Page 7

T he crackling of the fire echoes in my ears as I stand in the yard, arms wrapped around myself, my thoughts a jumbled mess. I can see the guys gathered in the dim light, as they discuss the plan for tomorrow. My heart kicks in my chest, and I force myself to take a deep breath, knowing this is going to be the most dangerous thing we have ever done.

It could go right, but it could also go terribly wrong.

Miriam could freak out, someone could follow us, anything could happen.

I can’t help but panic at the thought that someone might get hold of me. What if they show up and ambush us, taking me back? If I go back there, I’ll never escape, and that’s just cold, hard facts. My father would never allow me to walk free again. Hell, there is a solid chance he would end my life for my actions.

They scare me, as much as I hate to admit it.

Talon’s voice rumbles as he discusses the plan with the others. "We got one shot at this. We can’t fuck it up."

Zane nods, his brows pulled together. "We’ll take the truck, load it up with supplies. Make it look like a delivery. She can hide in the back."

"We time it right, get her out when it’s dark. Make it look like a big ride is leavin’ at the same time, women on the back of the bikes, even have one on with Talon that is dressed like her," Kael adds. "That will make them follow the ride for sure, especially if they think she’s on it."

Knox leans back, arms crossed. "You think they’ll take the bait?"

Talon’s eyes are hard, his jaw set. "They’ll have to. They’re watchin’ our every move. Those fuckers won’t be able to help themselves."

My stomach flips as I listen to them plan, the weight of it all pressing down on me. Each word they speak seems to echo with the potential for disaster, and I can't help but feel anxious about the whole thing. They're risking so much—more than I ever imagined possible—and the fear that it might all go wrong is heavy. What if everything unravels? I have hope Miriam will agree, but what if she doesn’t? What if I’m wrong about all of it.

"She gonna be ready?" Zane asks, glancing in my direction.

Talon’s eyes meet mine, and I’m forced to look away. I can’t stare at him, can’t have a conversation with him. After everything that happened, I just can’t. He hurt me, and since that night, we have barely spoken. His rejection crushed me in a way I wasn’t prepared for, and the more I think about it, the more I want to shrink into myself.

Right now, though. I have to put my focus on this.

"She’ll be ready."

His reply is firm.

I don’t know if I believe him, but I nod, as I pull my hoodie tighter around me. They don’t know about the possibility of what I might be carrying, and I don’t intend to tell them. Not yet. Not until I know for sure.

My stomach turns at the thought.

I know I should test to find out for certain, but I don’t have it in me—not yet, anyway. I’m terrified, and if it is what I am so scared it could be, everything will change. The club doesn’t want to help a woman pregnant with another man’s child, right? Especially not Talon. What chance would we ever have if I am carrying a baby belonging to someone else? Not to mention the fact that my father won’t stop until he gets said baby.

“I’ll be goin’ with her,” Knox mutters. “Everyone else goes on the ride. We in agreeance?”

They all nod.

Talon isn’t coming with me, which is probably a good thing. It is still nerve-wracking, though. Regardless of everything, I trust him with my life.

“You sure you can do this, girl?” Knox throws in my direction.

I look up. “What other choice do I have?”

He narrows his eyes, but gives me a sharp nod.

That’s it then.

We’re doing it.

THE RIDE TO TOWN IS quiet, tension hanging thick in the air as Knox drives the truck, Mera in the front seat with him—she insisted on coming along, refusing to leave my side. I know why, but I didn’t tell anyone that fact. I appreciate her wanting to make sure I’m okay, and I feel a little better knowing she is here.

I watch the road pass by, my heart a wild, chaotic mess in my chest. I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but I know I don’t have another choice. I have to do this, because if I don’t get Lily out soon, I don’t even want to think about what they’ll do to her. I’m doing this for her, and my strength washes through at the very thought.

"You okay back there?" Mera asks, glancing over her shoulder.

I nod, even though I’m not sure I am. "Yeah, I’m getting through.”

Knox’s eyes flick to the mirror, catching mine. “You go in, you do what you have to do, then you leave. Simple.”

Simple.

If only.

“Don’t mind him,” Mera murmurs, shooting Knox a glare. “You do whatever feels right.”

Knox growls, low. “Don’t fuck with the plan, Mera.”

She crosses her arms. “Don’t boss me around, buddy. I don’t belong to you.”

“Thank fuck for that.”

I can’t help it, I crack a smile.

God love these two. They know how to lighten the mood, even without realizing it.

It’s close to noon, and we sit waiting in the truck, the parking lot quite empty. I know she’ll be here soon, and I chew on my bottom lip as I wait. It doesn’t take long before the old white van pulls into the parking lot. It’s parked away from the other cars, all the way to the back, where the dust has settled thick on everything. I can see her silhouette through the windshield, and my heart kicks up a notch.

She’s alone.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

I don’t know how much time I have to convince her, but I know it won’t be long.

