Page 91 of Dismantle & Prevail

“Rayne is alive. We need to go. Now.”

Boone’s face pales and I watch in shock as he stumbles backwards. In a flash, Tucker is there, catching him before he trips over his own feet.

Staring at us in complete shock, Boone tries to formulate a response, but it's useless.

“We need to go. Tombstone and—” Ari pauses, waiting for Tucker to finish whispering something to Boone. “Tucker.” Both men's attention is immediately on their president.

“Don’t leave this one’s side. She says she’s fine, but as you can see, she’s not. But I’d be a fool to leave her in the dark, so she is coming.” Ari’s voice is cold, and he doesn’t wait for Tomb or Tuck to respond before addressing the growing crowd.

“Everyone on their bikes now. My daughter is alive, and I want her in the safety of these walls before sundown. Got it?”

A collective, “Yes Prez,” echoes throughout the common room. Everyone immediately filing outside.

The second we step out the doors of the common room, the crisp spring air fills my lungs, and it calms my nerves.

Ari guides me to the passenger side of his truck before briefly walking away. My brows furrow in confusion, but I’m quickly distracted when Tucker steps beside me.

Suddenly, an idea flashes in my head, and I lean into Tuck, whispering a simple favor into his ear. A smile that doesn’t meet his eyes spreads across his face and he waves Tombstone over before walking away.

The second he takes off back inside, Ari is back at my side.

“Go with Tombstone. I need fresh air and to be alone for a moment. Is that okay?” Aries asks, his dark chocolate eyes staring into mine. I can see the pain and heartache written all over his face, and I wish I could take it all away.

“Of course it is. It's all going to be okay,” I whisper as his head falls to my shoulder.

“I hope so. I hope she remembers me and this isn’t me making everything worse.”

Running my fingers through his hair, I say, “I can promise you that a lifetime with you is far beyond better than a lifetime with Clay and her mother.”

Ari’s chest rises and falls and I allow him to take all the time he needs, my hands never leaving his hair until he stands.

Nodding at Tombstone behind me, Ari places a soft kiss to my lips before walking towards his bike and slinging his leg over.

Tombstone waits by the passenger door as I watch Ari drive away from the compound, the engine of his bike rumbling through the air.

When he disappears out of view, I allow Tombstone to help me into the truck. Tucker comes behind him and places two very special items on my lap.

As we all make our way from the compound, I load up the security footage on my computer. The second the cameras turn on, I see Clay walking down an empty hallway nonchalantly, without a care in the world. Unbeknownst to him, an army of brave souls is on their way to destroy his entire operation.

Rayne Mackenzie Clark, I hope you’re ready because we are coming for you, sweetheart.

Tombstone follows Ari, and as we grow closer to the meeting location, I look behind us.

A sea of black and red follows us. The rumbling of their engines calms my nerves, solidifying that I wouldn’t want to be part of any other family.

My gaze stays locked on the road. As soon as we round the corner, I point towards an empty parking lot. Ari is standing in the center, his bike behind him as he stares up at the mountain in the distance.

“What is he doing?” Tombstone asks.

“I have no clue, but we need to check on him. We are still a few minutes from our meeting place.”

He nods and we all file into the lot.

Not wasting a second, I hop out of the truck and make my way towards him as the engines begin cutting off one by one.

Ari’s face drops as he catches sight of what’s in my hand. He closes the distance between us in seconds.

Aries voices stammers as he stares down at my hands. Gone is the anger and in its place is fear and worry. “What? How did you—?”