Page 98 of Whispers of Fire

She is.

I know my brothers are gonna hunt me as soon as I step out of here, but what’s the point of life if you don’t fight for what’s worth livin’?

I'm already a dead man as I'm heading toward the parking lot, each step sending me farther from my prez’s orders. I'd rather die knowing I gave her all of me. Knowing she’ll finally be free.

But somethin’s off.

No one stops me on my way out, although my brothers’ gazes weigh heavy on me as I walk past them playing cards, cleaning weapons and working on their bikes.

Fuck, do they know where I'm heading?

Why is no one stopping me?

Shadow’s waiting for me outside, a smoke in his hand.

We exchange one look. One that says it all.

I nod to him slightly, thanking him for his help, knowing full well that he'll have to pay the price of lettin’ me go, and I fuckin' hope Ares will go easy on him. I’m glad Ares’ is out on a warehouse visit this morning.

As the sun continues to rise over Knoxville, I straddle my black Harley, feelin’ its power thrum beneath me. I give the warehouse one last look, clenchin’ my jaw at the thought that it's perhaps my last moment as vice-president of the Raven Sons.

My brothers, my family.

The streets are quiet, but my mind’s buzzin’ with urgency as I set off towards the Chapel, Rose's safety driving me forward.

I’m comin’, Angel.

Twenty minutes feels like an eternity as I race against time. Then the Chapel looms ahead, so many fuckin’ cars parked in front of it. With each passin’ moment, the weight of my betrayal grows heavier on my shoulders, but I push it aside, focusin’ on my only goal.

Saving my girl.

As I remove my helmet, my bike parked in front of the two large brown doors, a thunderous roar shatters behind me. I whip my head around just in time to see the club's black van hurtling towards me. Adrenaline surges through my veins as I leap into action. There's no time to waste—I dismount my bike, headin’ straight to the door, takin’ my Glock from the holster inside my jacket.

With a quick glance at the approachin’ van, I freeze. The door opens, Shadow jumping out of it, Carter behind the wheel.

The fuck?

“Told ya I'd help ya, brother. Don't fuckin’ think we were gonna let ya down,” Shadow shouts.

They came to help me.

Shadow and Carter. They knew the stakes and still they came.

I have no fuckin' word for how grateful I am.

“Don't, guys, Ares won't fuckin' forgive ya. You'll be like me. Traitors,” I say, shaking my head with my gun in my hand.

Shadows takes a glance at Carter, both of them exchangin’ a nod.

“Yeah, well, I hope your girl’s worth it cause we are in deep shit here.” He grins.

“Shadow, I can't accept–” I raise my palm to him cause, shit, I don’t want him to lose everythin’ cause of me.

But he cuts me off, walking toward the step leadin’ to the door, standin’ beside by me, his Glock in his hand.

“We’re brothers, Vox. Brothers have each other's back.” His tone is low and serious, his hand restin’ on my shoulder.

Damn it.