Page 6 of Tempest

I swallowed hard, her words hitting home. “How did you know it was right?”

Akira’s laugh was light, but her eyes held a depth of emotion. “I didn’t. I just knew I’d regret it forever if I didn’t try. Even if it meant defying my dad, and you know how scary he can be.”

I nodded slowly, letting her words sink in. The chaos in my mind began to settle, like dust after a storm. “Maybe… maybe you’re right.”

Akira’s eyes lit up. “Of course, I am. You’ve been pining for Tempest since you were sixteen, Kasen. It’s time to do something about it.”

My heart skipped. “But what if --”

“I told you. No what-ifs,” she cut me off, her tone firm but kind. “You’re stronger than you think. I’ve seen it.”

I took a deep breath, feeling a spark of resolve ignite in my chest. It was small, but it was there. “Okay. I’ll… I’ll talk to him.”

Akira grinned, triumphant. “That’s my girl.”

Suddenly, she leaned over and poked me in the ribs, making me yelp. “Life’s too short to be a chicken, Kase.”

I laughed despite myself, swatting her hand away. “Hey! I’m not a chicken, I’m… cautious.”

“Cautious, my ass.” Akira snorted, her eyes dancing with mischief. “You’re the daughter of Tank. The ex-Sergeant-at-Arms for the Dixie Reapers. Since when do you play it safe?”

I couldn’t help but smile, feeling the tension dissipate. “Fair point.”

“And as for your dad, he’s been through worse than watching his daughter fall in love.” Akira winked. “If my dad can come around and welcome Logan into the family, your dad shouldn’t have an issue with Tempest. As least he’s part of the club.”

I winced at the word “love,” my heart racing. “It’s not just that. You know how protective he is. If things go wrong with Tempest…”

“Then Tank will deal with it,” Akira said firmly. “Look, I know firsthand how the club works. Your happiness matters to your dad more than anything. Although, I’m sure he has an odd way of showing it sometimes. I think that just comes with being the daughter of a Reaper.”

I chewed my lip, considering her words. “How do I balance it, though? My needs and his?”

Akira leaned forward, her dark eyes intense. “You talk to him. Be honest. Tank’s not made of glass, Kasen. He can handle the truth, and he deserves to hear it from you.”

Her words hit home, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. “You’re right. God, when did you get so wise?”

She patted her belly with a wry smile. “Apparently, growing a human gives you superpowers. Who knew?”

We both laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet coffee shop. As our laughter faded, I reached out and squeezed Akira’s hand. “Thank you. For everything.”

She squeezed back, her smile warm. “Anytime, girl. Now go get your man.”

I glanced around. “We haven’t even ordered yet.”

She waved me off. “Go. I’ll order a smoothie or something and wait for Logan to get off work.”

As I stood and walked off, I felt a new determination coursing through me. The fear was still there, a quiet whisper in the back of my mind, but it no longer paralyzed me. I took a deep breath, tasting possibility on the air.

“I’m doing this,” I mumbled to myself.

The city blurred around me, the kaleidoscope of noise and color barely registering. My mind raced, replaying every moment with Tempest, every stolen glance, every time his presence had set my heart racing.

“Enough hiding,” I muttered.

A car horn blared, jerking me back to reality. I’d nearly stepped off the curb into traffic. Shaking my head, I forced myself to focus on my surroundings. The familiar streets of my hometown stretched before me. I got in my car and headed home, straight for the Dixie Reapers compound.

My phone buzzed. Dad’s face lit up the screen. I hesitated, then silenced it.Later, I promised silently.I’ll explain everything later.

The clubhouse loomed ahead, its weathered exterior as familiar to me as my own reflection. Music pulsed from inside. I paused at the edge of the parking lot, my heart thundering in my chest.

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