Page 6 of Viper's Salvation
He doesn't answer immediately, his eyes fixed on the black smoke now rising from multiple points in the compound.
"Viper, the man who saved you" he finally says, glancing at me. "He's one of our best. Smart. Calculated. If anyone can make it out of there, it's him."
I blink, surprised by his assumption that I'd be concerned specifically about Viper. But he's not wrong. There was something about the lean biker with the sharp green eyes that had lodged itself in my thoughts.
"You'll be riding with him when we leave," Blade continues. "He's got the fastest bike after mine, and we might need that speed if the police show up before we're clear."
I clench my fists at the thought of being pressed against Viper on his motorcycle, arms wrapped around his waist as we race to safety. It's an inappropriate reaction given the circumstances, and I quickly push it aside.
"And if they don't make it back?" I ask, voicing the fear none of us wants to acknowledge.
Blade's jaw tightens. "They'll make it."
Another explosion, followed by sustained gunfire. Kelly's grip on me tightens.
"Maybe we should try to get closer, see if they need help," she suggests.
Blade shakes his head firmly. "Reaper's orders were clear. Get you two to safety and wait. Going back would just give them more to worry about."
I understand his logic, but standing here helpless while others risk their lives for us goes against everything I've ever believed. I've spent my entire life fighting. First to keep Kelly safe in the foster system, then to make a life for us after we aged out, andfinally to survive the Vultures MC. Waiting has never been my strong suit.
"How long do we give them?" I press.
"As long as it takes," Blade answers, his tone leaving no room for argument.
So, we wait, the minutes stretching endlessly as the sounds of battle continue in the distance. I find myself straining to hear the rumble of several men approaching, silently pleading for Viper and the others to appear on the road.
Kelly leans her head against my shoulder. I thought I'd never feel this again. My sister safe beside me, both of us free. Whatever happens next, whatever unknown future awaits us with these dangerous men, at least we're together.
Chapter 4 - Viper
"The red building," I report to Reaper as we crouch behind an overturned shipping container. "East side, single entrance that I can see."
Gunfire erupts to our left as Ghost takes down two Vultures MC trying to flank us. The compound has descended into chaos. Buildings burning, men scattering, the acrid smell of smoke and blood heavy in the air.
"Copy that," Reaper nods, checking his weapon. "Wilder, circle around north. Ghost, give us cover. Viper, you're with me."
We move quickly through the compound, using the burning buildings and abandoned vehicles as cover. My mind briefly flashes to the Stone sisters and Blade waiting for us down the road. I hope they made it to the bikes without trouble.
There was something about Amy, her resilience despite her injuries, the intelligence in her eyes even in crisis, that caught my attention. Professional curiosity, maybe. Not many people can think clearly with a gun to their head.
Movement at the red building snaps me back to focus. The door flies open, and two armed guards emerge, scanning the compound with obvious panic. Behind them comes a third figure. Taller, older, with silver at his temples.
Charles.
"Target confirmed," I whisper to Reaper beside me. "Exiting now with two guards."
Reaper tightens his grip on his rifle. "We take the guards first, then Charles. No mistakes."
I line up my shot on the nearest guard. One squeeze of the trigger, and he drops. The second guard whirls, firing wildly in our direction as Charles bolts toward the western fence.
"He's running!" I shout, rolling to avoid the return fire.
Reaper takes out the second guard with two precise shots. "After him!"
We sprint across the compound, Wilder converging from the north as we chase Charles. He’s surprisingly fast for his age, desperation lending him speed. He reaches a gap in the fence and squeezes through, disappearing into the scrubby woods beyond.
"Split up," Reaper orders as we reach the fence. "Wilder, left flank. Viper, right. I'll take center. Drive him back toward the compound if you can."
