Page 41 of Nightmare

I’m just finishing the last sip when the rumbling sound of ... wait a second ... that’s not one bike, but many. The sound radiates down the street and gets louder with every passing second. Eyes widening, I put my coffee cup down and get my things before walking outside to see at least twenty bikes coming to a stop outside of my house. Two neighbors have already walked out of their houses to see what all the commotion is, and I can feel my cheeks grow red as I give them an awkward wave.

Pausing when I reach the bike closest to me, I stare at the massive group of bikers, all idling away, waiting for me.

I’m going on a ride, an actual ride.

I don’t know I’m excited or terrified, but I’m not going to shy away.

Fury, who happens to be the bike closest to me, turns his bike off before giving me a wink. “I heard we’re datin’.”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “That’s the rumors around town.”

Keeping his grin, he looks me up and down. “I’ll take it.”

Blushing, I look to Western, who is beside him. His eyes lock onto mine, and my blush deepens.

“Fuck it, Night, you’re makin’ my woman blush,” Fury mutters, giving Western a playful glare.

“Get on,” Western orders.

“As you wish, boss,” I mumble, scooting past Fury and climbing onto Western’s bike.

I nervously place my arms around his waist, and before I can think another moment about it, the bikes are moving once more. They let Western through to the front, and I can’t help but turn and stare in utter awe at all of the bikes in a perfect group behind us, following Western as he leads them like a pack of wolves ready for the hunt. It’s fascinating, and the smile that spreads across my face is very real.

I don’t know where we’re going, but hell, I’m excited.

And nervous.

But ready.

So ready.

~*~*~*~

SLOWING TO A STOP,I stare at the large building the bikes are halting in front of. I have no idea what we’re doing here, or why, but I’m excited to find out. Climbing off the bike, my legs ache as I glance at Western, who moves his gaze to me. We just spent the last hour pressed against one another, and I’m not sure if he’s feeling what I am, but everything inside me feels ... weak.

Looking away, I ask, “What is in this building?”

“Presents.”

Narrowing my eyes, I look back at him. “Is that code for illegal guns and drugs ... or?”

He looks at me like I’ve completely lost it. “It’s code for ... presents.”

“As in like birthday presents?”

“Christmas.”

Christmas is two months away, why would he be collecting Christmas presents, and for who?

“Christmas is a while away.”

“Takes a while to spread them out.”

“Okay, you’re going to have to speak up and say more than one word, because I’m confused.”

“Foster kids.”

I turn and see Fury striding toward me, a cigarette in his hand. “We collect them during the year, and then hand them out to foster families to give their kids for Christmas. Not everyone can afford presents. We start early, because there are a lot of families.”

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