Ace (Steelwood MC: Meadow Falls #1)

Chapter 1

one

Penny

At this hour, this part of the town appears more lively than expected. Outside the window, streaks of light illuminate the buildings as people pass by constantly, indistinguishable from day to night.

Right now, the only thing in the sky is a full moon and a blanket of stars.

On a normal day, I could find myself taking in the view while pointing out the few constellations I know in the back of my mind.

Unfortunately, today is anything but normal.

Tearing my gaze away from what's happening on the outside, I take in more of the inside, as if it'll calm me even in the slightest.

The air has a stale cigarette smell, the stench soaking into the seats' leather. Soft music fills the air, but it's quiet enough to barely cover the uncomfortable silence.

In my arms, my daughter sleeps peacefully, completely unaware of everything happening. She's got my shirt clutched in her tiny fists, lost in a dream I can only hope is far more pleasant than the reality we're stuck in.

Watching the meter tick up higher and higher, nerves start to prickle their way upward until I'm asking how far the casino is.

"Another mile, maybe two. Depending on this traffic, it could be ten minutes, or it could be another thirty." The driver's answer comes nonchalantly, and from the bags beneath his eyes, I'm sure he's ready to call it a day.

Unfortunately, the more time I spend running, the more time it takes those people to catch up to me. From the way the cars aren't budging, it feels like I'm a sitting duck.

Already knowing how much money I have left on me, I'm pulling out just a little more than what I owe while asking him to drop me off before the number on the meter can grow any higher.

"You sure you don't want to go the rest of the way? It's dangerous at night, miss."

Already getting out while working on getting a drowsy toddler to follow along, I give him a forced smile. "We'll be alright. If you could just point me in the right direction, that'll be enough."

Reluctantly, he nods and does just that. "Look for the flashy lights. You'll see it a block away."

Thanking him and adjusting Leliah on my hip, I shut the door behind me and start my walk toward my destination with my head held as high as I can.

The last three weeks have been filled with continuous fearful looks over my shoulders. Of nervous glances toward any lurking shadows. Walking a mile feels like nothing. Even if I've never been to this patch of Meadow Falls, it can't possibly be worse than where we came from.

Leliah whimpers against my neck, tired of all the traveling done today. I can't blame her. We kind of left without any warning, barely giving me time to collect anything. Not her favorite stuffed toys or her blankets. It's a miracle she hasn't broken down yet.

Maybe she gets her strength from me. Despite everything happening, I still haven't fallen apart and given up.

"It's going to be okay, sweetness. Momma's got this handled." Rubbing her back with each step, I don't let the weight of my arms or my muscles burning stop me. I'm on a mission to keep my little girl safe.

I need help. I've tried going to the police, but turns out, they're only full of empty promises. The Outlaw Sinners are paying them plenty to look the other way when it comes to cases like mine. So, with no other option, I'm taking a more dangerous route.

What's the saying? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Well, right now, I need a friend. A best friend.

Even if my only option is to rely on another group of bikers. Even if they're just as dangerous, Steelwood is who I need. They're what has me scrambling to find them.

It helps that I've heard of stories of them helping out people in my shoes. Sure, I don't know a lot of people who owe debts, but the ones I do are still breathing, and that's what matters. Even if they had to say goodbye to certain aspects of their life, they're safe.

People glance our way as we pass, but I continue forward. Knowing how dangerous it is to be on my own, not with a single weapon to defend myself, I can only walk faster. Even as my lungs burn and Leliah shivers, I keep moving.

By the time I reach the flashy lights the driver mentioned, I realize what he means. The area is so bright, the sun may as well still be up. As if this is the source of the town's life, people enter and leave, leaving all the front doors in constant use.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of these people weren't from town, just visitors with an itch to put something on the line.

I've never been to a casino before. With Leliah, I haven't had much free time to spend or extra money lying around. Every penny I've earned has gone to my family to keep them happy.

Or, what I thought was happiness.

Hovering in front of a set of cement steps, I take in the flashy building. Lingering there, I feel it. Basking in the heat radiating off the entrance, I feel safer.

"Almost there..." Saying the words out loud to reassure both of us, my feet pulse with pain from each step I have to climb toward the multi-spinning doors.

Entering, for a brief moment, I'm distracted.

For twenty seconds, I don't feel like I'm being tracked down by danger. Instead, I'm surrounded by the sounds of laughter and slot machines whirling tunes. Smiles are passed around, while cheers are shared with each ring of WINNER shooting through the air.

Women in outfits that reveal more skin than not drift around with drinks on a platter, smiles etched on their faces as they work. If one of them drifts close enough, I could grab their attention so I can find who I'm searching for.

Apparently, this is one of Steelwood's main attractions. It's where they generate most of their income, operating within the law, or so I've heard. I'd prefer not to dwell on what they might do illegally.

Looking around for anyone who gives off the biker aesthetic, I don't make it far before I'm approached by a man in a suit. Looks like a guard of some sort. A person who prevents trouble before it arises.

"Sorry, lady, but no kids are allowed inside."

Hugging Leliah closer to my chest, I shush her tired whine as she hugs my neck tighter. "Please, I'm not looking to play. I just need to talk to someone."

Exhaustion prickles at the corners of my eyes, and if the entire trip ends up being useless, tears will be what replaces my weariness. Being turned away now after everything makes me want to do something reckless.

What's the chance of me darting around this guy with Leliah against my hips like this?

Before the guy can call more security, I reach out with a hand to stop him. "I need to talk to someone from Steelwood, please. I'll wait at the entrance if that's what you want, but please, I'm begging you. I need—"

The guard grimaces, not enjoying the pityfest I'm holding here.

He must see the glossiness forming in my eyes.

He lifts his hand and stops me mid-sentence before looking around.

Lifting his other hand to his ear, his words are so soft amongst the surrounding sounds that I can't tell what he's saying.

"Are they expecting you?" He lifts a brow, taking me in head to toe.

Do people normally make appointments with bikers? Unsure, I shake my head, hoping that won't hurt my chance of getting help.

More mumbling has him looking me over before glancing at Leliah. I hug her closer out of instinct. Lifting a brow, he turns to look at a dark-haired woman with a tray who is looking our way. One subtle nod and she's off, too.

"Stay right here and don't cause any trouble." He nods at me before looking away. "They're in the middle of a game. Wait long enough, and they'll come find you."

Motioning over with his finger, I notice a few benches resting against the walls. With how my legs are currently feeling, they're more than enough.

"Thank you." Knowing words can't possibly be enough to reveal just how thankful I really am, he urges me over while keeping a watchful eye on me.

Carefully setting her down, I shrug off the small backpack she'd normally wear around.

Inside, there are a few of her crayons, her coloring book, today's tube of applesauce she didn't want to eat for lunch, and a pack of tissues.

Pulling out the applesauce, I'm relieved when she busies herself with it.

Outside of the usual frustrated tantrums, Leliah's more on the quiet side. She'd rather blink the sleep from her eyes so she can drink in all the flashing lights, too.

Fixing her hair and trying to smooth it down, I don't pay any mind to the eyes that coast in our direction. Ignoring them all, I give her a soft smile.

"Everything is going to work out, alright? No matter what, I promise I'll find a way."

Even if it means putting my trust in the very same kind of men who broke into my home and left a message about paying back a debt that was left on my shoulders, then I'll do it.