Page 104 of Baby for the Bikers

“Been here all along,” Rose replies coolly. “You’re just not as good as you think you are.”

“How’d you find us?” Cypher demands, still focused on Rowan.

“We’ve been tracking you for weeks,” I explain, keeping Penny safely behind me. “Since Matthews warned us you were coming.”

“But Emma?—”

“Was never in danger,” Rose finishes. “She’s been under our protection since your men showed up on her campus. Yourphone call to Rowan was just what we needed to bring you into the open.”

Cypher’s face contorts with rage and disbelief. “You set me up. My own daughter set me up.”

“No, Dad.” Rowan steps forward, standing tall despite the blood and dirt covering her. “You set yourself up the moment you tried to own me.”

Several black SUVs pull into the lot. Cerberus, right on schedule. Matthews steps from the lead vehicle, surveying the scene with clinical detachment.

“Cypher.” He nods like they’re meeting for coffee. “Been looking for you.”

“Fuck you,” Cypher spits, but his defeat is evident in the slump of his shoulders.

Cerberus agents surround him, taking his weapon and securing his hands behind his back. Throughout it all, his eyes never leave Rowan.

“You think you’re free now?” he calls to her as they lead him away. “You’ll never be free of what you are. What I made you.”

Rowan straightens, squaring her shoulders. “You’re right. I am what you made me,” she agrees. “Strong enough to walk away. Smart enough to find something better. And ruthless enough to put you down when you threaten what’s mine, you psychopath!”

Pride swells in my chest at her words.

Matthews approaches us as the Cerberus agents secure the remaining Vipers. “You boys know how to throw a party,” hecomments dryly. “Half the warehouse district is in flames. An interstate MC war. Quite the spectacle.”

“Just doing our civic duty,” Maddox replies with a grin that doesn’t reach his eyes.

Matthews snorts. “We’ll take it from here. Cypher will be enjoying federal hospitality for the foreseeable future.” He glances at Rowan, something like respect in his gaze. “You did good, Ms. Callahan. Or should I say, Ms. Cypher?”“

“It’s Kane,” I correct him. “She’s with us now.”

Rowan’s startled look shifts into a smile that warms me from the inside out.

“So I see.” Matthews nods. “Our business is concluded, then. Cerberus thanks you for your service.”

“Keep your thanks,” Ryder says, appearing at my side. “Just keep your word. We’re done. Permanently.”

“Agreed.” Matthews extends his hand. “No more calls. No more missions. You boys have earned your retirement.”

I shake his hand, feeling the weight of five years lifting from my shoulders. “Make sure he never sees daylight again.”

“Count on it.” With that, Matthews turns back to his team, barking orders about prisoner transport and evidence collection.

Penny steps forward hesitantly. “What happens to me now? Mom passed a month after you and Emma ran off.”

Rowan pulls her into a hug. “You’re coming home with us. With Emma. We’re family, and family sticks together.”

Over Rowan’s shoulder, Penny’s eyes meet mine, uncertain and hopeful. I nod reassuringly. There’s room in our lives for her too.

As Cerberus cleans up our mess, we gather our people. The Black Wolves suffered no fatalities, though several have injuries that need attention. The diner is shot to hell, and the warehouse district is partially in flames. But Wolf Pike still stands, and so do we.

“Let’s go home,” I tell my brothers and the woman who’s become the center of our world.

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