Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Stiletto
I lean against the garage wall, the stench of gasoline and cut metal filling my lungs.
The roar of engines fades into the distance as the club members peel out, leaving a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
They’re on a mission, chasing whispers about where The Commander is.
I hate that I’m not going with them, especially after everything that happened to me.
“Goddamn it,” I mutter to myself, pacing across the garage.
They just left and I know every second they’re away is going to feel like an eternity.
My heart races—not from fear, but adrenaline.
They need answers, but so do I.
I catch sight of Siren through the open door.
She’s talking animatedly with Ripper, her hands slicing the air.
A knot tightens in my stomach.
I can’t sit here while they’re out there risking everything.
“Hey!” I call out. “Siren!”
She whips around, brow furrowed. “What’s up?”
“Where’s the Ranger?” My voice is sharper than I intend.
Her smile is teasing, but her eyes narrow. “Why? You thinkin’ of going for a joyride?”
I suck in a sharp breath. “No. There’s something I need to handle.”
She steps closer. “And what would that be?”
Her concern smothers me, even if it’s well-placed.
My sister licks her lips and there’s a silent recognition between us.
She knows what I’m doing, and she knows I don’t need anyone in my way.
“Hey, Rip. Why don’t we head into town and grab a bite to eat? I’m sure Tara would love to see ya.” Siren suggests the perfect excuse to get the two of them away for a bit.
Ripper raises an eyebrow, throwing a suspicious glance my way. But Siren’s already tugging on his arm, her smile sharp and cunning.
“Come on,” she says lightly, “Tara makes the best pastries and I’m dying for a lemon turnover.”
As soon as they’re out of sight, I stride across the garage to where the Ranger is parked.
My eyes scan over to one of the club’s side-by-sides.
The garage door creaks as I click the button on the visor of the Ranger.
The automated doors pull it open, the scent of motor oil and fuel hitting my nose.
With a flick of my wrist, I twist the key into the ignition and back the Ranger out.
The engine roars to life, vibrations humming through me.
I shut the door behind me, ready to escape into the wild.
“Song!”
I freeze at the sound of Miles’ voice.
He steps out of the club, brows furrowed, his expression intense.
“Where the heck are you rollin’ off to?” he asks, eyes scanning me like I’m hiding something.
“Just going for a ride,” I say, trying to keep my tone light, but even I can hear the tension beneath it.
“Mmm, okay. What’s really going on?”
Dammit. I hate how well he can read me.
I hesitate, weighing my options.
Should I tell him?
His protective streak could work against me, but I don’t want to lie either.
“Look—” I cut him off, “I need to handle this by myself.”
“Handle what exactly?” He takes a step closer, piercing brown eyes locked onto mine.
“Something I need to do, Miles. Something for answers.”
“Song, you’re not making sense.” His voice lowers, earnest. “You shouldn’t go alone.”
“You think I’m afraid?” I challenge, crossing my arms.
“That’s not what I said.” He moves in, closes the distance, his presence overwhelming. “You’re not thinking straight. I know you can handle anything you set your mind to.”
My breath catches as he grabs my face, searching my hazel green eyes.
There’s a warmth there, a promise of safety that makes me feel invincible.
“Whatever you’re doing, you better be damn careful,” he warns, his voice low. “Call me if you need help.”
“I will,” I reply, my heart swelling.
He leans in, pressing his lips against mine—a sweet, lingering kiss.
It sends a jolt through me, grounding me, reminding me of everything I fight for.
“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips, and I can’t help but smile.
“I love you too,” I whisper back.
But as I watch him step back, the intensity in his gaze lingers.
He knows I’m stepping into danger, and that thought ignites a fire in my belly.
With one last glance in his direction, I start to step on the gas.
But, all of a sudden, my sister steps out in front of me.
I open the window and shout at her, “What the hell? I thought you left!”
Siren sighs heavily and comes around to the other side of the Ranger.
She swings the door open, “I knew you were getting yourself into some trouble, and I thought to myself ‘if she’s doin’ somethin’ crazy I wanna be with her’. So, here I am!”
I shake my head and laugh. “Fine. Get the hell in.”
Siren hops in and slams the door.
The Polaris Ranger jostles beneath us, the engine sputtering as I grip the wheel.
Trees whip by like ghosts in the fading light, their branches clawing at the sky.
Siren’s laughter mixes with the roar of the machine, but my heart races for another reason.
“Hang on!” I yell over the rumble, pushing the gas pedal down harder.
The hill looms ahead, steep and rugged.
“Just don’t flip us!” she shouts back, excitement and worry dancing in her eyes.
We crest the hill, and there it is—the cabin.
Weathered wood, windows darkened like secrets waiting to be spilled.
A gnawing anticipation twists in my gut. I’m finally going to get some fucking answers.
I steer the Ranger to a stop, dust swirling around us as we hop out.
My boots crunch against gravel as we stride toward the door.
