I'm standing so still I feel like I'm about to come apart at the seams. I can't even process the rage. It's too big. Too much. They touched her. Took her. Laid hands on our omega. No fucking way they're walking away from this.
"Which way did they go?" Gears asks, voice pure fucking murder.
Dillon points toward the tree line behind the clubhouse, her hand trembling.
"They went that way. They walked down the drive. Also said they took Mayhem out. I know he’s alive, but the leader said he’d wake up with one hell of a headache.”
I nod, filing it away, but I'm already scenting the air. Already feeling for her. Her scent's faint. Coppery. Scared. But it's there. It's fucking there. I meet Gears’ eyes. He jerks his chin once—go.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Franko jerking his head toward me, trying to get my attention, mouthing something. But I ignore him.
Not now. We don’t have time for more of his shit.
Our omega is missing.
I don't think about Nitro’s sister. I don't think about the prospects. I don't even think about the party—'cause it ain't a party no more. The music’s dead. The laughter’s dead. Every brother in the room’s got murder in his eyes, waiting for orders. Waiting for us.
Gears turns slowly, eyes sweeping the room. His voice is low, but it hits like a war drum. “You heard Dillon. My sister—Brydgett—has been taken.”
A stillness falls. Like the whole club is holding its breath.
Then Gears straightens, jaw locked. “Half of you take the front gate,” he barks. “Check on Mayhem while you’re out there. I want eyes everywhere—back roads, highway exits, rooftops if you can get to 'em.”
Mayhem. Shit. If they hurt him?—
"The rest of you, with us," Gears snaps. "We’re taking the back."
Boots stomp. Guns click. It’s like watching a damn army come to life.
And me?
I only think about her.
Brydgett.
Ours.
And what I’m gonna do to the fuckers who touched what’s mine.
I jerk my chin toward Dillon, who's still standing there clutching Judge like she ain't sure if she should run or fight.
"You take him to Mom," I tell her, voice flat. "Have her check him over. Tell her everything. Tell her to start the phone tree.We’re going on lockdown. Pack your shit and help Judge get his together."
Dillon's mouth opens like she’s gonna argue, but before she can, Judge shoves away from her, fists balled up at his sides.
"I'm not leaving without my mom," he snaps.
I crouch in front of him, grabbing his shoulders tight. "Yeah, you are, little man," I say, staring straight into his wet, furious eyes. "And you will. We'll make sure she comes home safe. You gotta trust us, yeah?"
His chin trembles, but he jerks a nod, tears shining. Then his voice breaks. "It was my dad," he says. "Or... or the alpha who hurt her. Please. Please don't let that bastard hurt my mom."
My throat feels like it’s closing. Like I can't breathe around it.
"We won't, kid," Acid says from somewhere behind me.
Judge swipes at his face with his sleeve. "He... he wanted to take me too. But Mom told him I was Ike’s. She lied to protect me."
His hands are shaking now, rage and fear fighting for space in his little body.