Page 21 of Savage Angels

The cold metal of the gun pressed against my lower back is a constant reminder of the danger that seems to follow us like a shadow. I can feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as Salvatore and I face the leaders of the other MCs and mafia organizations.

“Listen …” my voice is low and dangerous, “… we aren’t here to play games or waste time. We’re here because we need your help, and we’re offering something in return.”

“Ha!” one of them, a burly, bald man with an unkempt beard, scoffs. “And why should we trust you? How do we know this ain’t just another attempt from you lot to expand your territory?” He’s one of Rattlesnake’s men.

“Because it isn’t about territories or power,” I spit, frustration boiling within me. “It’s about family, and right now, my wife is in danger. And I sure as hell won’t let some motherfucker lay their hands on her.”

“All right, Dane,” another leader, a tall woman with a snake tattoo winding around her neck, interjects skeptically. “But even if we believe you, what guarantees can you give us that working together won’t turn against us eventually?”

“Listen,” Salvatore chimes in, his dark eyes meeting hers. “Our families have always been about loyalty and honor. You help us find Kat, and you’ll have the Savage Angels MC and Abruzzi Crime Family by your side when needed. But if we find out any of you had a hand in taking her, there will be no place for you to hide.”

“Fine,” Kiyoko says. “But we still don’t see how this alliance benefits us.”

“Protection,” I counter, my gaze unwavering. “Mutual protection. In this fucked-up world we live in, it’s every man and woman for themselves. But with us, you’ll have a united front. We watch each other’s backs, and together, we’re untouchable.”

“Besides…” Salvatore adds, “… we’ve got resources and connections that can make all our lives easier. Weapons, information, safe havens… you name it.”

“All right,” Rattlesnake finally relents, still eyeing us warily. “We’ll help you find your wife, but if we even smell a hint of betrayal—”

“Then we’ll deal with it accordingly,” I assure him, my voice hard as steel. “But right now, let’s focus on finding Kat and bringing her home.”

The room is filled with nods of agreement and reluctant acceptance, but I know these small victories are enough. I need to find Kat and bring her back, no matter what it takes. And with the might of the Savage Angels MC and Abruzzi Crime Family behind me, I know I will not be fighting alone.

***

The room reeks of sweat, stale beer, and gunpowder—an intoxicating mix that embodies the very essence of our underground world. I stand beside Salvatore, our backs against a graffitied wall, observing the rough crowd before us. This is the last MC we are approaching tonight, and my gut twists in anticipation.

“All right, brother…” I say under my breath, “… let’s size ’em up. What do you think?”

Salvatore’s eyes scan the room, analyzing each tattooed face with expert precision. “Well, these guys are clearly fighters and no strangers to trouble, but they’re also survivors. They’ve got street smarts and know how to get shit done.”

“Agreed.” I nod, my gaze narrowing in on a scarred man with a silver nose ring. “But they lack discipline. They’re reckless and impulsive. We’ll need to keep a close eye on them if this alliance is going to work.”

“True,” Salvatore acknowledges, his tone calculating. “But if we are careful, their raw energy could be an asset. The key is to make sure they understand who’s in charge.”

“Damn straight.” I grin, clapping him on the shoulder. “All right, let’s show them what the Savage Angels and Abruzzi Crime Family are all about.”

As we stride across the room, the raucous laughter and chatter gradually die down, giving way to a watchful silence. Stepping into the center, I lock eyes with the scarred leader, extending my hand.

“Name’s Dane Reynolds, President of the Savage Angels MC,” I introduce myself, voice firm and steady. “This is Salvatore Agostino, Don of the Abruzzi Crime Family.”

“Jax,” the leader grunts, shaking my hand with a crushing grip. “So, what brings the infamous Dane Reynolds and Salvatore Agostino to our humble abode?”

“An alliance,” Salvatore replies, never one to mince words. “One that benefits us all.”

Jax eyes us warily, clearly weighing his options. “And how do you plan on making that happen?”

“Simple,” I say, leaning in close. “We combine our strengths, your ferociousness and street smarts with our discipline and connections. Together, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

“Besides…” Salvatore interjects, “… we’ve got each other’s backs. In this fucked-up world, loyalty is everything.”

A slow smile spreads across Jax’s scarred face, and he claps me on the back, his grip like iron. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Reynolds. Welcome to the family.”

As the room erupts into cheers and clinking beer bottles, I allow myself a moment of satisfaction, knowing we have just taken another step toward finding Kat and bringing her home. United, there is no enemy we cannot face and no challenge we will not overcome. And with my brothers by my side, I feel invincible.

“Here’s to new alliances,” I shout over the noise, raising my bottle high. “To loyalty, strength, and family!”

“Family!” the room roars back, our voices joined together in defiance and camaraderie.

---