Page 62 of Puma's Pride

“I talked to my mom, and she said she recognizes the name. She’s doing some digging. If she finds out anything, I’ll let you know.” Dante says. “You’re still coming out here to preside over the wedding, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I tell him, smiling. “I’ll get there early. I might save Tally from wasting her life with the likes of you.”

“Shut up, fucker. I don’t want her to know.” He says, laughing before ending the call.

EPILOGUE: ALISA

One advantage of having a man who stands seven feet tall is its easy to find him in a crowd. Of course, Puma being Puma means he’s usually surrounded. He’s not only a former hot shot basketball star, but he’s now a bad ass biker. The only thing that could have made him hotter would be the trifecta of being a Navy Seal or some other military hero. I smile when I see him wade through the crowd. His eyes focused only on me. How the hell did I get so lucky?

“Hey, gorgeous.” He says, leaning down to kiss me. “How was the auction?”

“Extremely successful.” I tell him. “We hit our mark and then some. Sal was very generous.” When Puma frowns, I place my hand on his arm. “What is it?”

“Nothing to worry about. I talked to him earlier. He promises Juan will no longer be a threat.” He tells me, pulling two glasses of champagne off the tray of a passing server. “Which I think deserves a toast. So does your hitting the goal.” He hands a glass to me and we toast before taking sips. Unlike most guys in the club, Puma has experience with champagne, so he doesn’t make a face like most of them do. Although, I’m fairly certain Puma’s sprayed more champagne during his career than he actually drank.

We chat for a while as the rest of the guests finish the free food and drinks and head for the exit. I see Trouble and Corinne making their way toward us, and I grin. They aren’t as striking a couple as she and Puma, but they’re attractive tougher. His dark hair and deep green eyes contrast prettily with her white blonde hair and ice blue orbs.

“This was so much fun.” Corinne says when she reaches us. “I needed this evening.” I see Puma send Trouble a look and watch them walk a few feet away, so I return my attention to Corinne.

“So, you think you might want to help us out again?” I ask as Desdemona and Diego join us.

“Absolutely.” Corinne says.

I glance around the emptying room and spot Chill standing off to the side. I smile at how gorgeous she is in a royal blue cocktail dress. It shows off her stunning figure. Although, I have to admit she looks out of place without her kutte and jeans. She’s in deep conversation with a man who also looks out of place. He isn’t wearing a tux or a suit, but he is in all black. Black boots, black jeans and a black t-shirt under a black jacket. Even his baseball cap is black. The bill of the cap casts his face in shadow so I can’t see his features or his expression. However, from their combined postures, I can tell they’re not making small talk. I consider going over to check with her, but I feel Puma move in behind me. When he tenses up, I assume he’s seen Chill, but when I glance up, I see his attention is elsewhere. I follow his line of sight, and my heart freezes in place. Detective Sterling is walking our way.

“What’s wrong?” I ask without waiting for either men to speak. “Is he out?”

Detective Sterling shakes his head and gives me a light touch on my arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. No, Juan is still in custody. I promise I’ll let you know if that changes.” He says, before sending a smirk in Puma’s direction. “Although, I know you’ll hear it almost the same time I do.”

“If it isn’t about Juan, what do you need?” Puma asks him.

“I need to speak with Gillian Forrester. I understand she’s a member of your club.” Sterling says.

Puma nods. “She is. What do you need her for?” Puma asks.

“Her former commander called the station, said he’s been trying to reach her but doesn’t know her exact location, only that she’s living in Vegas. I recognized the name when I heard it. Knew she was yours, so I said I’d reach out.”

I see Puma gesture to someone and I turn to see Chill making her way over to us. The guy she was talking with is gone. “Detective Sterling said he has a message from your former commanding officer.” He says to her.

I see Chill still, but she turns to the Detective. “What does he want?”

“He said one of your former teammates has gone AWOL. A Lieutenant Bryson. The general thought you might know where he is or how to reach him.” Sterling says. “He also suggested that you might be in danger.”

“Why would he think that?” Chill asks.

“Before Bryson took off, he mentioned you. Said you owed him and he was planning on collecting. No one thought anything about it until he disappeared. General Clark said you two have some history.”

Chill scoffs. “If you call finding out you’re a dirty little secret to be a history, then yeah, I guess you’re right. As for unfinished business. I have no business with Lieutenant Bryson. He and I concluded our business several years ago.”

Detective Sterling nods. “Ok, I just wanted to deliver the message. If you need help…” Sterling trails off and laughs. “You won’t be calling me. Got it.” Sterling shakes his head and walks away.

“Are you alright?” Puma asks her and she nods.

“I’m fine. A little surprised that he went AWOL. He was a career soldier.”

I open my mouth to ask about the man she was talking with, because he looks like a former soldier, but before I can speak, Puma does.

“Let’s head back to the clubhouse. I’m ready to get out of this monkey suit.” Puma announces. “Trouble, you coming back with us?”

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