Page 3 of Bloodstained Chrome

It takes less than thirty seconds after church is called to an end for me to rush out of the clubhouse. The cool night air on my face is like a starting bell for my inner lion. I’m barely within the cover of the treeline before I tear off my clothes and shift into my lion form.

I roar once as I start into a quick stride. I’m supposed to be actively patrolling the perimeter, making sure no one has been dumb enough to try to sneak up on us. After everything that’s happened over the past years, especially recently, my brothers and I refuse to take any chances.

The blood witches would be stupid to try, given that Corbin’s mate has placed not only a spell around the entire town but also a stronger one around the clubhouse.

Regardless, we’re not going to risk someone being foolish enough to attempt it. Thankfully, I don’t smell anything around. Nothing but the regular fresh scent of the wilderness around us.

I’m not even sure how far I’ve run when I finally feel a bit of fatigue. Looking over my shoulder, I notice the clubhouse is still far off in the distance. I know I need to make my way back, but not for a while yet.

Those of my brothers who joined tonight’s run are out there somewhere, each heading in their own direction. I can sense them, smell them in the air. I let out a snarling roar and shake my mane, content to be out here. Happy to do this tonight, as I need to. Roars and howls echo back at me. They understand me. Understand what I need.

Solitude has always suited me. I’m used to being on my own. It’s how I grew up.

Even as part of this club, I sometimes need to be alone.

Slowly, I let myself drop to the ground and lazily lick at my paws. Cleaning myself. The soft wind soothes my beast and me. It feels nice to be at one with nature in my dominant form. If I had the choice to stay like this forever, I would, but I know I would eventually lose myself.

I’d go mad.

Just as others in my bloodline have. Those who are no longer here because of that very thing.

My extra-sensitive hearing perks up, and in the far distance I hear laughter. I’m not sure what’s going on at the clubhouse, but amid that laughter I can hear Zavier talking.

Ever since his mate has been in a coma, it’s like he’s become a shell of the man he once was. A mate he’d yet to claim. He only just met her after Jett’s ordeal. It’s good to hear he’s mingling with the guys a little bit.

More importantly, I’m surprised by how happy it makes me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to call anyone family, but that’s what I’ve found in this club. Family. Kinship. They’ve become more than a motorcycle club to me. They’ve become my real brothers. Brothers, I would do anything to make sure they are safe and happy.

Nothing is more important to me than that.

Not even my solitude.

With a soft purr, I push myself up off the ground and turn back toward the clubhouse. Usually I’m out running much longer than this, but now I want to get back and join in to support Zavier.

Maybe I’ll crack open a bottle, and we can shoot the shit.

I’m sure my brothers, both with and without mates, will find some form of entertainment. Hell, it could turn into a full-blown party. So long as the kids aren’t around.

With the chance of a little more fun heavy on my mind, I find myself trotting a little faster toward the clubhouse.

Fear of missing out is a real thing. It never affected me before, but it does now.

I’m less than a mile from the clubhouse when I suddenly skid to a stop.

There’s someone else here.

A deep growl rumbles through my chest as I hunker down and slowly scan the area.

It’s impossible. How the hell did someone sneak onto the property without me noticing? I never let anyone get past me.

Anger flashes inside me at the very thought of not being completely on top of my duties.

Sniffing the air, I hone in on the direction I believe the intruder is coming from.

There is a slight twinge against my snout, and for some reason my lion cowers a little. Not out of fear, but something else. I raise my eyes and finally catch sight of the person here with me.

I groan, and I roll my eyes internally.

It’s Sibley.