Page 2 of Savage Angels

“Sorry, Sal, and thank you.” I nod, letting out a heavy sigh. At least Kat is safe. That’s something.

Ending the call, I fall back on the bed and rub my throbbing temples. My world is spinning out of control, but one thing remains constant—my burning need to protect those I love.

“Whatever it takes,” I vow to myself, my determination hardening. “No matter the cost.”

***

I can’t shake the nagging feeling that something is off.

My gut churns with worry as I pace the clubhouse, my boots thudding heavily against the worn wooden floor. Kat’s silence gnaws at me, eating away my resolve like a persistent parasite.

“Fuck this,” I mutter, pulling out my phone again. No new messages, no missed calls—nothing. My frustration peaks, and I slam my fist into the nearest wall, the sharp pain momentarily distracting me from the relentless uncertainty.

“Prez, you all right?” Dirt appears in the doorway, his face creased with concern. He stands tall despite the ache in his shoulder. His loyalty to the club is unwavering, even in the face of his pain.

“Still can’t get a hold of Kat,” I spit, shoving my phone back into my pocket. “Somethin’ ain’t right.”

“Maybe she’s just busy, Dane,” suggests Jonas, trying to ease my mind.

But I know better. Kat always makes time for our calls, no matter how hectic her schedule gets.

“Judge, Bear, Jonas, get your asses in here,” I bark as I stalk into the chapel, our meeting room, with Dirt following close behind.

I’m unwilling to waste any more time. The men hurry in, their expressions a mix of attentiveness and apprehension.

“Prez?” Judge asks, his wiry frame is tense and ready for action.

“Have you heard from Jasmin?” Judge shakes his head. “Find out anything you can about their whereabouts. I don’t care if you have to scour the goddamn island. We need eyes on her,” I order, my voice steely with determination. “I mean all of them.”

“Already on it, Prez,” Bear replies, his newly slimmed-down figure betraying none of the exhaustion I know he must feel. “I’ve got contacts working on the ground in Hawaii. They’ll keep us in the loop.”

“Good.” I nod, trying to rein in my growing unease. “I need to know she’s safe.”

“Hey,” Jonas lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We’ll find her and the others. We’re all worried.”

“Thanks, brother,” I murmur, clapping him on the back before turning away.

My heart races with fear and anticipation as if preparing for an unknown battle.

My brothers disperse to carry out their tasks while I focus on quelling the rising tide of panic within me. Kat is the rock that holds me steady in turbulent waters. Without her, I feel adrift in a storm I can’t see or understand. But I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to her or the kids.

“Come hell or high water,” I whisper, my voice barely audible in the now-empty room. “I’ll keep you safe, Kat. Always.” And with that promise hanging heavy in the air, I begin the agonizing wait for news.

***

My boots tap out a staccato rhythm on the chapel floor, a relentless march echoing my mounting frustration. I can’t shake the feeling something is off, that Kat and the kids are in danger. It gnaws at me.

“Fuck this.” I halt my pacing as a decision takes root in my mind.

Salvatore isn’t taking my calls, and Kat or my sister, Emily, haven’t called me back. If no one can find them, then I’ll go to Hawaii myself and tear the whole goddamn island apart until I have them safe in my arms.

“Prez?” Dirt’s voice cracks through my thoughts. “Any news?”

“Nothing yet,” I growl, slamming my fist onto the desk. “But I can’t just sit here waiting for shit to happen. I’m going to Hawaii.”

“Are you sure?” Dirt asks, concern lacing his words. “Sal says they’re okay at a safe house and we’ve got our guys searching all over the island. They’ll find her, Dane.”

“I know,” I concede, rubbing my forehead. “But I’d feel better if I heard her voice and… I need to be there. I can’t do fuck-all from here.”

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