Page 26 of Paladin's Hell

“He’d never do what those men did, El. I know that.” I bite my lip, not wanting this conversation to continue, knowing I’ve got to step up and do the right thing. This is not the time to just think of myself. “It’s come as a shock, okay? I know it’s better for you to be here until you have the baby. I’ll go to Colorado, I’m fine. Really.” I’m lying through my teeth, while hoping they can’t see it. Forcing a lightness I don’t feel into my voice, I ask, “So, what’s going to happen? It’s a long way to ride on Paladin’s bike.”

Slick laughs, his hand covers mine. “Not asking you to do that. Ella and I will fly up with you. It’s only four hours with a brief stop in Denver. Paladin will ride up so he’ll have his bike with him.”

I frown. “Will he be safe, riding alone?”

A gentle smile from Slick at my concern for Pal. “A couple of brothers will escort him to Phoenix. After that, he’ll be out of the Herreras’ territory and safe to continue alone. Don’t worry about him, he can look after himself.”

Now my concern is for my sister. “Ella, are you okay to fly?”

“I’m just at the end of my second trimester, Jayden. The doctor said it would be fine.”

Once decisions are made, the time seems to zoom past. The day of my departure quickly arrives. My clothes and stuff I’m taking are packed, emotional goodbyes have been said, and Wraith’s waiting with the SUV to take us to the airport.

“We’re going to be fine.” Paladin’s packing a last few pieces into his saddlebags. “I’ll see you soon, okay? You want me to come to Hellfire’s when I arrive?”

“Slick and Ella are going to stay overnight,” I reassure him quickly. With my thoughts all over the place about what he’ll expect when he and I have the chance to be completely alone for the first time, I’d rather get settled in a new place without the added pressure.

He stares at me earnestly. “You’ve got my number, okay? You call if you need me.” Talking to me, he holds up his hand to Shooter and Jekyll who are waiting, obviously eager to get going.

“Pal.” I say hurriedly, wanting to get this out before he leaves, realising I’m being selfish. I’ll have my family with me helping me settle in. Pal’s going to a strange clubhouse all on his own. “If you want to talk, you call me too.”

His face softens. Approaching me, he touches my face. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get in touch, and we can explore our new home. Think of it as an adventure.”

Then he’s on his bike, nodding at his brothers who’ll escort him until he’s put a safe distance between himself and the Herreras. As they ride out of the compound, and I realise Paladin’s in for a long twelve-hour ride, it hits me. I’d forgotten to tell him to ride safely. I want to run after him, worried something might happen on the road…

“He’ll be fine.” Slick puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. “He knows what he’s doing and will stay out of trouble.”

I hope he’s right.

“I’ll miss you, Jayden.”

I swing around to Drew and give him a quick hug. “You’ll be fine. I’m sure your sister will be too.”

He doesn’t seem so certain of that, but Wraith’s tossing his keys in his hands as though impatient. Slick helps Ella into the back seat, she waves at me to join her. Then, with one last round of goodbyes, we’re off.

It’s the first time I’ve flown. I’m unsure whether my nerves are for the flight, or for the unknown I’m heading into. We’re all relatively quiet on the plane, Ella sits next to me, Slick on her other side. She holds my hand, I don’t protest. It’s fairly easy to change flights, and then we’re arriving at our final destination.

I know Hellfire’s been to Tucson before, but I don’t know if I’d remember him. Slick, luckily, knows who to look out for. The man he approaches first with his hand held out, then with a manly hug and much back slapping, does look vaguely familiar, but older than I’d been expecting. He looks old enough to be my grandfather. His advanced years seems strange on a biker. There’s no one his age in the Tucson club.

A younger man, probably nearer to his mid-thirties like Slick, stands beside him. He looks stern and grim, until he spies my eyes on him, then he smiles. It transforms his face.

“My wife, Ella. And this is Jayden.” Slick introduces us.

“Hellfire,” the older man says, then indicates to the man beside him. “Demon, my son and VP.”

Ignoring the slight hesitancy before the word ‘son’, when I look closer I can see the familial resemblance. I shake both their hands politely, while thanking God Slick and Ella are with me, and I’m not meeting them alone. They’re strangers. Bet they’ll be fine once I get to know them. The VP, though, looks distracted and distant. When he glances at his father, he frowns. Inwardly I shudder. It’s not that I take a dislike to him, he just doesn’t seem to be overly friendly.

I find the car journey awkward. Slick sits up front with Hellfire, Ella and I in the back. Demon’s on his bike behind us. I’m wondering how they got their road names, the handles Hellfire and Demon not sounding particularly comforting, hoping the possible explanations going around my head aren’t the right ones. I don’t feel it’s my place to ask.

Pueblo. My new home. Pulling my sweater around me it’s hard to believe we’re in the same country. Tucson at this time of year is growing warmer. Here it must be twenty degrees cooler. The sun still shines, but there’s no heat in it. I hope the coolness of the weather isn’t an indication of the welcome I’m going to get here. The difference in the weather serves to emphasise how far away I’ll be from everything I’ve ever known.

I hadn’t put my phone back on after the flight. Remembering, I do so now. It immediately pings with a text.

Pal: Hope you had a good flight. I’m well on my way and safe.

His words remind me I won’t be alone.

Jay: Just heading to Hellfire’s house. I’ll text you later

I’m so very glad he’ll be here with me.

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