I push it open, and the hinges creak ominously.
“Hello?” I call out, the sound echoing in the stillness.
Then I see him—Bull.
He leans against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk plastered across his face.
The surprise hits me like a cold wave.
“Well, well,” he drawls, his voice low and gravelly. “I had a feeling you’d show up today.”
“Yeah?” I retort, crossing my arms defiantly. “What are you doing here?”
Bull raises an eyebrow, a shadow of a smirk still playing on his lips. “Yeah,” He shifts his weight, gaze piercing. “Why do you think I offered to babysit this fucker today? Didn’t expect to see your sister along for the ride.”
“Guess I’m full of surprises,” I shoot back, forcing a nonchalant smile even though my heart thuds in my chest.
“Seems that way,” Bull says, his expression shifting to something more serious. “You know what you’re walking into, right?”
“That’s why we’re here,” I reply, my voice steady.
Siren shifts closer, her presence grounding me.
“Just makin’ sure,” he warns, pushing off the wall, “Know you’re not alone in this shit. You never were.
“Thanks. Let’s get to it, then,” I add, stepping further inside.
Siren follows, and I can feel Bull’s eyes on us, assessing.
I stop and turn around, staring at the club’s Enforcer in the eyes. “You’re not gonna stop me, then?” I ask, testing the waters.
“No,” he says simply, his gaze unwavering. “Even if Zane has my ass for it. You prospects—you kids—you’re like my kids. Me and Alexa don’t have any, but all of ya… you feel like you’re all mine. I’m not gonna let no one hurt my kids and get away with it.”
A rush of adrenaline surges through me while my heart softens.
I know he and Alexa can’t have children and I thought they’d adopt at some point.
What I never thought was that he’d consider us his kids.
I glance at Siren.
Her jaw tightens and I know he’s catching her off guard too.
We continue further into the cabin and step into the dim light of the cellar, the scent of damp earth and something metallic flooding my senses.
Bull flicks a switch once we reach the bottom. Light floods the space, harsh and unforgiving.
A man is tied to a chair in the corner. In his mid-fifties, at least.
His face is a canvas of dried blood and bruises—an unsettling sight.
I feel bile rise in my throat.
He stirs, eyes opening slowly.
They glint with malice, a twisted amusement. “Well, well… you must be the one he took.”
“Shut up,” I snap, stepping forward, anger igniting inside me. “You don’t get to talk.”
“Look at you,” he sneers, voice rough like gravel. “It’s so cute seeing a little girl playin’ tough.”
“Don’t underestimate me,” I hiss, fists clenching at my sides.
“Feisty. I like that,” he croons, the laughter dripping from his lips.
My skin crawls.
“Enough with your games,” Bull warns, standing tall beside me.
“Games? That’s cute. If you ask me, your club is the one playin’ game,” the man retorts.
He leans back, testing his restraints, a smirk plastered on his face.
“Tell us what we want to know,” I demand, every word sharp, cutting through the tension.
“Or what? You’ll tickle me?” he laughs again, a sound that grates against my nerves.
“Try me,” I challenge, my heart pounding.
Siren steps closer, her eyes fierce. “You think you’re untouchable?”
“Untouchable? Nah, just smart enough to know when to keep my mouth shut.”
“Let’s see how long that lasts,” I say, taking a deep breath, determination surging.
This man has the answers we seek. I can feel it.
“Bring it on, sweetheart,” he taunts, eyes narrowing.
“Trust me, you won’t enjoy this,” I reply, my voice low and steady.
I glance at Bull. His expression is unreadable, but I sense his approval.
I scan the cellar, my heart racing.
Shadows dance across the walls from the flickering bulb overhead.
“Water,” I say, locking eyes with Siren. “I need a bucket of water.”
“On it.” She nods, urgency sparking in her gaze.
I stride toward the work station, my fingers brushing against the cold, metal tools lining the table.
My heartbeat thrums in my ears as I grab the cattle prod, its weight reassuring in my hand.
I turn back to him. “Let me guess, you think you’re tough?” I smirk, brandishing the device.
“Yeah, I do. You’re just a little girl playing with toys,” he sneers.
His bravado is pathetic.
“Think again,” I retort. “The Commander enjoyed drenching me and electrocuting me. Time for a little payback.”
“You’re wasting your time,” he scoffs, leaning back against the chair like he’s got all the time in the world.
“Or maybe I’m just getting started,” I shoot back.
“Why would I turn on The Commander? He’s my ticket out of here,” he says, voice dripping with condescension.
“You really think he’s going to get you out of here?” I raise an eyebrow. “We’ll see how long that loyalty lasts when you’re begging for mercy.”
“You’re not scaring me,” he grins, but it falters under the weight of my stare.
I grip the cattle prod tighter, feeling the energy hum beneath my fingertips. “Just wait. You’ll change your mind soon enough.”
“Give me your worst, babycakes,” he dares, but the challenge only fuels my fire.
