Page 12 of Spike

Lost in my thoughts, I realized I hadn't said anything.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to space out. Your laugh just caught me off guard. It's... nice," I admitted with a sheepish smile.

He blushed a little, making him even more adorable.

"Thanks, I guess I have a weird laugh,” Gray said.

I shook my head, dismissing his concern.

"Nah, it's not weird. It's unique, and I like it,” I said.

4

GRAY

“This is a little painful to watch,” Nitro remarked.

Approaching the two bikers, I didn't know what to expect. My initial fear gradually morphed into a surprising sense of comfort, an unexpected feeling of being at home.

It was an odd realization; I never thought I'd associate such warmth with strangers I had just met.

Nitro placed his beer bottle on the bar and nudged Spike's shoulder. Their expressions shifted and they were no longer smiling.

I followed their gazes, only to find Jack and Clive strolling into the bar as if they believed they were the most intimidating beings around.

My good mood dissipated as I noticed the smug confidence on their faces.

However, their arrogance vanished when their eyes landed on me, seated with Nitro and Spike.

It seemed my newfound companions weren't the least bit intimidated by their arrival.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, my gaze pleading as I turned to Spike.

Shame flooded through me. How foolish was I to think that I could approach these grizzly shifters and expect them to... what? Save me?

It felt as though I was portraying myself as a helpless coward incapable of protecting himself.

The thought angered me, and a twinge of sadness accompanied it.

For five years, I had navigated the road alone without encountering such problems. But then again, it was my choice to reach out to Jack that night, wasn't it?

A moment of weakness I now completely regretted.

"You don't want that one, Spike. He's a runner," Jack's words cut through the air as he and Clive approached our little group.

My throat tightened, and it struck me that he had just referred to Spike by his name.

The atmosphere in the bar tensed up, and the customers fell into an uneasy silence.

I could practically feel the murderous auras emanating from Nitro and Spike, and Jack and Clive.

The four of them knew each other, and it was clear they weren't on friendly terms. What mess had I gotten myself into?

Taking a deep breath, I stepped between the two angry groups, my heart pounding in my chest. I directed my attention to Jack.

"Spike and Nitro aren't involved in this. Your problem is with me,” I said.

Jack shifted his piercing gaze from the seething Spike and Nitro to me, and a chill ran down my spine as his thoughtful eyes bore into mine.

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