Page 100 of Single Mom's Bikers

“Good job, baby.” I kiss her forehead. “Help your sister find her shoe?”

The morning routine flows like always—breakfast, backpacks, and last-minute homework checks. I walk them to the bus stop like I do every day, watching other parents gather with their children. Except now, Black Wolves follow behind us, a heightened security detail for my girls, and the other children of the MC.

I came to Wolf Pike looking for safety, but the dangers have followed me here. The threats to our peace and safety only make me more grateful for the family we’ve found. And more determined to protect it.

Three months ago, the brothers gave me a Harley for my birthday. Now, I can’t imagine starting my day without the wind in my hair and the rumble of the engine between my legs. The morning sickness eases somewhat when I ride, as if the baby already knows this is freedom.

When I arrive, the gallery’s parking lot is half-full. Skylar’s contract termination papers sit on my desk. She called last night about a family emergency back home. “I’ll finish the piece when things settle,” she said.

It happens often enough in the tattoo world—life sometimes gets in the way of art.

Chase is with a client in his private room, the familiar buzz of the tattoo machine oddly comforting. Rick stands at the front counter reviewing paperwork while Zane reorganizes displays.

I make it halfway to my desk before the nausea hits. I barely make it to the bathroom.

When I emerge, Zane’s waiting, concern etched on his face. “You okay, beautiful?”

“Fine.” I try to smile. “Just a stomach bug.”

“Evie.” He catches my arm gently. “With everything that’s happened—Draven’s kidnapping, you being so quiet lately…” He studies my face. “Is there something you need to tell us?”

My heart hammers against my ribs. “Actually…yes. But not now. Tonight? After closing?”

He nods slowly. “All of us?”

“All of you.”

The morning progresses with deceptive normalcy. I schedule appointments, handle paperwork, and try not to throw up every time someone walks past with coffee. That viral TikTok video plays on repeat in my mind—the video that has possibly destroyed this life I’ve built in Wolf Pike.

Just before lunch, after Mrs. Henderson leaves with her fresh butterfly tattoo, the bell above the door chimes.

“Welcome to Cross Brothers,” I say automatically, not looking up from the appointment book. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Hello, Elena.”

My world stops spinning.

Luca stands in the doorway, exactly as I remember him. Expensive Italian suit, Rolex glinting on his wrist, that cold smile that never quite reaches his eyes. Six months haven’t changed him at all.

“What’s wrong,querida?” He moves closer, each step measured and precise. “No kiss hello for your husband?”

Behind me, I hear Rick and Zane go still. The tattoo machine in Chase’s room stops buzzing.

“You need to leave.” My voice comes out stronger than I feel.

“Leave? When I’ve just found what’s mine?” His eyes take in everything—the gallery, the brothers now moving to flank me, my hand unconsciously covering my stomach. “Though I must admit, Elena, three men at once is ambitious even for you.”

“Get out.” Rick’s voice holds deadly promise.

“Now, now.” Luca adjusts his cuffs—a gesture I remember from a thousand threats. “Is that any way to speak to a man who’s come to collect his property?”

“Property?” Zane moves closer.

“My wife.” Luca’s smile widens. “My daughters. My money.”

The sound of motorcycles approaches outside, but these aren’t the familiar rumbles of Black Wolves bikes. Death’s Head is right on schedule.

“You have one chance,” Luca continues pleasantly. “Return what’s mine, and perhaps I don’t burn this piece of shit to the ground.”

---