Page 31 of The Vipers' Vow

A couple of bikers are hanging out front, and I recognize one of them as my father’s Sergeant at Arms, Big Mike. He’s named for obvious reasons. His size means he’d give Zane a run for his money. I sense Zane’s muscles tighten behind me.

I remember when I first arrived at the school, my father had warned Zane off and Zane, being Zane, had simply winked at him, so my father had sent Big Mike into the college side entrance. I knew then that Big Mike would do my father’s bidding. Clearly, it didn’t work. I wonder if there will be trouble now.

We both climb off the bike and remove our helmets.

Big Mike narrows his eyes in our direction. I thought he might welcome me home, but he focuses straight on Zane.

“I recognize you. You’re the big bastard I warned off Vani on her first day at the university.”

Mike has gone into protective mode. His jaw ticks, and a muscle beneath his eye flickers.

Zane lifts his chin and nods.

Not long ago, I’d have agreed with him that maybe I need protecting against Zane, but ever since that moment on the roof, where he pulled me to safety in his arms, things have shifted.

Zane held me, and I felt the emotion in him, and despite the games we all play, I truly think Zane would put his life on the line for me. I’m not sure what the hell it is we’re all feeling for one another, but the silent giant would risk his own safety to protect me.

Maybe even his own life.

Plus, we now all have a common enemy, it seems. Or even two. Whoever really harmed Reagan, and Olsen because he’s lying about my mom. I know it bone deep. I’ve let my head get all twisted around due to the absolute crazy mess I’ve endured these past few weeks.

I feel guilty because I let Jarl plant tiny doubts in my mind about Mom, but the minute I stepped foot back here on our land, I could feel her all around, and I recall her words.He did things to me...

Maybe some of what Jarl said is true and Mom drank too much back then, but I know one thing. She’s not a liar. If she says Jarl hurt her, then he hurt her, and that means he’s my enemy as much as he is the Vipers’.

I silently swear to her spirit that I’ll make sure to always remember that. No matter what I find out about her, Mom was hurt by that man, and he deserves to pay for it.

It means that even beyond my growing feelings for Zane, we have something in common.

Nothing binds people more than a mutual enemy.

“Good to see you too, Big Mike,” I sing out, trying to keep my voice calm.

He frowns. “What are you doing back here, Ivani? Your dad’s not going to be happy to see you here with an outsider.”

I find myself standing protectively in front of Zane, even though he’s a good foot taller than me and has ten times the muscle.

“This is Zane, and he’s not an outsider. He’s a friend.”

“He’s the asshole who thought it was okay to wink at your dad.”

I bite back my smile. Yeah, Zane had definitely gotten my attention that day. Seems he’d gotten the attention of my dad and the club, too, beyond what I had realized at the time, which isn’t a good thing. They still remember him and seem like they haven’t forgiven him for being cheeky to my dad.

I glance over my shoulder at him. His expression is completely unreadable, and he stands, motionless like stone.

“Zane can’t speak, Mike. He has damage to his vocal cords, so he can only communicate by writing things down, or using sign language or gestures. I’m sure he thought he was being welcoming by winking. It wouldn’t have been meant as an insult.”

I’m lying through my back teeth because I’m quite sure an insult is exactly how Zane meant it

“Remember what I told you that day?” Big Mike addresses Zane.

Zane uses his phone. He doesn’t seem in the slightest bit concerned about being surrounded by tough guys in cuts. I glance at the phone, just able to see the message before he holds it up for Mike.

Touch her and die,he writes.

Well, crap. I hope being with me hasn’t signed his death warrant.

“Did any part of you think I was messing around, boy?”

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