Page 3

Breaker

I sat beside the woman’s bedside, my eyes tracing the delicate lines of her pale face as she lay unconscious. The room was quiet, the soft hum of the compound outside barely audible through the walls. Tension hung thick in the air, my heart heavy with worry and fear. She’d been here for days now, and since her bath, she hadn’t once opened her eyes.

Her skin was pallid and clammy. Dark lashes fanned over hollow cheeks, and chapped lips parted slightly with each shallow breath. I watched the slow rise and fall of her chest, silently willing her to open those striking gray eyes.

As if sensing my presence, she stirred. A faint moan escaped her lips, so soft I almost missed it.

“You going to wake up, Sleeping Beauty?” I whispered, leaning closer.

With a gentle touch, I brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, my calloused fingers a stark contrast to her soft skin. I took her small hand in mine, feeling the thrum of her pulse beneath my fingers. A lifeline. A promise.

“I’m here, darling,” I murmured, my voice rough with emotion.

With a heavy heart, I rose from her bedside, my footsteps echoing in the quiet room as I made my way to the kitchen. The air seemed to thicken with each step, the weight of the impending conversation settling on my shoulders like a lead blanket.

As I entered the kitchen, the atmosphere shifted, the once casual space now charged with unspoken concerns. Fox, Spider, and Surge were already gathered around the table, their expressions grim and their postures tense. It didn’t bode well for whatever he’d found. Were they going to make me toss the woman from the compound? We’d always helped those in need, especially women and children. I hoped that wasn’t going to change, even though I could understand their caution.

I took my seat, the scrape of the chair against the floor sounding harsh in the stillness. Fox cleared his throat. “We all know why we’re here. The woman Breaker brought home has brought some serious shit to our doorstep, and we need to figure out how to handle it.”

I clenched my jaw, my fingers curling into fists beneath the table. What had they found on her? And what type of storm was heading our way, all because I’d wanted to help a dying woman? I didn’t like the idea of having put my club in harm’s way, but I also couldn’t have turned and walked away from the woman I’d found. It just wasn’t the type of man I was.

Spider leaned forward, his weathered face etched with concern. Even though he was no longer President of the club, I knew Fox still talked to him about issues on occasion, wanting the opinion of someone more experienced with the role. “We need to consider all our options. I know Breaker well enough to know he isn’t going to throw that woman aside. But if she stays here, it could cause trouble for the Hades Abyss.”

Surge spoke up then, his tone measured and calm. “I’ve been digging into her past,” he said, his fingers steepled before him. “And I think I might have found a way to keep her safe, to give her a fresh start. Her name is Juniper Kelley, and she was first a runaway, then a missing person. Seems she chose to live on the streets rather than return home, and I now know why.”

My heart leapt at his words, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. If there was a way to protect Juniper, to give her the life she deserved, I would make it happen.

I didn’t know what he’d found about her past, but it had to be ugly. No one willingly left home as a teenager and chose to be homeless unless they thought that was better than being in the one place they should be protected. Had someone hurt her? Threatened her? Or had they thrown her out because she had fallen short of their expectations?

I closed my eyes for a moment, having even more questions than before, but until I got a chance to talk to her, all I could do was speculate. Even Surge with his technical skills could only find out so much.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Spider standing beside me, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding. “I think you’ll be good for her. You’ve always been a protector.”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. My resolve hardened. Maybe I had a hero complex, but I’d do what it took to keep her here behind the closed gates and away from harm, warm and fed. I couldn’t let her leave and chance freezing to death again.

Spider took a seat, and Surge leaned forward, his elbows resting on the worn wooden table. “I’ve uncovered some information that I think you all need to hear.”

I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach, my heart racing as I braced myself for what was to come. Surge’s analytical demeanor was a stark contrast to the heaviness in the room, the gravity of the situation weighing on us all.

“As I mentioned before, Juniper is a runaway,” Surge continued. “From what I’ve been able to piece together, her uncle, Robert Murray, is the reason she left.”

The name hung in the air like a toxic cloud, the mere mention of it sending a chill down my spine. I’d heard whispers about Robert Murray, a man with a reputation so dark it made even the most hardened criminals shudder. I remembered a trial, and bits of it in the newspapers and on the local news. Wasn’t he currently behind bars?

Surge’s voice remained steady as he pressed on. “Robert Murray is a monster. He’s been involved in everything from human trafficking to drug smuggling, and he’s got a particular fondness for young girls.”

My fists clenched beneath the table, my knuckles turning white as rage boiled in my veins. The thought of Juniper, my sweet, gentle Juniper, in the clutches of a man like that… It was enough to make me see red. If that bastard was the reason she’d nearly died on the streets, I’d personally send him to hell.

“From what I’ve been able to gather, Juniper was next on his list. She ran to escape his twisted plans for her, and she’s been on the move ever since.”

I closed my eyes, my heart aching for the hell Juniper had endured. She’d been through more in her young life than most people could even imagine.

