Page 41 of Spook’s Honor

I sent up a little prayer to my parents to look out for us.

Taking a deep breath, I aim and fire, managing to take out one front tire and slow them down. I see the brake lights come on as they swerve.

I can hear the bikes in the distance, and know the cavalry is on the way. I don’t have time to wait for them, though. I want to know who these assholes are who put my boys in danger.

I run toward the stopped SUV, surprised, when Muppet shouts my name. I stumble to a stop and see him limping toward me, one arm hanging oddly and a gun in the other hand, blood coating one side of his face. I’m glad he’s alive, but he’ll have to wait. I have my mission, and it’s to kill these motherfuckers who dared threaten my family.

I continue on my path, gun raised, as the door opens.

“Fuck’s sake, Honor, let me go first. Jesus Christ, Spook is going to kill me.”

Ignoring him, I shout. “Hands up, and I won’t hurt you.”

I know it’s a waste of time, but hey... they can’t say I didn’t try.

A gun comes up, and I don’t think. I just shoot, hitting him straight between the eyes.

“One down, one to go,” I mutter, turning my gun to the driver’s side.

But Muppet is already there, dragging the driver from the car and stomping on his hands to get rid of the gun.

“Drop it,” he orders in a harsh voice, one I’d never have thought would come from the happy-go-lucky prospect. Seems even he has limits.

“Keep an eye on him,” I say to Muppet.

Not wanting to be taken by surprise, I yank open the back door, gun ready, but find it empty.

The bikes are on top of us now. When I see Spook in the lead, Axle and Maverick right behind him, with the other brothers fanning out, only then do I start to shake.

Spook gets off his bike, and runs toward me, grabbing me up and gripping me tight, his hand buried in my hair. I’m not sure who’s shaking more, me or him.

“Fuck, Honor,” he whispers. “Thought I’d lost you, baby.”

“The boys?”

“They’re okay. My crew are with them. I put Rowena on them as protection.”

I sag, then sob. “Thank God. I was so worried they’d be hurt.”

He cups my face and kisses me hard. I melt into him. I can relax now that he’s here. I’ve done my bit. Time to let the brotherhood take over.

“Jesus, Honor,” Maverick whistles.

Spook lifts his head, and I look at Maverick as he walks around the car and stops at the dead guy.

“Fucking amazing shot, woman.” He looks right at Spook. “Seems she’s not too soft for this life, brother.”

Spook looks down at me, his eyes soft. “Seems not. Love you, Honor. I’m so damn glad you’re safe. The brothers will deal with this shit, but before I get you home, I think there’s someone else who wants to make sure you’re okay.”

Spook lets me go, and I turn to Axle, who is pale, his lips pressed together and a sheen of tears in his eyes.

I stumble toward him and breathe a soft sigh as he enfolds me in his arms. “Jesus, sweetheart, thought we’d lost you when we’ve only just found you,” he whispers, pressing his lips to the top of my head.

“Thanks for coming.” I give him a wobbly smile.

Axle kisses my forehead. “I’ll always come, Honor. You just have to shout, and I’ll be there.”

He hugs me one more time, then releases me.