Chapter Twenty- Six
CHAPTER TWENTY- SIX
RYDER
T he air outside the Reapers’ clubhouse was electric, charged with the kind of tension that came right before hell broke loose. The parking lot was a sea of bikes, their engines quiet for now, but their riders were anything but. I stood near my bike, the weight of my cut heavy on my shoulders as I watched my brothers and the Vipers circle each other like wolves forced into an uneasy truce.
Cruz and I hadn’t said a word to each other since he and his men rolled in. The tension between the Reapers and the Vipers was palpable, but tonight, we weren’t enemies. We couldn’t afford to be. Not with Delilah’s life hanging in the balance.
“Church, now,” Grim barked, his voice cutting through the chatter. The two groups exchanged wary glances, but everyone fell in line, filing into the meeting room. The table was packed, Reapers on one side, Vipers on the other, and the air was thick with animosity.
Grim leaned forward, his eyes sharp as they swept over the room. “We all know why we’re here. The Serpents have Delilah. They’re using her as leverage to hurt both clubs. This is a calculated move, and we’re not going to let them win.”
“You better be right about this,” Cruz said, his tone low but laced with anger. “Because if this is some kind of trap, I’m not dragging my men down with you.”
“It’s not a trap,” I snapped, my fists clenching on the table. “The Serpents are desperate. Taking Delilah is their way of hitting us both where it hurts.”
“Enough,” Grim growled, cutting off the brewing argument. “We don’t have time for this shit. We’ve got intel on the Serpents’ compound. They’ve fortified it, but it’s not impenetrable.” He jabbed a finger at the map spread out on the table, the compound circled in red. “We’ll split into two teams. Reapers will hit the north side. Vipers take the south. We’ll converge in the middle and clear the place out.”
“And Delilah?” Cruz demanded, his eyes boring into Grim’s.
“We’ll find her,” Grim said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “But we stick to the plan. No rogue moves.”
Cruz’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Fine. But if anything happens to her…”
“Nothing’s going to happen to her,” I said firmly, my voice cutting through the room. “Not while I’m breathing.”
Grim gave me a sharp nod. “Then let’s ride.”
The roar of engines split the night as we rode out, a united force of Reapers and Vipers tearing down the highway toward the Serpents’ compound. My heart hammered in my chest, a mix of adrenaline and fear coursing through me. Delilah’s face flashed in my mind, her defiance, her strength. She was out there, and I wasn’t going to stop until I had her back.
The highway stretched like a black ribbon under the moonlight, each mile bringing us closer to the fight. Cruz’s men rode close, their lights cutting through the darkness like silent ghosts. My brothers were stone-faced, the tension palpable even as the wind rushed past us.
When we reached the outskirts of the compound, we killed the engines and dismounted, moving into the shadows to avoid detection. The place was a fortress, surrounded by chain-link fences topped with barbed wire. Guard towers loomed overhead, their floodlights sweeping across the yard.
“Snipers in the towers,” Torch murmured, his eyes scanning the perimeter. “We’ll have to take them out first.”
Grim nodded. “Axel, your men handle the south tower. Smoke, take the north. Everyone else, move in when the lights go dark.”
I crouched in the darkness, my pulse pounding as I waited for the signal. Every second felt like an eternity, the anticipation coiling tight in my chest. My fingers flexed around the grip of my gun, and I glanced at Cruz. His face was set, his expression a mirror of my own.
Finally, the south tower’s light flickered out, followed by the north. A sharp whistle signaled the all-clear, and we moved.
The chain-link fence was no match for bolt cutters, and within moments, we were inside. The yard was eerily quiet, but the tension crackled in the air like a live wire. Shadows darted between the stacks of crates and abandoned machinery, and I could feel the weight of every breath I took.
We were halfway across the yard when the silence shattered. A shout rang out, followed by gunfire, and all hell broke loose. Bullets tore through the air, their sharp cracks echoing off the walls. I dove behind a stack of crates, my gun already in hand as I returned fire.
