Page 81 of A New Era

“Why? Seems a bit excessive just to put a bullet between her eyes.”

“Yeah, well, the thing is, she hasn’t actually harmed one of us for us to justify killing a woman,” Jamie Boy says until Ritchie chimes in, “But our cousin has no problem with it.”

I doubt I’ll ever understand how they think and I’m not sure I want to try.

Luca steps up beside me and passes me a cigarette. “I think your new wife is gonna have something to say about that,” he says, jerking his chin at my arm.

“She’ll be okay. It's through and through.”

The fact is I can barely feel it at the moment. Regardless of what the Haywards will do to Effie motherfucking Rathbone, this chapter is now closed for the Lost Souls MC. And for that, I’m fucking overjoyed.

“We’ll see you in London in a few days,” Jamie Boy says, and the brothers and their men leave. As usual, they don’t hang around.

Turning to Luca, I say, “I’ll see what London is all about and we’ll discuss it once I’m back. In the meantime, lock your shit down.”

“Obviously.”

Slapping him on the back, the Willow’s Peak chapter, along with the Southern chapter, Five Falls, and Mercy, head back to our rides. Walking beside Wyatt, I tell him, “Once I’m back from London, I’ll be heading to you. While I’m gone, go home and take back the town. Take a group of brothers with you and whatever guns you’ll need.”

“Thanks, Leo.”

“No worries.”

As we ride for Willow’s Peak, another chapter closes but the next is already opening and coming for us whether we want a breather or not.

I still don’t have an idea how to handle the Haywards, but I’m sure after the trip to London, I’ll damn well know.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Holly

“How have you not had a breakdown over the years waiting for them to come home?”

Alannah and I sat out on the porch with a glass of wine. Leo’s been gone for nearly three days.

“I guess it’s because it’s always been a part of my life. I don’t know any different and Cas has had to survive all his life and though we got married, his need to survive for us has kept him coming home. There’s been a few close calls but he’s still here.”

It’s the close calls I’m worried about. Leo’s already been shot, and it was touch and go whether he made it through. “Holly, listen to me, Leo’s safer out there on the road if his head is on the club. Just trust him to know what he’s doing and that he’ll come home to you.”

I think it’s easier said than done but I will try.

“I could tell you many stories from over the years but I’m not sure if it will help or not.”

“Maybe best to keep them to yourself.”

The roar of motorcycles fills the air, and she bounces up to her feet and smiles down at me.

“See. They always come home.”

Together, we walk around the bar, and my husband, wow, it’s weirdly good to call him my husband, is riding up front.

“Now he’s home, look forward to your trip and enjoy the time away together. Trips like this are rare.”

“How many times did you and Cas manage to get away alone?”

I’m not sure if I truly want to hear the answer but I’ve asked now and she says, “While he was president… not once. Now he’s not, hopefully, many times.”

Leo and Cas walk over and while Alannah is happy to have Cas back. I notice the bloodstained bandage around Leo’s upper arm. Has he been hurt?

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