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CROSS

Death Seekers MC, 2

WinterSloane

ChapterOne

Cross gritted his teeth as blood oozed fromthe gunshot wound on his shoulder, but he refused to waver His gaze remainedlockedontothehandlebarsofhisHarley,determinednottolethispainshow.Faintingwasnotanoption,notonthese desolatebackroads.Heknewthatablackoutwouldbetheendofhim.

Sergeant-at-ArmsforthenotoriousDeathSeekersMC,Crosshadbeenthroughhisfairshareofscrapes.Heunderstood thatiftheycaughthim,theenemywouldn’tgranthimafastdeath.Thesebastardswouldprolonghissuffering,squeezingevery ounceofinformationfromhimbeforetheylethimgo

ThelastthingCrosswouldeverdowasbetrayhisMCbrothers hisfamily.Thatknowledgekepthimgoing,kepthim focused

Behindhim,thegrowlofthreeothermotorcycleenginesreverberatedthroughthenightair.Theoddswerefarfromfair threeagainstone butCrossrefusedtoletfearconsumehim.

He couldn’t call on his brothers fromthe Death Seekers for backup this time He’d unwittingly blundered into the territoryoftheCrimsonCrows,andtherewasnoescapefromthistrap.Crossthoughtofthelittlebastardwhoputhiminthis mess JimmyBailey,oneoftheMC’snewestinformants,hadeitherfedCrossfalseinformationorhadintentionallybetrayed himtotheCrows.

Crossnormallydidn’ttrustnew informantsbutJimmyhadbeenSean“MadDog”Bailey’syoungerbrother MadDog wasloyaltothebone,buthegothimselfkilledduringaterritorywarwithanotherrivalMC.DidJimmybetrayCrossbecause heknew Cross was thelastpersontospeaktoSean?Either way,Cross couldquestionJimmyhimself…ifhesurvivedthis chase Witheverypassingmoment,thenoosedrewtighter

Cross’sheartracedasherode,awarethattheCrimsonCrowsbehindhimweremerelybidingtheirtimebeforefiringat himagain Theyweretoyingwithhim,prolongingthechasefortheiramusement,andhehatedeverymomentofit

As the tensioninhis chest mounted, Cross’s instincts heightened. He had a bad feelingabout this chase, a gut-deep certaintythatthingswereabouttotakeadeadlyturn

He scanned the distance and finally saw what his enemies had planned. Another biker, a Crow, rode toward him, shotguninhand,murderinhiseyes.Crosshadonlysecondstoreact.HeyankedthehandlebarsofhisHarleytotheside,the shooter’sfirstbullettearingthroughhisleftlegasheswerved

Thesecondshotwhizzedpast,narrowlymissinghim.Agonyrippeduphisleg,butCrossfoughttokeepcontrolofhis motorcycle Withafinalburstofadrenaline,Crossveeredintoasideroad,thecursingoftheCrowsfadingbehindhim Hehad noideawherehewasheadedandhisphonewasdead,arookie’smistakeinhislineofwork.

Theroadledhimtoaquiettown.Thelocalswereprobablystillasleepatthishour.Desperationclawedathim.Cross scannedthetownforaplacetolaylow.Hiseyeslandedonastripofshops,moststilllockeduptightforthenight,exceptone. Agarage,itslightsflickeringtolife.Withoutasecondthought,CrosssteeredhisHarleytowardit.

Crossmanagedtoslipinsidethewidegarageslidingdoor,thegrowlofhisHarleymuffledashepulleditinafterhim Heglancedoverhisshoulder,searchingforanytelltaletiretracksthatmightleadtheCrimsonCrowsstraighttohishideout.To hisrelief,therewerenone ItseemedlikeLadyLuckhaddeignedtosmileuponhimthistime Still,hecouldn’taffordtobe complacent.Witheverypassingsecond,thegarage’ssanctuaryseemedmorelikeabeaconinthenight.

Crosshopedbeyondhopethathehadn’talreadydrawntheattentionofthegarage’smechanicorowner.

His wounded armand leg throbbed, and the pain gnawed at him, but he knew he had to keep moving. Despite his injuries,CrossdismountedhisHarleyandmanagedtopushitbehindablueCadillac.Theadrenalinethathadkepthimgoing duringthechasewasfastfading,leavingexhaustionandpaininitswake Heslumpedagainstthecar,theroughexteriorofhis leatherjacketleavingsmearsofbloodonitspolishedsurface.Hisvisionblurredattheedges,andhiseyelidsgrewheavy,but hecouldn’tallowhimselftheluxuryoflosingconsciousness Nothere,notnow

CrossleanedagainstthecoolmetaloftheblueCadillac,histhoughtsracingashetriedtopiecetogetherwhatheknew aboutElmwood,thesmalltownwherehewascurrentlystranded.

ThiswasCrimsonCrowsterritory,thatmuchwascertain Thesebikerslikelykeptthelocal populationloyal through intimidationandfear,astandardtacticinsuchplaces.ButCrossalsounderstoodthattheremightalsobelocalswhoweren’t afraidoftheCrows Thequestionthatnaggedhimnow washow toidentifytheseindividuals,especiallyinhiswoundedand vulnerablestate.

He knew logic dictated that anyone who stumbled upon a bloodied, battered biker hiding in their garage would immediatelyscreamfor help.Andiftheydid,iftheydaredtopickupthephoneandcall thecops,itcouldspell theendfor him. After all, the Crows mightbe liningthe pockets oflocal law enforcement, the same wayhis ownmotorcycle club had doneintheirterritory Crosscouldn’taffordtotakechances Everymomentthatpassed,thedangerloomedcloser

Hisbreathscameinshallowgasps,painradiatingfromhisinjuredleg.Heneededaplan,allies,buthealsoknewthat hisfirstorderofbusinesswastotendtohisinjuriesandfindawaytolaylowuntilhecouldmakeamove

The distant rumble of motorcycle engines grew louder, closinginonthe garage. His instincts told himthe Crimson

Crowswereapproaching,andthey’dfinallycomeforhim.

Cross reached for the weapons concealed inhis jacket,fingers curlingaround the grip ofhis handgun. The magazine wasnearlyempty,saveforoneremainingbullet adesperatereminderofhispreviousstandoffwiththebikers Ithadbeena costlymove,butithadboughthimtime.

Cross’s other weapon, a knife strapped securely to his side, offered a small glimmer of hope Yet, the odds were againsthiminaface-offwitharmedadversaries.TheCrowshadshownlittleregardforfairnessorhonorinthepast,andhe hadnoreasontobelievetheywouldchangetheirapproachnow

Asifthingsweren’tcomplicatedenough,Crossstrainedhisearstopickupmorefrominsidetheshop.Hecaughtthe soundofawoman’svoice,chattingawayonthephone.So,theshophadafemalemechanicormaybeshewastheshopowner. He didn’t relishthe idea of dragginganinnocent bystander into his mess, but Cross had never claimed to be a gentleman Survivalwashisgame,andhe’ddowhateverittooktomakeitoutofthisalive.

“YoucanhaveyourcarbackthisThursdayafternoon,Mr Graham,”thewomanwassaying Hervoicewassweetyetfirm.Cross’smindbrieflywanderedashedebatedwhatshemightlooklike,buthequickly chastisedhimselfforsuchthoughts Nowwasn’tthetimetobethinkingaboutwomen

Mercifully, the rumble of motorcycle engines outside began to fade. The Crows had passed by the garage without incident, butCross knew better thanto dismiss thementirely. He understood their wayofthinking. Theywould retrace their steps,andtheywouldreturn Crosswoulddothesameintheirshoes Fornow,Crosscouldbreatheeasy,orsohethought

“Now,whatdowehavehere?”camethesamewonderfulvoicehe’dheardonthephone.

Crossfinallylaideyesonthefemalemechanic,andhequicklyrealizedhisearliermusingswereonthemark Shewas a looker. She was inher mid or late twenties and had shortred hair, enchantinggreeneyes, and a curvyfigure thatsimply couldn’tbeconcealedbythemechaniccoverallsshewore.Crosshadalwayshadaparticularweaknessforcurvywomen,and thisonewasnoexception.

Withonehandplantedfirmlyonher hip,sheseemedunruffledbythesightofableedingbiker inher garage asight thatwouldsendmostaveragepeoplerunningforcover

Crossdecideditwasn’tpropertoremainseatedwhenintroducinghimselftoalady.Hemusteredthestrengthtopush himselfupright,theeffortcostinghimdearly Afterwhatfeltlikeaneternity,hefinallystoodonhisowntwofeet Crosshad alwaysfounditeasytocharmwomen,butthefieryred-hairedmechanicdidn’tseemtobeimpressedbyhissmile.

“I’mCross,”hetoldher,histonelacedwithcharm.“What’syourname,Beautiful?”

DanaHarrissensedshewasnolongeraloneinherfather’sgarage Thefamiliarthumpoftheslidingdoorrousedher fromwork,alertinghertoanunwelcomepresence.Shequicklysetasidethewrenchshehadbeenusingandheadedtowardthe sourceofthesound.

As she made her wayto the garage door, her phone chimed witha call fromMr. Graham, one oftheir long-standing regular customers.Danaanswered,doingher besttomaintainacomposedvoice.Deepdown,though,shefeltachill offear creepingthroughher

Herfatherandmostoftheircustomerswerealwaysvocalandmadetheirpresenceknown.Butthisintruder,whoeverit was,remainedunsettlinglysilent

Afterendingthecall,Danahurriedtoherfather’sdeskandretrievedthegunhekeptstashedinthedrawer.Herfingers tightenedaroundthe cold,reassuringgripofthe weapon.For a moment,she consideredher options.Callingthe cops or her fathercrossedhermind,butinherheart,sheknewthatbothpartieswouldbeequallyuseless Herfatherwasinameetingwith Smoke,thepresidentoftheCrimsonCrows.TheCrowshappenedtobeboththeirbestandworstcustomers.Thelocalpolice force,ontheotherhand,wascorruptandinefficient,leavingherwithlittlefaithintheirassistance

Ultimately,Danadecidedsheneededtoconfrontthissituationonherown.Sheknew herwayaroundagun,thanksto herfather’scarefulinstruction,eventhoughshehadneverfiredoneatanotherperson

Danainchedherwayclosertothegarage,hergunheldattheready,bracingherselfforwhateverlayontheotherside. Whenshefinallyreachedtheentrance,hereyeswidenedinsurpriseastheyfelluponaninjuredman,somewhereinhisearly forties HewaswedgedbetweenablueCadillacandaHarley,andhedidn’tlooksogood

Danacouldn’tshaketheearliersoundofmotorcycleenginesshe’dheard,andshehopedagainsthopethatithadnothing todowiththeinjuredintrudernowoccupyinghergarage Apettythiefwouldhavebeenasimplerissuetodealwithcompared tothisunknownbiker.

Despitehisevidentinjuries,themanpushedhimselftohisfeetandflashedherasmilethatsentherheartracing,despite thecircumstances.Withhisshortdark-brownhairanddeep-blueeyesthatseemedtoseerightthroughDana,hewasundeniably handsome,inaruggedkindofway.HestoodaheadtallerthanDana,hisbodycoveredinmusclesandtattoos.Hewasexactly thekindofmanhermotherwouldwarnheragainstifshewerealive

Hehadtheaudacitytoinquireabouthername.

“Iaskedyouaquestion,”hestatedfirmlywhenDanaremainedsilent

Hisauthoritativetonesentashiverdownherspine.Inwardly,sherealized,sheneverhadsuchareactiontoanyman.It seemedallthemenshedatedsofarweredisappointments.Boyswhopretendedtoknowwhattheyweredoing.Whatwouldit beliketobewithamanlikeCross?

Reluctantly,Danafoundherselfofferingaresponse.“Dana.DanaHarris,”shemuttered,brieflyforgettingthegravityof thesituation

Herespondedwithasmirk,andDanamentallyberatedherself.Thiswasnotimeforpoliteintroductions,andherlapse injudgmentwas unacceptable She shookher head, snappingherselfbackto reality Dana tightened her grip onthe gunand aimeditatthemanwithtremblingfingers.

