Page 11

Chapter Eleven

Vargan

I 've always been a runner.

In the camps, they beat that into us early. Run when the whistle blows. Run when the guards shout. Run until your lungs burn and your legs give out, and then run more.

After, freedom meant the luxury of running on my own terms. From my past, from attachment, from anything that threatened to cage me again.

The engine of my motorcycle thunders beneath me as I tear down the empty highway, the wind tearing at my leather jacket, the stars cold and distant overhead. I should be feeling relief. Exhilaration. I'm free, the border within reach, Mexico and safety just days away.

Instead, all I can think about is what I’ve left behind.

Savvy. Savvy. Savvy.

Her name pulses through me in rhythm with the engine. She sold everything for me. Everything she's fought for since her parents died—given away to that snake Victor to save my worthless hide.

My phone vibrates in my pocket—Hammer's number displaying on the screen. I ignore it, twisting the throttle harder, pushing the bike faster. The darkness rushes past, the road unfurling before me like a ribbon of black silk under the moonlight.

I should keep going. It's what she wanted. What she sacrificed everything for.

But the thought of her alone with Victor and Royce, signing away her life, makes the beast inside me howl with rage. What will happen to her after? To Willie? Where will they go, with nothing left?

I've spent years avoiding attachment, avoiding responsibility for anyone but myself and my brothers. Now I find myself racing toward freedom while leaving my heart behind.

Freedom. I've spent years chasing it. But what good is freedom if it means abandoning the only humans who ever saw me as more than a monster?

The junction comes into view, a lonely intersection where Highway 16 meets the old logging road. Three motorcycles wait in the shadows, their riders standing beside them—Ash, Crow, and Diesel, my brothers in all but blood.

I slow, pulling up beside them, cutting the engine. For a moment, none of us speak. Then Ash steps forward, his scarred face somber in the moonlight.

"You made it," he says, clasping my forearm in greeting. "We were starting to worry."

"Change of plans," I say, not dismounting. "I'm going back."

Silence falls, heavy and thick. The three exchange glances, and I can read their thoughts without words. They think I've lost my mind.

"Brother," Ash says carefully, "there's law enforcement heading to that town right now. Our intelligence confirms it. If you go back, they'll take you."

"I know."

"Then why the hell would you return?" Diesel demands, never one to mince words. "We've got a tunnel route secure, papers arranged. The only thing standing in your way now is how fast you can ride."

I look back toward Shadow Ridge, though the town is hidden by miles of darkness. "They've got Savvy."

Understanding dawns in Ash's eyes. He's always been the most perceptive of my brothers. "The human woman. The one who talked to Hammer."

I nod. "She traded everything to get me out. Sold it all to Victor. But it won’t stop there. Men like him never stop."

"And now you want to, what? Ride back in and save her?" Crow asks, incredulity in his voice. "That's suicide, Crank. And for what? A human?"

The beast stirs at his tone, but I keep it leashed. These are my brothers. They don't understand—how could they? "Not just any human."

Ash studies me for a long moment. "You love her," he says finally. Not a question.

I don't answer. I don't need to.

"You go back, you're trading your freedom for hers," he points out quietly. "Is that what she would want? After what she gave up to earn you yours?"

"No," I admit. "But it's not her choice."

Diesel spits on the ground. "This is insane. We've spent a week setting up this escape. Hammer has people risking their necks to get you across. And you're throwing it away for some human who—"

"Who showed me more loyalty in a week than I've seen from most of her kind in a lifetime," I cut him off, my voice hard. "She gave up everything, Diesel. Everything. To save me—an orc who crashed into her life and fucked it all to shit."

Silence falls again. We all know what that means in a world where humans see our kind as expendable at best, dangerous animals at worst.

"Hammer can send a crew to help her," Crow, our usual voice of reason, speaks up. "Once you're over the line, we can send her to you."

"No." I bark, the word tearing from my throat. "She might not make it that long."

