Page 5 of Cruise

In the interest of keeping her presence hidden, Cruise had driven them over on an ATV on trails through the compound. He’d pointed out the Bail Bonds gym run by Winnie, the garage for the Bail Bonds run by Jesse and the garage closer to the MC which Cruise was a part of running. He’d parked their ATV then they’d walked between some houses and by what appeared to be an orchard to come in the back of the clubhouse.

The smell wafting from the kitchen had Willa’s stomach growling.

Cruise laughed. “Don’t worry. You’ll never grow hungry here. In fact, I’ve had to add some extra miles to my workouts because of the food but it’s worth it.”

Regina was in the kitchen, pulling pans from the oven. “Good Morning! I hope you slept well, Willa, knowing you were safe. Food’s ready. We just need it on the table.”

“I did. I’m sure I was snoring within minutes.”

Cruise laughed, “Brave Heart, you don’t snore. You do cute little heavy breaths.”

Cruise grabbed hot pads and so did she to help carry food to the large table. Although the seating area was large, Willa marveled at the homey atmosphere. Each of these people had made her feel welcome from her first steps on the compound.

Once they were all settled and tucking into the food, Willa fought a moan at the taste of the French toast and crispy bacon. Neither she nor her dad had been great cooks. They’d survived on sandwiches, takeout and cereal. She’d be joining Cruise on his workouts because this food was something worth working out for. After almost everyone was finished, War stood.

“Everyone who wants to be involved in helping Willa with her problem, head to council.”

Willa watched as everyone headed in. Cruise grasped her hand, tugged her up and into his arms. “Let’s go, Brave Heart. Time to go on offense.”

Willa followed him into the room. She was still trying to put faces with names. Beth, Remi and Sarah were in the room along with Regina.

“Scoop, Sarah, which one of you want to update.”

Sarah nodded at Scoop. He popped up a map on a screen she hadn’t noticed in the corner.

“It seems captain followed you to our Texas Chapter but wasn’t able to get close. Bootstrap had suspected that would happen. He had two prospects hiding outside the compound. When your stalker fell asleep in his car, one of the prospects tagged his car with a tracker. His route indicates he’s headed here.”

“I don’t want…” Cruise squeezed her hand and shook his head.

“This is what we wanted. War and Remi knew when they had you stop in Texas he’d probably figure out where you were headed. He’s coming to our home turf and he won’t know what hit him.”

“Willa, Cruise is correct. We need him to come here so we can make sure he can’t bother you anymore. We have a couple plans depending on his approach. I think the best plan is to keep Willa hidden and safe. We’ll take him and then decide what we’ll do with him next.”

“We’ve also found some disturbing items that lead us to believe you weren’t the only woman he abused, Willa.”

Willa didn’t know if she should feel relief that she wasn’t the only one or guilt that she hadn’t done more. Cruise was nodding at War’s plan but Willa didn’t want to stay on the sidelines. Beth and Remi were looking at her. When War turned to ask Bear a question, Remi mouthedDo you want to help take him down?

Did she want to help take him down? He’d terrorized her that last month on base and especially those last four days. Whenever he’d been in her nightmares, she was always helpless. Maybehelping to take him down would exorcise those demons and give her peace, knowing he couldn’t hurt her anymore.

She had always considered herself strong until he’d ripped her power from her and made her feel helpless and small. The short time she’d been around Remi and her sisters, she’d realized they were fierce. She wanted to be fierce again.

She nodded her head at Remi. Beth smiled and shot her a thumbs up. Besides finding Cruise, she’d found women she knew could become good friends, something she had never had before.

“Okay, Scoop keep us updated. Warn us when he’s about two hours out. That should be plenty of time for us to get ready.”

As they all stood to leave, Remi tilted her head to follow them out of the room.

“Willa, I have a car that has to be done today. I hate to leave you so soon but you’re safe here.”

Willa loved that Cruise didn’t want to leave her alone after they’d found each other.

Before Willa could answer, Beth walked over and slid her arm through Willa’s.

“That is perfect timing Cruise, I need some help with some of the Christmas decorations. Would you like to hang out with me, Willa?”

Willa fought a smile. Cruise patted Beth’s shoulder, dropped a kiss on Willa’s lips and mumbled thanks to Beth as he walked out the door. Cruise never realized Beth might have an ulterior motive.

“Hey, all, I’m taking Willa with me to the snowplow barn to pull some decorations.”

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