Page 67 of Soul

“You don’t get to decide that.” I snarled as I considered their words. Was that the reason I was reluctant to declare? Naturally, my baby was my priority.

“Nah, you don’t, Warden,” Undertaker inserted, and I stared at him. Even my Veep was against me? Shit, I’d seriously misread the situation. I honestly believed in what I was saying. Bryony hadn’t been claimed and wasn’t wearing a cut. But Soul had a point. I had ridden for Iona, and she’d not worn my cut or been one of us at the time.

“Maybe we should end church until Dynamo and Soul are back. Then I’ll put the decision to call war to vote. Wisecrack, can you stay behind?” I think I needed to get my head straight.

Bryony

There was a knock, and I was surprised when a woman stood on the porch.

Cautiously, I opened the door and saw Dynamo. She winced when she saw my face and shoved her way in.

“Dynamo, sorry, I just—”

“Need peace and quiet. The problem is, you’re pressing charges against Mac, who is a president of an MC. His club won’t take that lying down. I am here to protect you,” Dynamo cut me off.

“I don’t need it. After today, I’m packing my shit and taking me and the kids somewhere safe. Far away from Camden and MCs,” I said.

“The Screaming Barons will chase you, Bryony. If you press charges, they’ll try to intimidate you. You need friends,” Dynamo explained.

“Friends that will abandon me? Where is your President, Dynamo? Where’s Soul?”

“Here. I’m here, and I’ll protect you,” Soul announced from behind Dynamo, and I jumped. I’d not heard his bike approach.

“You mean well, but I was nearly raped because of your club. I have to explain these marks to my kids, and I honestly do not want to be around you,” I said, but my voice wavered. I was tired, alone, and downright terrified. “Honestly, I’m unsure what to do,” I blurted out and began to cry.

“Soul!” Dynamo exclaimed, horrified. “I don’t do tears!”

“Good job I do, woman,” he replied and stepped into my house. He picked me up and carried me inside. I clung to him, and tears fell uncontrollably. Soul walked to my sofa and sat down with me on his lap.

“I’m so scared,” I wailed.

“Bryony, you’re entitled to be,” Dynamo said matter-of-factly.

“Call Slasher. I want him to heal her. She doesn’t need these reminders, and it will scare the kids,” Soul ordered Dynamo.

“He’s already coming. And I’ve sent Warden her pictures. Cipher broke into the system and got them,” Dynamo replied, and I began laughing even as I continued crying.

“Hacked in, just like that. Jesus, you make it seem an everyday occurrence.”

“For us, I suppose it is,” Dynamo mused. “I’ll make tea. That’s what normal people do, right?”

“Yeah,” Soul muttered.

Soul held me tightly as I tried to calm down. He rubbed my back and made soothing noises as he dropped featherlight kisses on my head.

“Bryony. Romeo can take this memory from you and remove the fear, embarrassment, and everything else. You’ll not know this happened once Slasher heals you.”

“No. Because if he ever approaches me again, I won’t recognise the danger,” I replied softly.

“Would you like the emotion removing?” Soul asked.

“No. Seriously, I don’t understand what to do. I feel so out of control and lost.”

“Not surprised, babe, just please don’t shut me out. Do not run from us. Let me help you,” Soul begged.

My eyes were closing, and I yawned. I buried my head in his shoulder as I settled on his lap. “I need time.”

“We’ve got all the time in the world,” Soul replied, and I embraced the encroaching sleep.

---