Page 23 of Reaper

The question burns in my chest hotter than the exhaust pipes between our feet. I want to demand answers, but the fear of what she might say keeps my mouth clamped shut. Maybe somequestions are better left unanswered.

As we exit the highway, we slowly roll past the bar and grill. Several prospects with guns in their cuts roam the area, looking for more trouble. Tucker jerks his chin in acknowledgment. I nod back. I trust him to have everything under control. If any other Demon Riders dared to come onto our property, Tucker and the prospects would shoot them without question.

We pull up to the clubhouse and I kill the engine. Nina’s standing on the front porch like a sentinel. She’s the kind of woman who’s seen more road than most will in a lifetime, yet she stands there, as fierce as any warrior. Her black hair, streaked with gray, cascades down her back. She’s petite, barely five-foot-two, but she’s like a cobra, coiled and ready to strike at the first sign of danger. She’s like a grandmother to us, but don’t ever let her hear that. She’d have no problem kicking my ass if I ever commented on her age. At fifty-five, she still looks hot as fuck, but she never found another old man after Winchester died.

Eddie “Winchester” Grady started the club thirty years ago, right here in Montana. He founded it after one of his biker friends had trouble trying to protect his son from his ex-wife’s abusive new husband. His friend, Grant, tried every legal route first, but nothing worked. The cops refused to help, despite overwhelmingevidence that his kid wasn’t safe. Winchester and Grant decided to handle shit the way it needed to be done.

The kid, Michael, was seven at the time he was rescued. He’s thirty-seven now, and he’s the president of the Louisiana chapter of UVMC. He goes by “Trainwreck,” but that’s another story for another time.

“Reaper! What the hell’s going on?” Her voice is raspy, like sandpaper across wood, but it’s warm too. You don’t survive in this world without being tough, but Nina’s hard on the outside and soft on the inside. She’s got a heart that’s survived more battles than most.

“Shit went sideways,” I admit, trying to keep it together as Lexi slides off the seat behind me. “We’ll fill you in when we know more, but we suspect Blackstone sent the Demon Riders to kill Lexi.”

“So, you’re back,” Nina’s eyes scan Lexi. “What’s it been now, seven years?”

“Yeah.” Lexi flushes. “It’s good to see you again.”

“I’d like to say the same, but it sounds like you’ve brought a world of trouble along with you. I was heading over with some clothes for Ace when Matrix called about the shootout. He asks me to come over because someone needs to watch your kid while you talk with the boys.” She motions toward the clubhouse.

“Thanks for coming. I’m sorry to drag youinto this,” Lexi says.

“You didn’t. I’m doing this for the boys. They know they can call me whenever they need help.”

“Speaking of which, where are the kids from that custody case we’re working on?” I ask.

“The prospects are babysitting them at my place. I’ve been watching the surveillance videos on my phone. It’s all good over there.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Where’s Ace?” Nina asks.

The rumble of another bike cuts through the air as Matrix rolls up with Ace. The kid’s perched on the back of the bike like a prince claiming his throne. His laugher rings out, pure and unburdened, as if he’s having the time of his life. I can’t help the half-grin that tugs at my lips. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard such a joyful sound. I would have expected Ace to be freaking out, but the kid’s weathering the storm without breaking down. Good kid.

Nina’s face softens when she spots Ace. Her usual snarky smirk is replaced by a warmer, gentler smile. She bends down to his height, still towering over him in her knee-high boots. “Hey there, champ. Bet you’re starving after your big adventure, huh?”

Ace nods, grinning wider than the Cheshire Cat. “I didn’t get dinner.”

“Is that so?” Nina’s tone is conspiratorial, like they’re partners in crime instead ofstrangers. “How about we rustle up some pancakes? But not just any pancakes—chocolate chip pancakes. How does that sound?”

“Awesome!” Ace shouts, already bouncing on the balls of his feet. His excitement is contagious, lighting up the porch like it’s Christmas morning rather than a tense evening filled with gunshots and unanswered questions.

“Thanks again for coming so quickly.” Lexi’s voice quivers with a cocktail of relief and gratitude as she addresses Nina, then turns to Ace. “Go on, sweetheart. Have fun with Nina.”

“Are you coming too?” Ace asks.

“In a little bit. I need to talk to Reaper first.”

“Okay.” Ace grabs Nina’s hand.

As they turn toward the front door, Matrix leans in close to Nina, murmuring something that makes her frown. Her gaze flickers to Ace, and she nods solemnly, a silent promise passing between them. I’ll find out what that was all about later. Whatever it was, it’s just one more layer of this unfolding mystery.

“Reaper?” Lexi’s voice is laced with a vulnerability that punches right through my defenses.

“Let’s go inside,” I say, motioning toward the clubhouse. The truth is waiting, and I’ve got a feeling it’s gonna hit hard.

The weight of the club’s history presses in around us as Lexi, Matrix and I enter Matrix’s office. Scar and the others decided to ride past theDemon Rider’s clubhouse to see what’s up over there. They’ll check in with us later.

I shut the door with a firm click, cutting off any chance of escape. Lexi’s not getting out of this room until she’s answered every question we ask.

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