CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Aggie
The Montana sky stretches out before us, a vast expanse of blue that seems to swallow the whole world.
I can't help but stare, unable to believe I’m really back home.
It feels familiar, safe, even though there’s a load of other threats here.
My fingers trace the fading bruises on my cheek.
Hell, some days I forget about what happened, but then I scratch my cheek a little too hard and the memories come flooding back.
I glance over at Jolt, his muscular hands gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension.
His jaw is clenched, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
I want to reach out and touch him, to smooth away the worry lines etched on his forehead, but I hold back.
There's still so much unsaid between us, so much we need to figure out.
So many adult conversations I don’t have the energy for right now.
My voice is barely above a whisper. "You okay?"
Jolt's eyes flick to me for a brief moment before returning to the road. "Yeah, just... thinkin'."
I nod, understanding all too well.
My own mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "About what?"
He sighs, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Everything. You. Us. What we're gonna face when we get there."
I reach out then, unable to resist the urge to comfort him.
My hand finds his thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll face it together, yeah?"
A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, together."
The word hangs between us, heavy with meaning.
I turn my gaze back to the window, watching the landscapes pass us by.
It's surreal, being so close to home after everything that's happened.
Part of me still can't believe we're here.
I murmur, more to myself than to Jolt, "I can't believe we're almost there."
"Having second thoughts?" There's a hint of worry in his voice that makes my heart clench.
I shake my head. "No, not at all. It's just... it feels like a lifetime ago that I left for college. So much has changed."
Jolt's hand covers mine on his thigh, his touch warm and reassuring. "In time, we all change, Ghost."
I look at him, really look at him, taking in the sharp angle of his jaw, the intensity in his dark eyes. "Ye, I guess yer right."
A soft snore from the backseat breaks the moment, reminding me that we're not alone.
I twist in my seat to check on Sienna, her face peaceful in sleep.
I report, turning back to face the front. "She's still out cold."
Jolt nods. "Good. She needs the rest."
We fall into silence again, but it's comfortable this time.
I find myself lost in thought, memories of the past few days flashing through my mind like a technicolor nightmare.
The fear, the pain, the uncertainty... but also the unexpected moments of tenderness, of connection.
My hand absently traces the line of the cut from my neck to my sternum, hidden beneath my shirt but ever-present in my mind.
"Does it still hurt?" Jolt asks, his voice low.
I drop my hand, realizing what I've been doing. "Not really. It's more... a reminder, I guess."
His grip on the steering wheel tightens. "I should've killed that bastard."
"Jolt..." I start, but he cuts me off.
"No, Aggie. What he did to you... what he was going to do if you didn’t escape his crazy ass..." He trails off, his jaw clenching so hard I worry he might crack a tooth.
I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I know. Believe me, I know. But we're here now, we're safe. That's what matters."
He doesn't look convinced, but he nods anyway. "You're right. I just... I can't stand the thought of anyone hurting you."
The intensity in his voice, the raw emotion behind his words, sends a shiver down my spine.
It's still new, this thing between us, but it feels as natural as breathing.
"I can take care of myself, you know," I remind him, a hint of my usual sass creeping into my tone.
Jolt chuckles, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Oh, I know. You're a force to be reckoned with, Aggie. But that doesn't mean you have to face everything alone. Not anymore."
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, soothing fears I didn't even know I had.
"I'm not used to that," I admit softly. "Having someone to lean on."
"Well, get used to it," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Good. Because I'm not letting you go anywhere."
We share a look, one that speaks volumes without a single word uttered.
I guess it’s the first time we’ve established we’re in each other’s lives, and this isn’t some hormone fused fling anymore.
It's still hard for me to believe sometimes, how quickly and deeply I've fallen for this man.
How he's become such an integral part of my life in such a short time.
The familiar outskirts of Billings begin to come into view, and a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbles up inside me.
"We're almost there," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jolt nods, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension. "You ready for this?"
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. "As ready as I'll ever be."
The truth is, I'm not sure if I'm ready at all.
Ready to face my family, to explain everything that's happened.
Ready to introduce Jolt as my ol' man, to deal with the inevitable questions and concerns.
Ready to step back into a world I thought I'd left behind.
Hell, I don’t even know if I want to tell anyone what happened, especially my Da.
But as I look at Jolt, at the strength and support radiating from him, I know that whatever comes, we'll face it together.
"Ye know," I say, breaking the silence that had fallen between us, "I never thought I'd be comin’ back like this."
Jolt raises an eyebrow. "Like what? With a handsome prospect as your ol' man?"
I can't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep inside me.
It feels good to laugh, to feel something other than fear or worry. "Well, that too. But I meant... I dunno. Different, I guess."
"Different how?" he asks, genuinely curious.