“Now,getoutofmyfather’sgarage.Iwantnotroublehere,”shecommanded,relievedhervoicesoundedsteady. Crossmaintainedacalmandunruffledexpression,asifhe’dencounteredcountlesssituationswhereagunwaspointed athim.And,intruth,heprobablyhad.

Danaremindedherselfthatsheheldtheadvantagehere,andyetshefeltlikeshewascaughtinatrap

“Tellme,Dana,”Crossdrawled,hisvoicesurprisinglycomposed.“Haveyouevershotamanwiththatgun?”

Sheswallowedhard “No,”sheadmitted,herfingerstensingonthegripoftheweapon “Butyou’llbethefirst”

Hearchedaneyebrow,ahintofchallengeinhisgaze.“You’renotthekindofwomanwhowouldshootaninjuredman, areyou?”

Herirritationflaredasherpatiencewaned

“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutme,”sheretorted,hervoicetingedwithfrustration.

“You’reright,”hesaidsoftly “ButbelievemewhenIsayyou’llregretthis Givemethatgun”

Arguingwiththis manfeltpointless, and Dana knew it. He was right, and itgnawed ather conscience. Her old man mightbeamiserableexcusefor ahumanbeing,buther mother hadraisedher tobeabetter person Shecouldn’tgothrough with this, and Cross seemed to recognize that as well. The standoff had reached an impasse, and Dana knew it couldn’t continueindefinitely.

Shedecidedtoswitchtactics,hopingtouncovermoreaboutthedangerousbikerbeforeher

“What do the Crows want withyou?” she asked, gesturingtoward the patchonhis jacket. “You’re not fromaround theseparts”

Crossmethergazesteadily.“Iwasbetrayed,”heexplained.“BelievemewhenIsaythisisthelastplaceIwanttobe.

I’mnotathreat,Dana.It’s your call either helpmeor shootme.Ifyouchoosetohelp,I’ll beeternallygrateful toyouand won’tcontactyouagain.Ipromise.”

Danacouldn’thelpbutfeelaflickerofdoubtasshegazedattheinjuredmanbeforeher Hiswordsheldasinceritythat gaveherpause.

She released a breathshe hadn’trealized she’d beenholdingand made her choice Dana lowered the gunbutkeptit withinreach,unwillingtotrustthismanwithaweapon,nomatterhowsincereheappearedtobe.Shewaspreparedforhimto gobackonhisword,butCrossonlyregardedherwithamixofamusementandgratitudeinhiseyes

“Thisway.There’safirstaidkitupstairs,”shesaid.

Dana tooka step toward the office. She hesitated for a moment, thenoffered himher shoulder for support. Together, theymadetheirwaytotheoffice,Crossleaningheavilyonher

He groanedsoftlyas she helpedhimintothe swivel chair,the firstsoundofagonyhe hadallowedtoescape.Itwas nothingshortofamiraclethatCrosshadn’tfaintedfromthepain

“Icanbringyoutothehospital ”Danastarted,buthecutheroffwithagrimace.

“Nohospitals,”Crossgrittedoutthroughclenchedteeth,andtheurgencyinhisvoiceleftnoroomforargument

Dana quickly realized he was right. Sending himto the hospital would be the equivalent of a death sentence. The CrimsonCrowshadtheirspieseverywhere,andoncewordgotoutthatthehospitalwasharboringanenemyoftheCrows,they would descend uponCross without mercy He’d never stand a chance of escaping Dana quicklyretrieved the first aid kit DanaunfastenedCross’sbelt.

“Well,thiswasn’twhatIexpected ”hestarted,butsheswiftlycuthimoffwithaglare

“Shutup,”shesaidsternly.“IneedyoutobiteintosomethingwhileIextractthebullets.”

Cross,momentarilytakenaback,noddedinagreement.Drawingonthescantknowledgeshe’dpickedupfrommedical school,Danawenttowork.Itwasagritty,tensefewminutes,however,Crossprovedtobeagoodpatient.Bysomemiracle, hersteadyhandsmanagedtoextractthebulletsfromhisarmandleg.

Crossobservedherquietlyassheworked,breakingthesilencewithhisobservation “Thisisn’tthefirsttimeyou’ve donesomethinglikethis,”hesaidaloud.

Danapaused,wipingthesweatfromherbrowwithacleanrag “Itis,”shereplied.“Istudiedtobeanurse,butIhadtoquitattheendofmyfirstyear.”

Crossreachedout,liftingherchinwithtwofingers,andshefoundherselfdrawntohispiercingblueeyes. “Whydidyouquit?Pressuregottoyou?”heinquired.

Danashookherhead,annoyedhewaspryingintoherpast.Shedidn’towethismananyanswers,buttoldhimthetruth anyway

“MyfatherhaddebtstotheCrows.Heneededmyhelprunningthisshop,”sheexplainedtersely.

Danahadagutfeelingthathewasabouttostartprobingwithmorequestions,butshecuthimoffwithhernextwords “You’refixed.What’snext?”

Crossconsideredforamoment,hisgazedistant.

“Ineedtomakeaphonecallandlaylowforafewhours,untiloneofmyMCbrotherspicksmeup,”heexplained ItdawnedonDanawithtrepidationthatby“laylow,”hemeanthidinginthegarage.

Crossseemedtosenseherhesitation,andhereachedforoneofherhands Herfingerswerestainedwithgrimeandfuel marksunderthedimofficelights.

Histouch,thoughrough,feltsurprisinglywarm

“Dana,IunderstandthatwhatI’maskingisalot,”Crosssaidsoftly,lockinghiseyeswithhers.“Butitwouldonlybe foralittlewhile.”Danawasgoingtoregretthis.“Fine.Youcanrestuphereandusethelandline.Meanwhile,I’ll headback downstairsandhideyourHarley It’snotexactlysubtle”

“Thankyou,Dana,”Crosstoldher.

Thegrateful lookinhiseyesmadeherheartflutteralittle Whatwasthismandoingtoher?ThesoonerCrossexited herlife,thebetter,shedecided,assheheadedbacktothefrontoftheshop.

DanamovedtotheHarley,drapingaraggedpieceofclothoverittoprotectitfrompryingeyes Shecouldn’thelpbut admirethecareandattentionthatCrosshadgiventothemotorcycle.

Dana’s thoughts drifted to the injured and sleeping biker currently holed up in her office. She wondered what had possessedhertohelpastrangerinthisway.Perhapsitwasherownformofrebellionagainstherfather,whohadmadetheir livesmiserablebyassociatingwiththeCrowseversinceshehermotherdied.

Hearingtherumbleofmotorcycleenginesoutside,Dana’sheartskippedabeat,andshefrozeinhertracks

She jumped whensomeone started knockinghard onthe garage door. She must’ve hesitated too longbecause itwas followedbyapissed-offvoice “Openup,oldman Weneedtotalk”

Danarecognizedthatvoicealltoowell.ItwasPanther,oneofSmoke’sruthlessenforcers,andshehadneverbeenfond oftheside-eyedlookshegaveher.Assheheardhisdemandingtone,panicsettledin,leavingherinatightspot.Takingadeep breath, Dana steeled herself before reluctantlyopeningthe garage door She tried her best to keep anytraces of fear from showingasshecamefacetofacewithPanther,whowasaccompaniedbythreeofhiscronies.

Panther certainly had the audacity to eyeball her up and down, probably thinking thoughts Dana had no interest in knowing.

“Mydad’snothereyet,”shesaidinanevenvoice “I’lllethimknowyouguyswerelookingforhim”

Pantherraisedaneyebrow,alecherousgrinplayingonhislipsashecontinuedtosizeherup

“Youopenedthegarage,huh?So,youprobablyheardallthecommotionearlier?”heasked.

Danaforcedherselftomeethisgaze,unwillingtoletheruneaseshow

“Commotion?Iwasonthephonewithacustomer,”shereplied.“YoucanaskMr.Graham.Didsomethinghappen?”

Pantherleanedin,aslysmileonhisface

“Apreygotawayfromus,”Panthersaid.“You’recertainyouhaven’theardorseenanything?”

Danamethisgazewithashrug,feigningignorance.“No,likeIsaid,Iwasintheoffice,takingcareofbusiness.” Panther’s grin didn’t waver as he decided to push further “Well then, you wouldn’t mind if we have a little look around,wouldyou?”

Withoutwaitingforherresponse,heunceremoniouslypushedpastherandmadehiswayintothegarage,trailedclosely byhiscronies.

FrustrationsurgedwithinDana,buttherewaslittleshecoulddo.TheCrimsonCrowsactedasiftheyownedthetown, andanyonewhodaredtodefythemoftenendedupinthehospitalorworse.Shehadnochoicebuttoplayalong,yethermind raced withconcern. What if Panther saw Cross? The thought sent shivers downher spine. It wasn’t just what these bikers woulddotoCrossthatworriedher,butalsothedangersheherselfmightface

Danadidherbesttoappearnonchalantasshepretendedtobeengrossedinherphone.

One ofPanther’s cronies hadsidleduptopeer over her shoulder,buta sighofreliefescapedher lips whenthe guy, probablyuninterestedincatvideos,quicklylostinterestandmovedon.

Meanwhile, inside the garage, the bikers systematically searched the area. They pushed aside boxes, poked around under cars, and evendelved into the trunks, makingDana’s heartrace withanxiety. She could feel sweattricklingdownher brow as Panther approached the nearby blue Cadillac, and she held her breath. Fate, it seemed, was on her side for the moment

Panther castonlyacursoryglanceatthevehiclebeforemovingon,completelymissingtheconcealedHarleyshehad tuckedawaybesideaheapofgrimymachinery

JustwhenDanathoughtshemightbegettingoutofthefryingpan,Panthersaid,“Let’schecktheoffice.”

One ofPanther’s buddies letouta groan,buta fierce glare fromPanther made the guyzipit.Dana couldn’thelpbut discreetlyfollowthetrioastheymadetheirwaytowardtheoffice Astheyheadedinthatdirection,sweatcontinuedtotrickle downherbrow,andDanacouldn’thelpbutcurseunderherbreath.

ShewassureCrossmusthaveheardallthecommotionbynowandwouldeitherbepreparingtoactormaybeevenjust sleepingthroughthewholemess.Eitherway,thesituationlookedgrim.Theywerestuckinatightspot,andDanacouldn’thelp butworryaboutwhatwouldhappennext

Pantherswungopentheofficedoor,andtoDana’srelief,theroomwasempty.Shecouldn’trecallleavinghercomputer running,whichaddedatouchofconfusiontoheranxiety.

ShebrieflyfrettedaboutPantherandhiscrewspottinganybloodstainsonthefloororchair,buttohersurprise,Panther onlysparedtheroomabrief,casualglance.Itseemedluckwasstillonhersideforthetimebeing.

Panthermadeadecisivecall

“Let’smoveout,”heinstructedtohismen.“Checktheneighborhoodagain.Hecouldn’thavegottenfar.”

The two bikers obedientlyheaded outinfrontofhim, butthenPanther remained behind, and Dana’s heartsank. She tookastepbackward,andher retreatwashaltedbythesolidwall.Panther loomedcloser,hishandrestingagainstthewall, cagingherin OverPanther’sshoulder,shecaughtaglimpseofCrossemergingfromhishidingspotbeneathherdesk Hisgaze turnedsteelyuponseeingPanther,andDanasilentlyurgedhimwithawarninglooktostayputandletherhandlethesituation.

“You’rehidingsomething,Dana Icantell,”Panthersaid,soundingsuspicious Danadidn’twanttoshowanysignofweaknessShecrossedherarms,tryingtoappeardefiant.

“WhatcouldIpossiblybehiding?Ihavenothingtodowithyourlineofwork,”sheretorted,despitethenervousflutter inherchest.

“Youknow how to keep your head downand mind your business, justlike your useless excuse ofa father,” Panther remarked “Ialwayslikedthataboutyou,Dana”

Then,unexpectedly,heleanedinclose,seeminglyabouttokissher,butDana’sinstinctskickedin,andsheshovedhim away

Panther’s expression shifted, revealing his annoyance, but thankfully, one of his buddies called from outside, interruptingthetensemoment

“Panther,Ithinkwemighthavealead!”thevoicecalled. PanthershotDanaadisdainfullook.

