Page 158 of Boulder's Weight

Joy, yes, but also relief, gratitude, and a protectiveness that reminds me of how Boulder must feel about me.

Amara speaks about loyalty, about brotherhood, about the responsibilities of prospecting.

She emphasizes that the road ahead won't be easy, that Sam will be tested in ways he can't imagine, but that if he stays true to the club and himself, he'll find a family stronger than blood.

The clubhouse erupts in cheers and applause, brothers stepping forward to clap Sam on the back, to welcome him officially into the fold.

I hang back, letting him have this moment with his new brothers, until Boulder appears at my side.

"He'll be good for the club," he says, his arm sliding around my waist. "Strong, like his sister."

Everything transitions into celebration, music starts playing, drinks flow freely, and the mood lightens.

I find myself moved from group to group, accepting congratulations for Sam, catching up with club members and their families.

It's during a quiet moment, when I've stepped outside for some fresh air, that I spot a familiar figure leaning against a bike at the edge of the lot.

For a heartbeat, old fear flares—but then I recognize the silhouette.

Brick.

I haven't seen him in months, not since he left to search for Lashes.

He looks thinner, harder, his face weathered by whatever he's seen on his journey.

"Brick!" I call, approaching cautiously. "When did you get back?"

He straightens, offering a tired smile. "Bout an hour ago. Didn't want to interrupt anyone’s good time."

"Any news?" I ask, though his expression already tells me the answer.

He shakes his head. "Leads in Bulgaria, Romania. Nothing solid yet." His eyes meet mine, determination burning in them. "But I'm close. I can feel it."

"The club misses you," I say, not knowing what else to offer. "Boulder’s worried about you, even if he’d totally deny it."

Brick's smile turns wry. "Tell him I'm fine. Tell him I won't stop until I find her."

I nod, understanding the promise in his words. "I will."

He glances toward the clubhouse, where the party continues unaware of his presence. "I'm not staying. Just came to resupply, check in with Amara. Heading out again tomorrow, as long as she doesn’t stop me."

"You should at least come in, get some real food," I suggest. "Say hello to everyone."

But he's already shaking his head. "Not yet. Not until I have something real to report." His eyes soften slightly. "I’d rather be in and out. Don’t want to stick around long, get caught in whatever’s going on around here. Not until I find her at least."

Before I can respond, he's mounting his bike, the engine roaring to life.

I watch until he disappears from sight, then turn back toward the clubhouse, toward the light and noise and family waiting inside.

Toward Boulder, who stands in the doorway watching me, his expression shifting. "Was that—?" he begins as I reach him.

"Brick," I confirm. "Just checking in. He's still looking."

Boulder nods, pulling me against his chest. "He'll find her."

"I know," I whisper against his cut. "Just like you found me."

He presses a kiss to the top of my head. "Best thing I ever did."

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