This trip with Doll is weighing on me. Once we get back to Carolina, I’ll be forgotten. She can settle down and find a man to make her happy. For her sake, and that of her future little hellions, I hope it’s not someone in this life.

Tank’s in a coma, hooked up to who knows how many devices to keep him going. Machines are breathing life into my brother. Two shots to the head, four to his abdomen. We’re lucky he’s even semi stable now. The last update this morning is no news is good news. They don’t know what he will be like when he’s healed enough to be pulled out of the drug induced coma, or if he will pull out. We lost two brothers already and two more are in critical condition, not expected to pull through. A few others banged up, but not in life threatening situations. Delatorre’s crew suffered more loss, but that’s not something I’ll lose any sleep over.

Arriving in town, we pull into the cabin we are staying in for the evening. My boys are not far behind and will get some food for when we get back from the compound. Dropping off our bags, I let the girls stretch, change and rest for an hour before we head out again.

22

There’s No Place Like Home

The ride has been uneventful. Tripp and I only exchange casual pleasantries. We pull over not far from the Shifter’s compound. I make no move to get off. Tripp removes his cut. Looking over my shoulder, Rex is taking his off and tucking it into a saddlebag as well. Seeing the confusion on my face, Tripp gives a half smile and squeezes my thigh.

“It’s okay, Doll. It’s a sign of respect. We’re in their territory, my colors don’t belong here.”

His touch, his voice, send tingles through me. As pissed as I may be, I’m not immune to Tripp.

Pulling up to the gate, I look up into the security camera. We all have them, nothing to be shy about. Get in, handle business, and get out. Normally, we wouldn’t be allowed to come along as females, but given the nature of this ride, I’m sure my dad has made them aware, Tripp can’t leave me behind. After a few minutes waiting, a huge man comes to the gate. He’s tall, taller than Tripp who is already over six feet. He’s got dirty blonde hair with some crazy design shaved into it on the sides. He is by far the wildest looking biker I’ve ever seen. He approaches. He’s got ink down his right arm that’s in a detailed design that I don’t want to take my eyes off as he’s moving around.

As he’s opening the gate, he looks over all of us. Walking up to Tripp, “Hellions,” is all he greets glancing over at me and Sass with questions dancing in his eyes.