“Alwayssohighandmighty,aren’tyou?Someday,you’regoingtoregretthat,”Panthersaid “Yougotwhatyouwanted,nowleave.Ihaveabusinesstorun,”Danapointed.

Pantherclenchedhisfists,andforamoment,Danaworriedhemightdosomethingutterlyreckless Cross,eventhough hewasinjured,continuedtoglareatPanther,readyforaction.

Dana hada hunchthatifa fightbroke out,Cross wouldcome outontop,eveninhis weakenedstate.Butwhatgood wouldthatdo?

Danaweighedtheoptions.IfCrosswonthefight,he’dlikelybeonhiswaybacktohisMC,leavingDanatodealwith thefallout TheCrimsonCrowswouldundoubtedlyretaliate,sendingmoreoftheirgoonsafterherandherfather,turningtheir livesintoanever-endingnightmare.Itwasalose-losesituation.

Fortunately,bothbikersdecidedtokeeptheir tempersincheck,muchtoDana’srelief Panther finallypeeledhimself awayfromher,aslygrinplayingonhislips.

“I’llseeyouagainsoon,Dana,”hesaid,thenadded,“Perhapsyou’llbeinabettermoodnexttime.”

Withthat,Pantherturnedandswaggeredaway.

Danaremainedrootedtothespot,watchingthemuntil thegrowlofmotorcycleenginesgrew fainterandfinallyfaded awayintothedistance

“IreallythoughtIwasgoingtohavetogutthatbastard.Hell,Iwaslookingforwardtodoingit,”Crosssaid.

Dana glanced athim, her frustrationclear He didn’tlookanybetter atall, still pale and withsome ofhis bandages reopened.

Shecouldn’thelpbutshootback,“Whatdoyouexpectmetosaytothat?”

Crossblinked,lookinggenuinelyperplexed “DidIdosomethingwrong?”

Danarolledhereyesathisapparentcluelessness.“Arrogantman.Inafewhours,yourbuddywillprobablycometoget yououtofthis mess, butnow Panther has his eye onme Have youever thoughtaboutthe mess youbikers leave behind, or whathappenstothelocalscaughtupinyourproblems?”

Shepaused,realizingherownangerwassomewhatmisplaced

Takingadeepbreath,shegrumbled,“Idon’tevenknowwhyI’msoworkedup.Ishouldjustletyourestandmindmy ownbusiness.Afterall,Imadethedecisiontohelpyou,soI’llhavetodealwiththeconsequences.”

Cross,inanunexpectedmove,gentlycuppedhercheekandlockedhisgazewithhers Danacouldn’thelpbutrecallthe recentencounterwithPanther,wherethesituationhadbeenfarlesspleasant.However,thistime,shedidn’tmindCrosskissing her Heowedherthatatleast,forallthetroubleshe’dgonethroughforhim

Crossseemedtowatchher reactionfor afew moments,thenheleanedinandbrushedhislipsagainsther.Hekissed exactlythewayshepicturedmenlikehimkissed

Crosswasn’tjustsatisfiedwithasingletaste.Hegrippedher shoulder withhisgoodhandandplunderedher mouth. Closinghereyes,Danarespondedwithequalpassion.Hernipplestightenedtopointsandfoundherselfalittlemoistbetween herlegs HowcouldonesimpleactfromCrossmakeherbodyreactthisway?

“Youtastesweet,Dana.Exactlyhow Iimagined,”Crossmurmured.Hedidn’treleaseher rightaway.Crossthumbed hercheekandcontinuedgazingdownather,asifmemorizingherfeatures

“Iwon’teverforgetwhatyou’vedoneforme,sweetheart,”Crosssaid,hiswordscausingherhearttoskipabeat. Itwasstrange,Danathought,howshe’dneverbeenparticularlyfondofpetnamesbefore.Infact,she’dusuallyfound themquiteirritating,especiallyfromsomeofherlessimpressivedates.YetwithCross,everythingseemeddifferent.

Cross continued, “Let’s trade numbers. Call me anytime if youor your dad get introuble withPanther or the other

Danaletoutascoff,andsuddenly,allthoughtsofromanceseemedtoevaporate.

“Don’tmakepromisesyoucan’tkeep,”shesaid,notcaringheheardtheskepticisminhervoice

Danahadbeendisappointedfartoomanytimesbythemeninherlife herfather,whokeptlettingherdown,andall thoseguysshehaddatedwhohadaknackfordisappearingatthefirstsignoftroubleorcommitment

Dana half-expected Cross to rebuke her, but instead, he fixed his gaze onher withthose intense, darksea eyes that seemedcapableofpiercingtheverycoreofhersoul Ashiverrandownherspineashegentlybrushedhercheekwiththeback ofhisinkedknuckles.Whatterrifiedhermorewasthesuddenurgetoleaninclosetohistouchlikesomeneedykitten.

Danadidn’tknow whatthehell waswrongwithher.Itmustjustbetheweirdnessoftheday,becauseshesuredidn’t act this way with other strangers, and she was known for her levelheadedness Cross wasn’t just a stranger anymore, she decided.

Theyhadsharedadangeroussituationandsomehowformedabondintheprocess Itdidn’tseemtomakemuchsense, buttheundeniablechemistrybetweenthemwasimpossibletoignore.

“Dana,Idon’teverbreakmypromises,”Crosstoldher

WhydidDanahaveafeelingCrossmeanteveryword,andwhywasshesorelievedbyhisanswer?

Cross watched as Dana bustled around the office, determined to ensure he was as comfortable as possible while he waitedforhisMCbrotherPriesttoarrive.

Heoverheardher speakingtoher dadonher cellphoneearlier,tellingher oldmanshehadeverythingcoveredinthe garage.Cross didn’tknow whatDana’s relationshipwithher father was like.Judgingfromthe snippets he heardfromDana andtheCrimsonCrowshecalledPanther,thingsweren’tpeachybetweenthem.

God,butCrosswouldliketoknowthiswomansomuchbetter Notjustinbed,buteverythingelseabouther Howshe thought,her favoritebooks andmovies.Whatshewas like,whenshewasn’tharboringaninjuredbiker inher garage.Later, Crossdecided Hecouldthinkaboutthatoncehewasoutofhismess

Shereturnedtohim,bringingfreshbandagesandantiseptic.

“Youshould get a medical professional to lookat your wounds whenyoucan.” Dana’s tone remained brusque, but underneaththatstraightforwardexterior,Crosscouldsensehergenuineconcern

Shedidn’tknowhowmuchheappreciatedeverythingshe’ddoneforhim.Heractionsspokevolumes,andhewaswell awarethatnotjustanyonewouldhavegoneoutoftheirwaytohelpastrangerinthesamemannershehad Herconcernforhis well-beingtouchedhim,evenifshedidn’tshowitinthemostovertway.

“You’reprobablyright,”Crosssaid Ahonkfromoutside drew their attention.Cross begantorise,butbefore he couldmake ittothe window,Dana was alreadythere,peeringout.

“DoesyourfrienddriveablackFord?”sheasked,thenreadthelicenseplatesaloudtoCross “That’sPriest,”Crossconfirmedwithanod.

Danacouldn’thelpbutcomment,“Interestingname” Crossgaveherahalf-smile.“I’lltellyouhowhegothisMCnameandmine,thenexttimewemeet,”hetoldher.

Danasoundedsomewhatpessimisticasshereplied,“Ifthereisanexttime” Crossrefrainedfromcorrectingher.ItwastruethatDanabelievedshe’dneverseehimagain,butaftereverythingthey hadbeenthrough,hehadnointentionoflettingherslipoutofhislifethateasily.

Crosscouldn’thelpbutgruntinpainasDanaassistedhimoutoftheoffice Despitethediscomfort,heleanedonherfor support,appreciatingthehelp.Outsidethegarage,theyweremetbyPriest,whowaswaitingnearby.

“MyHarley It’sstillinthere,”Crosssaid Danahadalreadywheeledhismotorcycleclosetothegaragedoors,ensuringitwasreadytobeloaded.

WithDana’s help, Cross carefullysettled into the backseat, wincingas he did so. Meanwhile, Priesttookcharge of rollingCross’smotorcycletowardtherearofthetrunk.Whenthatwasdone,PriestwalkedovertoDana.Crossrolleddown thetruckwindow,justenoughtooverhearPriestandDanatalking.

“Foryourtrouble,”Priestsaid,pullingoutacoupleofbillsfromhiswallet,andextendedthemtowardDana Herexpressionturnedaffronted,andCrosscouldn’thelpbutchuckleattheexchange.

“Idon’tneedyourmoney,”Danasaidcurtly Priestregarded her for a momentbefore tuckingthe bills backinto his wallet. “Iappreciate youlookingoutfor my friend,but ”Priestbegan.

Danainterruptedhim,hervoicefirm,“IfItellsomeone,youguyswillcomeafterme.Igetit.” Priestraisedaneyebrow,clearlyimpressed.

“TheCrowshavebeenaroundsinceIwasborn,”Danaexplained “SoIunderstandhowyoubikersoperate” “Isee.Thatexplainssomethings,”Crosssaid.

“DomeafavorandmakesureCrossseesanactualmedicalprofessionalwhenyougethome,”sherequested “Ican’t havehimdyingafteralltheeffortIputintokeepinghimalive.”

Priestnoddedinagreement,hisrespectforDanaevidentinhisvoiceashereplied,“Willdo.” Priestclimbedbehindthewheel,securingthedoorashesettledintothedriver’sseat Hecouldn’thelpbutcomment, “That’ssomewomanyoufound,Cross.”

“Itwasmyluckyday,”Crossreplied HeglancedoveratDana,whohadalreadyretreatedtohershopwithoutsayinghergoodbyes.

“Let’sgo,”Crosssaid,notwantingtoinvolveDanainanyfurthertrouble

With that, Priest started the truck’s engine, and soon, after a few turns and a glimpse of Elmwood in the rearview mirror,theyleftthetownbehind.

Cross had half-expected to run into more Crows on their way out, but they continued down the road without any additionalunwelcomecompany.

Hebegantobelievetheyweresafe,atleastforthetimebeing Onewouldthinkheshouldbefeelingrelief,considering he hadmanagedtoescape withhis life intact.After all,his plans uponreturninghome includedhavinghis injuries properly

looked atand ensuringJimmywas rounded up for his betrayal. However, the uneasiness inhis gutremained, and itwasn’t abouthimself itwasaboutDana.

As the miles passed by, Cross’s worryfor the womanwho had risked so muchto help himcontinued to grow He couldn’tshaketheconcernthatshemightfacerepercussionsfromtheCrowsforherassistance.Whatifsomeonehadwitnessed Priestloadinghiminto the truck? The Crows likelyhad eyes and ears all over the town, and the mere idea ofDana facing potentialconsequencesgnawedathim.

“Getsomesleep,”Priestsuggested “It’satleastanhour’sdrivebackhome,maybetwoifthere’smorningtraffic” Crossshifteduncomfortablyinthetruck’sseat,hisinjuriesstillthrobbingwithpain. “Idon’tthinkIcouldgetanysleep,”headmitted.

“Youworriedaboutthatwoman?”Priestasked,asifreadinghismind Theyhadbeenfriendsforoveradecade,soCrossshouldn’tbetoosurprised. “Iam,”Crossadmitted “Priest,shecould’veletmebleedoutinthegarageorcalledthecopsoroneoftheCrowsafter me,butshedidn’t.”

Priestnodded inagreement “She’s something, no doubtaboutit Buta womanlike thatcantake care ofherself It’s unlikeyoutoworryaboutastrangeryoujustmet.”

Crossclenchedhisjaw.“Astrangerwhosavedmylife,”hecorrected.

Cross stared out the truckwindow at the passinglandscape, his thoughts still circlingbackto the womanwho had shownhimunexpectedkindness.

“Don’ttell me youwantme to turnback,” Priest’s voice broke throughCross’s reverie, laced witha scoff “Inthat state,you’renogoodtoanyone,leastofallher.”

