood type?”

  I paused. “You didn’t.”

  She shrugged. “He saved your life. I hooked up a rudimentary blood transfusion between him and you. Almost took him out, but in about a week he’ll be all right.”

  “He has to rest. Tell him he’s gotta—”

  “You worry about yourself and let me worry about him. Okay?” she asked.

  I sighed. “How much blood?”

  “Do you really want to know that?”

  “How much blood did he give me at once?”

  Piper paused. “Three pints.”

  “Shi—and he’s still standing?”

  “He’s stubborn.”

  “You shouldn't have let him do that,” I said.

  “The alternative was letting you die. And none of us were willing to let that happen.”

  “So, where are we?” I asked.

  “We brought you back to the house.”

  “Gonna have to be more specific than that.”

  “Rock and I’s place?”

  I paused. “After all this—after being sitting ducks and moving targets—you brought me back to your house?”

  “You’re not going to be satisfied with any of my answers, are you?”

  “I’ve already caused you guys enough trouble. That’s why,” I said, my voice finally clearing.

  “Well, it was the only place around us with a sterilized-enough area already set up to work on you. I had you under for almost five hours, trying to fix you up. The bullet splintered, and I had to chase down some parts through your body. That’s why you hurt in random areas right now. But you’ll be okay, and that’s the important part.”

  “I don’t want details, do I?”

  “Maybe save them for when you’re feeling stronger.”

  “Great,” I said, sighing.

  Piper took my hand. “I’m really glad you’re awake.”

  “Uh oh.”

  “What?”

  “I know that tone of voice.”

  “What tone of voice?”

  I swallowed hard. “I didn’t wake up after surgery, did I?”

  “Margot—”

  “Piper, cut the shit, okay? I’ve shot people in the legs. I took a bullet to the gut. I’m in love with my high school heartbreak all over again. Just tell me, all right?” I asked.

  She sighed, squeezing my hand. “You’ve been out for almost a week.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ve been fielding everything with the hospital regarding your residency. As far as they know, you’re doing some field work for me because you want to open your own in-home practice. Like I’ve got.”

  “If you keep lying for me, they’re going to find out,” I said.

  “Nah. I’ve gotten very good at this shit,” she said, giggling.

  I snickered. “Is Sutton okay?”

  “She’ll be fine.”

  “That doesn't answer my question. Is she okay?”

  Piper licked her lips. “I’ll let Bear fill you in on that. I’m not sure of the details, to be honest.”

  “Where is she?”

  “Margot, calm down?”

  “He has her, doesn't he? I thought we sent her off in the van!”

  “I’ll put you out if you don’t stop,” she said curtly.

  I sighed as tears rose to my eyes.

  “We really took some hits, didn’t we?” I asked.

  “That’s an understatement,” Piper said.

  “How’s Cage doing?”

  “As well as could be expected.”

  “So, he’s only burned down half the city trying to find her?

  The two of us laughed softly because we didn’t know what else to do. Holy shit, Sutton had still been taken.

  She must be petrified.

  “Can I see Bear?” I asked, allowing my eyes to fall closed.

  “Not with your eyes closed like that, no,” Piper said.

  I opened one eye and glared at her before she slid off the edge of the bed.

  “I’ll go get him,” she said, smiling.

  I closed my eyes and leaned back. I heard Piper retreat from the room before heavy footsteps sounded down the hallway. I knew the second Bear entered the room. I heard him panting, growling to himself. He flopped into the seat before he wrapped his massive hands around mine, bringing my knuckles to his lips.

  He kissed every single one of them as my eyes rested. Then, I opened them up to gaze upon his glorious features.

  “Hey there, big guy,” I said, smiling.

  “I’m so glad you’re awake,” he said breathlessly.

  He reached over and cupped my cheek as I slowly turned my head in his direction.

  “What happened with Sutton? What went wrong?” I asked.

  “We can talk about that—”

  “Now. We can talk about it now,” I said.

  He stroked his thumb along my cheek before he heaved a heavy sigh.