As Surge’s words sank in, I felt a fierce protectiveness rush through me, a silent vow forming in my heart. I would shield Juniper from harm, no matter the cost. I would stand between her and the darkness that threatened to consume her, even if it meant putting my own life on the line.

“Murray is known for selling kiddie porn. It’s still unclear how he got his hands on all the kids he harmed. Some were sold to him. I believe some he found or kidnapped. But one thing remains the same. He’d make them strip down for pictures he’d sell on the dark web, and he even went so far as to take videos of men assaulting the kids. The oldest was about fifteen years old. The youngest no more than eight.”

Bile rose in my throat. With each revelation Surge shared, my determination grew stronger.

“He’s set to be released in the upcoming weeks for good behavior,” Surge said. “But let’s call it what it is… overpopulation issues in our prisons. He hasn’t made waves, so he’s going to get a free pass. He’ll be assigned a parole officer, but do we really think he’s going to follow all the rules? Not likely.”

No. Men like him seldom did. At the very least, he’d do what he could to make it look like he was a reformed man. But he’d still find a way to continue his sadistic pastime.

“We need to be smart about this. The club can’t afford to get tangled up in a mess right now. We have our own people to think about,” Fox said. “Having Robert Murray show up on our doorstep could endanger our kids. Especially our daughters.”

I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my emotions in check. I knew Fox was right, but every fiber of my being screamed to take action, to do whatever it took to keep Juniper safe.

“We can’t just turn our backs on her, Fox. She needs us. She needs me .” My words were low, almost a growl, as I met his gaze across the table. I knew Murray was a monster, and hearing all the things he’d done made it clear why Fox didn’t want the man hanging around our territory. At the same time, it only made it much clearer to me that I needed to keep Juniper with me. I didn’t trust anyone else to keep her safe.

Fox’s eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of understanding passing between us. “I know, brother. But we have to be realistic. The fact he went so long without getting caught, and managed to survive in prison, tells me he isn’t alone. He’s either got friends in high places, or some heavy hitters who want his product, for lack of a better word. We’re not equipped to take on a threat like this. It’s not just about you and Juniper. It’s about the whole club.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but Spider’s slow, deliberate movements caught my eye. He leaned forward, his weathered hands clasped on the table before him.

“There might be another way,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience. “We have allies, people who owe us favors. If we play our cards right, we might be able to get Juniper the protection she needs without putting the club at risk. Well, no more than usual, at any rate.”

I leaned in, my heart pounding as I listened to Spider’s words. “What are you suggesting, Spider?”

Spider’s eyes met mine, a knowing look passing between us. “We reach out to the other chapters. Hell, even the Dixie Reapers or Reckless Kings. Can’t promise they have people to spare, but never hurts to ask. In addition, there’s the Nighthawk mercenary group. They still owe us. No reason they couldn’t send some men our way. I never did call in that favor from about twenty years ago.”

He wanted to call in mercenaries? I didn’t see Fox allowing hired guns to stay here at the compound. Was Spider suggesting that I send Juniper away with men like that? I didn’t know enough about the group to trust them with her. No, I much preferred the idea of other clubs coming to help. At least then, I knew Juniper would remain in my house.

“It’s a risk,” Fox said, his tone cautious. “But it might be our best shot. Do you think they’ll honor a debt that’s decades old?”

Spider nodded, and Fox leaned back in his seat, clearly thinking things over. I wasn’t sure I agreed, but the three men at the table with me held more weight with this club than I ever would. Even if I voiced my concerns, it wouldn’t matter. If Fox had made up his mind, I’d have no choice but to follow his orders.

Fox and Surge rose from their seats. As they made their way out of the kitchen, Fox placed a firm hand on my shoulder, a gesture of support and solidarity. Surge followed close behind, his expression a mix of determination and concern.

I didn’t know which way Fox would go. Call in the mercenaries or the other clubs, or both. Until I knew for sure Juniper could stay here, I’d be on edge.

I remained seated, my thoughts a turbulent whirlpool of duty and desire. Spider’s suggestion echoed in my mind. As the sound of Fox and Surge’s footsteps faded, I found myself alone with Spider, his presence a comforting anchor in the chaos of my thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“You know this is the right call,” he said, his voice low and steady. “Juniper needs more protection than we can provide on our own. The Nighthawks are our best chance at keeping her safe. Even better if Fox gets help from other clubs as well. We don’t have the manpower to watch the fence line, the gates, and ensure no one slips past our guard and enters the compound.”

I nodded, my jaw clenching as I fought to keep my emotions in check. “I know. But the thought of involving them, of putting Juniper’s fate in someone else’s hands…”

Spider leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “It’s not easy, brother. But sometimes, we have to make the hard choices to protect the ones we love. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Trust your instincts.”

That was the problem. My instincts were screaming at me to keep her close, to not let anyone else take care of her. Even now, she was still too sick for us to move her from the house. What did they plan to do with a woman who’d nearly died?

I let out a long, slow breath, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. I’d risk everything. I would stand by her side, a guardian against the storm. And that included going against my club. The mere thought of going against the people who had given me a home, had become my brothers, sickened me. But at the end of the day, in my gut, I knew I was all Juniper had, and I couldn’t shove her out in the cold.