FrustrationwelledupinsideCross,butdeepdown,hecouldn’tdenythetruthinPriest’swords.Hewasinnocondition toofferanyhelp,andiftheCrowswereindeedwatching,hispresencecouldonlymakethingsworse.

“I’ll call her once we gethome,” he finallyconceded. Cross thoughthe wouldn’tbe able to sleep, buthe eventually dozedoff

Dana had been working on Mr Graham’s green Chevrolet when her father, Jeremy, entered the shop with Rusty, a member of Panther’s crew. Dana pretended to look unconcerned and continued with her work but deep down, she was panicking.WhywasRustyhereandwhatdidhewant?Thiswasn’tgood.

WhenshegotoffthephonewithJeremyearlierthatmorning,heseemedsuspiciouswhenDanainsistedhecouldcome intheshoplater.Dana’susualMOwastoremindhimtogethisbuttinandtakesomeshareofthework.

Danafocusedonhertask,wrenchinhand,asshepretendednottonoticeJeremyandRustyentertheoffice Herfather shutthedoorbehindhim,soDanacouldn’toverheartheirconversation.

Sheknewshehadtokeephercomposure,butherheartracedinherchest,andhermindracedwithquestions Whywas Rustyhere,andwhatdidhewantwithherfather?Thesituationdidn’tfeelright.

JeremyandRustyweren’tintheofficelong,butwhentheycameout,Rustyflashedherasmirkthatmadeherstomach overturn

JeremywalkedRustyoutofthegaragejustasDanafinishedworkingonMr.Graham’soilchange.Herfatherwalkedup toherandgrabbedherelbow

“Whatkindoftroubledidyougetyourselfin,girl?”hedemanded.

Danawrenchedherelbowback Itwasusuallyherwhoaskedthatquestiontohim Danametherfather’sgazeevenly Didshehavetoremindhimofthenumberoftimesshehadtospringhimfromjail?Orwhenthelocalbarownerwouldcall herinthedeadofnight,askinghertopickJeremyupfromthebar?

“Ididn’tgetintoanytrouble,Dad Butwhat’sgoingonwithRustyandwhyishehere?”Danaasked

She crossedher arms andshiftedher weightfromone foottothe other.Jeremynarrowedhis eyes.Dana knew she’d alwaysbeenapoorliar,unlikeJeremy Lieswereasnaturaltohimasbreathing

“You have a honest face, just like your mother. Sometimes I wonder if that’s a good or bad thing,” heusedtotellher. “Dana,”Jeremysaidinalow,measuredtone Hetookastepclosertoher,hiseyesneverleavinghers “YouandIboth knowyou’renottellingmeeverything.Icanseeitinyoureyes.Mrs.Higginsacrosstheroadspottedyouhelpingtwobikers. Oneofthemwasinjured.Bothweren’tCrows.”

Dana’s heartsankas the pieces fell into place So thatwas it Anosyneighbor had witnessed her lendinga hand to Cross,astheymadeittoPriest’struck.Whyshouldshebesurprised?TheCrowshadawayofmakingeveryonefeellikethey werebeingwatched,andtheirgriponthecommunitywastighterthananyonedaredtoadmit Dana’sannoyancewasinitially directedatMrs.Higginsforbeingthemeddlingonlooker,butherangerquicklyfadedassherealizedherfurywasmisdirected.

ThiswashowtheCrowsoperated.Theydidn’tjustrulethroughfear,theyalsomanagedtoturneverylocalagainsteach other.Itwashowtheykepteveryoneinline,sotheywouldn’tformanyalliancesthatcouldchallengetheCrows’authority.

“And what did you tell him?” Dana asked, remembering the smirk Rusty had given her. She knew her father owed

Smokealotofmoney.Topaythatdebtoff,theyhadagreedtoservicesomeoftheCrows’motorcyclesforfree.

It was a terrible business decision. Money kept bleeding out and nothing came in, despite their steady stream of regulars Dana was prettysure theywould have to close up shop bythe end ofthe year, butJeremynever saw thatfar Her fatheronlyoperatedinthepresent.

“Whatdoyoudotakemefor?OfcourseItoldRustyyou’dneverdosuchathing,”Jeremyblurted “Thenwhydidhelooksmugashellwhenhelefttheshop?”Danademanded.

“Rusty did?” Jeremy asked, looking confused “Rusty only told me to keep a lookout for these Death Seekers MC membersandpromisedmeareward.”

“Igetit.Thanksfortellingme,Dad.Let’sjustgetbacktowork,”Danasaidtiredly. Inthebackofhermind,shewonderedifthementionofarewardwouldtemptherfather Sheneverfullytrustedhim, notafterhemadethatawfuldealwithSmoke.Eversincehermotherdied,Jeremyhadneverbeenright.ShethoughtofCross andwonderedhowhewas,andifhe’dtakenheradvicetoseeadoctor

Dana scoffed atherself. Here she and her father were indeep water, and she was thinkingaboutthe biker who had likelyforgottenaboutheralready

No,iftroublefinallydidcomeknockingonherdoor,itwasuptohertodealwithit.

Dana was workingona busted car engine and was thinkingof closingfor the day It had beena weeksince she’d helped Cross, and surprisingly, he kept intouch. He told her he was doinga lot better and his injuries were healing. They textedaboutotherthings,too.Mundanematters,likewhatshelikedtodotounwindafterwork.Aboutthedinerhefrequented. MessagingCrossmadeDanafeelalittlelessalone.Danaspentallhertimeworking.Notthatshewascomplaining.

Danalovedbeingunderthehoodofacar,butsheneverreallyhadtimetodevelopfriendshipsinElmwood.Besides, shedidn’tknowwhoreportedtotheCrowsordidn’t

Her phone beeped, and Dana grinned as she read Cross’s latestmessage: Hey, Dana. Ijust finishedmy check-up. DocsaidIcouldridesoon.

Crosskepthintinghewantedtoseeheragainandtohersurprise,Danafoundherselflookingforwardtoit.Maybenot inElmwoodbutperhapstheycouldmeetsomewhereelse.

While Dana was thinking of Cross, the creaking of the garage door made her snap to attention. To her unpleasant surprise,Panthersaunteredintothestore Hispresencesentanimmediatechilldownherspine Thankfully,hewasalone,but Danaknewthatdidn’tguaranteehersafety.Panther’seyeslockedontoher,andheleanedagainstthecounter,smirking.

“Goodevening,Dana,”Panthergreetedcheerfully,asiftheywerethebestoffriends

DanawipedhergreasyhandsonaragandmetPanther’sgaze,herexpressionamixofirritationandapprehension.

“Whatdoyouwant,Panther?ThetwomotorcyclesRustybroughtinyesterdaywon’tbereadyyet.”

She sighed, fullyaware that her workload had just multiplied. Jeremyhad chosenanother Fridaynight to drinkhis sorrowsaway,leavingalltheworktoher,whichwasnothingnew.

Panther’s sinister smile never wavered as he leaned inslightly “I’mnothere aboutthe motorcycles I’mhere to see you.”

Dana’seyebrowsfurrowedasshestudiedPanther

“Well,nowyou’veseenme.Ihavetocloseforthenight,”shesaid,hopingshedidn’tsoundtooimpatient.

ShehadagutfeelingthatPanther’svisitwasfarfromfriendly,andshewantedtogethimoutofhergarageasquickly aspossible.

“Smoke asked me to keep aneye onyou. You’re not talkingto your new friends behind our backs, right?” Panther asked,droppinghissmile

Smokesenthim?Danacouldn’thelpbutfeelabeadofsweattraceapathdownherbackasshemetPanther’scoldgaze evenly Her heart raced in her chest as his words finally sunk in The last thing she wanted was the big boss’s attention, especiallynotonherandherfather.SheknewthattheCrows’scrutinycouldspelltrouble,andshehadalwaystriedtoavoid theirradar.

DoubtsswirledinDana’smindasshethoughtabouttheweekthathadpassed DidsheregrethelpingCrossout?The answer was a resounding“no. “ Evenifshe could turnbacktime, she wouldn’tdo anythingdifferently. Her instinctto help someoneinneedwassimplyingrainedinhernature,andshecouldn’tignoreit

Swallowing her anxiety, Dana met Panther’s intense gaze squarely and replied, “No, I’ve been minding my own business”

Panther’sgazelingeredonDanaforafewmoments,hiscalculatingeyestryingtogaugewhethershewasbeingtruthful.

“That’sagoodgirl.Wedon’twantpeoplethinkingyou’rehelpingtheenemy,dowe?”Pantherasked.

Dana held her tongue Her father had staunchlydenied her involvement inlast week’s events, thoughshe suspected Pantherwasawareofthetruth.Keepinghersilencefeltlikethesafestcourseofaction.

“Whatdoyousaywegetoutofhereandhaveagoodtime?”heasked,swiftlychangingthetopic “You’realwaysin here,workinghard.”

Danaweighedheroptionscarefully SheunderstoodthatrefusingPanther’sinvitationcouldfurtherprovokehim,butthe thoughtofspendinganentirenightwiththisslimerepulsedhercompletely.

“No,thankyou.Ihavetowakeupearlyandopenthegarageagaintomorrow,”Danasaidbriskly.

Panther’s expressionhardened, and Dana wondered how manytimes she could rejecthis advances before he turned violent.

“Dana,I’mgettingsickofyouplayinghardtoget,”hesaid

His eyes remained fixed on her, a predatory glint in his gaze, and she couldn’t help but notice his hand resting ominouslyonthe butt ofthe guntucked into his belt. As her heart raced and the options for escape dwindled, Dana’s eyes dartedaroundthegarage,searchingforanythingthatcouldbeusedasamakeshiftweapon.Hergazefellonanearbywrench, butsheknewitwasapoorchoiceagainstaloadedgun.

Justasthetensionintheroomseemedunbearable,thegaragedoorswungopenoncemore

“Dana, I’mglad you’re still open,” came the voice ofSheriffTaylor, one ofher dad’s oldestfriends and one ofhis drinkingbuddies

ThesheriffspottedPantherandgavehimacautiouslook.Panther,thankfully,removedhishandfromthegun.

“Sheriff,”Panthergreeted,histonecasualandaccompaniedbyalazysmile.

Heappearedtobeplayingitcool,buttheexchangebetweenthetwomenheldanundercurrentoftension Danaletoutasighofreliefbutsheknewshewasn’toutofhotwateryet.TheCrowsmayhavehadtheirhooksinsome locallawenforcement,butnotallthecopswerecorrupt

“Dana,sorrytoruinyourevening,butit’syourdad.He’scausingtroubleattheOldMill,”thesheriffsaid.

TheOldMillwasthelocalwateringholeherdadlovedtofrequent ItwaswherehemetDana’smom “We’ll finishthis conversationanother day, Dana. But word of advice, I’mnot the most patient maninthe world,” Pantherwarned,beforeleavingtheshop.

“Dana,”SheriffTaylorsaidwithashakeofhishead “Panther’strouble”

“Iknow,butIcan’tseemtoshakethatoneoff,”shesaid.“Ismydadreallyintrouble?”

“No,buthe’sinmycruiser,drunkashell,”thesheriffsaid “Icangiveyoubothadrivebackhome”

“Thankyou,Sheriff.IthinkI’lltakeyouuponyouroffer,”Danasaid.AfterherrecentconversationwithPanther,Dana nolongerfeltsafeinherowntown

Danawokeupthatmorning,agrintuggingatthecornersofherlips.She’dbeenupwaypastherbedtime,talkingwith Crossonthephone God,justhearinghisvoicewasenoughtoforgetallaboutPanther’slate-nightvisit

WhenCrossaskedherhowthingsweregoingwiththeCrows,shehadliedandtoldhimeverythingwasfine.Thelast thingDanawantedwastodragCrossandhisMCintothis

Danafinallyfell asleeparound2:00AM.Gettingoutofbedwasabitofastrugglerightnow.Sherubbedhersleepy eyes,letoutayawn,andbegrudginglyreachedovertoswitchoffherannoyingalarm.Workwascalling,anditdidn’tcarethat sheneededmoresleep.

