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“Babet made a huge batch of white rice for you, babe.” Vapor pats his lap. “Come sit for a bit while the bread cools.”

“Okay.” Blue slides into his lap, giggling when he wraps his arms around her waist and whispers something in her ear.

“Hey, Ice, how’s the leg holding up?” Babet asks, her voice tinged with motherly concern.

“Still screwed on, thankfully,” Ice quips, shifting to find a comfortable position. “Though I think it might have developed its own heartbeat.”

“You shoulda bit it back.” Babet points the tongs at Ice. “Teach the damn thing who’s boss.”

“If I hadn’t shot its head off, I would have stuffed the fucker.”

Laughter bubbles up from the group.

“Just make sure you rest,” Babet says before turning to pull two more boudin balls out of the oil and setting them on a plate covered in paper towels.

“Bedrest is for the dead. We’ve got work to do,” Ice says.

My heart clenches because I know this isn’t just about refusing to show weakness. It’s about protecting those who can’tprotect themselves, a vow written in his very marrow. Ice lives for the club, for the lives he’s dedicated to saving. It’s a weight he carries without faltering, even now, when he has every right to take things easy.

“Those kids, the women… they depend on us,” he continues. “I won’t just sit back while there are still people out there who need us.”

“You won’t be any good to the club long-term if you don’t heal correctly,” Vapor says, always the voice of reason.

“Yeah, I know,” Ice grumbles.

I study him, the lines etched into his face from pain and responsibility, and my admiration intertwines with concern. Ice pushes himself too hard, always has. But it’s that relentless drive, that fierce need to shield others from harm, that binds me to him. In this world of chaos and cruelty, he’s a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope for those who have none.

And as much as I fear for him, for what all this might cost, I can’t help but stand with him, united in battle. Because in the end, we’re fighting for something greater—a chance at redemption, a sliver of peace in a world that knows little of it. And for Ice, for the bond that’s grown between us, I’d walk through fire.

“When you’re ready, we’ll fight,” I say quietly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “Together.”

His fingers tighten around mine in silent acknowledgment.

“I got an update on the railroad earlier today,” Vapor says.

“Hit me with it,” Ice replies, a steely edge to his voice.

“Some of the women and children are being moved as we speak. We’ve got safehouses set up from here to Cali, and some are heading back to Mexico.” His hands move expressively, punctuating each location. “Fang pulled some serious strings to make sure everyone makes it to their new hometowns safely.We’re still working on finding spots for a few of the families, but we’ll get it all figured out.”

“Good.” Ice’s lips twitch up in a brief smile. “They deserve a fresh start, far from this hell.”

“Damn straight,” Vapor agrees. “But there’s more pressing business. Juan Vasquez.”

At the mention of my brother’s name, my heart clenches.

Ice’s gaze snaps to Vapor, sharp as a blade. “You find him yet?”

“Not yet,” Vapor admits, his expression hardening. “Fang’s been combing through the hospitals and morgues, but there’s no sign of him. We’ve got eyes on his compound, but he hasn’t been back there.”

“Then we keep looking,” Ice asserts. “Until I see his body, I won’t believe he’s not out there, planning his next move.”

“Agreed.” Vapor’s jaw clenches. “We’ll turn over every stone if we have to.”

“Good.” Ice glances at me, his silver-blue eyes reflecting a fierce protectiveness. “I’m not taking any chances with Isabella’s safety.”

The tension in the room ratchets up a notch, but I take Ice’s hand and squeeze it to remind him he’s not alone in this fight. “We’ll find him. In the meantime, we’re safe. You, Vapor and the others built a strong club. They’ll keep me safe. It’s not all on your shoulders.”

Ice’s gaze softens as he looks back at me. “You’re right. Now that you’re mine, you’ll be safer than ever.”