Page 34 of Tank

I'm already moving before my next breath, mind laser focused on her. Nothing else matters now, just keeping my girl safe. Stalking through Perdition, I bark orders.

"Ripper, get everyone to the table. We're on lockdown till we know what the hell's happening. Tex, Moose - secure the perimeter and double the watch. NOW!"

Men scramble at my commands, chairs scraping and boots thudding. Controlled chaos erupts as my brothers mobilize for war. Because that's what this is - an attack on the family.

But my priority is Sophie. I have to protect her, shield her. I failed her once, letting that bastard grab her from right under my nose. Never again. They'll have to go through me first.

My pulse pounds in my ears as I make my way to her. Fear twists my gut but I shove it down. Gotta stay focused, sharp. For her.

I find her in the back room, curled up on the couch, a book forgotten in her lap. She looks up as I enter, eyes wide and questioning. Fear clouds her delicate features as she senses the tension radiating off me.

"Tank? What's wrong?" Her voice trembles slightly.

I crouch down before her, taking her small hands in mine. They're so soft, so fragile compared to my rough, calloused fingers. I give them a gentle squeeze, trying to reassure her.

"We've got a situation, little one. Some bad shit's going down, and I need to get you somewhere safe." I keep my tone calm but firm, needing her to understand the gravity without scaring her more.

Tears well in her eyes but she blinks them back, nodding. "Okay. I trust you."

Those simple words pierce my heart. After all she's been through, the horrors she's survived, her trust is a precious gift. One I swear I'll never betray.

I pull her to her feet, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Stay close to me, you hear? I won't let anything happen to you."

She leans into me as we move through Perdition, my brothers a whirlwind of activity around us. I bark more orders, delegating tasks to secure the club and hunt down information. But my focus never wavers from the woman at my side.

In my room, I hastily throw clothes and essentials into a duffle. Sophie hovers nearby, chewing her lip, eyes tracking my every move. I pause, cupping her face in my hands.

"I know you're scared. I am too. But I promise you, Sophie, I will keep you safe. No matter what. You're mine now." The fierce words are edged in tenderness.

She nods, covering my hands with hers. "I know. I'm yours, Tank. Always."

A lump forms in my throat. Before I can do something sappy like bawl like a fucking baby, I lean down and kiss her hard. Pouring every ounce of love and protection into it. She sighs into my mouth, melting against me for one stolen moment.

Then we're moving again, bags shouldered, heading for the bikes. I boost her up behind me, her arms wrapping tight around my middle. My brothers form a phalanx around us, all grim-faced determination and cocked pistols.

"Ride hard," I command. "Keep your eyes sharp. Moose, you're with me for escort."

He grunts in acknowledgement, falling in beside me. Tex and Ripper peel off to flank us at the first intersection. My heart pounds as we roar into the night, Sophie's warmth seeping into my back. Adrenaline and fear course through my veins in equal measure.

We ride hard and fast, a pack bound by blood, iron, and the woman who holds my heart.

The night air whips past, chilling my exposed skin as the Harley eats up the miles. Sophie's arms tighten around me with each curve and acceleration. Her cheek presses between my shoulder blades, the dampness of her tears soaking through my cut and tee.

I cover her clasped hands with one of mine, squeezing gently. Trying to reassure her without words. Because fuck if I know what to say to make any of this better. All I can do is get her somewhere safe and hunt down the bastards who dare threaten what's mine.

We veer off onto a hidden access road, gravel spraying. Towering pines rise up on either side, sentinels in the darkness. Another few klicks and the safehouse appears - a rustic cabin, shutters drawn. Isolated. Defensible.

I pull up and kill the engine. The sudden silence rings in my ears. Sophie huddles against my back, shivering. I shrug out of my cut and wrap it around her shoulders before helping her dismount on unsteady legs.

"We're here, little one. Just you and me now."

She looks up at me with those haunted blue eyes, lips trembling. "Tank...I'm so sorry. Sorry I brought this trouble to you and the club."

"Shhh. None of that." I tip her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "You're family. We take care of our own. I'll always keep you safe, ride or die. You hear me?"

Tears spill down her cheeks as she nods. I gather her close, her head fitting perfectly beneath my chin. She burrows into me, arms locked tight around my waist like she's afraid I'll disappear.

We stand there holding each other as the night breathes around us. Crickets chirp in the underbrush. A lone owl hoots. The mundane sounds a stark contrast to the blood and bullets we left behind.

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