Page 147 of In Death, Love Survives

“Caleb, drop Nova and me off at the clubhouse. Then tell the crew. It’s party time.”

“Hell yeah,” Caleb shouts.

“Party? I love it,” Nova says.

The three of us drive off to the clubhouse like we don’t have a care in the world, and I realize that I do feel like myself again.

Caleb,Nova, and I walk into the clubhouse. It’s not the first time Nova’s been here since she moved, but it’s one of the only times. We haven’t hosted many events, given everything that’s happening. None of the brothers have been in the mood to party hard like usual out here.

That’s what got me thinking. We’re all in a fucking slump. Operating like usual when we need to come alive.

“I’m going to head out to The Lodge, pick up a few brothers.”

“Thanks, man. I’ll place a liquor order after I see what’s running low.”

“They’ll appreciate it.”

“See you soon, Nova,” Caleb teases.

Caleb flashes a finger in the air as he leaves.

“What should we do to prep?” Nova asks.

I look over at my girl, who’s surveying the open space. It’s not much, but it works for what we need it to. That’s why I built my house the way I did, for actual comfort. The clubhouse has bunk rooms that the brothers are always welcome to stay in, and some even live here.

It’s usually the ones whose old ladies have kicked them out for the night, or they’re sleeping with strangers they don’t want to bring home—that’s their prerogative.

“Come here,” I rasp.

Nova’s head whips over to me, and I watch as her chest heaves up and down.

“What do you have in mind,pres?”

I twitch my mouth in debate.

“You’re an awfully pretty girl to be at a place like this.” I stalk forward until I reach Nova.

“I’m here with someone else.” Her pupils dilate at the game we’re playing.

“I can keep a secret.”

I lean down and let my nose run along the length of her neck as I paw at her waist.

“Why don’t I take you back to my room? What do you say?” I whisper.

“I’d like that,” she purrs.

I scoop Nova up, causing her to yelp as I toss her over my shoulder. She clings to me as I stalk toward the spare rooms.

She laughs freely as I kick open a door with my foot, all while holding the bag.

“Easy there,” she says.

I set her down on her feet, dragging my hands up her waist as I go.

“Wolfe,” she says breathlessly.

I let go of her and immediately feel the loss. But I know Nova will find my idea thrilling.