Page 61 of Scornful

"Brothers," Runes begins, commanding attention instantly. "We've got intel on one of Patriot’s warehouses. There’s a significant amount of weapons there, according to our source."

"Can we trust it?" Rati asks. "Could be a trap."

"Could be," Runes acknowledges. "But we can't ignore it either. If the Patriot’s men are stockpiling weapons that close to our territory..."

"We hit it," Kraken finishes. "Tonight."

Murmurs of agreement ripple around the table.

"Before we get into that, I want to make sure our families are here, where they’re safe," Fenrir adds. "With us going on this run, I want everyone at the clubhouse. Ivar, you're in charge of protection detail with the prospects."

Ivar nods. "Consider it done."

"How are we gonna go about this?" Dag asks, ever the treasurer, worried about heat on our businesses.

"We go quietly," Runes decides. "Small team, in and out. Myself, Tor, Kraken, Magnus, Fenrir, Emil, Geirolf." He pauses. "And Dag. Logi, Aesir, Vanir, and Rati, I want you all watching the place, making sure no one surprises us. Shoot anyone who does."

Tor speaks up. "What about Oskar?"

"He’s working on Laken," he informs them.

"Kirkja is adjourned." He slams the gavel down, "We ride in two hours."

As brothers file out, I won’t lie about the fact I’m relieved Oskar won’t be on this run.

I head out into the hallway, and Tor comes up beside me. "You good for this run?" he asks.

"Always."

"I mean it. If your head's not in the game?—"

"It is." I force my shoulders to relax. "Club shit is club shit, you know?"

"Good. Because this feels off to me. Laken giving up intel that easy, even under torture..."

"You think it's a trap?"

"I think we need to be ready for anything." He claps my shoulder. "Watch your six out there."

I spend the next hour preparing. Cleaning my weapons, checking gear, the same routine that always comes before we head out on a run.

My mind keeps drifting to Astrid—is she here at the clubhouse yet? Is she safe?

I text her:

Families are gathering at the clubhouse. You heading here?

Her response is quick:

Already here with Mom and Ingrid. Heard you boys are riding out.

I shoot her back a reply:

Just a quick run. Be back before you know it.

Three bubbles appear, and then another message:

Be careful.

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