Page 125 of Panther's Magpie
She gives me a weird look.
“You have a guest at the gate. One that you need to deal with quietly,” he says into the phone.
I frown. “Who is it?”
“Asher.”
My blood runs cold as I look over to see Aspen across the room with Rain. She’s not the bubbly troublemaker she once was. You think I would be glad she’s not causing trouble, but I’m not. She is a shell of herself.
I don’t want to know what seeing Asher will do to her.
“I’ll be there in a second. Send out the text. I want the main guys in church,” I tell him.
“Done.”
I hang up, going back to Maggie. Leaning down, I kiss her temple as Meek and Eagle look at their phones. They meet my eyes.
“I’m sorry, babe. I need to handle something real quick. Is that okay?” I ask, knowing there is no real option here.
“Of course.” She kisses me. “I’ll go hang out with Aspen.”
I nod, loving how accepting she is. She really does make the perfect old lady.
Leaving the clubhouse, I walk down the path to the gate.
“What do you want?” I spit at Asher as soon as I’m close enough.
“I need to know she’s okay. That’s all I want, then I’ll leave.”
The guy looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks. His eyes are bloodshot, and he is swaying slightly on his feet.
“Are you drunk?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I know you don’t owe me anything, but the nightmares are haunting me. I only need to look at her and see if she’s okay. If I see her okay with my own eyes, I will leave you alone.”
“Why do you even care?” I frown at him.
“I did everything I could to save her. I need to know she is saved.” He looks at me like it’s obvious.
I think he is a little delirious.
“No cops without a warrant. Sorry, bro.” I turn to go.
“Wait.”
I pause, turning back to him. Slowly he gets onto his knees. I don’t like how quick he is to grovel.
“Please. Not knowing is killing me.”
I clear my throat. “We put it to a vote around here. Talon, let him in. Do you want me to find someone to cover you?”
He shakes his head. “Vote as my proxy. I trust your judgment.”
I nod, walking around the back side of the clubhouse. I know I shouldn’t give Asher my back, but it’s a test. If he is going to hurt me, it will be now. He doesn’t, though. He follows silently behind me as I take him to the back door. I lead him through into church, where all of my men, sans Talon, are waiting. Dove was even able to make it.
“Why is he here?” Eagle asks as I close the door behind Asher.
“Sit there,” I tell him, indicating Talon’s seat.
