Page 1 of Siren's Salvation

PROLOGUE

Shiver

Seven Years Ago…

The rain hammers against the tin roof of the Shotgun Saints clubhouse, each drop like a miniature explosion in the agonizing Texas heat.

I'm sprawled on the worn leather couch, flipping through an ancient copy of Easy Rider, when I hear it—a muffled sob cutting through the thunderous downpour.

"What the fuck?" I mutter, tossing the magazine aside and sitting up straight.

The crying grows louder, unmistakably female.

My stomach clenches as I recognize the voice.

It’s Grace.

I'm on my feet in an instant, my boots pounding across the wooden floor as I rush toward the sound.

The clubhouse feels cavernous and empty tonight, with most of the boys out on a run.

But that crying, Christ, it's tearing me apart.

"Grace?" I call out, my voice echoing off the walls adorned with patches and faded photographs. "You okay, kiddo?"

No answer, just another heart-wrenching sob.

I pick up my pace, my mind racing through possibilities.

Did she have a fight with one of her dipshit high school boyfriends?

Is she hurt?

The protective big brother instinct kicks into overdrive, my fists clenching at my sides.

I round the corner into the main room and freeze.

The sight before me is like a sucker punch to the gut.

Grace is huddled in the corner, her knees drawn up to her chest.

Her mascara-streaked face is a mask of fear and pain.

My little sister, barely eighteen, looking so small and broken.

And looming over her, a hulking silhouette backlit by a flash of lightning, is the VP of the club, Bronco.

I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "What the fuck is going on here?"

Bronco turns, and I catch the glint of satisfaction in his eyes before he schools his features into mock concern. "Just checkin' on the little lady," he drawls. "Heard her cryin' and wanted to make sure she was okay."

I don't buy it for a second.

Every instinct I have is screaming that something is very, very wrong.

I take a step closer, my eyes never leaving Bronco's face. "That right, Grace? Everything okay?"

Grace looks up at me, her blue eyes wide and brimming with tears.

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