I pause, trying to put my feelings into words. "When I left for Vegas, I was running away from somethin’. From my past, from the club life, from... everythin’. I thought I needed to find myself, to become someone new."
Jolt nods, encouraging me to continue.
"But now," I go on, "I feel like I'm not runnin’ anymore. Like I'm finally facing everything head-on. And it's terrifyin’, but it also feels... right. Yer part of that, I think."
"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Aggie," Jolt says, his voice filled with admiration. "You've been through hell, but you're still standing. Still fighting."
I feel a lump form in my throat at his words. "We both have."
He squeezes my hand, a gesture that's become so familiar, so comforting. "Yeah, we have. And we'll keep fighting, together."
As we drive deeper into Billings, familiar landmarks start to appear.
The old diner where I used to grab milkshakes after school, the park where I scraped my knees learning to ride a bike, the corner where I had my first kiss.
Each sight brings a flood of memories, both good and bad.
"It's strange," I muse, "how a place can feel so familiar and so foreign at the same time."
Jolt glances at me, concern etched on his face. "You okay?"
I nod, offering him a small smile. "Yeah, just... processing, I guess. It's a lot to take in."
"I can imagine," he says softly. "Must be weird, coming back after everything that's happened."
"Weird doesn't even begin to cover it," I admit with a wry chuckle. "Part of me feels like that girl who left for Vegas, all wide-eyed and naive. And part of me feels like... like I've lived a lifetime since then."
Jolt's hand finds mine again, his touch grounding me. "You have, in a way. You've been through things that change a person. But you're still you, Aggie. Still, that fierce, beautiful woman I fell for."
His words make my heart skip a beat, and I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Careful there, Jolt. You're starting to sound downright sappy."
He grins, a rare sight that never fails to take my breath away. "Don't tell anyone. I've got a reputation to maintain."
We both crack up into laughter, but I see something I’ve been dreaming of for the last couple of hours.
The familiar red cowboy hat of Arby's looms ahead, and my stomach growls on cue.
I glance over at Jolt, taking him in as he navigates the SUV into the drive-thru lane.
His jaw is set, eyes focused on the road, but there's a softness to his expression that wasn't there when we first met.
It makes my heart flutter.
Jolt catches me looking and quirks an eyebrow.
"What?" he asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
I can't help but laugh.
This big, bad biker, nervous because I'm looking at him?
It's adorable.
"Nothing," I say, smiling. "I'm just... happy."
The word feels strange on my tongue, but it's true.
Despite everything we've been through, despite the lingering fear and uncertainty, I am happy.
Here, with Jolt, on our way back to my hometown.
Jolt stares at me for a long moment, his deep green eyes searching mine.
I know that look—it's a mix of desire, wonder, and something deeper that neither of us is quite ready to name yet. The intensity of it makes my breath catch in my throat.
A crackling voice breaks the moment. "Welcome to Arby's, how can I help you?"
Jolt clears his throat and leans out the window. "Yeah, we'll take three Classic Roast Beef sandwiches, three large curly fries, and..." He pauses, glancing back at me. "What do you want to drink, babe?"
"Dr. Pepper," I reply, touched that he remembered my favorite.
"Two large Dr. Peppers and a large Sprite," Jolt finishes, adding Sienna's usual order without missing a beat.
As we wait for our food, I can't help but marvel at how easily Jolt has slipped into this role—my partner, my protector.
It should feel strange, this whirlwind romance born from lust and desire.
But somehow, it just feels right.
Jolt pulls up to the next window, fishing out his wallet and pays the cashier.
We inch forward to the final window, the smell of roast beef and curly fries wafting through the air.
Jolt turns to me, his expression softening.
"I'm glad you're happy, Aggie," he says, his voice low and gravelly. "But there's a part of me that wants to be back in Vegas, making that fucker pay for what he did to you."
His words send a shiver down my spine, but I understand why he wants to hurt Trevor.
Hell, I want Trevor to hurt, but I need time away from that shite.
I reach out, placing my hand on his thigh and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I'm glad you're not," I murmur, my accent more pronounced with emotion. "That you're here with me instead, enjoying our couple of weeks in Montana."
Jolt's eyes darken at my touch, his muscles tensing beneath my fingers.
"Aggie," he breathes, and I can hear the struggle in his voice. "You don't know what it does to me, seeing those bruises on your face, that cut on your body. I want to tear him apart with my bare hands."
I swallow hard, my emerald eyes meeting his. "I know, Jolt. But that's not what I need right now. I need you here, with me. Safe."
He nods, covering my hand with his own. "I'm not going anywhere, Ghost. You're my ol' lady now, remember?"
The term makes me smile, despite the seriousness of the moment. "Aye, and you're my ol' man. God help us both."
