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“Will do, boss.”

“Let’s go, babe.” I put my hand on Isabella’s lower back and guide her back into the hall.

“Why did they put the pool tables in here instead of the other room with the poker table?” she asks.

“Uh…” I rub the back of my neck. “Well, some of the guys like to use them for other things.”

“Like—oh, oh, wow. Really?”

“Wanna try it sometime?” I waggle my eyebrows at her.

“Eww! Gross. How often do you clean them?”

“Probably not often enough.”

Laughter and the clack of pool balls fade behind us as Bones arrives to lead Isabella and me through the back door of the clubhouse. I’m walking a little easier, feeling more likemyself. The warmth of the Louisiana evening greets us, heavy with the tantalizing scents of smoldering charcoal and sizzling meat that waft toward us, promising a feast.

“Check this out,” Bones says, his voice thick with pride. He sweeps an arm across the scene like he’s unveiling a masterpiece—a state-of-the-art barbecue setup gleaming under the string lights crisscrossing above our heads. “Got everything we need to feed an army. Or just our hungry bunch.”

“Looks amazing. Smells good too.” Isabella’s eyes go wide with genuine admiration. It’s not just the grill she’s impressed with, it’s the palpable sense of unity here, the kind of bond you can’t fake.

“Let this be the first of many barbecues,” Bones says.

“Community’s everything,” I say, giving him a nod. “This right here is proof we’re about more than just bikes and leather.” The club—my family—has come a long way, and it’s moments like this that hammer home why we fight so hard for what we believe in.

A familiar engine growl cuts through the air, and we all turn to see Vapor riding up on his bike, Blue clinging to him, right where she belongs. They roll to a stop, killing the engine.

“You made it,” Vapor calls out, dismounting with the ease of a man used to power and control. He helps his woman off the bike before wrapping a protective arm around her. His slicked-back hair and sharp blue eyes miss nothing as he surveys the new digs.

“Place is pretty sweet. What do you think?” I ask.

“It’s everything we asked for and more. Worth the wait.” His gaze lands on the barbecue area. “Smells like Bones has been working some magic on the grill.”

“Only the best for my brothers,” Bones chimes in, beaming.

“Blue and I brought dessert,” Vapor says, a rare hint of softness creeping into his voice as he glances at the woman byhis side. It’s clear that he loves her. Anyone can see it. It used to gross me out until I realized I was just jealous. Now I’ve got what they have, and I couldn’t be happier.

“Let me help you,” Isabella says, going to get the cake carrier strapped to the back of the bike. She carries it toward the rows of picnic tables, waiting to be filled with bikers and their women.

“It’s white with cream cheese frosting,” Blue says. “Hopefully it’s not too plain.”

“It’s cake! Does it even matter?”

“Perfect.” I smile at Blue before slapping Vapor on the shoulder. “You always know how to make an entrance.”

“Timing is everything,” he responds with a wink. “And speaking of time, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” I say, the scent of the grill making my stomach rumble in agreement. We’ve faced down danger together, but tonight, it’s all about the simple pleasure of good food and better company. Also, we’re celebrating the new addition to our family—Isabella. She walked away from the chains of her past, but what we have? It’s forged in fire, tested in battle. Stronger than blood. Stronger than anything. A connection that will last a lifetime.

We’re in the middle of grubbing when Diablo appears from the forest area near the back of the property.

“Nice quiet room we got,” Diablo says, sliding onto the bench across the table from me. Someone hands him a beer and he takes a long swig.

Isabella’s head swivels toward him, her curiosity piqued by his sudden appearance. “You have a quiet room?”

“Ah, yes, our little sanctuary for… private discussions,” I say, forcing a chuckle, knowing full well its real purpose—a soundproof chamber where screams are swallowed whole.

“Private discussions, huh?” she teases, though her gaze lingers, searching for the lie. But some truths are too heavy for those we love to bear.