Page 24 of Blade's Runaway Bride
Conversations pause as we walk in, heads turning to stare at Kelly in my cut. I see eyebrows raise, knowing looks exchanged. Ace elbows Wilder, whispering something that makes him grin. I ignore them all, guiding Kelly to the table with a hand on her lower back.
"Sorry we're late," I say to Reaper, not sounding sorry at all.
He looks up from the map, his eyes moving from me to Kelly and back again. Something knowing flashes in his gaze before he nods once, accepting without comment.
"We're planning our approach to Charles's compound," he says, gesturing to the map. "Kelly, I know you said you were blindfolded when they took you there, but is there anything you can tell us about the location? Landmarks, sounds, anything?"
Kelly steps forward, staring at the map.
"I remember water," she says after a moment. "A river or lake nearby. I could hear it at night. And it took about three hours from Pine Haven by car, mostly on back roads." She points to an area of the map. "I think it's somewhere in this region, but I can't be sure."
Reaper nods, circling the area with a marker. "That narrows it down. We've had rumors of activity in that zone, but no solid intel until now."
"What's the play?" Ghost asks, his quiet voice carrying in the suddenly silent room.
Reaper straightens, looking around at the assembled club. "This is it, brothers. The final push. Charles has terrorized ourterritory, trafficked women, and tried to kill our families. It ends now."
A murmur of agreement ripples through the room. I feel Kelly tense beside me, her hand unconsciously seeking mine. I thread our fingers together, squeezing gently.
"We'll hit them at dawn tomorrow," Reaper continues.
Plans are laid out in detail- entry points, backup strategies, emergency protocols. The club listens, occasionally offering suggestions or asking questions. Through it all, Kelly remains at my side, her grip on my hand tightening when Reaper mentions potential casualties.
As the meeting concludes, the room fills with energy. This is what we've been waiting for, a chance to end the threat once and for all. Every man begins preparations, checking weapons, securing gear.
I watch as the other couples gravitate toward each other. Reaper pulls Evelyn into his arms, kissing her deeply. His daughter Emma clings to Wilder, whispering what looks like a prayer against his chest. Even stoic Ghost has Debbie and her son pressed against him, his normally haunted eyes soft as he reassures them.
Ace's pregnant schoolteacher has tears in her eyes as she kisses him goodbye, her hand covering the slight swell of her belly. These are men with something to lose now, something to come back for.
And for the first time, I understand them. Because Kelly's hand is still in mine, her blue eyes looking up at me with a mixture of fear and determination that makes my chest ache.
"I'm coming with you," she says suddenly, loud enough for Reaper to hear.
He turns from Evelyn, his expression hardening. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous."
"My sister is there," Kelly insists. "She might not cooperate with strangers. She might even fight back if she thinks you're threatening her 'family.' I need to be there to talk her down."
"It's not happening," Reaper says firmly. "You're staying here with the other women."
Kelly steps forward, her chin lifting in defiance. "With all due respect, I'm not asking permission. Amy is all I have left. I abandoned her once, I won't do it again."
Reaper's eyes narrow dangerously. "This isn't a debate. This is a military operation, not a family reunion."
"She's right," I hear myself say, surprising everyone, including myself. "If her sister resists, we might have to use force. Having Kelly there could make the difference between a rescue and a bloodbath."
Reaper stares at me like I've lost my mind. Maybe I have. Twenty-four hours ago, I would never have contradicted him in front of the club, especially not over a woman. But Kelly isn't just any woman. She's mine now. And if her sister matters to her, then we save her sister. It's that simple.
"Your call, Blade," Reaper finally says, his voice dangerously quiet. "But she's your responsibility. She gets hurt, that's on you."
"I know," I say, meeting his gaze steadily. "She'll stay with me the entire time."
Kelly squeezes my hand, gratitude shining in her eyes. I'd do a hell of a lot more than argue with Reaper to keep that look on her face.
The next hours pass in a blur of preparation. Weapons are distributed, tactics reviewed one final time. I find myself watching Kelly as she talks with Evelyn, who's giving her more appropriate clothes for the mission—dark jeans, a black sweater, sturdy boots.
When everything is ready, the club begins to file out to the parking lot where our bikes wait. Kelly approaches me, her face set with determination despite the fear I can see lurking in her eyes.
"Are you sure about this?" I ask quietly, adjusting the collar of my cut around her neck. "You can still stay here. We'll bring your sister back."