The others fall silent at the raw fury in my voice. They don't understand—can't understand—what's pounding through my mind. The image of Savvy alone with Royce, with no one to protect her, makes my skin burn with rage. I've seen the way he looks at her, the possessive hunger in his eyes, his need to dominate her. To punish her for choosing me.

"You don't know what Royce is," I continue, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "The things he's said about her. The way he talks about what he'd do if he got her alone." My fists clench so hard the leather of my gloves creaks. "I will not leave her there for him to—" I can't even finish the sentence, the beast inside me snarling at the thought.

Ash's expression hardens as understanding dawns. He's seen enough of the world to know what happens to women left vulnerable to men with power and grudges.

"If you're determined to do this," he says finally, "then we're coming with you."

I shake my head. "This isn't club business. I won't put more of us at risk."

"Fuck that," Crow says, surprising me. "Ironborn stand together. Always."

I look at my brothers, these men who've ridden through hell with me, who are offering to follow me back into the fire. Pride and gratitude well up, threatening to choke me.

"If we do this," I say, "we do it smart. No violence unless absolutely necessary. No giving the law any more reason to come after the club."

Ash grins, the expression feral in the moonlight. "What's the plan, brother?"

"We ride for Shadow Ridge," I say, starting my engine again. "And then I turn myself in."

Dawn is breaking over the eastern hills as we approach the town. Shadow Ridge looks peaceful from a distance—small houses nestled among green fields, the diner's neon sign still glowing faintly against the lightening sky.

We pull up to the farmhouse first, killing our engines in the yard. The place looks abandoned, the front door standing partly open, curtains stirring in the early morning breeze.

"I don't like this," Ash murmurs beside me. "Feels wrong."

Before I can respond, the door creaks wider, and Willie appears, Helen close behind him. The boy's face lights up when he sees me, then falls as he takes in the leather-clad orcs surrounding me.

"Vargan!" he calls, rushing down the steps. "You came back!"

I meet him halfway, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Where's Savvy?"

Willie's expression clouds. "She never came home. She's still at Victor's."

Cold dread washes over me. "All night?"

He nods, fear evident in his eyes. "And there are cops in town. Not just the sheriff—men in suits. They've been asking questions about you."

"New York," Ash says quietly beside me. "Right on schedule."

Helen approaches, her weathered face grim. "That girl traded everything for you," she says, accusation clear in her voice. "And you came back. Why?"

"Because she shouldn't have had to make that trade," I answer simply.

Something in Helen's expression softens. "Well, you're a damn fool. But a good one."

Ash steps forward. "What exactly happened? Did she tell you anything before she left?"

Willie shakes his head. "Just that she was selling everything to Victor, and we had to leave town. But I knew something was wrong. She never would have given up without a fight. Not Savvy."

"Victor's place," I say, turning to Willie. "Where is it?"

"North side of town," Helen answers instead. "Big mansion on the hill. Can't miss it."

"You can't just ride up there," Willie protests. "The cops—"

"The kid's right," Ash interjects. "We need to think this through."

But thinking is beyond me now. All I can see is Savvy, alone with Victor and Royce all night. All I can feel is the beast, clawing at my insides, demanding blood.

"Diesel, stay here with the boy and the woman," Ash orders, taking charge when he sees I'm beyond reason. "Keep them safe. Crow, call H.Q. and update Hammer." He turns to me. "We're going to Victor's, but no berserker shit, you hear me? That's what got you in this mess to begin with."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The beast is too close to the surface.

Ash clasps my shoulder, his grip firm. "We'll get her back, brother. But you need to keep your head."

We mount our bikes, the engines roaring to life. As we pull away, I catch one last glimpse of Willie, standing in the yard with Diesel and Helen, watching us go with a mixture of hope and fear.

Hold on, Savvy. I'm coming.

Victor's mansion is everything I expected—ostentatious, sprawling, a monument to wealth built on the backs of the people he's crushed. As we approach, I see what I feared most: police cruisers in the circular drive, men in suits standing on the manicured lawn.

