Page 57 of Blake

"Thank you," the woman stammered, tears streaming down her face as she scrambled to her feet.

"Get out of here," Blake urged, not taking his eyes off the defeated assailant. The woman nodded and took off, disappearing into the shadows.

Blake was tempted to give the guy on the ground a kick, but he didn’t. He’d done enough damage tonight already. He had to try to keep his emotions in check.

“What now, then?” he grumbled to himself as he walked back onto the street.

Under the dim glow of a streetlight, Blake's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, seeing Jax's name flash across the screen and answered without hesitation.

"Blake, I've got news," Jax said urgently. "Nash made it out of the gala okay, but there's a citywide call out for you. The cops are looking for you after that stunt with the alderman."

"Shit," Blake muttered under his breath, adrenaline still coursing through his veins from the earlier altercation. His mind raced, considering the implications of being hunted by the police while trying to find Savannah.

“He’s not dead, at least. Just a concussion and a few stitches. But still, it doesn’t look good.”

"Jax, I'm sorry, man. I fucked up," he said. "I didn't realize how much anger was inside me until I confronted that bastard."

"We get it, bro," Jax assured him. "We're doing our part to expose the truth. I leaked videos and photos from the shitshow we saw at the gala onto the City Halls website. Nash has been talking to some old cop friends he trusts about what's going on."

“Blake,” Nash said coldly on speakerphone. “That was some interesting shit you pulled tonight.”

“Yeah,” said Blake, rubbing his cracked and bloody fist. “Sorry, Nash.”

Nash sighed. “It wasn’t the right moment, Blake. But I get why you did it. I wanted to fucking kill that asshole.”

"Thanks," Blake replied, his chest tightening with gratitude for his brothers' support. "Have you seen Savannah? Is she back at the club?"

“No, man,” said Jax. “I thought you were with her?”

"She's gone," he admitted, his voice cracking. "I don't know where she is. I need her. I know you guys are going to think I’m crazy, but I really fucking love her." The words hung heavy in the air.

“We don’t think you’re crazy,” said Nash kindly. “We know you, brother. Know how hard Chloe’s death hit you. How much you’ve needed to find someone to fight for. And Savannah, she’s a brave girl. Exactly the kind of Little you’ve been looking for.”

"Blake, we're going to help you find her," Jax reassured him firmly.

Nash added, "You know we've got your back, brother."

"Thanks," he replied, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat. He had no idea what he'd do without them.

"Let me see if I can track her down," Jax chimed in over the phone, his fingers tapping rapidly on his keyboard. "Just give me a sec—got it. Her phone's at . . . Oh, shit. She’s at the Lucifer Club."

Blake's heart hammered in his chest. She’d gone there alone? He needed to go find her, but he knew he couldn't barge in there alone, not with the cops after him and potentially more danger lurking inside.

"Okay," he said. “We need a plan, stat."

"Leave it to us," Nash declared, determination evident in his tone. "We'll round up some trustworthy help and meet you there. Just hang tight, Blake. We're going to get her back."

"Thanks," Blake managed, his voice thick with gratitude and fear.

"Stay safe, brother," Nash told him. "We'll be there as soon as we can."

As the call ended, Blake got back in the car and drove to the Lucifer Club, his jaw clenched in anticipation.

Outside the club, the pulse of neon lights and thumping bass assaulted his senses, teasing him about the horrors that lurked inside. He knew he had to be patient, but every fiber of his being screamed at him to rush in and save his Little. But he couldn't risk getting caught without backup or putting her in more danger.

"What are you up to in there, Savvy?" he whispered into the darkness, his eyes fixed on the club's entrance. "Whatever it is, just hold on just a little longer. I'm coming for you."

Just then, there was a knock at his car window. Three quick taps in quick succession. Paladin Security's signature knock.

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