Page 108 of Property of Bones

He’s right. I hate it…but he’s right.

And Idowant to be here when Muerte shows his smug fucking face.

“I’ll stay,” I growl. “But the second my woman and Abby are safe in the bunker, I’mdonesitting on my hands. I don’t give a flying fuck how many men Muerte has. He’s dead”

Spike nods. “Good. Because the second he steps onto this property, he’s yours.”

My knuckles crack as I flex my fingers. “Damn right he is.”

Spike’s phone buzzes.

He glances at the screen and answers, jaw already tight. “Yeah?”

“Ah, Presidente,” Muerte’s voice drips with charm. “I come bearing good news. I’ve decided to return the blonde one. Consider it a peace offering.”

Spike doesn’t respond, just listens.

“My men and I will be there within the hour. Nothing dramatic. Just a friendly visit.”

A pause.

“Oh…and one more thing. If anything happens to me… if I’m touched, or so much aslooked at wrong,there are standing orders to kill the mouthy one. Immediately.”

Spike’s nostrils flare, but his tone stays even. “You think pretty highly of yourself, don’t you?”

Muerte laughs. “Confidence, hermano. It’s all part of the charm. See you soon.”

The call ends, and Spike pockets his phone with a sharp exhale.

“Tank,” he says, turning. “Call in the South chapter. I want them stationed at the checkpoints around the compound. No bikes, no cuts. Street clothes. Eyes open. I want to know the second Muerte’s crew crosses any line.”

“On it,” Tank nods, already moving. But at the door, he pauses and glances back. “Abby…”

“Is going to be alright,” Spike says firmly, with that quiet confidence only a big brother can pull off. “Now get those checkpoints set up. I want eyes on her the moment she’s close.”

Tank nods and disappears down the hall.

“I’m going to get Riley and Asher below,” Spike says, already moving. “In the meantime… prepare.”

I don’t say anything. I just turn and head for the door.

“Where you going, Bones?” Skip calls after me.

I pause, just long enough to let it land.

“To sharpen my blades,” I say without looking back. “I’ve got a pig to slaughter.”

“Fuck yeah,” Skip whoops. “I call front-row dibs!”

Crazy bastard.

“Let’s go,” I say. “You can make sure the restraints are ready.”

***

“Ro just checked in,” Tank calls out. “Max and Sunny are two minutes out.”

“Thank fuck,” I mutter, already pushing out the door and heading for the front gate.

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