Page 99 of Single Mom's Bikers

Rose goes completely still.

“Some heavy hitter from Sacramento. Italian mob connections. Serious pull with corrupt officials.”

Teller stays neutral. “What’s his interest in Wolf Pike?”

“Territory’s part of it,” Draven says, touching his bruised ribs. “But not the main goal. He’s hunting someone. Someone who took something valuable from him.”

Clay narrows his eyes. “And they talked freely around you?”

Draven lets out a humorless laugh. “They wanted to make a point. Show how connected they are. That FBI investigations disappear. Agents go missing… One guy—older, expensive suit—he takes calls in Italian. Professional hitman, I’d guess. Talks about family honor. About making examples.”

Teller’s voice is sharp. “Details. Names.”

“Carlo handles West Coast distribution. Marco runs enforcement. But Delgado…” Draven exhales. “He’s obsessed with finding her.”

Rick’s jaw tightens. “Her?”

Draven’s eyes lock onto Rose. “His wife. Elena. The one who stole his money.”

Silence falls, heavy as a storm rolling in.

“They mentioned other things,” Draven adds. “Federal agents helping her escape. How betrayal deserves special punishment.”

“And they think she’s here? In Wolf Pike?” Teller asks.

Draven nods. “They’re certain.”

“How much?” Clay asks quietly. “The money she took?”

Draven shakes his head. “Millions.”

I glance at my brothers, seeing the same suspicion I feel reflected on their faces. This just went from bad to worse.

Teller’s gaze is still locked on Rose. “That all?”

“No.” Draven takes a breath, wincing.

“Yeah?” I ask.

His voice is quiet but razor-sharp. “They’re watching the schools.”

Rage boils in my blood. Those bastards are watching children.

This just got personal.

38

EVIE

“I’ll tell them everything tonight.”I practice the words in my bathroom mirror, one hand resting on my still-flat stomach. The test showed positive six weeks ago, but morning sickness is getting harder to hide. “About the money, the running, the baby…”

My reflection offers no answers. Down the hall, I hear my girls getting ready for school, their voices carrying the normal morning chaos I’ve grown to love. They don’t know about the dangers that lurk outside our newfound home.

“Mama!” Violet’s shout breaks through my thoughts. “Can’t find my other shoe!”

“Check under your bed,” I call back. “Where you always kick it off!”

Daisy appears in the doorway, already dressed in her uniform and with her hair neatly braided. “I packed my fruits,” she announces proudly. At six, she’s becoming so independent it makes my heart ache.

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