Jolt's deep, dark green eyes crinkle at the corners as he laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out.
"God help us indeed," he says, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."
I lean back in my seat, the tension easing from my shoulders. "So, tell me more about this brother of yours. Victor, right? The one in the Deathstalkers MC?"
We’ve spent the last couple of days talking about him more than me.
I came to the realization I barely knew anything about his life, and yet he knew almost everything about mine.
Jolt's expression softens. "Yeah, Vic. He's a few years older than me, always been the responsible one. Joined the Marines straight out of high school."
"And you didn't fancy following in his footsteps?" I ask, genuinely curious.
He shakes his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Nah, military life wasn't for me. But the brotherhood? The sense of belonging? That's what drew me to the Reapers Rejects."
I nod, understanding all too well the pull of club life. "It's in your blood now, isn't it?"
"Just like it's in yours," he says, giving my hand a squeeze.
The miles roll by and it's not long before I realize we’re almost there.
He nods, his eyes scanning the road ahead. "You more nervous or excited about bein’ back home?"
I consider his question for a moment. "A wee bit more nervous," I admit. "It's been a while since I've been home."
As we approach the clubhouse grounds, I spot a familiar figure standing guard.
Ripper, with his medium-brown hair and stubbled jawline, gives us a nod as we pull up.
"Welcome back, princess," he calls out, his cocky grin firmly in place. "Jolt, you better be treatin’ our girl right."
Jolt rolls down the window, matching Ripper's grin. "You know it, brother. Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise."
Ripper waves us through, and Jolt steers the SUV toward Kade's old house.
As we come to a stop, I turn in my seat to wake Sienna.
"Hey, sleepyhead," I say, gently shaking her shoulder. "We're here."
Sienna stirs, blinking owlishly. "What's goin' on?" she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep.
"We're at the clubhouse," I explain, watching as realization dawns on her face.
Meanwhile, Jolt's already out of the car, hauling our luggage toward the house.
I can't help but admire the way he jumps to do any sort of manly thing.
As I watch him, a thought occurs to me.
My parents will probably expect me to stay with them while I'm here.
It's the logical thing, after all.
But I don’t think I’m going to stay in my childhood home.
I'd much rather be cozied up with Jolt, safe in his arms, feeling protected from the entire world.
I want the stolen moments, the quiet nights, the chance to explore this new relationship without the weight of my family's expectations.
But how do I tell my parents that?
How do I explain that I'd rather have alone time with the man who's quickly becoming my everything?
A prospect, no less.
God, I know my da is going to be thrilled at that.
I take a deep breath, calming myself for the conversations to come.
Whatever happens, I know one thing for certain: these next two weeks are going to be anything but boring.
I slip out of the SUV, stretching my legs as Jolt emerges from the house.
His dark green eyes lock onto mine, a mischievous glint dancing in them.
"Ready to cut loose, darlin'?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.
I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. "Absolutely. Let's head down to the clubhouse. I could use a damn drink."
He chuckles. “As could I.”
As we start walking, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I fish it out, seeing a text from Mum:
Where are you, love?
I can practically hear her thick accent through the screen.
It’s much worse than mine.
I remember my childhood friends not being able to understand a lick of what she was saying growing up.
My fingers fly over the keys as I reply:
Walking to the clubhouse now. See you in a minute.
Jolt's arm snakes around my waist as we walk, his warmth a comforting presence against the cool Montana air.
Sienna trails behind us, still looking a bit groggy.
I call over my shoulder, unable to keep the teasing note out of my voice. "You okay back there, Sleeping Beauty?"
She mumbles something that sounds suspiciously like "Fuck off," making me laugh.
As we approach the clubhouse, my heart starts to race.
It's been a few months since I've been home, since I've seen my family.
Will they notice the changes in me?
Will they approve of Jolt?
I sure fucking hope so.
Suddenly, the clubhouse door flies open with a bang.
Mum comes charging out like a force of nature, her face a mix of joy and worry.
"Aggie!" she cries, her arms opening wide.
Before I can even react, she's on me, wrapping me in a fierce hug that nearly knocks the wind out of me.
The familiar scent of her perfume—a mix of lavender and vanilla—envelops me, and suddenly, I'm home.
"Oh, my wee lassie," she murmurs into my hair, her accent thicker with emotion. "I've missed you so much."
I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I hug her back just as tightly. "Missed you too, Mum," I whisper, my voice cracking slightly.
As we embrace, I can feel Jolt watching us, giving us space but staying close.
I'm hit with a wave of gratitude—for him, for my mum, for this moment.
After everything that's happened, I'm finally surrounded by people I know who love me unconditionally.
When Mum finally pulls back, her eyes are glistening.
She cups my face in her hands, studying me intently. "Let me look at you, sweetheart. Are you all right? You look tired."
