Page 21 of Claimed

“I’d send a clear message that no one fucks with the Dealers—not the members, not their families. You bust enough heads, you’re sure to flush out a rat.”

“And where do you suggest I start, huh? We’re in a pretty good place with everyone right now. I go on a killing spree, I start wars with people who have nothing to do with this. I don’t need that on top of everything. That’s only going to take attention away fromthis. Finding Raven’s attacker is more important than an unnecessary war.”

“Fine,” he relents. “But do you know how many low-lifes you’re going to attract with that money?”

“We just have to weed out the useful stuff. The prospects can help with that.”

“Okay. We’ll do this your way.”

“Anyone else have anything to say?” I look around the table but no one speaks up, so I continue. “Good. Now, next order of business.”

Chopper is still sneering at me. He’s my father, but he’s not the president of this club anymore. I allowed him to have his say, but now he needs to step back in line. I convey that message in my stare, but I know I’m my father’s son. He stares back unwaveringly, and I can sense the tension coming from the other men at the table. I begin to think he won’t back down, but he nods in concession and leans back in his chair. Thank God. I wouldn’t have enjoyed teaching my father a lesson in obedience.

***Raven***

My eyes snap open and I stare into the darkness of the room. My pulse is racing and my breathing is ragged. Sweat is trickling down my face and my hands are clammy. I reach for Gage, but he’s not in bed. Sitting up, I try to calm my breathing. It’s not working.

I throw off the covers and head for the door. In the bar, I find Ron and Booker. They notice my panicked state and jump to their feet.

“You okay, Raven?” Ron asks.

“Where’s Gage?”

“He’s in the chapel.”

I eye the big double doors for a second before I head in that direction. Ron grabs me before I can reach them.

“You can’t go in there. I can’t let you go in there.”

“Why?”

“It’s not allowed. I’m sorry.”

“Let me go.”

“Raven –”

I pull my hand from his, plant it in his chest, and push him away. He falls back, grabbing at air to find something to hold onto. I don’t wait to see what happens. I take off running and burst through the doors. Everyone in the room turns to me in surprise. I survey the table before my gaze lands on Gage. Our eyes meet and he immediately leaves his chair. I run to him and he sweeps me up in his arms.

“Get the fuck out,” he growls at the men in the room.

As he sits with me on his lap, I listen to the shuffling sounds of everyone leaving. I tighten my good arm around him, nestling my face into his neck.

“What’s wrong, doll?”

“I...I had a dream.”

“What was it about?”

“I saw it.”

“I don’t understand,” he says. “Saw what?”

“I was tied to my bed.”

His body becomes rigid and he pulls me closer. I feel the tears beginning as I remember the fear I felt in the dream.

“What else did you see?”