Page 37 of Talon

I aim, lining up my shot as much as I can before pulling the trigger. A surge of satisfaction courses through me as the man chasing me goes down. His bike skids across the asphalt, tossing him off. His body rolls several times before coming to a stop. He doesn’t make a move to get up. I doubt he’ll be leaving in anything but a body bag.

“Got him!” I yell.

I glance over to see Reaper finishing off the second attacker. The man’s body jerks back before he falls off his bike. He lands face down. There’s no way he’s getting back up.

Reaper and I exchange grim nods before continuing our ride back to the clubhouse. As soon as we pull into the garage, I release a huge breath.

“That was too close,” Reaper mutters, removing his helmet before running a hand through his dark hair.“We almost didn’t make it out of there.”

“Blackstone’s guards were relentless, but we’re still here. We’ll get another chance. We just have to wait a bit. He’s going to order extra protection as soon as he hears about this.”

“We should’ve gotten inside his house tonight! We can’t keep letting him slip through our fingers!” Reaper slams his fist onto the shop table. Various wrenches and screws rattle from the vibration.

“Brother,” I place a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugs it off.“We may not have succeeded this time, but we’re still alive and kicking. We’ll regroup, plan better, and hit him again. I’m not giving up, and I know you aren’t either. Tonight was a setback, but I like where your head’s at. Eventually, we’re going to bring Blackstone down.”

Reaper looks at me and nods.“You’re right. It’s only a matter of time before we get justice. Also, you look like shit.”

“You do, too.”

“Let’s get cleaned up before everyone figures out what we were up to. Scar’s going to be furious if he finds out.”

“I’m not saying a fucking word.”

“Me either.” Reaper grins, and I smirk.“Come on, this calls for a beer.”

“Or a whole six pack.”

“We earned it.”

“Damn right, we did.”

I ignore my disappointment and head inside with Reaper. We didn’t fail tonight. Instead, we managed to get more information about Blackstone’s defenses. It could come in handy in the future. I haven’t given up hope, and I never will. Blackstone will pay for what he did to us.

Chapter 11: Jessica

I bolt upright in bed, my heart pounding as voices coming from the living room filter through the walls. Quickly, I throw off the covers and pad barefoot across the floor. Standing next to my door, I place my ear against the woodgrain. I recognize several voices, including Talon’s. However, I can’t make out what they’re saying.

Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I frown. It’s almost five a.m., but they didn’t get up this early last night. What are they doing? Although it doesn’t sound like they’re arguing, their voices are raised enough to be alarming. I need to know what’s going on. What if the stalker showed up at some point during the night?

I can’t go out there in a t-shirt and panties, so I pull on pants before leaving my room. As I reach the living room, I find four men gathered. Talon, Reaper, Tucker, and another prospect stop talking and turn to greet me.

“What are you doing out of bed?” Talon asks.

As he steps into the light, I gasp. He has lacerations all over his face. Blood covers his knuckles. Something terrible must have happened tonight.

“What’s going on? Did the stalker come to the clubhouse?”

“No.”

“Then who hurt you?”

“You should see the other guys,” Reaper says, smirking.“I’ll be in my room.”

“Later,” Talon says.“Tucker, take your men outside until sunrise. After that, we just need one or two guys. The rest of you can get some sleep.”

“Will do,” Tucker says. He and the other prospect leave through the front door.

“We need to clean that blood off you and see if you need any stitches,” I say once we’re alone.

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