Page 50 of Lamb

May the best man win.

“Do you have to rile her up like that?” Wolf growled as I stepped past his bulking body and into the hallway.

I didn’t have to look to know her eyes were still locked in my direction. It was rare that the clubroom was ever completely empty, but I guessed it had been lucky for today. No one would die in the crossfire of the war I had started.

“Wouldn’t have to if you’d sort her out yourself.” I shrugged, heading into the office and dropping into my staple chair, opposite the desk. “Not sure what’s up, but something needs exorcized out of her.”

I looked back up to where Wolf lingered in the office doorway, his head peeking out just enough to see his woman. “I’ve tried.” Wolf sighed, retreating into his office.

“Not ex-ER-cise,” I stressed. “Ex-OR-cise. That woman’s got demons inside.”

“I know what you meant,” Wolf grunted into his chair, the arm jostling under the pressure of his meaty forearms as his hands wrapped tightly around them. “If I take her to a church now, I fear she’d combust into flames or set the place alight herself.”

“She’d laugh while doing it, too,” I added, picturing the scene in my head. Mallory, another old lady in the club, would murder us if we let Anna ruin her late father’s church. However, there was little anyone could “let”Anna do. If she wanted to, she would. There would be no stopping her.

“We’re getting off topic,” Wolf countered, shaking his head, trying to dislodge the worries about his woman’s fearsome attitude. “I need you to do something for me.”

“You’ve got a woman for that type of thing, boss.” I raised my palms, backing deeper into my chair. I watched the impatience flush over his face, a sickly sweet amusement teasing my lips. “But, if youreally, reallyneed it, then I guess I’l—”

“Finish that sentence, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull,” Wolf cut me off. His voice was as dry and hard as the desert, and I could hear the tumbleweeds bouncing through the resounding silence.

“Well, there’s no need to be defensive.” I lowered my hands, easing away from the big bad wolf as I successfully managed to get the top couple of the club ready to kill me. Maybe they’d make my murder a date night and fuck on top of my grave. A little disrespectful, but I got it.

“I need you to head over to Redwood. There’s a meet happening over there, but I got somewhere else to be.”

“You’re going alone?” I crooked a brow at him, surprise lacing through my voice.

Wolf didn’t comment, his eyes just hardened on my face, lips pressed into a tight white line.

Understanding dawned on me. “Must be important”—I smirked—“to make you smile all pretty like that.” I waved a hand at his face and watched as his features darkened.

“Don’t fuck around, and don’t wait too long. Get the information and head back.” Wolf leaned back in his chair, reaching inside a drawer before pulling out the silver handgun. “Go armed.”

He slid the gun along the table toward me, and I gave it a short once-over before picking it up and sliding it into the waistband of my jeans. I draped my cut over my back, keeping the weapon covered as I rose to stand.

Wolf mimicked my movement, his height towering far over mine.

“Pretty Boy is waiting outside. He’ll go with you.”

“A child.” I smiled, Ash’s sarcasm creeping into my voice. “Delightful.”

I moved over to the door, swinging it open and feeling the dense warmth of the clubroom wash across my face.

“Lamb,” Wolf stopped me in the doorway. “Be careful.”

I stared at the big sensitive giant, my eyes roaming the tired, hollowed face that had darkened over the last few months. He’d grown wearier, his beard more salt than pepper, and his body leaner than I’d ever seen.

A lot had been going on recently, and it was taking a toll on the older man. Even if we weren’t apart much by age, in terms of experience, Wolf had lived a thousand more lifetimes than I ever had. Or ever would.

“Yes, boss,” I said, heading out the door, the gun now heavier than ever in the back of my jeans.

I passed by Anna, still blazing with anger, locked at the bar, but felt the way the fire scorch along my back as I walked through the empty clubroom and out into the cool, bitter winds of the car park.

“Hey!” Pretty called out. “I was just beginning to forget your face.” He smirked, leaning back against his bike, parked right next to mine.

“How’s middle school?” I quipped back, walking over to him. “Didn’t get detention today?”

“I’m at college,” Pretty grumbled, swinging his leg over the side, pulling free his helmet. “I’m not twelve.”

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