Page 99 of Renascence

“What do you know?”

“Not much, but Tek’s taken care of the Internet. He’s removed all the images he found.”

“He has?”

“Yes. Now we just need to find out who did this. I gotta go, Em. Please….”

“Okay. Hurry back.”

He disappears after a curt nod. Unable to stay locked up, I walk back to the bar, finding Raven and Ellen.

“Hi, ladies.”

“Hey, Emily. Come, sit.” Ellen waves me forward, making room on the couch between them.

“Crowded tonight,” I comment, hoping to mask my anxiety.

“Something’s up,” Raven says. “Gage has brought everyone in. Don’t worry, you’re safe here. This place is a fortress. Everything is bulletproof.”

“Bulletproof?”

“Yeah. We had some trouble last year and my brother did some upgrades on security. We don’t know what’s going on, but after church the guys will probably clue us in a bit,” Ellen says.

Jesus. These women seem so comfortable talking about “trouble” and bulletproof clubhouses. Is this what my life will be like being with Venom? Will I have to constantly watch my back? I’m not even his girlfriend. If I was, how much danger would I be in? Would “unfriendlies” be a part of our daily life? Did someone target me because of my relationship with Venom? I break down, choking back a sob.

“Emily, what’s wrong?” Ellen asks.

“It’s me. We’re here because of me.”

“Why would you say that?” Raven squeezes my hand.

“Someone took a picture of me in the gym’s shower.”

“Fuck,” both women swear simultaneously.

“They sent it to my phone, but apparently copies were all over the Internet before Tek took them down.”

“Emily, listen.” I turn to Raven, wiping at my tears. “Ellen and I know better than anyone what these men are capable of. If it’s an Internet thing, Tek’s got you covered. No doubt. The rest of the guys won’t rest until they find the culprit.”

“And then what?”

Raven glances behind me nervously, no doubt making eye contact with Ellen.

“Then… they’ll take care of it.”

My heart skips a beat, panic escalating. “You mean…?”

“You better talk to Venom about that part.”

“You’re talking about murder, aren’t you? They’d do that?”

“Dealers take care of their own,” Ellen says behind me. “I’m sure Venom would do anything to protect you.”

“Except I’m not. I’m not one of you.”

“Maybe not officially, but anyone can see how much Venom cares for you,” Raven says.

“You don’t understand. What we have… it’s not going anywhere.”