Page 22 of Puma's Pride

“I did, but they didn’t.” She assures me. “They’re too busy discussing the pros and cons of bean bag chairs against those gaming floor rockers.”

I shake my head. “They’re five.” I protest.

“I’m twenty-three and Puma is thirty. What’s your point? We’re all kids. Those of us who enjoy playing with them want comfortable chairs, too.” She argues.

I laugh. “I see. This isn’t really about them.”

She shrugs. “It’s a little about them.”

After we’ve filled both carts and made progress on a third, we head to the register. The dent in Puma’s card isn’t that noticeable. I’m listening to Elina extolling the virtue of the bean bag chair over the gaming rocker when movement near our SUV draws my attention. Max and one of the store’s employees are loading the chairs into the back, unaware of two men fast approaching them. Before I can call out, they have guns against their necks. I glance over at a group of men heading in our direction. I recognize their leader. Juan.

Showtime brushes my arm before I feel her put something into my back pocket. I look over my shoulder and see her pulling Mal and Elina back into the store. I glance at Corinne. “Go with them.” I tell her.

She’s staring wide-eyed at Juan. “That’s the man…” she starts.

“I know. Go with Showtime. Protect the kids.” I bark at her. She glances at me, nods and rushes back inside.

“Hello, Juan.” I say, turning back to face him. “I’d say it’s nice to see you, but that would be a lie. What do you want?”

“I want you.” He says, smiling as if he’s offering me a special treat. “With you by my side, we’ll rule not only Mexico, but this country as well.”

I snort, which causes his smile to slip. “I’ll never be yours. Ever.” I tell him. “Did you murder the real John Spada? Just like you murdered my husband? Afraid he’d tell someone how you used him to kill a Marine?” I’m shouting my words and I see people in the parking lot taking notice. I don’t want anyone hurt, but I’m hoping that if he realizes he has an audience, he might leave.

“Who said John is dead?” Juan asks me, smiling. “As for your husband. What kind of man leaves his wife and child to go fight in a war? He should have been home protecting you.”

“He was protecting his country. He’s a hero. Unlike you. You’re nothing but a parasite.” I snap back.

He’s no longer smiling, but glaring at me. “I’m going to have fun breaking you once you’re my wife.” I open my mouth to retort, but he holds up his hand. “You will come to me. If you don’t, then I will destroy everything in my way. You don’t want to be responsible for Puma’s death and the destruction of his club, do you? What about that sweet little boy and his mother? Are you willing to sacrifice all their lives? Are you that selfish?”

“Are you seriously declaring war on the Demon Dawgs?” I ask in shock. “And do you think you could win?”

Juan snarls at me. “I will win. I will be more powerful than Puma and his pathetic club. Once I have you.”

I frown at him. “How will I make it happen? Why do you even want me?”

“Pedigree.” He says. “You are the key to claiming my birthright.”

I open my mouth to reply but close it when I hear the most welcome sound. The roar of a dozen or more motorcycles heading our way. I smile nastily at Juan.

“You better run.” I tell him as he glares at me.

“I’ll let you go, for now. But I will have you. Use this to contact me or there will be war.” Juan says, sliding a phone across the pavement before he turns away. “Kill the clerk.” Juan orders.

Max reacts quickly, shoving the clerk into the back of the SUV before diving in. Juan’s man shoots at the SUV, but the bullet proof window absorbs the shot.

Juan and his men pull out of the parking lot seconds before Puma and his men arrive.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: PUMA

Showtime keeps a running commentary of what she’s seeing as Alisa faces off against Juan. The idea of Alisa on her own, surrounded by Juan and his men, terrifies me. I can’t fault Showtime for her decision to get the kids and Corinne out of sight. Juan wouldn’t hesitate to use Elina or Mal to get what he wants.

As we ride, several others fall in behind us. I know Chill or Wildcard rallied the troops. While I’m hoping we can trap Juan, I’m certain the roar of our bikes will have him running off with his tail between his legs. I just hope he doesn’t get his hands on Alisa before we get there.

“She’s staying away from him.” Showtime tells me. “I set my phone to record before slipping it into her back pocket. I don’t know if it will capture their conversation, but I thought it was worth a shot.”

I shake my head at Showtime’s ability to think under pressure. She’s only been with the club for a few months, but she shows amazing promise. I doubt we’ll wait the full year before patching her in.

Before we reach the parking lot, I see an SUV fly out. It’s moving fast in the opposite direction. Chill, Dice, and Hawk give chase. My focus remains on Alisa. We form a protective wall of leather and chrome around her. I barely take the time to slide the kickstand down before I’m off and gathering her in my arms.

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