Page 47

47

Phoenix

I wake to the sound of hushed voices floating up the stairs. The morning sun is warm on my cheek, and the weight of a heavy arm around my waist comforts me. Lifting my head, I find Mason already awake, staring down at me through dark lashes.

When our eyes connect, he smiles. "Good morning, beautiful."

Even in the wake of what happened last night, I can't help the smile that spreads across my lips. "Good morning," I answer back, my voice still heavy with sleep.

His lips catch mine in a luscious kiss that leaves me wanting more. Too soon, he pulls away, and I pout playfully at him. Mason's deep chuckle vibrates through me as I rest my head back on his chest. "Can we stay right here today? I don't want to leave this bed."

Warm arms wrap me in a tight embrace as Mason kisses the top of my head. "I wish we could, baby, but we can't. Too much going on for us to have that luxury yet."

The mention of what's looming over us sends a pang of nausea through me. We got lucky last night with the guys. They managed to free themselves from the bar before any of them were badly injured. That only means the Bastards will try harder next time once they hear their plan to off three of the Sons failed.

Things were heavy before but now, it's so much worse. Every time the guys leave, I'm scared that one or more of them won't come back. I know the club feels it too. The look in everyone's eyes has been darker ever since Misty's murder. It's like they all know each day could be their last, and we have no idea what Dom's next move will be.

"Hey," Mason's voice jolts me from my tiresome thoughts. He watches me with wary eyes as if he knows exactly where my mind went. "It's gonna be okay, Nix. I won't let anything happen to you or your sister. I promise."

I look away, unable to hold his stare, as I admit, "It's not just me and Rae I'm worried about."

Silence echoes through the room as I try to hold back the tears that threaten to fall. Mason hugs me, pressing his cheek to the top of my head, trying to comfort me. It doesn't work.

"I know, babe. I know."

I suck in a long breath, still fighting back tears as he sits us up, pulling me onto his lap. His hands frame my face, tilting me so I'm looking into his eyes as he tells me, "We're going to get through this. All of us. Somehow we'll get through it and put an end to this fucking war with the Bastards." His lips meet mine before he pulls away again. "I promise."

The words are what I need to hear, but I can't shake the feeling in my gut that something terrible is about to happen. The desperation in Mason's kiss makes me keep that to myself. I could be wrong. Fear could be getting the best of me, but what if I'm right? What if something bad is around the corner? Something worse than the bar fire or Misty's murder.

Mason kisses me again, trying to distract me from my raging thoughts, but it's not working. The pit in my stomach is only growing. With it, my hope for all of us getting out of this unscathed is slowly disappearing.

"Who's in charge while we're gone?" Miguel's voice filters through the living room as Mason and I make our way to the kitchen.

"Hammer, Raptor, J, and Reaper will hold down the club until we get back," my dad replies.

An anxious curiosity roils inside me as we reach the table where he, Miguel, and Bear are planning the club's next move. No one else is up yet. Archie and Bones are still passed out on the living room couches, and Rae's door is still closed. Mason's hand is wound tightly around mine as we approach the three older men. My dad is the first to see us. He looks at Mason as he speaks. "We need to call a meeting. Get everyone here so we can fill them in. Bear, Miguel, and I are heading North for a few days. We're recruiting the Devils for help with our pest problem."

Without missing a beat, Mason nods, pressing a chaste kiss on my temple. "Sit tight with Viper. I'll wake the others and be right back."

My dad is quiet when I sit next to him, watching me through guarded eyes. The worry he's trying to hide is still showing through, betraying his fear about what's to come. Giving him a small smile, I grab his hand.

His eyes crinkle as he returns my grin with a strained smile of his own. "So," I start, "you're leaving?"

Looking away with a sigh, he nods. "We need backup if we want to end this. It's too dangerous now to try and finish things by ourselves. I'm calling in my favor with the Devils. Our clubs go way back, and they'll step up for us. I'll make sure of it."

I swallow hard, feeling the tight knot in my throat coil further. What if something happens while he's away? What if he or one of the others is hurt on their way to meet the Devils? I just found him; I'd hate to lose him so soon. Rae and I already lost our mother, and I'd be heartbroken if we lost anyone else.

We haven't known these men long, but they're all like family to me now. The thought of any of them not being here kills me. I couldn't take it if any of them died. The sting of tears filters through my senses and Dad notices right away. "I have too much to live for to let the Bastards get the better of me. Of any of us," he says.

He leans close, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "I need more time with you and your sister. We haven't had enough of that yet, and I plan on buying us more by ending this feud once and for all."

A tear escapes my eyes as his lips touch my hair. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Phoenix. I promise."

My arms fly around his waist as I bury my face in his chest. "You have to come back in one piece," I mumble into his shirt.

Holding me tightly, he answers, "I promise, baby girl. I promise." His voice is full of emotion as he adds, "All those years ago, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought Hope would be better off without me. Thought dragging her into my mess would only destroy her. If I'd known she was pregnant . . . "

His arms draw me closer as his voice catches. "I never should have left, but I'm going to make up for that. I'm gonna make this right. I swear to you."

Several pairs of footsteps sound close by as the others enter the kitchen. From my dad's embrace, I watch as Mason leads the way, taking in my woeful state. His brows furrow, but he doesn't move to take Dad's place, knowing I need this time with him before he leaves.

Raven, Reaper, and Jesse file in next, followed closely by Lace and the rest of the MC. Rae leans against the counter, crossing her arms as she keeps her gaze trained on me and our dad. They still haven't made up but she's no longer eyeing him with disdain like she was before. It gives me hope that once everything is settled with the Bastards, they'll bury the hatchet and start fresh.

I meet my sister's eyes, and she gives me a half-smile, drawing a small X over her heart. I smile weakly at the gesture. We'll get through this together, no matter what. I mirror the action once Dad pulls away to start the meeting. Clearing his throat, Dad informs the MC of his plan to head North with Bear and Miguel. He leaves everyone with orders on what to do until they return. Very little remains to discuss by the end. We all know the score.

The Bastards need to be taken down once and for all, and Dad's allies in the north are going to help with that. He'll make sure of it.