Page 93 of Warrant
He arched that brow with a smug grin. “Doesn’t matter. That’s the nickname Warrant’s given you.”
“Nickname?”
“It’s customary to give our old ladies nicknames.”
I stood up. “How did you know I’d agreed to be his old lady?”
“Because he claimed you a while ago. Just needed the time to talk you into it.”
Shaking my head, I left his office and found Warrant sitting outside in the main area of the club house, near a pool table. “Did you know he was going to offer me a job?” I asked, sitting down next to him.
“Figured he would. He knows quality when he sees it.” Warrant handed me a cold beer bottle.
Taking a drink from it, I thought about how much my life had changed in such a short time. Something told me this wasn’t the end either. Life was never going to be dull with Warrant and his brothers around. But now I wasn’t worried about having to corral them. I didn’t have to be in charge of keeping them under control and that was freeing.
Now I could just enjoy being around them. I lifted my leg and draped it over his lap. I couldn’t wait to get started getting to know him on a level that I’d been dreaming of for a while. There wasn’t anything standing in our way anymore.
They all started showing up, a couple at a time, and sat around laughing and joking with each other. Torque and Cynic were telling us about riding back to Texas with the others. Jury was behind the bar, pouring drinks for everyone.
Cypher and Scythe came out of their offices to join us. As soon as everyone had drinks Warrant stood up.
“Just wanted to let you all know,” he said, voice raised over the rambunctious laughter. Everyone quieted down. “Ainsley is now my old lady.”
There were whoops and hollers as they all raised their glasses. I couldn’t help but laugh at their exuberance. Then came the insults. It was pretty much the same as the men I worked with before. They showed their love by insulting each other.
“About fucking time,” Demo told him, slapping Warrant on the back so hard I thought he might go through the nearby wall.
“Sheriff,” Rotor called out, “if you want a real man, I’d be willing to take over for him.” He winked my way.
“Get your own fucking woman,” Warrant said, pulling me out of my seat and tucking me under his arm. “This one’s mine.”
The insults and alcohol continued on and on and I knew I was going to enjoy working around these men.
“I also have an announcement,” Cypher said. He stayed sitting in his chair, but everyone shut up almost immediately. “Ainsley will be coming to work for us at Sentry Securities.”
“Oh thank fuck,” Glitch said. “Someone else to do some of the investigative work.”
“Exactly,” Cypher told him.
Warrant had already explained that Cypher would make it worth my while to agree to work with him, so I wasn’t too worried about not having the contract from him yet. Working for him meant I’d get to spend more time with Warrant and I would still get to use the skills I’d learned from law enforcement.
I hadn’t been sure what was going to be next for me, but this was perfect. I still got to help others, but I was no longer bogged down with rules and policies. I didn’t need warrants or to worry about the chain of custody for evidence.
There wouldn’t be court dates, or irritation when one small mistake on my team’s part meant that a criminal would get off on a technicality. I was sure I’d learn more about the blood thirsty way of the men surrounding me, but that was bothering me less and less. It was almost like my whole life was leading up to this point.
I didn’t really believe in fate, but maybe that was a mistake. Because getting the sheriff position here in Sentinel, meeting Warrant, and this fundamental change in me that’s allowed me to feel so free, seemed to be written just for me.
Mom was right. It would have been a mistake to walk away from this. From Warrant. I wrapped my arm around his waist, enjoying his heavy arm over my shoulders. He made me feel safe. Which was weird, because I knew I could handle myself in almost any situation, but it was still really nice to know he had my back. That if I needed him, he’d be there.
I never really thought I’d ever find someone I could trust like that. That I would let my guard down so easily. But there was a sense of security and trust in Warrant like no other that meant I could lower my walls. I had a feeling that was only going to get worse—or better depending on how you looked at it—over time.
Smiling, I listened as everyone went back to insulting Warrant and drinking. This kind of camaraderie was only built after years of working together and building trust. Eventually, I’d prove to them that they could trust in me as well. Already they were giving me the respect due as Warrant’s old lady, but I wanted more. I wanted their friendship as well. With Cypher’s offer of a job, that would come and I was looking forward to being a part of a new team.
Being a part of their group was going to help me get over the decision to leave my career behind. I somehow knew this was where I belonged.
CHAPTER 37
Warrant