The Reapers and Vipers moved like a well-oiled machine, covering each other as we advanced. Bodies fell, Serpents caught off guard by the ferocity of our attack. Blood sprayed across the ground, the metallic scent mingling with the acrid stench of gunpowder.
Steel took down a Serpent who had been aiming for me, his knife flashing in the dim light before the man crumpled to the ground. “Keep moving,” he shouted, blood smeared across his face. “We’re breaking through!”
We pushed forward, cutting through the Serpents like a scythe through wheat. Each step felt heavier, the stakes pressing down on me like a physical weight. The air was thick with the stench of blood and sweat, and the screams of the dying echoed around us. I didn’t stop, didn’t think. Every shot, every swing of my knife was for Delilah.
The main building loomed ahead, its doors reinforced with steel. Torch planted a charge, the explosion sending a shockwave through the compound as the doors blew inward. The blast was deafening, the heat searing against my skin, but I didn’t hesitate. We stormed inside the dimly lit hallways a maze of chaos.
“Split up!” Grim barked. “Find her!”
I broke off from the group, my gut leading me deeper into the building. The sounds of the battle faded as I moved, replaced by a heavy silence that pressed down on me like a weight. My heart thundered in my chest as I kicked open door after door, each empty room feeding my desperation.
Finally, I reached a heavy steel door at the end of the hallway. It was locked, but I didn’t hesitate. I fired at the lock, the metal shrieking as it gave way. I shoved the door open, my breath catching as I saw her.
Delilah was chained to a cot, her face pale but defiant. Her eyes widened as they met mine, relief flooding her features. “Ryder,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
I crossed the room in two strides, my hands shaking as I worked to free her. “I’ve got you,” I murmured, my voice rough. “You’re safe now.”
The chains fell away, and I helped her to her feet. She swayed, her legs weak, but she held onto me, her grip tight. “The baby…” she began, her voice trembling.
“You’re both going to be okay,” I said firmly, wrapping an arm around her to steady her. “But we need to move. Now.”
She nodded, her eyes fierce despite the exhaustion etched into her features. Together, we made our way back through the chaos, the sound of gunfire growing louder as we neared the exit. Torch and Steel were holding the line, their faces grim as they covered our retreat.
“Let’s go!” Torch shouted, his voice cutting through the noise.
We ran, the cold night air hitting us like a slap as we burst outside. The yard was a battlefield, but the Serpents were falling back, their forces broken. Cruz and his men were already mounting their bikes, covering our escape as the Reapers regrouped.
Snake pulled up in an SUV, the vehicle skidding to a halt in front of us. “Get her in,” he barked, throwing the door open. I helped Delilah into the back seat, climbing in beside her. My arm stayed wrapped around her as Snake jumped into the driver’s seat, gunning the engine.
Her breaths were shallow, and I pressed a hand to her cheek, trying to keep her focused. “Stay with me, Delilah. Keep talking.”
“I… I’m okay,” she said weakly, though her voice trembled. “The baby…”
“The baby’s fine,” I assured her, even as the sight of her pale face made my gut clench. “Snake, how far out is the doc?”
“On their way to the clubhouse,” Snake replied, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel. “We’ll have her checked out as soon as we get back.”
Delilah’s head rested against my chest, her body trembling as I held her close. “I thought…” she started, her voice breaking.
“Don’t,” I interrupted gently, pressing my lips to her temple. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you, Delilah. I’ve got both of you.”
The roar of the SUV’s engine filled the air as we tore down the highway, leaving the wreckage of the Serpents’ base behind. Delilah’s breaths grew steadier, her hand gripping mine like a lifeline. She was alive. She was safe. And I wasn’t going to let anything take her from me again.
