Page 118 of Jolt's Vengeance

The old sedan the club let me and Sienna use groans as I navigate through the late afternoon traffic, the steering wheel hot beneath my palms.

I can't help but smile despite how hot it is outside.

Today isn’t like every other day, it’s my birthday!

I’m officially nineteen years old today.

I’ve never really been one who’s been a fan of celebrating birthdays.

They never felt overly important, but something about this year makes me excited.

Maybe it’s because I’m in Nevada, starting my life, and I have an incredible man by my side.

"Any plans for tonight?" Sienna asks from the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the bustling streets outside.

"Plans?" I repeat, unsure what I should say. "Nah, I don't think so. It's just another Thursday, really."

My grip tightens on the steering wheel, feigning nonchalance.

I didn’t want to get my hopes up, that there would be some sort of party or something for me.

I really should’ve said if I wanted something done, honestly. It’s my own fault.

My birthday isn't something I've made a fuss about, not since I was little.

"Okay then, Miss Ordinary Day," Sienna teases, turning up the radio as a rock anthem blasts through the crackling speakers.

We both know it's more than that, but I appreciate her not pressing the issue.

With the wind whipping through our hair, I know the day is going to be amazing.

We pull into the clubhouse parking lot just as the sun starts to go down, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.

The usual line of motorcycles are sitting out front, telling me it’s a full house in the club tonight.

I park the car in its usual spot, the engine ticking as it cools.

This beast is an old gal, but she’s still kicking.

Sienna unbuckles her seatbelt and stretches in her seat. "Come on, let's grab some grub. I'm starving."

"Food sounds like heaven right now," I agree, my stomach growling in response.

We reach the clubhouse doors, and I push them open without hesitation, ready to stuff my bloody face!

Only, when I step inside, the sight that greets me snatches my breath away.

Banners drape from the ceiling, balloons bob against the walls, and the entire place is transformed with festive decorations.

A chorus of shouts erupts as the members of the club appear, grinning and cheering.

In disbelief, my hand goes to my mouth, my eyes darting around the room, taking in the faces of those who've become family in their own rough-and-tumble way.

Jolt's deep voice rumbles through the clubhouse as he strides toward me, his arms open wide. "Happy Birthday, Baby!"

Shock still paints my features, but I manage a laugh, throwing myself into his embrace, the warmth of his body grounding me in the surprise of the moment.

I can’t believe my eyes right now.

---