"Shit," Crow mutters beside me. "Place is crawling with law."

I ignore him, accelerating up the driveway. Behind me, I hear Ash and Crow curse, then follow. The detectives turn at the sound of our approach, hands moving to weapons when they see three orcs on motorcycles bearing down on them.

"Stop right there!" one shouts as we skid to a halt, dust billowing around us.

I dismount slowly, hands raised to show I'm not a threat. Yet.

"I'm looking for Savvy Greene," I say, keeping my voice level with effort. "She here?"

The detectives exchange glances. One steps forward—older, graying at the temples, with the hard eyes of a man not easily fazed. "And you are?"

"Vargan Thronshade," I answer, watching understanding dawn in his eyes.

"Really," he says, a grim smile crossing his face. "You've led us on quite a chase, Mr. Thronshade."

"I'll go with you without a fight," I say, cutting to the chase. "But first, I need to see Savvy. And I need you to look into Victor Hargrove's business practices here in Shadow Ridge, including the kidnapping and coercion of Savannah Greene."

The detective's eyebrows rise. "Kidnapping? Coercion?"

"He forced her to sign over her property under duress," I explain, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Ask anyone in town—Silas Johnson, Helen Weathers, Willie Greene. They'll tell you how Victor's been pressuring people to sell, how he set me up to get her out of the way."

Another detective approaches, handcuffs ready. "This sounds like a desperate attempt to avoid extradition, Mr. Thronshade."

"Check his property records," Ash interjects smoothly. "See how many businesses and homes he's acquired in the last three years. Talk to the people he's forced out."

The first detective studies us thoughtfully. "We're here for a murder suspect, not a land fraud investigation."

"Then consider this a bonus," Crow says with smirk. "Two cases for the price of one."

Before the detective can respond, the mansion's front door opens. Victor emerges, followed by Royce and—my heart lurches—Savvy. She looks exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, but unharmed. Her gaze finds mine, shock and dismay crossing her features.

"What are you doing here?" she calls, starting toward me, only to be held back by Royce's hand on her arm. I growl low in my throat, taking a step forward before Ash's restraining hand on my shoulder stops me.

"Detectives," Victor says, approaching with an ingratiating smile. "I see you've found your suspect. Excellent work."

"These orcs were just sharing some interesting allegations about you, Mr. Hargrove," the lead detective says mildly. "Something about coercion and fraudulent property acquisitions."

Victor's smile doesn't waver, but his eyes go cold. "Absurd. Ms. Greene sold her properties to me willingly. Isn't that right, Savannah?"

All eyes turn to Savvy. I can see the conflict in her face, the fear. If she admits the truth, the deal that bought my freedom is void. If she lies, Victor wins.

"Savvy," I say quietly. "The truth. Please."

Her eyes meet mine, and in them I see everything—fear, resignation, and beneath it all, a spark of the fierce woman with the fighting spirit of an orc warrior.

"Victor knew Vargan was wanted in New York," she says clearly, her voice growing stronger with each word. "He told me he'd already contacted the authorities but would call them off if I signed over my property. He deliberately withheld information from law enforcement to extort me." She turns directly to the lead detective. "He obstructed justice and blackmailed me with it—used your investigation as leverage to take everything my family has built."

The detective's expression sharpens, his professional interest clearly piqued. "Ms. Greene, are you saying Mr. Hargrove admitted to knowing Mr. Thronshade's fugitive status and deliberately concealed it to pressure you into a business transaction?"

"Yes," Savvy nods firmly. "He bragged about it. Said he could make the charges disappear with a single phone call to Sheriff Dawson if I gave him what he wanted."

Victor's expression darkens.

Royce steps out from the doorway, his face red and nose flaring. "That's a lie. She's saying whatever he tells her to."

"Is that so?" The detective turns to Royce. "And you are?"

"Royce Carvello," he answers sullenly. "Victor's nephew. And that orc attacked me yesterday. I want him charged with assault too."

