"For now," he conceded. "But handling a weapon is different from using it in combat. If it comes to that, you follow my lead. No heroics. No trying to save me. Your job is to stay alive. Understood?"
She hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Understood."
"Good," he said, leading her back out of the safe room. "Now, let's secure the rest of the cabin." His phone buzzed, and he looked down at the camera. Good. Rampage’s truck was barreling down the road towards him.
As they moved through the house, checking windows, setting up defensive positions, Blade found himself continually surprised by Lily. She moved with purpose, asking intelligent questions, offering suggestions.
This wasn't the same frightened woman he'd found at the motel. This was someone who'd found her strength again. Someone determined to survive.
It was... attractive as hell, if he was being honest with himself.
Which was a problem, because the last thing either of them needed was for him to act on the growing attraction he felt for her right now. She was vulnerable, traumatized, and under his protection.
Focus, man. There are people trying to kill her. This is not the time to get distracted.
A knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. Three short raps, followed by two long ones. The club's signal.
"Stay back," he told Lily, drawing his weapon as he approached the door. He’d seen it was Rampage’s truck, but the video wasn’t clear enough to see who was behind the wheel. Just in case, he checked the peephole, confirming it was indeed Rampage, then opened the door just enough to let the other man slip inside.
Rampage was massive, even by MC standards. Six-foot-six and built like a tank. Despite his size, he moved with surprising grace, a result of his years as a Delta Force operative.
"Brother," Rampage greeted Blade, then turned to Lily with a gentle smile that seemed out of place on his intimidating face. "Ma'am."
"This is Rampage," Blade introduced. "Road Captain for the Spartan Watchmen."
"Lily," she replied, offering her hand.
Rampage engulfed her small hand in his massive one, his touch careful. "Heard a lot about you, little one. Good to finally meet you."
"You too," she said, seeming only slightly intimidated by his size.
"Brought the supplies," Rampage said, turning back to Blade. He hefted a duffel bag onto the kitchen counter. "Extra ammo, comms, night vision, those motion sensors you like. And the other things you asked for." He unzipped the bag, revealing the promised items. But Blade's attention was caught by a smaller bag tucked inside.
"Is that for her?" he asked, pointing to it.
Rampage grinned. "Savage said to grab a wide variety of items," He pulled out the smaller bag and handed it to Lily. "For you."
Lily took it hesitantly, peeking inside. Her eyes widened, and a genuine smile bloomed on her face, the first Blade had seen since bringing her here.
"Thank you," she said to Rampage, her voice thick with emotion.
Blade glanced at the bag's contents. Coloring books and pencils. Playdough, a building block set, a couple Barbie dolls with outfits. A small, plush unicorn. And a purple pacifier andmatching sippy cup. And of course, a variety of snacks and candy.
Savannah must have helped pick the items. She would know what a little might need or want.
Rampage scratched his beard, looking slightly embarrassed by her gratitude. "Weren't my idea, but you're welcome all the same."
Lily clutched the bag to her chest, looking between the two men. "I'll just... put these in my room."
Blade nodded, and she limped down the hallway, her injured ankle clearly bothering her again.
Once she was out of earshot, Rampage's expression turned serious. "Savage sent me with a message too. Said to tell you there's been a development with Tim."
Blade tensed. "They found him?"
"Not exactly," Rampage said grimly. "They found a finger. Left on the clubhouse doorstep this morning with a note."
"What did it say?"
