Page 60 of Marx

“You sure about this,kotiro?”

“We don’t really have a choice, Mama Debs. They’re coming for us whether we like it or not. We either hide or we get ready to fight back. We need to get rid of them otherwise we’ll never be safe.”

Mama Debs stares at me, assessing me with her keen gaze. “Can I tell you a secret?”

My brows furrow as I nod. “Of course. I won’t say a word.”

She leans closer, her comforting scent dampening the butterflies in my stomach. “I kinda wish I was up here fighting with you ladies,” She gives me a cheeky smile and I can’t help but pull her into my arms.

“Next time.”

“Ae. Next time.” She holds my gaze. “I’ll protect the kids, don’t you worry.” She cups my face and I press my cheek further into her warmth. I know if anything happens that she will protect hermoko,her grandchildren, with her life. But I know it won’t come to that. We’ll take them out first.

“I’ve briefed my kids. They’ll help entertain the others,” Kaia murmurs, stepping up beside me.

“You’re OK with this?”

“I don’t have much of a choice.” She turns to hold my gaze. “Being here with the MC was meant to keep my kids safe. Now the fight is coming to us and our men are out on the road fighting their fight. If I need to step up I will. No one touches my babies.”

I don’t miss the way she says “our men” as I nod in understanding. Our worlds were tipped upside down, and now we’re all fighting to set it back to rights. If that means breaking some rules and maybe unaliving some people, then so be it. We’re not bad people. We’re good people who do bad things to make the world a safer place for our kids.

Patting both her and Mama Debs on the shoulder I scoop up little Bee, giving her kisses on her chubby cheeks. I notice Blanche is doing the same with Tess, and Chewy with Laney and Chomper now that the men have stopped yelling. I think they know deep down that what Dima says is true. Renae and God knows who else is coming this way. We can either choose to bury our heads in the sand, or strap in and give them one hell of a fight.

Everyone starts to disperse, Chewy has barked orders at everyone, going ahead with my initial plan. It feels good to contribute in such a way, but I’m still worried that we won’t have nearly enough power behind us.

“Yo, I heard you needed a little law and order?” Moss grins at his terrible joke, wandering into the dining room.

“What? One single cop?” Pops spits out in disgust.

“One is all you need to legally be able to put down as many people as you like without Rose Grove PD investigating and landing your old ass in prison.”

“Fair enough,” Pops says, before turning to Mad Dog, “Hey! Old Man, are you gonna help me with this shit or not?” Pops indicates two duffel bags at his feet that Moss and I both clocked as soon as Pops gestured at them.

“Tell me that’s not full of illegal weapons.”

Pops stares at him the way Chewy does when she’s trying not to get into trouble. He silently picks up a bag, Mad Dog gripping the other in his large hand and they scuttle out of the room like their butts are on fire.

Moss lets out a long sigh. “Let’s get this show on the road. Flora has bingo later and I need to be back for the twins.”

We share a smile and move to complete our tasks. We have a storm coming and we need to be prepared.

Marx

“Anything?”

“All quiet.Pres,” Gus smirks at me with a side eye.

“Don’t you start. I’ve just had Jules mocking me too.”

“I’ve never had aPresbefore.”

“Quit it before I kick you out of my MC,” I grumble, trying to hide the twitching of my lips.

“What can I say? It’s a gift. We get it from our grandpa.”

I roll my eyes and let him get back to his surveillance. Cartel de Silencio has been quiet as hell, and yes, I do get that it’s in the name. But still, with a huge shipment coming through I would have assumed that they’d be getting shit in order. Moving existing shit, coming and going a lot more. Instead, they’re tucked into their ally’s gang house having the lamest looking party I’ve ever seen. Pizzas were delivered, there is no trace of music playing and there are no women on site either. It all feels off somehow.

“Something feels weird,” Rhodie grits out.

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