Witha sighand a stretch, Dana got her act together, thoughher bodyprotested everystep of the way. She dragged herselfintothe bathroomfor a much-neededshower,andthe hotwater was a wake-upcall Afterward,she gotdressedina hurry.

Just as she was about to head downstairs, a delicious smell hit her nose It was the mouthwateringaroma ofbacon sizzlinginthe panand pancakes cookingonthe griddle. Dana widened her eyes, her morningdaze immediatelyreplaced by curiosity.Shelivedalonewithherdad.Jeremyhadn’tmadebreakfastsince…well,sincehermompassedaway.

Shequickenedherfootsteps,madeherwaytothekitchen,hermindswarmedwithdisbelief.Shehadtobeimagining things,right?Jeremywasstandinginthekitchenandlookingnotjustawakebutsober,busilyflippingpancakesintheskillet. Thesightwasenoughtomakeherquestionreality

“Dad?”Danacouldn’thelpbutask.Shetookastepcloser,asiftoconfirmhewasreal.

“Good morning, Dana,” Jeremy replied with a smile, a hint of weariness in his eyes “Have a seat at the counter Breakfastwillbereadysoon.”

Itwasdefinitelyhim,hisusuallyscruffyappearanceevenmorepronouncedtoday.Butheseemeddifferentsomehow more presentand engaged Dana couldn’tcontainher surprise as she grabbed a coffeepotand brewed a freshpotofcoffee Pouringitintotwocups,shesetthemonthecounter,oneforherdadandoneforherself.

Finally,theybothsatdowntoeat,thepancakescrispyaroundtheedges,andthecoffeeacomfortingcompaniontotheir meal.Itwasanoddexperience.

Mostmornings,Danawasinarush,tryingtogettoworkafterherfruitlessattemptstowakeherhungoverfather

Jeremybrokethesilencefirst.“Tobyswungbyearlierthismorning,”hebegan.“HeandIhadalongtalk.”

Danafurrowedherbrow,hercuriositypiqued.“Thesheriff?”sheasked.“Whatdidyoutwotalkabout?”

Ahintofapprehensionflickeredinher eyes as sheconsideredthepossibilitythatthesheriffmighthavetoldher dad abouttheeventsofthepreviousnight.

“Dana,” Jeremy said, his voice serious “Why didn’t you tell me that things have gotten worse between you and Panther?”

Danafeltasurgeofangerbubbleupwithinher Hedaredtoaskherthat?Shehadn’tcomplainedwhenheaskedherto quitschoolandhelphimwiththegarage.Danaremainedpatientandsupportiveeachtimehetoldherhewouldstopdrinking. Afterhermotherdied,hejuststoppedbeingherfather.

Thewordswereonthetipofhertongue,buthemust’vereadherexpression

Jeremylookeddownathisbreakfast,hisgazeavoidingherown,asifhealreadyknewhemightnotlikeherresponse.

“IknowIhaven’tbeenmuchofaparentlately,”hesaid

“Lately?”Danacouldn’thelpbutask.Shepracticallyraisedherselfandtookcareofhimafterhermotherdied. Jeremyfellsilent.“Ican’tchangethepastandtellingyouhowsorryIamwon’tdoyouanygood.”Jeremypaused,then continued, “Tobygave me a wake-up call. He told me Imight lose youto the Crows ifIdon’t start payingattention. Is he right?”

“Idon’tknow,Dad,”shesaid.

“Areyou…communicatingwiththatotherbikerfriendofyours?”

Itfeltlikealoadedquestion SherememberedJeremy’sconversationwithRustyandhowtheideaofarewardcheered himup.

“He’snofriendofmine,Dad,”shelied “Hewasintrouble Ihelpedhimonce That’sall thereistoit Heprobably forgotallaboutme.”

“Isee”Jeremyrubbedhistemples Helookedlikehewasnursingaheadache “Tobysuggestedifthingsgettoobad, youandIshouldleavetownforawhile.”

“Andgowhere?Dad,wearen’texactlyswimminginmoney,”sheremindedhim.

“Tobysaidhe’dloanmesomecash,”Jeremysaidratherdefensively

Thesheriff,shethought,wasagoodman.Blesshissoul.“It’sanoption,butfornow,thingsarestillmanageable.”

“Yousureaboutthat?”heasked

“I’lltellyouifthingschange,”shepromisedhim.

Afterbreakfast,foronce,theybothdecidedtoheadtothegaragetogether Itwasabitunusual,butDanawelcomedthe change.Maybethingswerestartingtolookup.

AsDanasteppedoutofhercarandherdadfollowedsuit,sheabruptlycametoahalt.Herfathermirroredherreaction. Thesightinfrontofthemhitlikeapunchtothegut

Thegaragedoorshadbeenvandalized.Twooftheshop’swindowslayshattered,glassfragmentsscatteredacrossthe ground Crimsonpaintwashaphazardlysplashedacrossthem Alargecrowwasspray-paintedacrosstheentrance

Dana’sbreathcaughtinherthroat.MaybeitwastimetocallCrossforhelp.

InthemiddleoftheMCmeeting,Crossfelthisphonebuzzinhispocket HeglancedatthescreenandsawDana’sname flashing.Withoutthinkingtwice,hegotupfromhisseat,throwinganodtohisMCbuddies,andmadehiswayoutsidetotake the call. Breaker, the MC president, shot him an annoyed look as he left. He wasn’t one to tolerate interruptions during meetings,andCrossknewit.Butrightnow,Dana’scalltookprecedence.

Sevendayshadpassedsincetheypartedways.Sincethen,CrosshadhunteddownandexecutedJimmyhimself.Dana andhimhadkeptintouch Cross couldn’thelpbutwonder ifPanther andhis ganghadfinallymade their move The thought sentachilldownhisspine.

“Cross?Iwasn’tsureifIshouldcallyouornot,”Dana’svoicetrembled,lacedwithfear

Hisprotectiveinstinctssurgedthroughhisentirebody.

“Dana,tellmeeverythingthathappened,”heurged,histonefirm.

Dana began recounting the unsettling events, her voice shaky as she described Panther’s unexpected visit and the distressingsightoftheirvandalizedshop.Crosslistenedintently,hisangersimmeringjustbeneaththesurfaceasheabsorbed everydetail The situationhad finallyescalated Cross knew thatPanther was gunningfor Dana and possiblyher father He didn’twanttotakeanymorechances,sohecametoadecision.

“WeneedtogetyououtofElmwood Pantherandhiscrewmightmakeamoveonyoutwotonight,”Crosssaid “LeaveElmwood?”Danaasked.“Andgowhere?I’veneverbeenanywhereelse.”

“Here,”Crossreplied.“I’llprotectyouandyourfather.”

TherewasamomentofsilenceattheotherendofthelineandhewonderedwhatDanawasthinking ThenCrosscould hear another man’s panicked voice, probably Dana’s father. The two bickered for a few moments. Cross waited. He told himselftobepatient HetriedputtinghimselfinDana’sshoes Shemustbesoterrified,butpropstoher for holdingoutthis longagainstPanther.Thattookguts.

“Dana,youstillthere?”heasked

“I am. Just thinking about the shop and the customers, waiting for their cars to be fixed. I know it’s stupid,” she muttered.

“It’snotstupid Youcareaboutpeople,aboutyourbusiness,”hesaid “That’srare” “Yeah,andlookwherethatgotme.”

“Thegaragewillstillbethereafterallthisisover,”Crosstoldher “Sowillyourcustomers” HejusttoldheranoutrightliebutheneededtogethertoagreetoleaveElmwood. “You’reright.Whenwillyougethere?”Danaasked.

“Before nightfall. I’ll grab two more ofmyMCbrothers. Thenwe’ll ride to Elmwood to pickyouand your dad up. Packlight,”herecommended.

“Willdo”Therewasamomentarypauseontheotherend “Thankyou,Cross I’mnotsurewhatelseIcould’vedone” “Youstuckoutyourneckformeandsavedmylife,”heremindedher.“ThisistheleastIcando.”

Cross returnedtothe MCmeetingandsettledintohis seat,knowingthatas the sergeantatarms for the MC,Breaker wouldn’t tolerate his sudden absence. He sat through the meeting, his thoughts often drifting to Dana and her predicament, itchingtoact.

Oncethemeetingwasover,hefoundPriestandpulledhimaside.

“Letmeguess,yoursweetheartfromElmwood’sintrouble?”Priestaskedwithaknowinggrin.

Cross’stemperflaredforamoment,buthequicklysuppressedit

“Yeah,andImightneedsomehelp,”Crossadmitted.

He knew he couldn’t handle the situation alone Cross then shared the details of Dana’s circumstances Priest’s expressiongrewseriousasheconsideredCross’srequest.

“Youdon’thavetocomeifyouthinkit’stoorisky,”Crosssaid. Thiswasapersonalproblem,afterall,notanMCproblem AnotherMCbrothermight’veleftDanatothewolvesbut Cross was crazy about this woman. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Fate placed her in his path for a reason. Cross genuinelybelievedthat

“Andleave youtothe Crows tofeedon?” Priestscoffed,shakinghis headindisbelief.“Iwon’tletyouride toyour deathforsomewomanyouhardlyknow”

CrossmetPriest’schallenginggazehead-on,unwavering.

“She’simportanttome,Priest,”Crosssaid.“Iknowitinmyheart.”

“We’llneedathird,”Priestfinallysaid “I’llseeifIcangetholdofSpike” Cross nodded.Spikewas agoodchoice.Hewas always lookingfor someactionanddidn’tcareaboutthecauseall thatmuch “Thanks,brother,”hetoldPriest,meaningit

“We’llmeetupatthefrontinhalfanhour,”Priestsaid.

“TellSpiketocomearmed,”Crossremindedhim.

Cross hurried to his private roomwithinthe MC’s headquarters, where he kept his favorite firearms and his trusty knife Heneededsomeseriousfirepower

On his way out of the room, Cross accidentally bumped into Breaker, the MC president. Breaker took one look at Cross,andhisexpressionwashardtoread

The MC was like a family, and Breaker always seemed to have anuncannyknowledge of everythingthat happened withintheclub Still,CrossknewheowedBreakeranexplanation Itwastimetofessup “Goingonatrip?”Breakerasked.

Ten years ago, Breaker had found Cross in the dirty parking lot of a run-down roadhouse, half dead and drunk. If Breaker hadn’t offered him a hand back then, Cross wouldn’t be alive today Cross owed Breaker his life Cross didn’t hesitate.HeowedBreakerthetruth.

“Allthisforonewoman?”Breakeraskedhimafterward “WhatwouldyouhavedoneifRileywasintrouble?”heasked.

Hehadtakenagamble,bringingupBreaker’soldlady,butheknewitwastherightcardtoplay Breakerscowledbutfinallysaid,“Fine,justdon’tgetPriestandSpikekilled.” “Iwon’t,”Crosspromised.

“Yourfriendsaidhe’dbeherebeforenightfall.Whereishe?”Jeremyaskedimpatiently.

ThebrokenenginesatinfrontofDanaandshethoughtofitasapuzzlesheneededtosolve Herfather’sanxietydidn’t help.

“Dad,stoppacingandcalmdown,”Danaalmostsnapped.

Workkepthermindoccupiedandherworriesatbay.Crosshadgivenhisword,andDanatrustedhim.Hedidn’tstrike herasthekindofmanwho’dgobackonhispromises.Perhapsheencounteredadelaysomewhere.

Or he could’ve changed his mind about helping you,whisperedanastyvoiceinherhead Danaignoredthatvoice If thatwastrue,thensheandherdadweredoomed.

Fifteenminuteslater,theroarofmotorcycleenginesthunderedinthedistance,sendingashiverdownDana’sspine Her workontheenginecametoanabrupthaltassheglancedtowardherfather.Jeremy’sfacehaddrainedofcolor,hiseyeswide withfear,mirroringherowngrowingapprehension.

“Staywhereyouare,”shetoldhim.“I’llcheckwhoitis.”

