Page 92 of The Devil's Reward
He gives me a cool look. “I’m not under your command anymore, Sergeant,” he responds.
I give him a cool look in return. “No, you’re not,” I agree. “But you are a Prospect in this club and that means that if any patched brother gives you an order, you do it, no questions asked.” He doesn’t move, just stares at me, and I don’t back down, holding his gaze. “You have been on guard for almost twenty-four hours, if not more, Crypt. It’s going to be a long couple of days ahead, and I need you to make sure you are at your best. Got me?”
After another long moment, he finally inclines his head, steps around me, and heads upstairs. I watch him go, admiration filling me. He’s going to make a damn good brother, and I intend to make sure he sticks around.
“I need to go retrieve our neighborhood pain in the ass and her two hellhounds,” Stone says behind me, making me turn and look at him in surprise.
“I thought she’d already be here,” I reply with a frown.
“You really think that woman is going to do what we say?” Stone drawls. “She flat out refused and told me if I try and make her, she’ll sic the dogs on me.”
“And you’re going to risk that to bring her here?” I ask in surprise.
He firms his jaw and his eyes take on that stubborn glint that reminds me so much of Rose. “I’ll risk a dog bite to make Sage and Mom happy. They don’t want her in danger.”
I bite back a smile. I have a feeling that those two aren’t the only ones that don’t want her in harm's way, but from the way Stone is on edge, if I poke at him, he’s likely to take a swing at me. “Alright. Let me know if you need back-up.”
He gives a brisk nod, turns on his heel and stalks out, shoulders set in determination. I make a mental note to let Medic know to have some bandages and shit ready. I wouldn’t put it past the redhead to have the dogs chew on Stone to make a point.
“I’ll stand guard at the door,” Frost says, moving around me. “Bowie will relieve me in a few hours.”
I nod at him gratefully. “Thanks, brother.”
“This shit is pissing me off,” Frost says, though there’s no inflection in his voice. “About time to go on the offensive instead of the defensive.”
“You and me both,” I agree. “I’m going to make sure we’re secure and Carson is good at the gate before I turn in.”
Frost nods and takes up position just outside the door. He looks like he’s relaxing on the small couch we set up there, but I know better. The man is ready to spring into action at the least provocation. It’s probably ridiculous to have such precautions going in our own house, but until we find the mole, we won’t be taking any chances.
I head outside and down to the gate, listening carefully as I go. The trees are great protection from prying eyes, but when it comes to this situation, I almost wish we had chopped them down. It’s far too easy for someone to be hiding in there.
When I reach the gate, Carson turns to me, face serious. “Everything alright?” he asks me.
“We’re good,” I assure him. “Came to make sure that you’re good. I know you’re going to be pulling more weight now that Kaleb is out of commission.”
Carson shrugs. “He did the same for me when I was shot. And Crypt is here, and he’s one scary son of a bitch, so I doubt anyone will try and get through him.”
I smile slightly. “Yeah, you learn to be scary in our line of work. He’s going to take a much-needed rest, and then I’ll have him come and relieve you. Though if shit goes down, I need to let you know that with Crypt’s training, we may need to call him up to help.”
He nods and says seriously, “I’d rather him be up with you, honestly. I know I don’t have the training he does, and I like to think I can hold my own, but if it comes to fighting off the bad guys, I’d want him at my back.”
I nod. “You’re a good kid, Carson, and you’ll make a damn good brother with that attitude.” He doesn’t react to my words. “Sniper let you know that the other three are gone?”
He nods. “Good riddance. They were lazy and never did shit if they weren’t told to and someone was watching them. Kaleb and Crypt are solid, though I don’t know Crypt all that well.”
“He’s a private person,” I acknowledge, “but I’ve worked with him in the Forces. I know he’s good at what he does and he’ll have your back.” I clap him on the shoulder. “I have my phone on me if there are any problems. And just a heads up that Stone should be back soon with one very pissed-off redhead and her two hellhounds.”
Carson gives me a droll look. “Should I get the body cast ready? I think I can sneak one out from Medic. Stone being out of commission might be a pain in the ass, but better him than me if I get in their way.”
I chuckle. The kid is a smart ass. “Nah, probably best just to run for cover,” I joke. Then I head back up to the clubhouse where everyone has mostly dispersed and gone to bed.
It’s been a long damn night, and while we all want to honor Hammer, we know it has to wait. There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. Most of us are running on fumes and we need to be in top form for what’s coming.
I move to head up the stairs, but stop when I hear the sound of a car and bike approaching. On second thought, I better stick around to make sure there’s no bloodshed.
I turn and wait until Syn finally storms inside, her dogs at her heels, with Stone following behind her. Both are wearing angry expressions, and the tension between the two of them is thick enough to cut with a knife. I bite back a grin. “Hey, Syn,” I say easily.
“Don’t hey me,” Syn snaps, face flushing. “You need to tell me what room I’m in, and then all of you damn bikers need to stay the hell out of my face for a few hours until I calm down, or you’ll all become chew toys. Who the hell do you think you are, forcing me to come here? Like I’m so defenceless that I can’t protect myself?”