Siren returns, bucket sloshing with water.
Her eyes are fierce, unwavering.
I nod at her, and she lifts the bucket, ready to follow my lead.
“Let’s see if you can hold onto that bravado when you’re soaked and shocked,” I say, my voice low and steady.
“I’ll handle anything you do to me,” he growls, but I see the tremor in his hands.
She lifts the bucket high.
Water cascades down, drenching him.
It splashes against his skin, mixing with the dried blood already caked there.
He flinches, a hiss escaping his lips.
“How’s that for a wake-up call?” I smirk, stepping closer to him.
“You’re making a mistake,” he sneers, but the bravado is fading.
“No, I’m not.” I press the prod against his leg, the jolt bright and wild.
His body convulses, a scream tearing from his throat.
I watch as the bravado falls away, replaced by something raw and desperate.
“Now,” I demand, leaning in close, “tell me where The Commander is.”
I jab the cattle prod into his thigh again.
“Ugh!” His body jerks, muscles spasming as a black mark blooms on his skin.
The smell of singed flesh wafts through the air.
“Getting used to it yet?” I ask, my voice steady, almost teasing.
“You’re fucking insane,” he gasps, sweat dripping down his forehead.
“Yeah, I am,” I reply, pressing harder. “That should be more motivation to give me what I want.”
“Fuck you,” he growls, though the defiance in his eyes is dimming.
“Tell me where he is!” I scream, trying to seem as terrifying as possible.
He shakes his head, teeth gritted, but I see the cracks forming.
“How many more do you think you can take?” I taunt, stepping closer again.
“Go to hell!” he barks.
“I’ve already been there!” I shoot back, striking with the prod once more.
Hours blend together.
My focus narrows to the rhythm of his pain and my determination.
“Stop! Please!” he finally yells, desperation creeping into his voice.
“Only if you tell me what I want to know.”I say, leaning in closer, my breath cool against his heated skin. “I want the address of The Commander’s safehouse.”
“Fine! Just stop!” He winces, raw fear etched on his face. “I’ll give it to you!”
“Then spit it out,” I urge, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Please... just cut it out already!” His voice trembles.
“Tell me where he is!”
“Just give me a minute!” He fights for breath, and I hold my ground, ready for anything.
“Time’s up,” I warn, inching the prod closer.
“Okay! Fine!” His voice breaks, surrender spilling from his lips. “It’s in Northern Montana!”
I lean closer, my heart pounding. “What’s the address?”
“Just let me go,” he pants.
“Not a chance.” I grip the cattle prod tighter.
“Fine! It’s—” He takes a shaky breath. “Two-four-seven... Meadow Lane.”
I freeze. My gaze snaps to Bull. His face is unreadable, but the tension in the air thickens.
“Meadow Lane?” I repeat, letting the words roll off my tongue.
Bull’s eyes narrow.
He takes a step forward, brow furrowing. “You sure?”
“Yeah, yeah!” The prisoner pleads. “Look, I’m telling you the truth!”
“Are you?” I challenge, staring him down.
Bull remains silent, studying me, weighing my reaction.
“Stiletto,” His tone is low, steady. “We’ve heard that before. Let’s go.”
“Wait!” The man’s voice rises, panic rippling through him. “You can’t just leave me here!”
“Why not? You think I care?” I shoot back, spinning on my heel.
“Please! You don’t understand?—”
Rage simmers beneath my skin. “Shut up!” I snap.
I step forward, my heart pounding in my chest.
The metallic scent of blood fills the air, mingling with the dampness of the cellar.
The man’s eyes widen, fear creeping in like a shadow.
“Wait—” he stutters, but I cut him off.
I grab a knife off the workstation.
“Save it.” My voice is cold, sharp as the blade in my hand.
I unsheathe my knife, the steel glinting under the flickering light. It feels familiar, comforting.
“Please, you don’t have to do this!” His voice trembles, desperation spilling from his lips.
“Don’t I?” I smirk, stepping closer.
His breaths quicken, and I can see the sweat beading at his temples.
“Think about it! I can help you!” He shifts on the chair, trying to squirm away.
“Help me? You think I need your help?” I lean in, close enough to hear his rapid heartbeat. It matches mine. “You’re nothing but a tool, a pawn in this game.”
“Just let me go,” he pleads, but there’s no mercy in my heart.
“Too late for that.” I raise the knife, feeling the weight of it, the power.
“Thank you for your cooperation.” The words slip out, smooth as silk, dripping with irony as I plunge it deep into his chest cavity.
His eyes go wide, shock freezing his features.
All the fight drains from him, and I watch as life flickers behind those cruel eyes, dimming.
“Goodbye,” I whisper, pulling the knife free, letting the body slump.
I look back at Bull, who stands tall against the wall, arms crossed.
There’s pride in his gaze and for the first time since I was taken, I feel like I’m taking control of my life again.