Rising from my seat, I gave Spider a nod of thanks, my hand resting briefly on his shoulder as I passed. I made my way back to Juniper’s room, the weight of the compound seeming to press in on me.

Pushing open the door, I stepped into the dimly lit room, my eyes immediately drawn to Juniper’s still form. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable, and yet there was a quiet strength about her that took my breath away.

Settling into the chair beside her bed, I reached out, my fingers gently brushing against her hand. The contact sent a jolt through me, a reminder of the connection we shared. I still believed fate had pushed me to walk down that alley, had led me to find her. Nothing else made sense. I leaned in close, my voice a whisper in the stillness of the room. “I’m here, Juniper. I’ll always be here. No matter what happens, no matter what we have to face, I’ll be right by your side. I promise.”

This woman, this beautiful, brave soul, had captured my heart in a way I never thought possible. And I knew, with every fiber of my being, that I would fight for her until my last breath.

The road ahead was uncertain, the dangers looming large, but in that moment, with Juniper’s hand in mine, I found the strength to face whatever lay in store.

The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm halo around Juniper’s delicate features, her dark lashes fluttering against pale cheeks as she slept. I watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest, each breath a reassuring sign of life, a testament to her resilience.

My mind drifted to the future, to the challenges that awaited us. Robert Murray’s release from prison loomed on the horizon. The thought of him, of the horrors he had inflicted upon so many innocent children, what he’d planned for Juniper, sent a surge of rage coursing through my veins.

I clenched my jaw, my free hand curling into a fist at my side. She had come so far, had fought so hard to keep away from her uncle. I wouldn’t let him get his hands on her. From what Surge had found, her uncle had been the one to report her as a runaway. It looked like once he went to prison, a social worker stepped in and listed her as missing. If she’d known he was in prison, why hadn’t she gone to the police instead of staying on the streets? Had she felt that unsafe? As for her uncle, some part of me wondered if he blamed her for his arrest. I’d heard it had been an anonymous tip back then. And it had paid off.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Juniper stirred, her fingers tightening around mine. I leaned closer, my lips brushing against her forehead in a featherlight kiss.

“Shh, it’s okay,” I whispered.

Her eyes fluttered open and locked with mine. In their depths, I saw a flicker of fear, a remnant of the nightmares that haunted her, but also a glimmer of hope, a trust that took my breath away.

“Breaker,” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. “You’re still here.”

She hadn’t woken up long enough for me to share my name with her. Had she heard it while she was sleeping? Or had she been somewhat awake part of the time?

“Of course, I am,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Where else would I be?”

She returned my smile, a soft, sleepy curve of her lips that made my heart skip a beat. I held Juniper’s hand in mine, our fingers intertwined.

Her brow furrowed as she looked around. “Wait. Where am I? And how did I know your name just now?”

“You’re at my house, at the Hades Abyss compound. I’m guessing you’ve heard my name in your fevered state and somehow locked onto it. I found you freezing to death in an alley, and sick as hell. Our club doctor has been treating you.”

“You said my name earlier,” she murmured. “If I haven’t woken up until now, how did you know who I am?”

I didn’t want to scare her or make her run. I needed to be honest and try to make it sound less creepy. Except I wasn’t sure how to do that. “Um, one of my club brothers is a hacker. We took a picture of your face, and he ran it through some program he has. It located your identity, and… a few other things.”

She tensed. “So you know everything?”

I shrugged. “Not exactly. I know your name, who your uncle is, and we have speculated as to why you were living on the streets. But I won’t know the full truth unless you’re the one who tells it to me. And that’s only if and when you want to.”

She sighed and closed her eyes a moment. When she opened them again, she seemed resigned to her fate. “Can we talk about it later?”

I nodded. “Sure. I checked the sizes on your clothes. I’m afraid I had to throw them out afterward. But I bought you some new things. Had someone pick up an order from one of those big box stores nearby. They aren’t fancy, but they’re clean and should fit.”

She plucked at the front of the shirt covering her. “And this?”

“It’s mine, and before you freak out, I made sure to keep my gaze on your face the entire time I changed you. I didn’t see anything.”

Her cheeks flushed. Something told me she didn’t believe me. At least she wasn’t screaming or throwing a fit. She could have freaked the hell out and demanded to leave or told me to fuck off.

“Why do I feel like I can trust you?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but I promise you can. All I want is for you to get better and have a safe place to stay. Even gave you my room because it’s the best in the house.”

She bit her bottom lip, then winced as the skin broke open again. I dabbed the blood with a tissue. “Thanks.”

“I’m going to make you some soup. Bathroom is over there,” I said pointing to it, “and the clothes I bought are in the sacks on the dresser. I’ll give you some space. Just come to the kitchen when you’re ready.”

“All right.”

I left the room, closing the door behind me. Now that she was awake, things might be changing. What if she didn’t want our help? Although, I had a feeling if she knew her uncle was set to be released soon, she might stay here. I’d tell her everything I knew, then let her decide for herself.