His Other Half (Patches Tarkio MC, #3) - Debra Kayn Page 0,13

As a little girl, she often thought that was unfair. It wasn't until she was older when she realized her people protected females from the ugliness around them.

Then, the Blackfoot Tribal Government built the casino and let men who held more power than the elders run the gambling and entertainment establishment. For as long as she remembered, there were always rumors surrounding Askook and the others in charge. When women started disappearing, everyone linked their disappearance to the evil that resided on the reservation.

She thought her life wouldn't be touched by the corruption, but her father fell powerless to those running the National Indian Gaming Commission and started working with Askook.

She glanced at the women again. They were free with their bodies, and she wondered if they had a choice if they chose to leave the clubhouse. She was held captive at the clubhouse because Paco ordered the others to keep her safe. Yet, the women seemed to enjoy themselves and their time here.

A loud rumble came over the music playing in the room. She startled, gripping the table. The floor beneath her feet vibrated, and she tried to remember if they'd crossed railroad tracks on the way over, but she'd taken half the ride on Paco's Harley with her eyes closed.

The music shut off. Only then could she distinctly make out the noise of motorcycles. Looking at the others, their eagerness to see their friends rubbed off on her nervousness. Had the rescue succeeded? Was everyone safe?

She swallowed hard, imaging the devastation they left behind at the casino. If there were deaths, the loss would hit the Rez hard. People would suffer without a job or a family member to help support their household.

Feeling much like the snowball that started an avalanche on the mountain because her father had sold her to Askook, her heart hurt. All the destruction around her had started with her.

Wyatt opened the door a crack and peered out. Josie clutched the base of her throat. If the Tarkio members failed to find Cami, she had nowhere else to turn to help her friend. Askook could've sent Cami and the other two girls out of the country by now.

Not only would he be killing Cami, but her baby, too.

Bile burned her throat. She shook, wanting the door to open, and yet, wanting to run across the room and slam the door to keep the evil outside.

Wyatt pulled his head back, looked around the room, and met her gaze. Not knowing the man, she was afraid to assume what he tried to convey without saying anything.

A cheer went up in the room. She gasped, staring at everyone, wanting to know what they were doing and what had happened. Uncomfortable and unfamiliar with their behaviors, she stood on weak legs and waited stoically, not wanting to predict the immediate future.

The noise quieted. Wyatt opened the door and stood back.

Her heart stopped beating.

Her lungs froze, neither drawing in air or expelling her trapped breath.

A biker walked in with a woman, wrapped in a leather jacket three times too big on her. Recognizing the dirty blonde hair tangled around the woman's head, Josie's hold on her feelings broke free, and she locked her knees to stay standing. That was one of the women who was kidnapped and held at the casino with her.

She gazed at the door, searching for Paco. For Cami.

Three more bikers came inside alone, silent and serious, with no emotion on their face. She slid her foot forward to go to the door, but she couldn't move. Afraid of what she'd find, she grabbed the back of the chair for support.

A large man walked through the door, wild hair framing a hard face. A dark slash across his upper cheek ran down the side of his face. Her heart pounded madly, recognizing Paco.

He was hurt, setting off her frantic search for Cami.

She gazed down his body and gasped as a female form stepped in front of him. The sight of her friend electrified her body. She moved forward, pushing the bikers out of her way, and caught Cami as she leaned toward her in exhaustion.

Wrapping Cami in her arms, she hugged her tightly to her chest, becoming her strength as her friend's abused body gave out. Taking them both to the floor, she held Cami and spoke words in Blackfoot and in English that came naturally.

Losing Cami. Getting her back. The stress of fighting. The pain of her guilt over the situation. Everything came to the