Page 123 of Outcast

The sun was peeking over the top of the compound as we pulled up. Soft peach and gold lighting up the sky. Rows of bikes were also parked exactly like before. Except now, there weren't near as many.

Because of death. Because of betrayal.

Matías parked us right in the center. As if they realized we were coming, the guys had left a path right up the middle.

"You ready to get this over with?" Matías glanced at me.

Esteban cupped both of my shoulders from behind, giving me a gentle squeeze.

"You got this, baby."

"You're right. We do." I touched Esteban's hand, gave Matías a small smile, then got out of the SUV. "We're going to have to do something about my car, Esteban," I said under my breath as we waited for Andre to join us.

He and a few of his men had accompanied him.

"Why?" He glanced at me with a divet between his brows.

"Because it's only a two seater. There are three of us."

He shook his head and chuckled. "I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but you're saying the most random things."

I shrugged. We could always take one of our SUVs, but I was desperately thinking of anything other than facing the others.

"You ready?" Andre adjusted the cuffs of his suit as he walked up. He’d followed behind us in his own protected SUV. Leave it to him to dress up to come to a biker compound.

No, but also more ready than I'd ever been in my life. "Let's go."

Matías took one side and Esteban took the other as we led the way into the compound.

There was no music to disrupt the somber mood. Three-quarters of the Dirty Dogs congregated in the open space. Some had pulled out chairs. Some were standing defensively with their arms crossed, and some were sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall.

Everyone seemed shattered.

More even than whenPapáhad died.

"Rita." Ricco came up, scrubbing his face. He eyed Andre with a heavy dose of suspicion, but he didn't comment on his attendance. "What are we doing with Joel and Dag?"

"That's what Andre is here for. He's turning Joel and Dag over to his contacts."

Ricco blinked and some of the men closest to us leaned in to hear what I was saying. No need. I'd project the message for them.

"Dirty Dogs!" I had everyone's attention as they stood and moved closer. Esteban and Matías pushed closer to my back. "Let's never repeat last night again."

Some barked out a laugh as others smiled. Most understood it for what it was. Dark humor because that was the only way to deal with this shit hand.

"I won't force you to listen to my speech twice. But I'll ask. Is there anyone here who feels the Dirty Dogs is not your home anymore?" No one raised their hand. "Is there anyone who won't follow my lead?" Still silence. I took a deep breath. This should have been eradicated last night, but I had to ask. "Is there anyone here who will not followmyrules?"

"What are your rules, Rita?" Someone in the back called out. I didn't recognize the voice and I couldn't see theperson. It didn't matter. I'd answer it. They deserved to know.

"My rules are that if you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't cause dissent. Don't kill your brothers, and don't start wars on behalf of the gang and for the gang without our entire buy-in. It's that simple."

"Good enough for me," he called back.

"Why is he here?" Jonny nodded at Andre. There wasn't an accusation there, but it was close. "I'll follow you without a doubt, but I won't be part of Carnage Industries. We'd be footboys at best."

"We now have an alliance with Carnage Industries. It was unofficial before, and last night we made it official." Some alarming expressions moved over their faces. "The only thing this means is that if we're under attack, they'll provide support, and vice versa. We already do that."

Most of the guys relaxed. Except for Jonny. "Why is he here now?"

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