Page 18 of Reaper's Rage

“You couldn’t have known.” Tally assures her. “We didn’t realize we were in danger until it was much too late. She never gave off any vibes or showed a single misstep. And it isn’t like we haven’t been around people as nasty as her.”

“You have? Like who?” Mom asks as Axel comes back in the room, swinging the car keys around his finger.

I leave mom with the other ladies as they each bring her up to speed on the crazy adventures they’ve experienced since falling into the club. Reaper has already told me some of what each woman has dealt with, making me feel a little sorry for the men. It seems like their lives were much easier before the women burst onto the scene.

Axel drives me to the college, walking with me to the locker room. He remains outside while I go in to change. I find two of my closest friends and teammates already getting dressed. Jessica has the locker on my right while Briony’s is on my left. Briony and I are so much alike that many think we’re sisters, while Jessica is as different from us as a peacock is to a chicken. She’s just as colorful as one, too. Her short hair is a kaleidoscope of color. She grew up with super religious parents. She’s rebels against their strict upbringing every chance she gets. Her horror stories make me grateful for my mother. We may have had a challenging life, but she’s one of my best friends.

“Hey there girl, I was wondering if you were coming.” Jessica says when she spots me.

“My brother gave me a ride, and he drives slower than I do.” I explain as I strip out of my clothes and pull on my sports bra.

“Which one? Adam or Axel?” Briony asks with interest. I know she has a crush on Axel, so I grin at her.

“Axel.”

“Is he going to watch us practice?” Briony asks jumping up and down with excitement.

“Yes, he is.”

“He’s a little young for you, isn’t he?” Jessica asks with a smirk.

“Only a few months, and who cares? He’s cute.” Briony retorts.

We walk outside to find the man in question waiting for us. He gives both my girls a chin lift as he falls in behind us as we head to the field.

“What’s with the vest thing?” Jessica asks him.

“It’s a kutte.” Axel responds. “I’m prospecting for the Demon Dawgs.”

“Really?” Briony asks, giving him the once over. “Very sexy.”

He smirks at her as Jessica turns to me. “So, both your brothers are part of the gang?”

“Club.” Axel and I both correct her. “And yes, Flame and Axel both belong, along with my guy, Reaper.”

“You’re dating someone named Reaper?” Jessica asks me.

I shrug.

“My parents would have heart attacks if I started dating a guy named Reaper, who belonged to a motorcycle club.”

“Your parents freak out if you talk to a guy.” I remind her.

“Yeah.” She sighs.

“They still call you every night to make sure you’re home and not out on a date?” Briony asks.

Jessica smirks. “Yeah, but they’re so far in the dark ages, they don’t realize I’m using a cell phone. They think I have a landline in the dorm.”

Axel snorts while we laugh. Our coach whistles for us to hurry over and soon we’re running and sweating through our workout.

I love playing soccer. The exhilaration of running up and down the field, competing for the control of the ball, is all I need to release my tension. Thinking of the arrogant asshole who sent me that note has me wanting to kick him in the nuts. I end up kicking the ball so hard into the net that it shoots through the bottom gap.

“Nice one!” Briony says, giving me a high five as Jessica, who’s playing goalie, runs to recover the ball.

The coach blows his whistle and calls me over. “Great offense today, Ash, but you slipped a few times on defense.”

I nod because I know exactly what he’s saying. “Sorry, coach. My mind wasn’t on it today. It won’t happen again.”

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