Page 48 of Savage Angels

“Jesus, Dirt! What the hell happened?”

I shrug, trying to play it off like it is not a big deal. “Took a hit for Dane. Part of the job, you know?”

“Part of the job? You could have been killed!” Lore’s voice trembles, and I can see the fear in her eyes.

“Hey, hey,” I soothe, cupping her face in my hands. “I’m here, aren’t I? Still breathing, still standing. That’s what matters.”

But she does not look convinced. And I know there is no easy way to tell her that this is par for the course in my world, but it is a world I’d gladly leave behind if it means keeping her by my side.

Lore climbs out of my arms and backs away from me. I can see the wheels turning in her head. She’s trying to make sense of it all, but I need her to know I am still here for her.

“Hey, babe,” I say, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “Look, my sergeant-at-arms patch is gone.” I point to the spot on my cut where the patch used to be. “I’m still in the club, but I’m not calling the shots anymore.” I shrug. “I’m only a soldier now, one of many.” Taking a step toward her, I continue, “If you’ll have me, I’d like to stay. With you.”

Her eyes search mine as if she is weighing the odds. I have to make sure she knows how much she means to me.

“Lore, I love you. Hell, I even love your grumpy-ass cat, Cosmo.” A smile tugs at her lips, and I know I’ve got her. “You mean everything to me. I’d give up anything for you. You gotta know that.”

Laughter bubbles up from her throat, and it’s like music to my ears. “Dirt, you always knew how to make me laugh.” Her gaze softens, and I can feel the tension ebbing away between us. She grabs a dishcloth from behind the bar and tosses it my way. “You remember how to clean a glass and serve a beer, right?”

“Like ridin’ a bike, babe.” I grin, catching the cloth with ease.

My heart swells as I step behind the bar, ready to do whatever it takes to keep this woman in my life. The future doesn’t look so dark anymore, and I know we will face it together.

I am all smiles as I stride behind the bar, feeling like I’ve been handed a second chance at life. The clink of glasses and Lore’s laughter fill the air, mixing with the hum of conversation from our customers. It is a symphony that speaks to my soul, letting me know I’m right where I belong.

“Hey Dirt, grab me another round, will ya?” a familiar voice calls out from the end of the bar. I nod, my fingers dancing over the taps with practiced ease, pouring the perfect pint for an old friend.

“Comin’ right up, brother,” I say, sliding the frosty glass down to him. He raises it in salute, and I cannot help but return the gesture. It might not be the same as riding side by side, but this camaraderie still means something to me.

As the night wears on, I watch Lore work her magic with the patrons, her smile brightening the room like a damn sunbeam. My heart swells with love for this woman, who has made every sacrifice worth it.

“Ready to call it a night, babe?” she asks, leaning against the bar, sweat glistening on her forehead.

“Whenever you are,” I reply, wiping down the last of the sticky countertops. We lock up together, and as we head toward her office, I know it’s time to leave one part of my life behind.

My cut feels heavy in my hands, the weight of all those years pressing down on me. But I am not looking back now. I hang it up in her office, my eyes lingering on the empty space where my sergeant-at-arms patch used to be. A symbol of the man I was and the man I am going to be.

“Ready?” Lore asks, her hand reaching out to me. I take it without hesitation, our fingers entwining like the roots of a tree, strong and unbreakable.

“Ready for anything, babe,” I say, my voice steady with conviction. We step out into the cool night air, the moon casting a silver glow over the quiet streets of Willowbank Falls. The future stretches before us like an open road, filled with possibilities and promise of brighter days.

And as we walk away from Rock Anthem Ale House, arms wrapped around each other, and I lead her to my Harley, I know deep in my bones that together, we can conquer whatever life throws our way.

Chapter Seventeen

Dane

The streets of Tourmaline are quiet this early in the morning. I am making my way to Betty’s Café for breakfast, the sun beating down on my back. Life is good. The club is doing well, and Kat is at home with our children. Motherhood suits her. I’m lost in my thoughts when a shot rings out, and the world around me shatters.

“Shit!” I yell, hitting the pavement behind a parked car. Glass from Betty’s Café showers down like deadly rain, and my heart races like a damn jackhammer. This is not supposed to happen here, not in our town.

Screams sound from inside the café and cut through the air like a hot knife. I peer over the hood of the car, trying to make sense of what the fuck just happened.

“Prez!” I hear Kade yell as he and other MC members come running toward me. “You okay?”

“Fine,” I grunt, my eyes locked on the busted window of Betty’s Café. More shots slam into the building, sending dust and debris flying. Whoever is behind this is sending a clear message—they want me fucking dead, and they do not care who gets caught in the crossfire.

“Stay down, Prez!” Kade shouts.

---