Page 18 of Brooks

“Damn good shot, Dax!” I exclaimed, relief flooding through me as I registered my brother-in-arms at the doorway, pistol still smoking in his hand.

“Brooks, we gotta move,” Dax urged, concern etched on his face, as he kept watch for any other threats that might lurk nearby.

“Right,” I agreed, crossing the room to where Tina and Kennedy were tied up. My hands shook as I fumbled with the ropes, tears blurring my vision. “I’ve got you, baby. We’re gonna be okay.”

“Thank God,” Tina whispered, choking back sobs as I freed her from her bindings. She wrapped her arms around me, holding on tight as if I might disappear at any moment. I held her just as fiercely, my heart swelling with love and gratitude for this strong, incredible woman.

“Daddy!” Kennedy cried out, her bright blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears as I moved to untie her next. Relief washed over Tina’s face as she took our daughter into her arms, squeezing her close.

“Baby girl, you’re safe now,” she murmured, pressing soft kisses to the top of Kennedy’s head as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “We’re all safe now.”

I grabbed Kennedy in my arms and Dax took the frontline.

“Let’s get out of here,” I said, my voice rough with emotion as I turned to Dax. He nodded, his steely gaze scanning the perimeter one last time before signaling the all-clear.

“Lead the way, brother,” I replied as I took Tina’s hand.

As we made our way out of that nightmare, I knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. But as long as we had each other — my family and my brothers in the Red Devils — we could face whatever challenges life threw at us. Together.

The Red Devil’s clubhouse as we gathered to honor our fallen brothers. The weight of loss hung heavy in the air, a tangible reminder of the price.

“Damn it, Zane,” I whispered, my voice cracking as I stared at his empty chair, now draped with his kutte. He had fought like hell to protect Tina and Kennedy, but in the end, he’d paid the ultimate price. My heart ached for Tina—not only had she been through so much already, but now she had to face life without her brother.

“Brooks,” Dax said, clapping me on the shoulder. “We’re all feeling it, man. Let’s remember the good times, huh?”

I nodded, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill. Drawing a deep breath, I turned to address the room. “Zane was one hell of a rider. I remember when he first joined the club, barely old enough to ride. He challenged me to a race on his first day. Damn kid almost won, too.”

A murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd, soft smiles appearing on the faces of our brothers despite the pain we were all feeling. It was a welcome moment of levity amid the sorrow.

“Remember when Zane saved that stray dog?” one of the guys chimed in, shaking his head with a chuckle. “He insisted on bringing it back to the clubhouse, even though it had fleas. Named it Rascal, and it followed him everywhere.”

“Never thought I’d miss the sound of that damn dog barking,” another added.

“Zane always had our backs,” Dax spoke up, his eyes glistening as he shared his own memory.

I nodded, remembering how Zane’s fierce loyalty had been a driving force in our club. “And he loved his family more than anything,” I added, thinking of Tina and their strong bond as siblings. “He’d do anything for them.”

“Damn right,” Dax agreed, raising his beer in salute. “To Zane—brother, friend, and one hell of a Red Devil.”

“Here, here!” came the chorus of voices as we all raised our glasses, drinking deeply in memory of our fallen friend.

As the night wore on, we continued to share stories and memories of Zane and the others we’d lost. The pain of their absence would never fade completely, but together, we found solace in honoring their lives and the bonds that held us together as brothers.

“Zane would be proud of us,” I whispered to myself, staring up at the stars above. “We’ll keep fighting, brother. For you, and for our family.” And with that vow, I knew we’d find the strength to carry on, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

12

The warm glow of the living room fireplace beckons as I pull into the driveway, its familiar flicker a beacon of comfort after the terrifying series of events that unfolded. The cozy two-story house stands tall against the dark sky, a sanctuary for my family and me. Shadows dance along the walls, cast by the flames licking at the hearth, as the night’s chill lingers in the air outside.

“Alright, we’re home,” I say, my voice hoarse from the strain of the past few hours. I glance back at Tina and Kennedy, their faces pale and etched with fear. “Everything’s going to be okay now.”

I lead the way up the front steps, my boots heavy on the wooden planks. The door creaks open, revealing the familiar surroundings of our home. The large couch dominates the living room, inviting and plush, ready to envelop us in its comforting embrace. My family follows behind me, their footsteps hesitant and quiet.

“Go on, sit down,” I tell them, guiding Tina and Kennedy toward the couch. Their eyes dart around the room, scanning for any signs of danger, but all they find is the safety of our haven.

“Brooks,” Tina whispers, her fingers gripping my arm as if she’s afraid I’ll disappear. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.” Her gaze locks onto mine, and I see the love and gratitude shining through the remnants of terror.

“Family first,” I murmur, pulling her and Kennedy close. “Always.”

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