When we arrived, the clubhouse was chaotic. Reapers swarmed the parking lot, their expressions a mix of relief and anger. Snake pulled the SUV up to the main doors, and I climbed out, carrying Delilah in my arms. The movement around us stopped as everyone took in the sight of her, pale and battered but alive.
“Get the doc,” I barked, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice. Torch nodded and ran inside to make the call.
I carried Delilah through the doors, the clubhouse eerily quiet as the brothers parted to let us pass. I set her down gently on one of the long couches in the common room, her hand still gripping mine.
“You’re safe,” I told her again, more for myself than for her.
The roar of engines outside drew my attention, and I turned to see Cruz and his men pulling into the lot. Axel was off his bike in seconds, his face dark with worry as he stormed through the doors.
“Delilah,” he said, his voice sharp. He dropped to his knees beside the couch, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Are you okay?”
She nodded weakly. “I’m fine, Axel.”
“Fine?” Axel repeated, his tone sharp with disbelief. His hand hovered over hers as if afraid touching her might break her. “You don’t look fine, Dee.”
Delilah managed a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
Axel’s jaw clenched, his gaze flicking to me. His dark eyes burned with unspoken words, but he swallowed them down, focusing on Delilah again. “You scared the hell out of us,” he muttered, his voice quieter now.
“She’s going to be okay,” I said firmly, stepping closer. My tone left no room for argument. “The doc’s on the way.”
Axel’s head jerked in a terse nod, his shoulders relaxing just enough to signal he wouldn’t press—yet. The tension between us simmered, but for now, we both wanted the same thing: Delilah’s safety.
The front door banged open, and Torch strode in, his phone in hand. “Doc’s five minutes out,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over Delilah before settling on me. “She needs anything now?”
“Just space and calm,” I replied, crouching beside her. “We’ve got it handled.”
Delilah’s grip tightened on my hand. “The baby…” she whispered, her voice trembling again.
“The baby’s strong,” I assured her, leaning close. “Like their mom.”
Her lips twitched, a faint shadow of her usual fire sparking in her eyes. “And stubborn, like their dad.”
Axel’s gaze snapped between us, his brow furrowing, but he didn’t ask the question hanging in the air. Not here. Not now.
The minutes crawled by until the doc arrived, his medical bag slung over one shoulder. He knelt beside the couch, his sharp eyes assessing Delilah with practiced efficiency. “Let’s get her into a quieter room,” he said briskly, nodding toward the hallway.
I didn’t hesitate, scooping her into my arms and following the doc to one of the private rooms. Axel trailed behind, his presence a reminder that this wasn’t over—at least not between us.
The doc set to work, checking her vitals and asking questions in a calm, steady voice. Delilah answered as best she could, though exhaustion weighed heavy on her. I stayed close, my hand never leaving hers.
“She’s dehydrated and in shock, but she’s stable,” the doc announced after what felt like an eternity. His gaze flicked to me, then Axel. “The baby’s heart rate is strong. Both of them just need rest and fluids.”
Relief washed over me, stealing the breath from my lungs. Axel exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging as he scrubbed a hand over his face. For the first time in hours, the tension in the room eased.
“I’ll stay with her,” Axel said, his voice low but resolute.
“No,” Delilah interjected weakly, her gaze locking onto mine. “Ryder stays.”
Axel stiffened, his jaw tightening as he stared at her. “Delilah…”
“Please,” she whispered, her voice trembling but firm. “I need him.”
The weight of her words hit me like a punch to the chest. Axel’s expression darkened, but he stepped back, nodding tightly. “Fine. But we’re not done with this, Ryder.”
I nodded, not breaking Delilah’s gaze. “Understood.”
Axel lingered for a moment longer before turning and leaving the room. The door clicked shut behind him, and the silence that followed was thick with unspoken emotions.
Delilah’s fingers curled around mine, her grip weaker now. “You stayed,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.
“I’ll always stay,” I promised, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You and the baby… you’re my world now, kitten.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile as she drifted into sleep, her breathing steady and even. I sat beside her, the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on me. The fight wasn’t over—not with the Serpents, not with Cruz, and not with the demons in my own head.
