No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

and I want the club officers to vote on how we proceed,” Smokey declared all the brothers focused on what Jacob relayed.

Skid explained what Jacob said and murmurs shot through the group.

“What about the girl?” one of the out-of-town chapter brothers asked, and I closed my fists, ready to knock him into next week for asking about her.

“She’s none of your concern,” Mick replied. “She’s Skid and Gunner’s responsibility.”

Well, I guess that was his acceptance of my obvious feelings for the small girl who I just met. Skid nodded and held his fist out to me. I pounded mine against his and swallowed the worry that he wouldn’t agree with my immediate decision to claim his sister. Mick was still a Hound, only not as active as he once was. From the haunted look on his face that matched a few of the older brothers, there was more to the story than he was telling us.

Whatever it was, I would help Sadie slay the demons that chased her, healing her, and giving her peace. If she wanted nothing to do with me, I would have to accept that dagger to the heart, but for now, with the blessings of her uncle and brother, I was content.

“What do we do about Callahan?” Bullet asked, and I watched Smokey contemplate our next move.

There were enough Hounds in town for our patching in to run through the Flats and level that shit-hole to the ground. The question was, did we want to make an enemy of the man who saved one of our family or was there something else that could come out of the tragic events that led to him killing a man.

After agreeing we needed more information on Devlin Callahan and his sudden rise to the top, Smokey advised we would gather in the morning to discuss possibilities. Skid and I left the clubhouse and on the way to my cabin, he gripped my arm, stopping me.

“She’s a good woman who doesn’t deserve to be a pump and dump. If what I see from you is real, claim her and give her the peace of mind she deserves. Jacob needs a role model and as much as I wish it was me, it’s not.”

I was stunned speechless as he knocked on the door and entered my cabin. Quickly, I joined him and when I saw her blue eyes find me, relief filling them as she rocked a sleeping Jacob in her lap, I moved next to her and pulled her into my arms. Skid sat next to her, scratching Bear behind the ears as my loyal companion enjoyed the attention.

Chapter Seven

Sadie

I had never had a reaction like I did to Gunner. I vaguely remember falling to the ground, but a distinct scent surrounded me as I was carried into the cabin. A scent that was coming from Gunner. A mixture of leather, motor oil, and a woodsy scent that I thought to be him. Waking up to see Bear watching over me, then experiencing the simple touch of Gunner’s hand to mine made my heart flare and my libido wake up for the first time in my life.

I never dated or spent time with men. Fear and shame clouded my judgement, and I felt it was best to avoid them after what happened. Piper asked when she was sitting with me if I was hurt again, and when I told her no, she pulled me into a deep hug and whispered to me.

“Trust your heart, Sadie. You’ll know when it’s the right person.”

I was confused about what she meant until Gunner walked back in with Dalton, Uncle Mick, Bullet, and her old man, Smokey. My secret from years ago was known by very few, and I made sure to never tell my brother. He was too young to do anything about it then, and he didn’t deserve to carry guilt or anger over something the MC handled a long time ago.

“Did you eat?” Gunner asked, his deep voice soothing as I rocked a sleeping Jacob in my arms.

I nodded and looked to my brother to see he had a smile on his face. A rare smile that showed how handsome he really was. My brother had a heart of gold, and while I wished he hadn’t prospected so young, I understood the need to have the support of the brotherhood in his life.

“I’m going to take Jacob to sleep with me tonight. I wanted you to rest and we’ll figure everything out tomorrow,” Skid said, and he reached for Jacob.

Handing our little brother over, I slid from the bed, only to find Gunner’s hold on me, keeping me next to him.

“Where . . . where am I going to sleep?” I asked.

An unusual fear overtook me, and I felt the tremors in my hands. Uncle Mick sat down as my brother kissed me on the cheek and left with Jacob tucked securely in his arms. I fought the tears watching them leave but knew they were safe. We all were. The MC would destroy anyone who tried to get to us.

“You’re welcome to come home with me or you can stay here with Gunner,” Uncle Mick replied and leaned back against the footboard, waiting for my reply.

I looked to Smokey and Bullet, who were leaned against the small kitchen wall and turned my gaze to Gunner. The thought of leaving him was too much to think about and I squeezed his hand, silently asking for his permission.

He returned the squeeze, and I turned to the men who I’d known my entire life, the men who protected me and slayed the monsters who terrorized me. I lifted my chin and replied, “I want to stay with Gunner.”

“Thank fuck,” he muttered, and the three men nodded their understanding.

Uncle Mick stood, the pain in his knees clear to anyone who knew him, and he walked around the bed. Pulling me into a hug, he softly whispered, “He’ll take care of