always going to end in something dangerous. But this… this merger with Ankeny and having Trixie at the helm, well, I’m proud of you, Nycto. This club is finally moving in the right direction.”
I dip my chin. “Thanks, old man. Appreciate it. I’ve listened to your opinions all through this, and now I see you were right all along, but we had to get to a point, and we have. I’m glad I stuck it out this far, though, or we wouldn’t have gotten Eva and Ivy.”
Crow glances over at Eva, his salt-and-pepper beard-covered lips turn up. “She’s a breath of fresh air. Such a shame Ivy didn’t come up for the feast. Think it has everything to do with our VP?”
Voltage chortles, I tilt my head in response. “Yeah, so I keep hearing. Will be interesting to see how that one plays out.”
“For sure. Right now, though, I need beer.” We all chuckle as Crow takes off toward the bar.
I swivel in my chair facing back to the table when an almighty whistle rings through the air. I don’t have a second to react before the bunker shakes, then is hit. An explosion rocks through the front of the clubhouse, sending me flying to the ground with the blast of the shockwave. My ears ring as dust and debris fill the air. My head vibrates with the aftereffects as I stumble to my feet. Concrete and rubble drop on my feet as I stagger, trying to gain my bearings. Daylight smacks me square in the eyes, temporarily blinding me as it streams inside the clubhouse for the very first time.
Bringing my blood-soaked hand up to shield my eyes, I pant for breath, my lungs filling with dust as I take in the chaos. The entry of the bunker has collapsed. Under the rubble, a pair of legs stick out. There’s no way whoever is under that slab of concrete is alive. My heart rapid-fires in my chest as I realize my club is under attack in the middle of the damn day. Whoever’s behind this is banking on my weakness. I’m forced to fight while being blinded by daylight.
“Defensive positions,” I bellow to anyone who’s still alive.
The back of the bunker is intact as I rush back attempting to find some form of cover. My eyes flash over to the kitchen where Eva was with Trixie and Pepper. They’re huddled together behind a sofa. “Trixie, take Eva downstairs. Now!” Trixie and Pepper each grab one of Eva’s arms and start rushing her toward the stairs to take her to be with her sister. I can’t fight and think about Eva right now. Eva screams out, fighting the girls, but they’re stronger together and move her fast.
“Nycto!” Eva’s shrill voice churns my stomach as I pull out my gun. “Nycto, please… be safe!” she yells.
Trixie yanks her down the stairs and out of my sight. All I want right now is to protect and tell her everything’s going to be all right, but it may not be. We’re in the open, under attack. I have no idea what’s coming. I don’t have time to call Jameson for the backup he promised. We could all be dead soon. I don’t want Eva to watch me die fighting for her.
Judgment day is here.
Void slides in at my side as we upend the pool table. I take note of all my other brothers’ positions around the room finding shelter where they can. All have their guns drawn.
Now, we fight.
Taking a steadying breath, my eyes shift to Void. He bows his head as the first bullet rings through the air. Gritting my teeth, I check around the side of the pool table as Andrés’ lackeys swarm the clubhouse. The sun shines brightly behind them casting their faces into shadows. My eyes sting from the intrusion of light, so I squint trying to calm my nerves.
Andrés has done this on purpose.
Daylight.
It will unsettle me.
It will rattle me.
But I need to be strong. I won’t let this bastard get the better of me.
Pulling my sunglasses out from the inside of my cut, I put them on. A smirk crosses my face as gunfire rains through the bunker.
Void holds his hand out to me, we fist pump, and take off either side of the pool table.
I draw my gun high, aiming at the first asshole I see. One of Andrés’ lackeys turns to face me as I rush past him, aiming my gun at his knee cap.