Page 46 of Sweet Anarchy

"But your higher ups said if they attacked again, the Rebels would move into action. They haven't attacked us and Bill said they don't get involved in other club's shit. So, what happens now?"

Blake sighs. "I can only assume the Rebels will want to attack regardless. If we do nothing, it leaves the door open for them to attack us next."

Rylee pauses, glaring at him. "But if we attack, then they will definitely come after us."

"Yeah, they will," I confirm, watching as the color drains from her face. "Unless we take them out fully."

"Take them out fully," she repeats. "Like murder an entire motorcycle club? Why don't the police step in?"

Chuck scoffs. "They won't do anything. They can't control the clubs due to our numbers. They turn a blind eye to it, unless absolutely necessary."

I look over as Asher throws his hands up in exasperation. "Isn't this necessary? They are literally killing people. You know – arguably the worst possible crime."

"It's just how it's always been," Blake responds. "They don't want to get in the middle of a biker war. It's suicide for them."

"So, will there be another meeting?" Rylee asks, leaning against the wall.

I shake my head, crossing my leg over my opposite knee. "Not likely. We won't be able to gather again this soon after an attack. They will be watching and hoping for that."

Blake's cell lights up again with a silent text and we all turn to watch as he reads.

"They are going ahead with the plan," he says. "Sending more information to everyone when it's organized."

Rylee walks over to Chuck, sitting down next to him. "You don't have to go again, right? I mean, you're injured. Surely they won't need you."

There's a desperation in her voice that breaks my heart. Her hands tremble slightly as she fights to compose herself, and if I'm correct, there's also a glint in her eyes that says she will fight every single person who tries to take him away again.

I have to admit I'm a little jealous.

But also incredibly proud of her. She fights for the people she loves – not an easy feat when you consider the enemies.

Most people would run from us, protect themselves from this type of chaos.

Not Rylee.

That stubborn, fiery attitude is unmatched. She's truly a force of fucking nature.

My cell dings on the table in front of me and I lean forward, clutching it in my fingers. Rylee glances over as the others watch and wait for me to read.

Hm. Not ideal.

I click the screen off and put the cell back down, grinning at Rylee as she stares at me impatiently.

"What was it?" she asks, her tone on edge.

"Spam message," I respond. "Something about buying pills to make my cock grow an extra three inches. But I don't need it."

Relief washes over her face as she shakes her head with a nervous laugh. Blake and I lock eyes, and I can already tell he knows I'm lying. His face tightens before he gives the smallest of nods – so discreet that no one else notices.

I gaze over to Asher, making sure he hasn't picked up on anything either. He's too busy watching Rylee to notice, but he doesn't say anything about the message.

I'm not sure how to break the news to her. I should have known they would call me in as part of the crew. Bill already gave me the brief heads up that he'd be recruiting one of us if this needed to occur.

Watching her panic over Chuck makes me realize I can't let her in on this. She'll lose her shit, and right now, we can't afford for Rylee to involve herself in any way more than necessary. We're about to head into dangerous territory, and the last thing any of us need to worry about is her safety if she spirals and tries to opt in.

The text message laid out the plans succinctly – a dozen of us will meet later tonight and target the Norsemen's clubhouse. We need to act swiftly and forcefully, before we give them more time to prepare or attack someone else.

I check the time on the tv screen, noticing it's already 8pm. We're meeting at 11pm at the State Park again. I'm going to have to get Blake alone to work out a plan – maybe even Chuck too.

---