Page 54 of Monstrosity

"Your uncle was reasonable."

"My uncle was greedy," Doran corrects. "But it works in our favor. Just... watch your backs. He'll honor the deal, but he's always looking for angles."

"Aren't we all?"

"True enough." He pauses at his SUV. "Revna’s asked me how everyone is doing, with the club on lockdown? I have her and Dalla being taken care of, no one will fuck with them."

"Everyone is tougher than they look, even the kids," I remind him.

"I know. Doesn't stop her from worrying."

I understand the sentiment completely.

The ride back to the clubhouse is lighter, the success of the meeting lifting the weight from our shoulders.

We've got allies, we've got a plan, and in two days, Bembe Reyes will learn what happens when you threaten the Raiders' families.

"That was smooth," Ivar says over the comms. "Thought for sure Liam was going to start shooting when you pulled out that tablet."

"He's smarter than he looks," Runes replies. "Knew there was profit to be made."

We pull into the clubhouse lot to find an unexpected scene.

In the fenced area, Dasha has both girls suited up in protective gear, teaching them basic self-defense moves.

Several other women and kids are participating, turning it into a class.

"Is that your woman teaching our daughters to throw punches?" Ivar asks, amusement clear in his voice.

"Looks like." I can't help but smile as I watch Cali practice a palm strike on a practice pad.

Her form is terrible, but her determination is fierce.

"She's a keeper," Runes observes. "Not many women would think to turn a lockdown into training time."

We park and head over to watch.

Dasha sees us coming and smiles, but doesn't stop her instruction.

"Remember, ladies, the goal isn't to win a fight," she's saying. "It's to create an opportunity to run. Hit and run. Always run."

"What if they chase us?" one of the older girls asks.

"Then you run faster," Dasha says simply. "And you scream. Make noise, draw attention. Bad guys don't like witnesses."

"My daddy says I should go for the balls," Runa pipes up.

Several mothers laugh, and Dasha grins. "Your daddy's not wrong. But only if you can reach them safely. Otherwise, eyes, throat, knees. Vulnerable points."

"Daddy!" Cali spots me and abandons her stance to run over. "Look! I'm learning to fight!"

I scoop her up, protective gear and all. "I see that. You look very fierce."

"Dasha says I'm a natural," she announces proudly.

"I said you have natural enthusiasm," Dasha corrects, joining us.

She's slightly flushed from the workout, hair pulled back in a ponytail, and she looks absolutely beautiful. "How did the meeting go?"