She gets out of the van, moving slowly, her eyes scanning the area as if she’s already suspicious of being watched.

“That’s her,” I whisper to Mera and Knox.

“Then go,” Knox grunts.

Yes boss.

I get out of the truck, glancing around once more to make sure I’m alone, before rushing over. Miriam turns quickly at the sound of my footsteps and her eyes widen as she reels back. She wasn’t expecting me, which I have to hope is a good sign. That means they aren’t aware of what we might do.

For a moment, we have the upper hand.

“Nia? What...”

I put a hand up, hoping to let her know I’m not here to cause problems. “I just want to talk. I promise.”

Her eyes dart nervously, and she takes a step back. “You shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be speaking to you.”

“Please,” I beg, my voice urgent. “I just need to know if she’s okay. I need to know if they’ve hurt her.”

It’s not all I need to know, but it is the first thing that comes to my mind. The first thought.

Miriam’s face is tight, her eyes filled with something I can’t quite place—fear, maybe, or pity. “You know I can’t tell you that.”

Frustration bubbles in my chest.

“You can tell me. Nobody knows I’m here. Nobody will know you have spoken to me. God dammit, just tell me.”

She hesitates, her hands twisting together. “Nia, I don’t know...”

“Please,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I just need to know she’s safe.”

Her shoulders sag slightly, and I can only pray that means she’s giving in.

She swallows, glancing around once more before smoothing down her pale cream dress. A dress that covers every part of her, including her neck. Women aren’t allowed to show skin when they are out. “They’re angry, Nia. You left, and they’re making sure everyone knows it. The child is... She’s weak, you know that.”

I curse, angry and hurt. “What have they done?”

“They haven’t hurt her, but they aren’t taking care of her. She’s still sick, really unwell. If you don’t return soon, Nia, they will let her die. You know they will.”

I suck in a breath, my heart twisting in pain.

I have to get her out. “I need you to help me get her out. Miriam, you’re the only one who can. Please. Imagine this was your child. She needs help.”

Silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. I can see the war in her eyes, the conflict tearing at her. It feels like an eternity before she finally speaks.

“I can’t do that. It’s not safe,” she says, her voice low. “If they find out...”

“They won’t,” I cut in. “I’ll make sure of it. We have a plan. I won’t let you get hurt for this. I just need you to help me get her out. That’s it.”

She presses her lips together. “They’ll know. I’m the only one who cares for the kids.”

“It will work, trust me. I promise this won’t touch you.”

She stares around again, her face conflicted.

“Please, Miriam. I will never ask anything of you again. She means so much to me.”

She exhales. “I’ll help you, but only because I can’t bear to see her like this. She shouldn’t be punished for your actions.”

Her words sting, but I could scream with relief.

“Thank you,” I breathe.

She hesitates. “What’s the plan?”

"The club will create a distraction near the compound, get everyone rushing out. You will be ordered to take the children to safety. Then, you need to rush Lily to the far corner where the crops are, it's the only place the cameras don't reach. I'll be there waiting."

It all comes out in a rush, and I can only hope she understands what I'm asking. What I'm begging her to do.

She bites her lip, eyes darting wildly. "The crops? It's risky. If someone notices me running off, or finds out I left the kids alone...”

“I know, it won’t be easy. But you just need to distract the kids for a second, and bring Lily. It will be less than five minutes.”

“They will ask me where she is...”

“You say I snuck in through the corner, held you at gunpoint, whatever you have to say to get out of it. I don’t care. Tell them Lily panicked and ran off, and you can’t find her. Whatever you have to do, do it.”

She shakes her head. “The cameras will see me sneaking out.”

“I have mapped out a plan, this is how I got out without being seen,” I say, handing her a sheet of paper where I have drawn the exact route. “I figured out where every camera pointed and got myself out. You can do this.”

Miriam's stares down at the paper, and I can see the weight of her decision pressing down on her. For a moment, I think she might change her mind. My heart is pounding, my breath caught somewhere between hope and despair.

"I'll do it," she says finally. "But it has to be quick. If I think I’m getting caught, I won’t do it.”

“I understand. Thank you. We’ll be there in two nights exactly. Eight PM.”

Miriam nods, but I can see the doubt in her eyes as I turn and run back to the truck. My heart is a wild, frantic mess in my chest, but I feel a spark of hope for the first time. We might actually pull this off. We might get her out. I throw myself into the truck, breathless and shaking.

"Well?" Knox grunts, his eyes boring into mine.

"She's going to do it," I say, my voice elated. "She'll take Lily to the crops."

Mera lets out a breath, her face softening. "You did it, honey."

"Thank fuck," Knox mutters, turning the key in the ignition. "Let's get the hell outta here before they see us."

He guns the engine, and the truck lurches forward as we speed out of the parking lot. I watch the van shrink in the distance, my heart still pounding. I can't believe it. I can't believe she's going to help.

We might actually get away with this.

I’m coming, Lily.

I’m coming.