Page 37 of Shadow and Skulls

“Kelsie, take a deep breath,” my dad orders, looking over my shoulder at my mom.

Jackson whistles loudly, pulling everyone’s attention to him. “Black Rose Custom Bikes. Now. Roll in locked and loaded.”

My dad gives me a little shake before kissing me on the forehead. “Get inside with your mom. I’ll be back soon.”

He gently but firmly pushes me into my mom’s arms. She wraps herself around me, hurrying us toward the warehouse as bikes begin to pull onto the road behind us.

When I glance back, I notice one last biker who lingers by the gate. Our gazes lock briefly before my mom pulls me inside. As soon as she closes the door behind us, locking it, I rush upstairs to the window at the end of the hall. Tank waits until he’s sure we’ve made it safely inside. Then, he rolls out onto the road, following his club.

I back away from the window after he disappears.

Oh god. What if something’s happened to Charlotte. How will I live with myself?

“Hey,” Billie Rose says behind me. I turn to find her and her children. “It’s going to be okay.” She waves for me to follow her into the nursery.

“I think I’ll wait downstairs,” I tell her.

Aurelia tugs at her hand, ready to play.

“Momma’s coming,” she assures her. “The guys know what they’re doing. They’ll watch each other’s backs.”

“I know.” I offer her a smile.

As soon as she and her children disappear behind the door, I run down the stairs. Jesse has returned. She and my mom are speaking in hushed, worried tones by the back door.

I sit in the living room by the front door, tapping my foot as I wait for someone to tell me what’s going on. It seems like forever before Petey walks in with Charlotte in his arms.

Oh thank god.

I don’t get a chance to talk to her though, because Petey tells everyone he’s taking her down to their cabin. But at least I know she’s okay.

Soon after, club members begin trickling back to the warehouse. When Dirk and Jesse usher a battered Kat through the door, my hand flies to my mouth. She’s … oh god, she is hurt.

“Hey, it’s getting late, sweetheart. Why don’t you go upstairs? Jesse said you can stay in their room. They’re going to stay down at Petey’s tonight.”

My gaze follows the trio up the stairs as my brain begins to panic about the seriousness of the moment. Kat was hurt.

“Oh, okay. I just need … where’s Dad?”

Frantically, I pull away from her, searching for my dad amongst the crowd of bikers. He’s not here! A firm hand suddenly wraps around my bicep, tugging me to a stop.

My racing thoughts abruptly quiet and I still. Not because he’s physically holding me, but because of the intensity in his green eyes.

“Kelsie,” my mom pants, finally catching up to me. Tank continues to hold me by my arm. “Dad is okay, sweetie. He’s just taking care of some business. He’ll be here soon. There’s no need to worry.”

I tip my head back, staring up at Tank, searching for reassurance. I know he’ll tell me the truth.

“He’s making sure the cleanup crew doesn’t leave any fingers or toes behind.” He answers my question without me having to ask.

My mom blows out a short, unhappy breath. “Kelsie, go to bed. Dad is fine.” She brushes Tank’s hand off of my arm and gently nudges me toward the stairs.

Slowly, I back away from the two of them.

“Do you remember which room is Dirk and Jesse’s?” she asks, shoving a bag into my chest.

Tank’s gaze jerks toward the stairs, silently urging me to listen to her.

“Yeah. I’ll see you at breakfast,” I tell her, turning to leave.

---