  “The vans were cut off as they tried to escape. Toxin and Ryker wanted to gun down the guys, but the women protested. Not in front of the kids, and all that. Sutton ended up giving herself over in exchange for the vans to pass through unharmed. So, right now, Lars has her,” he said.

  My lower lip quivered. “She must be terrified.”

  “We’ll find her, Margot. We’ll bring her home safely. All you need to do right now for me is rest. Okay? You can’t help her with a gunshot wound to your stomach.”

  “How’s Cage?”

  He shrugged. “Bounces between cursing up a storm and storming out of the house. We’ve all been here for the past few days, waiting for you to wake up.”

  “You’ve all been here. In this little house.”

  He nodded. “Sleeping on couches, air mattresses, and sleeping bags.”

  “But why?” I asked.

  He snickered. “You’re part of the family now, Margot. And that’s what family does.”

  I nuzzled into the palm of his hand as my eyes fell closed again.

  “I’m so sorry I got you into this mess,” he whispered.

  “Don’t be,” I said breathlessly.

  “I love you so much. I always have. And I never wished this kind of thing for you.”

  “I know. I know.”

  I turned my lips into his palm, kissing his skin.

  “But I love you too, Bear. And despite the pain I’m in right now, I wouldn't have it any other way. Not if it meant doing my life without you,” I said.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better.”

  “This isn’t your fault.”

  “I should’ve seen this coming. I—”

  “Bear, there’s only one thing I need you to do for me,” I said.

  I rose my eyes to meet his as his thumb traced over my lower lip.

  “Name it, gorgeous,” he murmured.

  “You promise me, no matter what, you’ll save Sutton and get her back,” I said.

  “Oh, you’ve got my promise on that.”

  Then, he slipped into bed with me, holding me as he pushed the morphine button. Holding me as I fell asleep against him.

  Holding me as he murmured how much he loved me against the shell of my ear.

  25

  Bear

  I kissed her forehead as she drifted off to sleep, settling against me. It killed me, seeing her like this. In a bed, recuperating from something that should have never happened to her. I should have taken that bullet, not her. I should have moved quickly enough to get in front of that barrel so she didn’t have to understand the pain and anguish that came with getting shot. It would be a scar that would haunt her for a while. Nightmares. Waking up in night sweats. All the things I experienced
after being shot for the first time.

  But I’d be there to walk her through it.

  “Knock, knock,” Piper said softly.

  I looked up and saw her coming into the room as the guys gathered out in the small hallway. Piper walked over to the bedside and began fiddling with things. Like the morphine drip and the I.V. bag and the catheter Margot had to be fitted with. She checked levels and took her pulse. Checked her pupils after she knew Margot had fallen completely asleep.

  Then, she also bent over and kissed Margot’s forehead.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to sign off on her residency after all she’s been through,” she said.

  “That gives me some peace. I know how much that means to her,” I said.

  “Did she tell you about any pains she was experiencing that I should know about?”

  I shook my head. “No, but I want to thank you. Without your help, we would’ve lost her.”

  “I’m not going to lie, we almost did anyway. Had it not been for the haphazard coincidence that you two share the same blood type, she wouldn’t have made it. You're the one who saved her life, Bear. I was just the assister.”

  “It takes a doctor to do what you did. To hook me up like you did. Thank you. For everything you done for me, for her, for us, and for this crew,” I said.

  She smiled softly. “We’re family. And family sticks together, no matter what.”

  I peeked out into the hallway and saw Diesel beckon for me. I sighed as I pressed my lips to Margot’s forehead one last time, then I slipped out of the bed. I left her in Piper’s capable hands, though my gut wanted to go hop back into bed with her. I didn’t want to leave her side. I didn’t want her to wake up without me there. I didn’t want her to think I had abandoned her to go do something “better,” or “more important.”

  Because there was nothing more important than the woman I loved.

  Then again, Margot wasn’t the only one that needed our help.

  “We all here?” Diesel asked.

  Every single one of us looked around the room as we gathered in Rock’s kitchen.

  “All right. Let’s close off this door so the kiddos don’t get in,” Diesel said.

  I reached back and slid the door closed, blocking us off from the rest of the house.