Page 67 of Boulder's Weight

Python stands behind her, his expression unreadable.

"This complicates things," Razor says, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "We already have the situation with Andrés, and one with Sally to deal with."

"These are all separate issues," I interrupt, certain of this. "My brothers have nothing to do with your club problems. They’re just after me."

Amara nods slowly, accepting this assessment. "So the question comes up, what do we do with you?"

Before anyone can speak, Boulder steps forward. "She stays with me. In my room."

I look at him in surprise, caught off guard by the declaration.

Amara cocks a brow, frustration evident in her voice. "And what is she to you, prospect?"

Boulder doesn't hesitate. "She's mine."

The possessive claim sends a jolt through my entire body.

I stare at him, not sure I've heard correctly.

Python speaks up next, his tone serious. "You claiming her?"

"If that's what it takes to keep her safe, yes," Boulder says firmly. "No one touches her without going through me first."

The room falls silent again, everyone looking between Boulder and me.

I can feel the weight of what he's just done, even if I don't fully understand what it means.

Amara studies us both for a long moment, then nods once. "Your call, your responsibility. But if this brings heat down on the club?—"

"It won't," Boulder interrupts. "I'll handle it."

"You better," she warns, then gestures to the others. "Everyone out. We'll continue this discussion in the morning."

As the room empties, Boulder guides me toward a hallway, his hand still on my back like he's afraid I'll disappear if he lets go.

"What just happened?" I ask once we're alone in his room—a space I've been in before, but never like this.

"I claimed you," he says simply, dropping my backpack onto a chair. "Under club rules, that means you're under my protection. No one touches what's mine."

"And that's what I am now? Yours?" The question comes out sharper than I thought it would.

Boulder runs a hand through his hair, obviously frustrated. "It's just for show. Club politics. Temporary protection until we deal with your brothers, and whoever’s texting me."

I study his face, not sure I believe him.

Hell, I’m not sure I believe myself when I say, "So nothing changes between us?"

He steps closer, his green eyes intense. "Everything's changed, Montana. The moment you told me who you really are, everything changed."

"I didn't ask for this," I say, hating the tremor in my voice. "I didn't want to drag you into my mess."

"You think I don't know that?" He reaches out, his fingers grazing my cheek gently. "You've been carrying this alone for too long."

His words strike something deep inside me, touching a loneliness I've tried to ignore.

Since Sam helped me escape Bozeman, I've had no one—just myself and my fear and the constant terror that keeps me alive.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask, needing to understand.

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