Jeremynodded.Shemovedcautiouslytowardtheclosestwindow,wheretheyhadhastilytapedovertheglassearlier. Thesightoutsidewasobscured,butshecouldstill makeoutthefiguresstandinginthedimlylitstreet Threebikersontheir Harleyshadarrived.Oneofthemdismountedandcarriedashotgun,aterrifyingsightthatsentachilldownDana’sspine.

Feargrippedherforafewmoments,andshestruggledtocontainit Shouldsheandherfathermakeabreakforit?The shophadanotherexitintheback,offeringapotentialescaperoute.

“Dana,it’sme,”Cross’svoicecalledout,andherheartsoaredwithrelief.

Thedreadthathadgrippedhermomentsagobegantoebbaway ThesewerenotPantherandhismen

Sheturnedtoherfather.“Dad,grabyourbag.It’sCrossandhismen.It’stimetogo,”sheordered.Thetoneinhervoice gothimmoving

Leaving everything behind wasn’t an easy decision, but they both understood the gravity of their situation. If they stayed,theywouldbenothingmorethansittingducksfortheCrows,andwhoknewwhatplansPantherhadforDana

As Dana and her father hastily made their way out of the garage, she once again heard the rumble of motorcycle engines.

Thenthefirstgunshotpiercedtheair Hermouthwentdry Dana’sheartthunderedasthesoundreverberatedinherears

Herfatherletoutapainedcry,andDanaturnedtoseehimclutchinghisarm,bloodseepingthroughhisfingers.Hehad beenshot PantherandfourotherCrowshadfinallyarrivedandgut-wrenchingfearstruckher

Chaoseruptedandaviolentconfrontationensued.Gunshotsechoedinrapidsuccession.Mencursedandyelled.Time seemed to move in slow motion Standing a few feet fromDana stood Panther He leveled a gun at her head “Traitorous bitch!”heyelledather.

Shefrozeinhertracks.Whycouldn’tshemoveatatimelikethis?Wasthisit?Wasthishowherlifewasgoingtoend?

Butjustaspanicthreatenedtoconsumeher,salvationarrivedintheformofCross Inablurofmotion,hetackledherto thegroundandshotatPanther.Pantherscreamedasabulletfounditswaytohisknee.

“Cross,weneedtoleavebeforemoreCrowsarrive!”Priest’surgentyellcutthroughthenoiseandconfusion CrosshelpedDanatoherfeet.Helookedintohereyes.“Youallright?”heasked.

Dana desperately scanned the scene for her father, her heart clenching with fear. She spotted another biker, one of Cross’smen,assistingJeremyontoaHarley.

“Let’sgo,”DanatoldCross.

She climbed onto the backofhis Harley, her pulse still racing. She wrapped her arms around Cross’s waist. Inthat moment,hefeltlikeasourceofwarmthandsafety.

Bysomemiracle,theirgroupspedawayfromthestreet Danacouldn’tstoptrembling,hernervesstillonedge Crossmust’venoticedhershaking.“It’sallover,Dana,”heassuredher.“Wemanagedtogetawayfromthem.”

Danacouldn’tshakethelingeringsenseofunease Notyet,shethought,hereyesdartinganxiouslytotheirsurroundings Astheyleftthetownbehind,twooftheCrowsattemptedtogivechase.Butastheirgroupgaineddistanceandspeed, thepursuingbikerseventuallygaveupthechase Fornow,theyhadmanagedtoescapetheimmediatedanger AsCrossandhis menputmoremilesbetweenthemselvesandtheCrows,Danabegantorelax.

She clung tightly to Cross, resting her head against his muscled back. She still couldn’t believe they had somehow managedtoescapewithminimal casualties Sure,herdadwasshotinthearm Crossandthetwootherbikerslookedworse forwear,butnoonehaddied.

As their group passed by cornfields and the threat seemed to fade, Dana couldn’t shake the haunting memory of Panther’smurderousexpression.Thewayhehadpointedthatgunather,thecoldnessinhiseyes,andthevenominhiswords stillsentshiversdownherspine

Cross onlymanagedtoshoothimintheleg.Panther wouldliveandhe’dcomefor Danaandher dadagainwhenthe opportunityarose.

Danashookherhead Nousethinkingaboutthatfornow Theyweresafe Thatwasall thatmattered Shefocusedon thepresent,onCross’sincrediblywarmbodypressedagainstherfront.

Wouldhedemandsomeformofpaymentforhisaid?Danawouldn’tmindgivinghimarewardorlosingherselfinhim Afterall,thedistractionwouldbeawelcomeadditiontothemessthatherlifehadsuddenlybecome.

Shethoughtofthesleeplessnightsshelayaloneinherownbed,imaginingCrossaboveher,doingwickedthingstoher bodywhileshewhimperedandbeggedformore.

Itwastimetofindoutifherfantasieswouldliveuptotherealthing.

Cross,Priest,andSpikerodethroughthenight Ithadbeenexhausting,buttheyfinallyreachedHangingGrove Home sweethome.

DanahaddozedoffonthebackofCross’sHarley,snuggledagainsthimandclingingtightlyduringtheride.Hecould hearhersoftsnoresastheyrolledclosertotheMCclubhouse,whichwasontheoutskirtsoftown.

As theyarrived attheir familiar haunt, Cross gave Dana a gentle shake to wake her up. He debated ifhe should just leaveherbeandcarryhertherestoftheway,butCrossdidn’twantDanatowakeupinsomestrangeroomandpanic “Dana,wakeup.We’rehere,”hesaid.

Despitetheoddsstackedagainstthem,theyallmadeitbackinonepiece Crossdidn’tneedtoburyanyofhisbrothers HekepthispromisetoBreakerandmoreimportantly,Danawaswithhimnow.PantherandtherestoftheCrowswouldn’tbe abletotouchherinDeathSeekersMCterritory.

“Herewhere?”Danaasked ShelookeddisorientedasCrosshelpedherdownfromtheHarley.Hergazesweptoverthesurroundings,andshetook amomenttoabsorbthescene Thecrowdedparkinglot,therumblingmotorcycles,andthenoisyclubhousegraduallymust’ve registeredinhermind.

Her eyes widened slightly, a hintoffear flickeringacross them She seemed overwhelmed bythe new environment Crossreachedforherfingers,pleasedshedidn’tbatthemaway.

“Hey,” he said gently, trying to make his voice reassuring. “You’re safe here. You and your father are under my protection”

“Mydad,”Danasaid.Sheblinked.“Ishouldprobablyhavealookathisgunshotwound.”

Crossgentlyrestedahandonhershoulder

“Wehaveanin-housedoctor.Priestalreadycalledhim,”hetoldher.

Danainsistedonaccompanyingherfather,andCrosscouldn’tfaultherforwantingtobebyhisside Theyenteredthe clubhouse.Mostofthecrewshadreturnedfromtheirrespectivejobs,makingitafullhousetonight.

Cross and Spike led Dana and her father to a smaller roomatthe backofthe clubhouse, whichserved as Warlock’s clinic Hedidn’tthinkitwasnecessarytotellDanathatWarlockhadlosthismedicallicensefiveyearsagoduetoadrinking problem. Warlock always came through for them, patching up and sewing MC members and those under their protection withoutmuchcomplaint WarlockgaveCrossandPriestacurtnodofacknowledgmentastheyenteredtheroom

“Puthimonthetable,”Warlockinstructed,histonebusinesslike. Good,Crossthought. Warlock appears sober tonight. Spike excused himself fromthe roomwhile Warlockcarefullytended to Dana’s father. It was a gruesome task, but Warlockwasefficient.

Oncetheprocedurewascomplete,WarlockadministeredasedativetoJeremy,allowinghimtodriftintomuch-needed rest Jeremyimmediatelyfellasleep

“I’lltakehimtooneofourguestrooms,”Warlockoffered.

“Thankyou,Warlock,”shetoldhimgratefully

AsWarlockbegantoprepareJeremyforthemove,Crossdecidedtospeakup.

“Youprobablywanttostaywithhim,”hesuggested.

Danashookherhead.

“No,”shereplied.

Crossraisedaneyebrow “No?”Crossrepeated “Iwanttostaywithyoutonight.”

TheboldnessinhervoicemadeCrossstudyhermorecarefully Theybothlookedwell-traveledbutatthatmoment,he couldn’ttakehiseyesoffherfaceorhertemptingbody.

How oftenhadCrossjerkedofftoeroticfantasiesofDana,nakedandunder him,moaninghisnamewhileheputhis handsandmouthtowork?Hehadpicturedhercomingundoneashesheathedhiscockinsideherandclaimedherinthemost intimatewaypossible.

Crossevenlethisfancifulimaginationtakehimtodangerousroads,andmakingDanahisforever Hungerassailedhim anditmadeithardforhimtoformulatelogicalthoughts.

Fuck,buthewantedhersobadly,hewouldkillPantherandalltheCrowsjusttokeephersafe Crosshadneverbeen thiscrazyaboutawomanbefore.Thenagain,he’dnevermetanyonequitelikeDanaeither.

“Thisway,”hesaid,voicealittlehoarse.

He gripped her hand and led her outofWarlock’s clinic and to the staircase The third and fourthlevels housed the privateroomsoftheMCmembers.

Cross’sroomwasonthefourthfloor,rightnexttothestairs Assoonastheystoodinfrontofthedoor,Crosscouldn’t waitanylonger.HeyankedDanaclose,lovingthepressofherbreasts,ofherbodyagainsthisown.Sheroseontiptoe,then

kissedhimfirst.

Crossslidhisfingersintoherhairandresponded.Thekisswasallheatandbitebutitseemedexactlywhattheyboth wanted Crossplunderedhermouth,bitingandsuckingonherlip Atthispoint,hisdickfeltlikeasteelpipebetweenhislegs

Shegrippedhisshouldersandwould’vemountedhimrightthereifhehadn’tunlockedthedoor.

CrosshadnointerestingivingawaywardMCbrotherashow HewasapossessivebastardandhewantedDanaall forhimself.Theystaggeredinsidehisroom.Crossrememberedtoopenthelightsandkickthedoorshut.Thenhereturnedhis attentiontohiswoman

“You’rewearingtoomanyclothes,”hetoldher.

“Soareyou,”shesaidwithasmile.

“Comehere,”Crossorderedwithagrowl.

Danacouldn’ttearhergazefromtheanimalisticneedinhiseyesandwonderedifherownfacebetrayedheremotions She went to himwillinglyand remained still while he ripped her clothes offher. Anunknownthrill crept downher spine. Finally,shestoodbeforehim,onlyinherunderwear Despiteonlywearingacottonbraandpanties,Cross’seyeslitup

“Bed,”hesaid.

Atthesametime,hereachedaroundher,easilyunclaspingherbra.Hehookedhisfingersinherpantiesandawhimper escapedherlipswhenheeasilytoreoffthefabric

Damn, but she loved how savage he was and they hadn’t even gotten to the good part. She crawled into bed and watched as he tookoffhis leather jacket, shirt, boots, pants, and boxers Her mouthwentdryatthe sightofhim, muscular, naked,andcoveredintattoos. This man, this biker could be yours if you want,whisperedavoiceinherhead.

CouldamanlikeCrossevenbetamedbyanywoman?Shewonderedandceasedthinkingthemomenthecrawledon topofherandrestrainedherwristsaboveherhead.

Hernipplestightenedasheslantedhermouthagainsther.Shekissedhimfiercelyback,awareofthemoisturegathered betweenherthighs Danawassowet,soreadyforhim,butitseemedCrosswantedtodoalittlemoreforeplay Shehadnever metamorepatientman.

Crossleftburningkissesonherpulsepoint,onherthroat Heevenpaidattentiontothehollowofhercollarbones,then herbreasts.ThemomentCrossclosedhisteethoverherleftnipple,Danawasagoner.

Amoanspilledoutofherashesuckedandnipped,leavingidenticalbitemarksonhernipples.SeeingCrossleavehis markonthemfilledherwithstrangesatisfaction.

Heloosenedhisholdonherarms,thenproceededtomakehiswaydowntoherpussy.Danawillinglyopenedherlegs forhim Crossburiedhisfaceinhercunt,tracingherlipswithhistongue Hepaidthemostattentiontoherclit Henippedand suckeduntilDanacame.Crosswatchedherblushingfacewhilehelickedhercreamlikeapredatorycat.

