Wyatt shot Alan a playful grin.

‘What money?’

His engine growled as he shot forward, coasting past the other riders and taking his rightful place at the front of the pack. As they skirted around the bar and joined the main road, Alan watched in amazement as they passed the stumbling figure of Sam, still leaning on Alex for support.

In a show of respect, Wyatt raised his fist in the air to salute him, followed by the other riders.

Alan shook his head in disbelief.

He’d laid to rest the ghosts of his past, uncovered his partner’s betrayal, and was about to call in the biggest bust of his career.

Wyatt had seen the death of his biggest rival, rooted out the treacherous breach within his ranks, and was most likely a million dollars richer.

But Sam, all he’d wanted, was to get to Alex. To keep her safe and to help her get back to her family.

He’d given everything.

Risked everything.

Just to keep his promise.

As Alan pressed the call button on his phone and drew it to his ear, he watched as Sam and Alex continued their stammered walk back to town and Alan knew he would do everything in his power to help Sam keep his word.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The creaking of the chains provided a sharp and repetitive noise to focus on. They hung from the roof of the bike garage, bolted to the concrete, and were usually used for one of the Riders to winch their bike above the ground, allowing them access to the machinery underneath. The majority of the Riders were keen mechanics, and a few of them had opened the Motor Gun Shop a few years back.

With Wyatt’s blessing, of course.

Everything went through Wyatt.

Every decision, every step forward. All of it passing across his booth for his approval.

For many years, Sykes had been happy with his place by Wyatt’s side.

He wanted for nothing. Drank every day and hung out with like-minded people. He had access to all the cocaine and women he wanted.

All Wyatt demanded in return was loyalty.

Loyalty and respect.

It had never been too much of an ask, but Sykes was internally programmed to fight against orders. It’s why he failed at school, why he failed at being a soldier, and why he failed at being a human.

Both concepts were things Sykes had craved, but never been able to earn. In response to that, he deplored anyone who commanded both, and it had always been a matter of when, not if he would try to take Wyatt’s place.

He’d tried.

And he’d failed.

Two days had passed since Alan put a bullet through his shin and left Sykes to a fate worse than death.

Two days with minimal food and water.