"After you threatened a fifteen-year-old boy," I point out, barely containing my rage. "After you cornered Savvy in her own diner."

The detectives look between us, clearly trying to sort truth from lies. The lead detective sighs, turning to his colleagues. "Johnson, Fletcher, take Mr. Thronshade into custody. Phillips, start interviewing witnesses. Let's get statements from everyone involved."

Two detectives approach me, one with handcuffs. I offer my wrists without resistance, as promised. As they ziptie them, I keep my eyes on Savvy, who watches with anguish in her eyes.

"Mr. Hargorve," the lead detective continues, "I'm afraid we'll need you to come to the station as well. These allegations are serious enough to warrant investigation."

Victor's facade finally cracks. "This is ridiculous! I'm being set up by that animal!"

"Careful," Ash growls beside me. "That's slanderous language against a protected species."

The detective ignores them both, gesturing to another officer. "Mr. Hargrove will accompany Officer Phillips. Ms. Greene, we'll need your statement as well."

As they lead me toward a cruiser, I strain against the officers. "Wait," I say urgently. "Let me talk to her. Just for a moment."

"Not a chance," he spits back.

I struggle again. "Can't you just give me one damn minute?"

"It'd be the human thing to do," Crow throws in.

The lead detective hesitates, then nods. "One minute."

They guide me to where Savvy stands, her arms wrapped around herself as if holding herself together. When I'm close enough, she reaches out, touching my face with trembling fingers.

"You idiot," she whispers, tears welling in her eyes. "Why did you come back? You were free."

"Not without you," I answer simply.

The officers maintain their grip on my arms, but step back slightly, giving us the illusion of privacy in a courtyard full of police.

"You gave up everything for me," I continue, voice rough with emotion. "Did you think I could just ride away and leave you with nothing?"

"That was the point," she says, a tear spilling down her cheek. "That was the whole damn point, Vargan."

I lean forward until my forehead touches hers, the closest I can get with my hands bound behind me. "I'm going to fight this, Savvy. The murder charge. All of it. It might take time, but I'm going to win and come back to you."

Hope and doubt war in her eyes. "Promise me."

"I promise," I murmur, meaning it more than any vow I've ever made. "And orcs don't break their promises."

"Time's up," one of the officers says, starting to pull me away.

"Wait," Savvy protests. "At least let us say goodbye properly."

The officers exchange glances, then reluctantly pause.

Savvy steps closer, pressing her body against mine, her head resting on my shoulder. "I meant for you to be free," she whispers, her breath warm against my neck. "You're a fool for coming back."

"If you didn't want me to come back," I say softly, "then you shouldn't have given me such a damn good reason to."

She pulls back enough to look into my eyes, her own shining with unshed tears. "What's that?"

"You," I say simply.

Something shifts in her expression—grief giving way to determination. "Then you'd better keep that promise, because I'll be waiting."

I lean down, capturing her lips with mine. She kisses me desperately, her hands cupping my face, holding on as if she could keep me there by will alone. I pour everything I can't say into the kiss—all the fear, the rage, the tenderness I've never been able to express.

"Let's go," the officer says more firmly, pulling me away from Savvy. She holds on as long as she can.

As they lead me to the cruiser, I look back once. Ash has moved to Savvy's side, his arm around her shoulders, offering comfort. She watches me go, her expression a mixture of devastation and resolve.

The officer pushes my head down, guiding me into the back seat before the door slams.

As the cruiser pulls away, taking me toward an uncertain future, I find myself thinking about humans. I've spent most of my life distrusting them, seeing them as enemies or, at best, temporary allies. I still don't trust most of them further than one could throw me.

But Savvy? I'd trust her with my life. With my heart.

And if there are more like her in this world—humans who see beyond the green skin and tusks to the being beneath—maybe I have a chance of making it out of this alive after all.

The road stretches before us, leading away from Shadow Ridge, away from Savvy. But for the first time since crossing the Rift and finding myself in a hostile new world, I'm not running away from something.

I'm fighting my way back to someone.