“Fuckme,Cross”Danacouldhardlybelievethoseshamelesswordsslippedfromherlips “That’stheplan,sweetheart,”hesaid.

Cross straddled her again, lifting her legs above his shoulders. He pushed two fingers inside her, smiling when he showedDanahowwettheywere

Danadidn’tknowwhatmadeherleanforwardandlickathisdigits.Crosschuckledsoftly.“You’reaconstantsurprise, Dana,”hesaid

“Enoughtalking,”shesaid.“I’mclean.Hadmyselftestedaweekago.”

“SoamI,”hesaid

Shedidn’tknowwhytrustcameeasilywhenitcametoCross.Thenagain,thismanhadsavedherandherfatherfroma fateworstthandeath.

No,Danadidn’twanttothinkabouttheirharrowingescapeorPantherrightnow Theonlythingthatmatteredwasher andCross,andthismoment.

Crossenteredher,slow andcareful Danafelteveryinchofhim Shegroanedashefinallyburiedhimselftothehilt Thenhebeganpushinginandoutofher,findingarhythmwhichsuitedthemboth.Danagrippedhisbicepssohard,sheleftnail marksonhisskinbuthedidn’tseemtomind Soonenough,Crossreducedthembothtosweatyanimals

Shemethimforeverythrust,lovinghowwelltheirbodiesfittogether.Crossquickenedthepace.Hefuckedherlikehe ownedherandDanadidn’tfindthatthoughtfrighteningatall.

Crossswitchedtheangleofhisthrusts,andfoundhersweetspot Danaarchedherback,whimperingasheaimedfor thatarearepeatedly.Pressurebuiltinsideherandathislastpush,itcrestedover.Danascreamedouthisnameastheroomfell awayfromherlineofsight Awonderfulhazefilledhermindasshecame,panting Crosspumpedinandoutofherafewmoretimes,beforelettingoutagrowlandfillingherwithhisseed.Hepulledout of her and collapsed next to her. Then to her surprise, Cross nestled his body next to her. He wrapped his arms and legs protectivelyaroundher,asifterrifiedshewouldescape.

Cross didn’t know Dana didn’t want to be anywhere else but here, inthe circle ofhis arms, pressed up against his

muscledandhardbody.Sherecognizedthesigns,althoughshehadverylittleexperiencewhenitcametoromance.Danahad readthisinbooks,seenmovies.So,thisiswhatitwaslike,fallinghardandfastforamanshehardlyknew.No,thatwasn’t completelyright Danaknewenough

MostfolksprobablytookonelookatCrossanddecidedheandhisMCbrotherswerenodifferentfromPantherandthe restoftheCrows Theywouldbewrong

Crosswashonorableandthoughtful,buthecouldalsobesavagewhenthesituationcalledforit.ShecouldfeelCross’s warmbreathagainstthe backofher neck He pushedher hair aside toplanta kiss there The kiss turnedtoa bite andDana shivered,recallinghowshelikedseeinghissouvenirsonherskin.

“Whatareyouthinkingof,sweetheart?”Crossaskedher.

“What’sgoingtohappennext,Cross?”Danahatedruiningthevibebutthewordsjustcameout “That’saneasyone.”

“Isit?”Danaasked,unabletohidehersurprise Sheturnedaroundandheloosenedhisholdonhersoshecouldlook himintheeyes.

“We’llfiguretheanswerouttomorrowandifwecan’t,there’sthedayafterthat,”hetoldher “Justlikethat?”Danaaskedwithalaugh.

“Lifehasnoguaranteesbuttomorrow,IknowI’llwakeuptothesightofyourgorgeousfaceandthat’sgoodenoughfor me,”hesaid Hiswordswentrighttoherheadandmadeherheartflutter “That’sgoodenoughforme,too,”shewhispered.

Danawaselbow-deepinthetaskofswappingoutanoldcarbatterywhenshepickeduponthefamiliarroarofCross’s motorcyclerollingupoutsidethegarage.

Herlipscurledupwardtoasmile.IthadbeenaboutaweeksincesheandherdadsoughtrefugeinHangingGrove,and lifewasfinallystartingtosettleintoaroutine.Inthatshortspan,they’dmanagedtosnaganapartmentintown,andDanahad landedherselfagigatalocalautorepairshop.Herbosswasadecentguyandtheworksolid.Itwasalsokindofnicenotto worryaboutmakingallthetoughdecisionsonherown

Still, despite slowlyadaptingto her new life, a partofDana couldn’thelp butmiss the old garage. Ithad feltlike a second home to her for as longas she could remember While other kids her age joined clubs, played sports, or had other hobbies,Danahadgrownupwatchingher father andhis teamofmechanics atwork.Jeremyhadgiftedher awrenchfor her birthdaywhenshewastenandhadpatientlytaughthertheinsandoutsofchangingatire.Thosewerethegoodolddays,before hermotherdiedandherdadbecameadifferentperson

Unlike her, Jeremy didn’t seem to be thriving in Hanging Grove. He claimed he missed his old hangouts and his drinkingbuddies Danasuspectedthat,forhersake,hekepthiscomplaintstoaminimum Thismovewasn’tpermanentyet,but shesuspecteditwouldtakeawhilebeforesheandherdadcouldreturntoElmwoodandtheiroldlife.DidDanaevenwantto gobacktoheroldlife?

Danawipedhergrease-stainedhandsnanearbycloth.ShewaslookingforwardtoherdatewithCross.

Cross pushed openthe door to the garage, and his eyes quicklyfound Dana amongthe tools and rows of cars. His presencealonesentafamiliarheatcoursingthroughher,thekindthatneverseemedtofadenomatterhowoftentheymet Dana couldn’thelpbutreturnhisgrinasheapproached.Withoutmissingabeat,Crossleanedinandpressedhislipstohers.That searingkisseliminatedanyotherlogicalthoughtinherhead,evennow

The sound ofa low, appreciative whistle fromGil, Dana’s coworker, brieflyinterrupted the moment, butCross and Danapaiditnomind Herheartracedalittlefasterasshepulledbackfromthekiss “Givemefiveminutestochange,”shetoldhim.

Withthat,sheheadedtothesmallofficeinthecornerofthegarage,tradingherdirtycoverallsforadressandsneakers. Crosstoldhertodresscomfortably,althoughwhensheaskedhimwhathehadplannedfortheevening,heonlytoldher itwasasurprise.

Afterputtingherhairinabraid,DanabidGilandGreg,theowner,agoodevening ThenshejoinedCrossoutside He wasleaningnexttohisHarley.

Spottingher,hegrabbedtheirhelmetsandhandedherone.“Letme,”hesaid,helpingDanabucklethestrapunderher chin.

“We’vegottohurry.Ihopewemakeitintime,”Crosssaid.

“Intimeforwhat?”sheaskedhimbutCrossdeclinedtoanswer Excitementhummedinherveins Danasupposedshe wouldjusthavetofindout.

She straddled the bike behind him, clutching hima little too tightly as they left the town behind The wind rushed againstherface,andshecouldn’thelpbutclingtoCrossasthemotorcyclethundereddownthewindingroad.

Atfirst,Dana’ssurpriseturnedintocuriosityastheyleftthefamiliarstreetsandbuildingsbehind.Shewonderedwhere hecouldpossiblybetakingher.HergriponCrossloosened,though,ashesloweddown,allowinghertorelaxandtakeinthe sceneryaroundthem.

Thecountrysideopenedup,andtheypassedrollinghills,vastfields,andoldoaktrees Thesunhunglow inthesky, castingawarm,goldenglowovereverything.Danathoughtshecouldheartherivernearby.

Crosseventuallyveeredoffthemainroad Thepathwasnarrowandovergrown,almostinvisibletoanyonewhodidn’t know itwasthere.Theyfollowedthissecretroute,themotorcycle’stirescrunchingongravel andleaves,until theyemerged ontoasmall,secludedhillside.

Dana’s eyes widenedwithsurpriseas shetookinthebreathtakingview Thehillsideofferedanamazingview ofthe valleybelow,dottedwithwildflowersandborderedbyariver.ThetownofHangingGrovelaybeyondthat.

Crosspulledthemotorcycletoagentlestop,andtheybothdismounted HeextendedahandtoDana,andsheaccepted it,steppingawayfromthebike.Astheywalkedclosertotheedgeofthehill,Danagasped,herbreathcatchingassherealized thesunwasabouttoset Crosshadbroughtherhereforthis

The two ofthemstood there insilence, hand inhand, as the sunslowlydescended behind the distanthills. The sky transformedintoa sea ofcolors.Dana’s heartbeats quickenedandshe stole a glance atCross,whowas watchingthe sunset withasmileonhisface

She never experienced anythinglike this inher life. BackinElmwood, all she ever thought about was keepingthe garage running and appeasing the Crows Dana never had time for herself or a chance to find a special someone to share momentslikethiswith,butnowshedid.

Asthesundippedbelowthehorizon,sheleanedintokissCross.Crossclosedhishandpossessivelyoverhernapeand respondedwithafierceandsavagekissofhisown.Shelovedthefeelofhisbodyagainsthers.Dananeverhadsexinpublic beforeandtherewasnooneherebutthem Athrillcreptdownherspine EversinceCrossenteredherlife,Danawasalways upfornewexperiences.

“Thankyouforbringingmehere,”shetoldhimastheyparted “Thisisjustthestart,”Crosssaid.

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”Danaasked

He reached into a hiddencompartmentinhis motorcycle and pulled outa folded blanketand a small picnic basket, whichhesetonthegroundbesidethemotorcycle.Danadidn’texpectahardmanlikeCrosstobearomantic,buttonight,he wasfullofsurprises

“What’sallthis?”sheasked.

Crossspreadtheblanketonthesoftgrass Hethenopenedthepicnicbasket,revealingsandwiches,freshstrawberries, somefancycheeses,andabottleofchilledwine.

“Ithoughtwe could enjoya little picnic as we watchthe stars come out,” Cross explained “Iwanted tonightto be specialforyou.”

Dana’sheartswelledwithtendernessassherealizedtheefforthehadputintoplanningthissurprise.Momentslikethis toldDanathatCrossdidn’tconsiderhertobejustatemporaryfling

Shesettleddownontheblanketbesidehim,theirshouldersbrushingagainsteachother,andsmiled.

“Cross,thisisamazing”

“Gladyoulikeit,sweetheart.”

Theybegantoeatandtalkedabouttheirday,astheywatchedasthefirststarsappearedinthedarkeningsky.

“Didyouenjoyyoursurprise?”Crossasked.

“Idid,”shereplied,asoftsmilegracingherlips.“Noonehaseverspoiledmelikethis.”

Cross’seyesheldawarmthashereachedouttogentlytuckaloosestrandofhairbehindDana’sear “Well,”hesaid,ahintofplayfulnessinhisvoice,“thenleavethatjobuptome.”

Dana’sheartskippedabeatathiswords Herewasamanwillingtogotogreatlengthstomakeherfeelspecial Her man.Shedidn’tmindbeinghis andwas eager tofindoutwherethis roadwouldtakethem.Cross tippedher chinusingtwo fingersandkissedhersenseless.

Danagrippedhisshoulders,suckingdownonhistongueashedeepenedthekiss.Crossreacheddown,slowlyundoing the buttonofher dress, revealingher blacklace bra. Cross closed his hand over her leftbreastand gave ita squeeze. Her nipples tightened to points Cross moved his mouthfromher lips to the side ofher neck He bitdown, leavingher a hickey there.

“IfIslippedmyhandunderyourdress,wouldIfindyouwetforme,sweetheart?”Crosswhisperedinherear Inresponse,Danareachedforhishandandguidedhimupherthightothewaistbandofherpanties.Crossdidn’tneed heraidanylonger.Heslidhisfingerspastthefabricandchuckledwhenhefoundherwetforhim.