But for now, she was safe. And that was enough.
I leaned down, pressing a kiss to Delilah’s temple. Her skin was cool under my lips, and it took everything in me to pull back. Her fingers tightened weakly around mine as if she knew I was about to leave.
“I’ll be back, Kitten,” I murmured, my voice low. “You need to rest. The doc’s here, and I won’t be far.”
Her eyelids fluttered open, and her gaze found mine, filled with exhaustion and worry. “Don’t… be gone long.”
“I won’t,” I promised, brushing my thumb over the back of her hand. “I’ve got to handle something with the clubs, but you’re my priority. Always.”
She nodded faintly, her grip loosening as her eyes drifted shut again. I stood and turned to the doc. “If anything changes, you call me.”
He nodded. “She’s in good hands.”
I stepped out of the room, closing the door softly behind me. The hallway was empty, the chaos outside muted by the thick walls of the clubhouse. Torch was waiting for me near the common room, his expression grim.
“They’re waiting,” he said simply.
I nodded, following him to the large meeting room where the Reapers and Vipers had gathered. The air inside was thick with tension, the two groups separated by an invisible line, though their glares could have ignited the walls. Cruz stood with his men, arms crossed, his jaw tight as he watched me enter.
Grim motioned for me to join him at the head of the table. I stepped into place beside him, my gaze sweeping the room. “Let’s get this done.”
Grim leaned forward, his tone as sharp as a blade. “We’re here for one thing: to settle what happens next. The Serpents are broken, but we all know it won’t stay that way. We’ve sent them a message tonight, but if we don’t handle this right, they’ll come back stronger.”
Cruz scoffed, his arms still crossed. “You think this changes anything between us? The Serpents might be our common enemy, but that doesn’t mean we’re suddenly allies.”
“Good,” I cut in, meeting his glare head-on. “Because no one here wants that. This isn’t about friendship. It’s about survival. The Serpents came at both of us, and we hit them back. Hard. But if either of us makes a move that weakens the other, we’re both done.”
Cruz’s jaw worked as he considered my words. Around him, his men shifted uneasily, their tension mirrored by the Reapers on the other side of the table.
“Let’s be clear,” Grim said, his voice steady. “This isn’t a partnership. It’s a truce. We keep our territories clean and out of each other’s business. No stepping over the line. If the Serpents make another play, we deal with it together. After that, we go back to the way things were.”
Cruz’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly. “Fine. But if any of your boys so much as breathe wrong in our direction, the truce is off. No warnings.”
“Same goes for yours,” Grim replied, his tone icy. “We’re not friends, Cruz. We’re not even allies. But we’ve got enough enemies out there without turning on each other.”
The room fell silent, the weight of the agreement settling over everyone like a heavy blanket. No one trusted each other, but everyone understood the stakes. For now, it would have to be enough.
Cruz extended a hand across the table, his eyes locked on Grim’s. “Truce.”
Grim hesitated for a beat before taking it. “Truce.”
The two leaders shook hands, the tension in the room crackling like a live wire. It wasn’t peace—not by a long shot—but it was enough to hold the clubs together until the next storm came.
“Meeting’s over,” Grim announced, standing. “Get back to your men. We’ve got cleanup to handle.”
Cruz shot me a look before turning to his crew. “Let’s ride.”
The Vipers filed out, their boots heavy on the floor. Cruz lingered for a moment, his gaze flicking back toward the hallway where Delilah was resting. “She better make it through this, Ryder,” he said quietly. “Because if she doesn’t, no truce in the world will stop what comes next.”
“She’ll make it,” I said firmly, meeting his eyes. “Count on it.”
Cruz nodded once, then turned and followed his men out into the night. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, the weight of the night pressing down on me. The fight with the Serpents might have been over, but the war was far from won.