Page 13 of Jolt's Vengeance

But to my relief, I see the corner of Shiver's mouth twitch upward, just slightly.

It's not much, but it's something.

"You'll get your chance," he says, his voice still rough but with a hint of warmth creeping in. "Just make sure you're ready when it comes."

I nod, feeling a surge of determination. "Trust me," I say, meeting his gaze steadily. "I'll be ready."

The tension eases slightly, and I seize the moment to dig a little deeper.

Hawk's gruff voice cuts through my thoughts. "Gimme a beer, now."

It's not a request, and I don't treat it like one.

Without hesitation, I grab a cold bottle and pop the cap, sliding it across the polished wood.

As I do, I can't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

I know my place as a prospect, but sometimes the lack of basic courtesy grates on me.

Hawk takes a long pull from the bottle, then sets it down with a satisfied grunt.

His eyes flick between Shiver and me, and I can see the moment he decides to weigh in.

"Heard you boys talkin' about the Kodiak situation," he says, his voice low and gravelly. "Once we get a few more bodies, we'll be making some serious moves against those fuckers."

I nod, trying to keep my face neutral even as excitement bubbles up inside me.

This is what I've been waiting for—a chance to prove myself, to show the club what I'm made of.

But I can't let my eagerness show too much.

Shiver leans forward, his muscular forearms resting on the bar.

His eyes narrow as he glances at Hawk. "What about up north? Shit still goin' down in Montana?"

Hawk's face darkens, a storm brewing behind his eyes. He takes another swig of beer before answering, "Yeah, but not for long. Zane's about to fuckin' explode, and Boomer's club is gonna be on the receiving end of it."

The tension in the air thickens at the mention of Zane.

I've heard stories about his temper, and the thought of him losing it sends a chill down my spine.

Still, I can't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction.

Boomer's club has been a thorn in our side for too long.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I find myself asking, "What about Mexico? Things changing down there yet?"

Hawk's eyebrows furrow, and he shakes his head. "I honestly don't know shit about Mexico."

As I nod in response, my mind wanders to Sally Bernard.

That woman's always got an ace up her sleeve, and I can't help but wonder what she's planning next.

The news about Sera's inheritance of the casino shares is still fresh, and I know it's just another wedge between her and her mother.

Internally, I mull over everything.

Sera, with her slate gray eyes and that raven tattoo peeking out from under her designer clothes, now holds a significant piece of the Vegas pie.