Page 82 of Jackal

“Okay, tell me the plan.” He licked his lips, about to speak, but I stopped him. “But first, tell me you love me.”

He gripped my cheeks, staring into my eyes. “I worship you, Shivana. I want you at my side forever. And I won’t let anything happen to you. I love you, Lil Bird. I love you.”

I dropped the box of plastic wrap, and let the tears roll down my cheeks as he kissed me. The knot in my stomach twisted, but my desire for him overrode it. I melted into him, into the kiss, hoping it wasn’t the last good one I ever got from him.

When he finally stopped, he pressed his forehead to mine.

Looking into his eyes, even though they were so close I had to look at one then the other, I said, “I love you, Jacob.”

His breath hitched, and his hold on my cheeks tightened. “Goddamn, Lil Bird. Nothing has ever sounded so sweet,” he said with a deep timbre. He pulled me in again for another deep kiss, and when he stopped he said, “I love you, Shivana.”

This man wouldn’t let anything happen to me. I had to trust that it was the same for my friends. I’ve known all this time what kind of life I was leading, falling for him. This was a test.Thetest. But I wasn’t a quitter. In fact, I was an overachiever. So, releasing a deep sigh, I asked, “What’s the plan?”

Chapter 45

Jackal

Hawk’s plan seemed legit, and this was our chance at putting an end to this shit. Hopefully he’ll never find out how much I told Shivana. But I knew her, and she wouldn’t go easily, especially not on a day like this. But if she was convinced, she could get the others to follow her.

The sky was overcast, and it smelled like a summer storm was about to roll in. That, plus the fact that Hawk and Petrov already took care of the local boys in blue, would work in our favor.

The ceremony was scheduled for the evening, but we came over early for pictures. Everything was set up inside, but there were still tents in place where the outdoor ceremonies were held.

“We can always shift gears last minute if we need to,” Angie said, gripping her clipboard, “but the forecast doesn’t seem favorable. We have the tents, so it’ll still provide a little extra space for guests to mingle during the reception.”

Angie was in the dark, and she was on edge. We couldn’t risk telling her anything and having someone from the Heathens beat it out of her. I was glad they didn’t try anyway, since they obviously had no regard for innocents.

We’ve had a few guys keeping an eye on her and the venue since we found out Butch had been there. They hung around without their cuts, impersonating security in the evenings and workers during the day. If any of our guys were seen, she would’ve been in danger and the whole plan would go to shit.

Over the last couple of days, Keys spent some time with one of Petrov’s guys, Sergey, and they were monitoring the premises and surrounding wooded area to ensure nobody was out there yet. Petrov had a lot of expensive toys that Keys was about to bust a nut over. But with those toys, they’d know if anyone was approaching.

Butch knew the date and time of the wedding. Our educated guess was that they wouldn’t do shit with the whole club and other chapters there, but would try to pounce when the wedding party was doing final preps and distracted.

It was dicey doing photographs, but we went a little earlier than planned. Keys and Sergey had been monitoring all night and day to be sure the coast was clear.

After spending a ridiculous amount of time posing for pictures and watching the others get photos taken, I was getting antsy. From what I could tell, the other guys were, too.

Once the bridal party pictures were done and they finally moved on to the bride and groom, Shivana came over by my side and held my hand.

Everyone else was chatty and fawning over Lacy, but Shivana was quiet and tense.

Leaning down, I whispered, “You’re not a very good actor. Loosen up, Lil Bird.”

She squeezed my hand and cocked her brow. “Easy for you tosay. And don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“That sultry voice thing in my ear.”

I released her hand, then draped my arm around her shoulders. “This is gonna be over before you know it. And later, I’ll do the sultry voice thing, as you call it.”

She blew out a heavy sigh, then patted her hair. “Guys, it’s pretty humid. Let’s head in so our hair and makeup doesn’t melt.”

Loud pipes were coming. “Some of the guests are arriving,” I said as I turned to look behind us. We were standing at the edge of the rustic building so I could keep an eye on the driveway. Just in case shit went sideways, we had a few guys ride in early.

Angie checked her watch, then went to speak to the photographer. Hopefully to wrap it up. With the first wave of members coming, things could be playing out soon.

They parked their bikes and one of the attendants was already outside directing them to the makeshift ballroom area. Not long after, gravel crackled under tires, and another one of the limos had arrived.

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