“Liedown,”heinstructed Herhearthammeredassheobeyed.Danalikeditwhenhegaveherorders.Shelayonherback,fumblingfortherestof thebuttonsofherdressasheslippedherpantiesdownherlegs Herbrafollowed Crossunbuckledhisbelt,thenunzippedhis jeans,revealinghis cock,whichwas longandhardfor her.Somehow,knowingshe was completelynude while he was still dressed,madeeverythingmoreexciting

Danagroaned,fingersgrippingthegrassasheenteredherinonesurethrust.Crosspushedhimselfballs-deepandshe urgedherpussymusclestoclamptightaroundhisshaft.

Crosssealedhismouthover hers Danawrappedher legsaroundhiswaist Hunger burnedinhiseyesandthatmade herwanthimevenmore.Heatseareddownherthroatandspreadtotherestofhertinglingbody.Hetookher,strokesfastand deepwhileshebeggedhimtogodeeper,faster

Eachtime their bodies joined, it felt like a fragment of her soul left her bodyto touchhis. Never had Dana felt so connectedtoanotherhumanbeing

Crosscompliedandhemadesureeachpushbrushedagainsthersensitiveclit.Danagaspedashehammereduntilthe pressureinsidehercametoburstingpoint.Shecamealloverhisdick,pantingasthehillsandthetreesblurredfromherlineof sight Howwasitthateverytimetheyhadsex,eachtimewasbetterthanthelast?

Insuchashortamountoftime,Danahadgrownaddictedtohistouches,hiskisses,andhiscockinsideher.

Several thrusts later, Cross followed, emptyinghis seed inside her Theynever bothered withcondoms Dana liked beingtakenbyhimbarebackand Cross said he didn’t like a thinpiece of latexpreventingthemfromtouchinginthe most intimatewaypossible.

Sometimes,sheevenenvisionedbearingCrossachild.Whatawildfantasy,consideringCross’slifestyleandthefact Pantherwasstillafterher.Still,itdidn’thurttodream.

After tastingCross andthis new life,Dana didn’twanttogobacktoher oldone.Ina sense,meetingCross changed everything.

Dana never believedinfate or destiny,butnow she did How else couldshe explainCross’s timelyarrival whenhe stumbledintohergarage,injuredandbleeding?

Crossdidn’tpulloutofherrightaway Instead,heheldhercloseandhisbodyfeltlikeawarmandcomfortingblanket Sheliftedhergaze,lookingatthesilvernetofstarsaboveheranddecidedtoengravethismemoryinherheadforever.They remainedentwinedlikethatforalongmoment Wordsweren’tneededatall Eventually,though,themomentended

“You’llcatchacoldifwestayhere,”hesaid,helpinghertoherclothes.

“You’reprobablyright,”Danaanswered.

Shewasn’texactlylookingforwardtogoingbacktothetinyapartmentshesharedwithherfather Hewouldprobably comeback,drunkandmutteringaboutmissinghisoldhaunts.

“Staywithmeatmyplacetonight,”Crosssaid,asifhehe’dreadhermind “I’dlikethat,”Danasaidwithasmile.

ChapterNine

Jeremy sat at the kitchen counter of their rented apartment, without a single care in the world It was 6:00 in the morning,andhewasalreadyonhisthirdbeer.Nobodywasaroundtojudgeorreprimandhim,sohejustwentforit.

He figured Dana must’ve crashed at her biker boyfriend’s place again. That thought hit him like a sudden jolt of frustration.Ononehand,hewasgladtoseeherhappy,genuinelyhappy,forthefirsttimeinwhatfeltlikeforever.Buthadshe forgottenaboutthegaragethey’dbeenpouringtheirblood,sweat,andtearsinto?Itfeltlikeshe’dmovedonfromtheiroldlife fasterthanhecoulddownthatbeer

Jeremycouldn’thelp butfeel a pangofguiltfor allowinghis frustrationto take over his thoughts aboutDana. Inhis heart,heknewshehadbeenarockforhim,standingbyhissidethroughalltheupsanddownssincethetragiclossofhiswife Afterall,hisdaughterhadputwithallhisdrinkingandhisbaddecisionseversincehiswifedied.Nonetheless,thelingering frustrationandresentmentrefusedtobesweptawayentirely.

Justashewascaughtinthisinner turmoil,hisphonebuzzed,pullinghimoutofhisthoughts Heretrieveditfromhis pocketand saw the notification. Itwas fromPanther. Jeremyhad decided notto tell Dana thatPanther had beentextinghim since they left Elmwood Jeremy wasn’t a fool He ignored all of Panther’s texts but this time, Panther sent photos of the garage.TheCrowshaddoneastellarjob,trashingtheshopJeremyhadinheritedfromhisfather.Itwastheonlythinghisfather hadlefttohim,whichheintendedtogivetoDanaoncehewasgone

Jeremy’sheadwasswimmingwithquestions,anditwasgnawingathim.Whattheheckwouldhappennow?Werethey justgoingtoletthegaragego,leaveitintheclutchesoftheserowdybikers?Hecouldn’tstomachthethoughtofit.

Hekeptstaringatthosepicsonhisphoneforaminute,tryingtofigureoutwhattodo Finally,hedownedtherestofhis beer,steadyinghisnervesforwhatcamenext.Hisfingerswereshakingabit,buthedidn’tletthatstophim.HetextedPanther back

Jeremy:Panther,let’stalk.Iwantmyshopback.

Althoughhismessagehadbeenread,Panthertookhistimeresponding.ThejerkwasprobablyelatedJeremywillingly tookhisbait Jeremymightbeadrunkandapiss-poorfather,butheknewatrapwhenhesawone

Panther:Youcanhaveeverythingback,Jeremy.JustbringDana.

Jeremystared at the words onhis screenfor a few moments, uncomprehending. Did Panther seriouslythinkhe was goingtoexchangehisonlydaughterforhisshop?Notsurprising,givenhiswrongchoicesinthepast Jeremyshould’venever involvedhimselfandbyextension,Dana,withtheCrows.Jeremyhadbeenbrandedacowardhisentirelifebutthistime,he wasputtinghisfootdown

Jeremy:Wheredowemeet?

Panthertextedhimanaddressandatime.Jeremypulledituponthelocationapponhisphone.Itwasaroadsidebar locatedinJuniperCove,atownnotfarfromHangingGrove

Jeremy:I’llbethere.

Panther:Don’tforgetourdeal.

Jeremygentlyplacedhisphoneonthetable,asenseofunexpectedcalmwashingoverhim.Itwasastrangefeeling,one hehadn’texperiencedinhislifeforaslongashecouldremember Inthatquietmoment,itdawnedonhimthatregardlessofhis pastmistakesandshortcomings,hewasstillDana’sfather.Hehadaresponsibilitytoprotecther,tobethekindoffathershe deserved Untilnow,hehadbeenafarcryfromthefatherhehadalwayshopedtobe

Butthiswasaturningpoint.Hetookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.Itwastimetoshow Danathatshehadadad shecouldbeproudof,adadwhocouldstanduptobulliesliketheCrows

Jeremypluggedinhisphonetocharge,seeinghisbatterywasnearlydead.HehadmemorizedthelocationofLarry’s Roadhouseandknew how togetthere,anecessaryprecautionforwhatlayahead.Heknew hehadtofacetheCrows,buthe wantedtobeaspreparedaspossible

Making his way to the bedroom, Jeremy retrieved his father’s old pistol hidden away between two boxer shorts. JeremyrecalledthenightwhentheCrowshadstormedtheshop Hehadthepistolbackthen,buthedidn’thavethegutstouse it,letalonecontemplateshootingsomeone.

Jeremyletoutasighofrelief.ItwasagoodthingDanahadinheritedallthebestqualitiesfromhislatewife,including her strong will and determination. With the pistol secured in his belt, he slipped on his coat, zipping it all the way up to concealthegun.

HeconsideredstoppingbythenearbysportsbarforafewmorecoldonesbeforehismeetingwithPanther Theliquid couragewouldserveasalast-minuteboosttohisresolve,andmaybe,justmaybe,helpdrownthememoriesofpastfailures.

Dana arrived home fromwork, feelinga little guilty. She hadn’t spokento her father since her date withCross the previous night, and the worry had been gnawing at her all day. As she entered their rented apartment, she set the bag of groceriesshehadboughtonthekitchencounter,carefulnottospillanyofthecontents.

“Dad?Areyouhere?”shecalledout.“Iboughtussomeroastedchickenandgrabbedatubofpotatosaladfordinner.It wasonsaleatthesupermarket.”

Theapartmentremainedeerilyquiet Danawascertainherdadhadbeenhomenottoolongago,becauseheleftlights on.

Her worrygrew as she made her waytowardhis bedroom,the door ajar,andher frowndeepenedas she noticedan open drawer. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to intrude on her father’s privacy, but concern for his well-being overcameher hesitation Danapeeredinside,onlytofinditcontainednothingparticularlyinteresting justsomeboxers and socks.

Returningtothelivingroom,Dana’sgazefinallyfellonherfather’sphone,whichhehadpluggedinandlefttocharge. Sheletoutasighofrelief,atleastitseemedheintendedtoreturn

Dana sankinto a chair, the uneasiness thathad gripped her heartrefusingto subside. Something an unexplainable instinctperhaps promptedhertoreachforherfather’sphone,whichlayonthetable,itsscreenlitupwithnotifications

Sheknewthepassword,hermother’sbirthday.Danaenteredthecode,andthephoneunlocked.Hereyesfixatedonthe screenforamoment,andshockreverberatedthroughherasshediscoveredaseriesoftextmessagesfromPanther

Dana felt this surge of mixed emotions. She couldn’t help but wonder why her dad hadn’t mentioned Panther’s threateningtextstoher.Itfeltlikeabreachoftrust,anditmadeherstomachchurn.

HerstomachdroppedevenlowerwhenshecheckedouttheimagesPantherhadsentherdad Theshop,theirfamily’s legacy, was in total chaos, and the pictures hit her like a ton of bricks. It was all a big mess broken tools, smashed windows,andthosemenacingCrowslurkinginthephotos Itwaspainfultosee

Danacouldn’thelpbutfeelfrustratedandhelpless.Shewonderedwhyherdadhadn’tletherinonallthistrouble,why he’dbeenkeepingittohimself.Itstung.

Attheendofthemessagechain,DananoticedthatPantherhadprovidedherdadwithanaddress,probablyexpecting JeremytohandDanaover.ButDanasensedherfatherhaddecidedtofacePantherhimself,adecisionthatsentchillsdownher spine

“You’reafool,Dad,”shemumbled,shakingherheadindisbelief.

One thing became painfully clear to Dana she couldn’t handle this daunting situation on her own She quickly reachedforherowncellphoneanddialedCross’snumber.Crossansweredrightaway.

“Hey,sweetheart.How’sdinnerwithyourdad?”Cross’swarmandcomfortingvoicecamethroughthephone.

Danatookadeepbreath,tryingtosteadyherself.“Cross,”shewhispered.Tearswelledupinhereyes,andsheblinked themback,butitwasnouse.Thelasttimeshehadcriedwasathermother’sfuneral,andnow,thethoughtoflosingherdad wastoomuchtobear

“Dana,areyoucrying?”Crossasked.“Whathappened?”

Danaletitallspill,holdingnothingbackasshesharedeverydetailwithCross

“It’s8:30now,andthey’resupposedtomeetat9:00,”Danasaid.

Shecouldn’tjustsitaroundandletherdadwalkintobarfullofCrows.

“Dana,letmeandmycrewhandlethis It’snotsafeforyoutojumpintothismess,”Crossinsisted ButDana was havingnone ofit. “Cross, mydad’s introuble, and Ican’tjuststand by. Ihave to do something,” she insisted

Cross let out an impatient sigh. Although they’d only started dating, Cross knew her better than most people. He probablyrecognizedthatonceDanamadeuphermind,shewouldn’tbackdown

“Fine,”Crossfinallysaid.“Youhavetopromiseyou’llfollowmyinstructions.Itwillbedangerous,Dana.” “Iunderstand,Cross.Thankyou.”

“I’llmeetyouintenminutes,”Crosssaid “IjustneedtograbPriestandSpikeandacoupleofweapons” “Gotit,I’llseeyousoon,Cross.”

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DEDICATION

CROSS

Death Seekers MC, 2

ChapterOne

ChapterNine