Page 67 of Coty

Nope. I slam my fist into his jaw hard enough to loosen some teeth. He doesn’t get to speak. He almost killed my best friend. His ribs are next. They broke three of Coty’s. The favor needs to be returned.

“You pointed a gun at my woman!” That one gets him beaten to the ground.

“Jack.” Hendrix pounds on my back. I don’t stop.

“Ghost!” A fist slams into my shoulder. I slowly turn my head toward my cousin. “Cops.” Jay tackles me to the ground. Hendrix helps him hold my arms.

Four Sheriff cars fly into the parking lot and quickly surround us. I didn’t hear the sirens until now. The Sheriff and six deputies get out with their guns raised.

“Jack McLeod.” Sheriff Bowers stands in front of me, blocking my view of everything around us.

“He almost killed Coty.” I don’t wait for his questions.

“We know. An anonymous tip came in fifteen minutes ago. They said we’d find Trent Colby here.” Nathan glances at Jay. “If you have a knife open, close it now.”

“None open, Sheriff.” Jay nods toward Trent. “We believe he was the man outside Kayla’s apartment. He’s her ex.”

One of the deputies calls for an ambulance. Two more search the car. The others keep their guns out but not aimed at us.

“Sheriff!” Deputy Dean Johnson holds up a handgun with a pen.

“I bet money that’s Kayla’s stolen twenty-two,” Jay says.

“I’m not betting with you, Jay.” The Sheriff turns to me. “Due to how we found you, I have to take you to the station, Jack.” He looks back at Jay. “I won’t arrest him yet. Get your lawyer here quickly. She’s smart enough to keep him out of a cell.

Jay starts to protest, but I shake my head. “It was worth it.” And it was.

I don’t fight or struggle in any way. I willingly let Sheriff Bowers put me in the back of her patrol car. I grin at my brothers as we drive away. No matter what happens to me, the man who hurt my friend and pointed a gun at my ole’ lady got what was coming to him.

Epilogue

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Coty

My first Valentine’s Day with Lala isn’t going how I’d hoped. I’ve never planned anything on Valentine’s Day before. I wanted to do something special for her tonight.

Surprisingly, she didn’t throw a fit when I asked her to work at the Den tonight instead of the Roadhouse. I’ve sat at the table closest to the door for church all night with her in my sight. It’s not like I can do much else anyway. I could, but getting up would have a slew of people on my head.

My parents are here tonight. Ember and Maci are helping Lala bartend. Not sure how I feel about my sister behind a bar. Jack has loudly stated his disapproval of his sister bartending. Maci simply smiles and keeps serving drinks. My youngest sister, Mary, is up at the main house with Everly. Her older brother, Logan, is watching over them tonight. The girl he liked blew him off tonight. Logan’s mad at the world right now. He’s the perfect Viking to watch over his sister and mine. He’s not a patched member, but we all know he will be someday.

I was released from the hospital this morning. Four nights there were more than enough for me. I believe Lala and Lily conspired with the hospital staff to keep me there an extra day or two.

“How’s the ribs?” Jack sits down next to me. Thankfully, Ciara Hollis kept him from being put in a cell. It’s still unclear whether he’ll be charged. Miss Hollis will fight for just probation if it happens.

“Sore.” I could lie, but he’d see through me.

Mack nods to Jack and moves to the doors to church. Worley stands behind him.

Jack glances at Lala and back at me. “You ready?”

My eyes drop to the cut draped over Worley’s left arm. “I never told her. She’s gonna be pissed.”

“That’s why it’s better to do it while you’re wounded and recovering.” Jack nods to his dad, and on cue, the music stops.

“Vikings!” Mack yells over the crowd. Everyone quietens down and gives our Prez their attention. “Lala, you wanna join us?” He motions her over.

She narrows her eyes and looks around the room. When she doesn’t move, Lily takes her hand and leads her through the kitchen to the common room. She nervously walks over to stand behind me.

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