Page 11 of Viking
“Don’t thank me yet,” I replied, resuming our walk toward the gate.“We’ve got a long road ahead.”
As we approached the entrance, I could see a small sedan parked just outside, a woman in the driver’s seat and what had to be Athena in the back, just a glimpse of copper hair visible through the window.So small, so vulnerable.Another piece of Kris, left behind in a world that had taken him too soon.
A fierce protectiveness surged through me, unlike anything I’d felt before.This wasn’t just about honoring my friendship with Kris.It wasn’t just about club business or settling old debts.It was about the woman beside me and the child waiting outside -- both now under my protection, both suddenly essential in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend.
I glanced at Karoline, at the way she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, at the determined set of her shoulders despite her fear.Something shifted in my chest, a recognition that threatened the careful boundaries I’d maintained for years.This wasn’t just Kris’s little sister anymore.This was Karoline -- beautiful, brave, and now mine to protect.The thought should have alarmed me, sent me retreating behind the walls I’d built after my last relationship in high school crashed and burned.Instead, it settled into place like a missing piece I hadn’t known was gone.
“Ready?”I asked, my voice rougher than intended.
She nodded, those blue eyes meeting mine with a trust I hadn’t earned.“Ready.”
As I signaled for the gate to be opened, I knew with absolute certainty that nothing in my life would be the same after today.And strangely, I was okay with that.
Chapter Four
Viking
I scanned the perimeter even as I focused on the small sedan with Athena inside.
“We need to get your things,” I said as we approached the car.“Pack whatever you and Athena need.”
Her cheeks colored slightly.“I know you mentioned you have a house here, but Lief, I can’t just move in with you.We haven’t seen each other in years.Athena’s already traumatized enough without…”
“This isn’t a suggestion.”I softened my tone, seeing the flash of resistance in her eyes.“Kris trusted me to protect you.Both of you.My place is the safest option.”
She held my gaze for a long moment, weighing her options, before giving a small nod.“Okay.We’ll need to stop by my house for clothes and Athena’s things.”
“Let’s go now.The sooner you’re settled, the better.”
We approached the car, and I got my first real look at Athena through the window.Jesus Christ, she was tiny -- smaller than I expected for three years old, with a wild mane of copper curls that matched Karoline’s exactly.Her eyes, gray-blue and solemn, watched me with the wary assessment of someone who’d seen too much change in too short a time.Never seen that look on a kid’s face before.
Karoline introduced me to her friend Marnie who eyed my cut with poorly disguised suspicion.I didn’t blame her.A six-foot-four biker with tattoos and a beard wasn’t most people’s idea of a safe haven for a traumatized child.
“We’re going to get their things,” I explained.“I’ll follow you to Karoline’s place.”
An hour later, I pulled my truck behind Marnie’s sedan in front of a small, well-kept house in a quiet neighborhood.The kind of place that screamed “teacher lives here” -- flower boxes under the windows, a welcome mat with sunflowers, wind chimes hanging from the porch.Too exposed.Too vulnerable.No security system that I could see.Standard locks on the doors and windows.Anyone with basic skills could be inside in under a minute.
I got out, scanning the area.I’d need to check the perimeter to ensure it was safe before Karoline got out of the car.I motioned for her to remain in the car, and she looked like she wanted to argue but stayed put.I did a quick sweep around the house, noting all the entry points, checking for signs of surveillance or tampering.Nothing obvious, but that didn’t mean they were safe.These types of operatives knew how to stay invisible until they struck.
“All clear for now,” I said, opening Karoline’s door.“But we need to be quick.Fifteen minutes, tops.”
Inside, I positioned myself in the living room doorway, where I could see both the front entrance and the hallway leading to the bedrooms.My hand rested near my waist, close to the gun concealed under my cut.Athena clung to Karoline’s hand, a stuffed blue rabbit clutched against her chest with her free arm.Her eyes never left me, watching my every move with an intensity that was unsettling in someone so young.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” Karoline murmured, kneeling beside her.“This is Lief.He was a good friend of your daddy’s.He’s going to help keep us safe.”
Athena didn’t respond, but her grip on the rabbit loosened slightly.
“Go pack,” I said.“I’ll keep watch here.”
While Karoline moved quickly through the house, gathering clothes and necessities, I kept my senses on high alert.Every car that drove by, every shadow that moved outside the windows set my nerves on edge.This wasn’t club business.This was personal, and the stakes felt infinitely higher.
“Do you have a picture of Kris?”I asked when Karoline passed through with an armful of children’s clothes.“Something recent?”
She paused, then nodded toward a framed photo on the mantel.“That’s from the last time he was home.”
I picked it up, studying the familiar face of my oldest friend.He looked older than I remembered, lines around his eyes that hadn’t been there before.It had been a while since I’d last seen him.How the hell had he aged so much so fast?I’d known he was into some bad shit, but still… Just the same, his smile was the same -- that grin that always made you feel like you were in on a secret joke.My chest tightened.Kris was gone.Really gone.
Movement caught my eye, and I turned to find Athena standing a few feet away, watching me intently.She’d set down her rabbit on the coffee table but still kept it within reach.