I laugh, a bit shakily. "I'm fine, Mum. Just been a long trip."
Her gaze shifts to Jolt, then back to me, a question in her eyes.
And I realize she notices the bruising on my face.
Surely, she doesn’t think Jolt did this to me.
I take a deep breath, knowing the introductions—and tiresome explanations—are about to begin.
The clubhouse door flies open again, and I turn to see my father barreling out, his face a storm of emotions.
His eyes lock onto me, widening as he takes in the bruises on my face and the angry red line peeking out from my collar.
For a split second, I see a flash of pain in his eyes, quickly replaced by fury.
Before I can even open my mouth to explain, Da’s gaze snaps to Jolt.
In a blur of motion, he lunges forward, grabbing Jolt by the shirt and slamming him to the ground.
Grim roars with all of his might, face inches from Jolt's. "You fuckin' do this to her?!"
My heart leaps into my throat. "Da, no!"
I cry out, but Jolt doesn't even flinch.
Instead, he meets my Da's rage-filled eyes with an odd calm that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Fuck no," Jolt growls, his voice low and deadly. "I'm gonna kill the bastard who put his hands on 'er."
The intensity in Jolt's voice makes my breath catch.
I've never heard him sound so... dangerous.
It should probably scare me, but instead, I feel a rush of heat course through my body.
Da's grip on Jolt's shirt loosens slightly, confusion replacing some of the anger on his face.
He pulls back, eyeing Jolt warily.
"Why would you wanna kill him? Huh?" His eyes narrow suspiciously. "What's my daughter to you, prospect?"
I hold my breath, waiting for Jolt's response.
Part of me wants to jump in, to explain everything myself, but I know this is a moment Jolt needs to handle on his own.
Jolt meets Da's gaze unflinchingly. "She's my ol' lady, sir," he says, his voice firm but respectful. "That's what your daughter is to me."
My heart swells at his words, at the way he claims me without hesitation.
But as I watch my father's face darken again, I can't help but wonder if we've just jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
Da's eyes lock onto mine, his expression a mixture of disbelief and fury.
I can almost see the gears turning in his head, trying to process this unexpected information.
"It's true, Daddy," I say, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. "Jolt's my ol' man."
The words hang in the air between us, causing the tension to only become thicker.
I watch as his face cycles through a range of emotions—shock, anger, confusion, and finally, a kind of resigned frustration.
Da shakes his head, running a hand through his graying hair. "What the fuck happened down there? I wanted you close to the club for safety reasons, not to get in a fuckin' relationship."
I open my mouth to explain, but Jolt beats me to it.
He steps forward, placing himself slightly in front of me in a protective stance that doesn't go unnoticed by my father.
"Well, sir," Jolt begins, his tone respectful but firm, "it just sort of happened."
I can't help but snort at the understatement.
'Just sort of happened' doesn't quite cover the shite we’ve been through.
Da's eyes narrow, his lips curling into a sarcastic smirk.
"Yeah," he drawls, "like you just happened to fall for my beautiful daughter, hmm?"
I tense, ready to jump to Jolt's defense, but once again, he surprises me.
Jolt nods, his deep green eyes never leaving Da's face.
"Yes, sir," he says simply. "That's exactly what happened."
The sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip a beat.
I reach out, intertwining my fingers with his, silently offering my support.
Jolt squeezes my hand gently, and I feel like things are going to turn out okay.
As I stand there, caught between the two most important men in my life, I can't help but think how surreal this all is.
A week ago, I was just a college student trying to balance classes and club life.
Now, I'm introducing my ol' man to the man who raised me, sporting bruises from a fight I barely escaped.
Life in the MC world, I suppose.
There’s never a dull moment.
A shiver runs through the air, and I hear Sienna's teeth chattering behind us.
"Um, guys," she pipes up, her voice trembling, "can we head inside so I don't freeze my ass off?"
I turn to look at her, feeling a pang of guilt.
In the drama of our reunion, I'd almost forgotten about my friend standing out here in the chilly Montana air.
"Aye, of course. Sorry, love."
Da nods, his stern expression softening slightly. "Right, let's get you all inside. We can continue this... discussion.. where we won’t freeze our asses off."
As we move toward the clubhouse, Jolt's arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close.
The heat of his body seeps through my clothes, and I lean into him instinctively.
His touch grounds me, reminding me that no matter what chaos is going on around us, we're in this together.
"You okay?" he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear.
I nod, offering him a small smile.
"Never better," I whisper back, and I mean it.
As we walk, I can feel Jolt relax beside me.
His stride becomes more confident, his grip on my waist more assured.
It's as if being here, in this place that's so much a part of me, is making him feel more secure in his place by my side.
This man, this beautiful, brave man, chose me.
And I chose him.