Page 4 of Saint’s Revenge

"Oakridge. Industrial area. Old Brennan Steel warehouse on the east side. Fifteen men with him, maybe less. That's all he has left."

Brick lets out a low whistle. "Fifteen. That's lower than we thought."

"He's been bleeding members," I say. "Killed three of his own last week for suggesting they back down. No one wants to stick around for that. Riley says he's spiraling. Not sleeping. Doesn't trust anyone."

Judge exchanges a glance with Phoenix. "This changes the timeline. We were planning to wait another week, gather more intel. But if he's only got fifteen men and we know exactly where he is…"

"We hit him as soon as possible," Phoenix says. "Midnight. Gives us time to prep, get everyone ready. We ride out at midnight, we're in Oakridge by 12:45. He won't be expecting it."

Brick grins, the kind of grin that means violence is coming and he's looking forward to it. "About damn time."

Phoenix looks at me again. "This personal for you?"

I meet his gaze. "He's my brother."

"That's not what I asked."

I exhale. "Yeah. It's personal."

"You going to be able to keep your head on straight?"

"Yeah."

Phoenix holds my stare for another few seconds, searching for something. Whatever he sees must satisfy him because he nods. "All right. We meet at 11:30."

By 11:30 PM, the common room is packed. Phoenix, Judge, Brick, Wraith, Echo, Ranger, Diesel, and me, all of us in full cuts, all of us armed. Canvas is leaning against the wall near the stairs, his face tight with frustration. His injury still isn't fully healed, and everyone knows he's staying behind to protect the clubhouse.

The women and kids are here too, gathered in the common room for final goodbyes. Ivy pressed against Phoenix's side, Nora and Judge holding Grace, Eden next to Canvas, Rosie near Brick, Quinn with Mariah, Hannah cradling Theo, Lily beside Ranger. Everyone knows what tonight means, and everyone knows some of us might not come back.

Phoenix clears his throat, and the room goes quiet.

"You all know where we're going," he says. "You all know what we're doing. Demon's in Oakridge with fifteen men. This ends tonight. We hit hard, we hit fast, and we don't leave until it's finished."

He looks at each of us in turn. "Canvas stays here. Someone needs to protect the clubhouse, and he's the best shot we've got if anything goes wrong. Everyone else rides."

Canvas's jaw tightens, but he doesn't argue.

Phoenix continues. "We stay sharp. We watch each other's backs. And we come home. All of us."

The goodbyes happen quickly. Fierce kisses and whispered promises, kids clinging to their fathers, women trying to be brave. I watch them say goodbye and feel the weight of having no one to say it to. No woman waiting for me. No kid to promise I'll come home safe.

Just Riley's voice in my head. *I can't lose both of you in one night.*

Phoenix checks his watch. "11:50. Time to move."

We head outside.

The night air is cold, sharp, tasting like rain that hasn't fallen yet. Eight motorcycles are lined up in the parking lot: Phoenix's at the front, then Judge's, Brick's, Wraith's, Echo's, Ranger's, Diesel's.

And mine at the back.

I swing my leg over my bike, a matte black Harley I bought three years ago when I joined the club, the first thing I've ever owned that felt like mine. The engine roars to life beneath me, vibrating through my bones.

Canvas stands on the porch with Eden beside him. He catches my eye as I settle onto my bike, and we exchange a nod. He'll protect them. I know he will.

Phoenix raises his hand.

Then drops it.