Page 20 of Tank

We collide in a tangle of limbs and fury, our fists connecting with the sickening crunch of bone on bone. The world narrows to this moment, to the primal dance of violence and vengeance.

But even as I rain down blows on the trafficker's face, my mind is on Sophie, on the promise I made to keep her safe. I can't let her down, not now, not ever.

"Tank, you need to get out of there," her voice is laced with urgency, a desperate plea that cuts through the chaos. "The cops are on their way."

I hesitate for a split second, torn between the desire to finish what I started and the need to protect my brothers. But in the end, there's no choice to make.

"Fall back," I bark into the headset, my voice raw with adrenaline. "We'll live to fight another day."

We make our escape, leaving the bar in shambles and the traffickers licking their wounds. It's not the victory we wanted, but it's a start.

As we speed off into the night, the wind whipping against my face, I make a silent vow. I will hunt these bastards down, one by one, until every last one of them is rotting in a cell or six feet under.

The roar of our bikes fills the night as we put distance between us and the bar, each mile a temporary reprieve from thechaos we left behind. My mind races, replaying the events in a dizzying loop. The face of Sophie's captor, the terror in her voice, the visceral need to protect her at all costs.

I lead the Iron Reapers through the winding roads, my instincts guiding us to a safe haven. We need to regroup, to plan our next move. But more than that, I need to see Sophie, to hold her in my arms and reassure her that she's safe.

As we pull into Perdition, I barely wait for my bike to stop before I'm off, striding towards the van where Sophie waits. The sight of her, pale and shaking, tears at my heart.

"Sophie," I breathe, gathering her into my arms. She clings to me, her small frame trembling against my chest. "I've got you, little one. You're safe now."

Her sobs are muffled against my cut, a release of the fear and adrenaline that's been coursing through her veins. I hold her tighter, my hand stroking her hair, offering what little comfort I can.

"I thought... I thought he'd find me," she whispers, her voice raw with emotion. "That he'd take me back to that hell."

"Never," I growl, the promise fierce in my tone. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Sophie. Not now, not ever."

She pulls back, her eyes searching mine, and in that moment, something shifts between us. A spark ignites, a connection that runs deeper than just protector and protected. It's a force that draws us together, two broken souls finding solace in each other.

"Tank," she murmurs, my name a prayer on her lips. "I..."

But before she can finish, the rumble of approaching bikes shatters the moment. The Iron Reapers have arrived, their presence a reminder of the battle that lies ahead.

I reluctantly release Sophie, my hand lingering on her cheek. "Stay here," I urge, my voice gentle but firm. "I need to talk to my brothers, to figure out our next move."

She nods, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Be careful," she whispers, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine.

I press a kiss to her forehead, a silent promise, before turning to face my brothers. The weight of leadership settles on my shoulders, a mantle I wear with both pride and responsibility.

As we gather around the table, maps and intel spread before us, I feel the fire of determination burning in my veins. We will bring these traffickers to their knees, no matter the cost.

Because in this war, failure is not an option. Not when Sophie's life hangs in the balance. Not when the lives of countless others are at stake.

We are the Iron Reapers, and we will ride through hell itself to protect what's ours.

Perdition thrums with a barely contained energy as my brothers and I pour over the intel we've gathered. Photos of known traffickers litter the table, their faces seared into our collective memory. Gears turn, plans take shape, each of us ready to lay it all on the line.

"Tank," Rivet calls out, his voice cutting through the charged silence. "Are you sure about this? Going after these bastards on their own turf?"

I meet his gaze, unwavering. "Damn sure. They brought this fight to our doorstep. It's time we end it."

Nods of agreement ripple through the room, a united front against the evil that threatens to tear our world apart.

"We'll need eyes on the inside," Hawk chimes in, his tactical mind already working overtime. "Someone to infiltrate their operation, gather more intel."

"I'll do it," a soft voice breaks through the chatter, and my heart clenches.

Sophie steps forward, her delicate frame a stark contrast to the hardened men surrounding her. But there's a fire in her eyes, a determination that belies her fragile appearance.

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