I've seen plenty of the Vultures MC's operation since they invaded our territory. Human trafficking. But forced marriages? That's new.
"Where are they now?"
"I don't know." Her voice breaks. "I just ran. For hours. Through the woods. I don't even know where I am."
"Pine Haven," I tell her, though the name likely means nothing to her. "About twenty miles east of Ridgewood."
She nods slightly, processing this information. "I need to keep moving. They'll be looking for me."
"Who were you supposed to marry?"
"Mike. One of Charles's men."
The name drops like a bomb between us. Charles. The man we've been hunting. The man who's determined to destroy the Outlaw Order MC and take over Pine Haven.
I make a decision that Reaper might not approve of but fuck it. This woman might be our first real lead on Charles's location.
"I can help you," I say, the words strange in my mouth. I don't help people. I kill people who threaten my brothers. That's my role.
She laughs, a broken sound with no humor. "No one can help me. They'll find me, and then they'll kill me." Her eyes fill with tears. "Or worse."
"I know people who can protect you."
The club has safeguarded others before—Evelyn, Reaper’s daughter, Debbie and her kid. But those were Reaper's and Ghost's problems, not mine. I've never brought a stray to the clubhouse.
She stares at me, taking in the leather cut with our patches, the tattoos crawling up my neck, the scars on my face and hands. I know what she sees. A monster. A killer. And she's not wrong.
"You're a biker." she says, stating the obvious. "How do I know you're any better than them?"
I don't smile. I never smile. "You don't. But I'm your only option unless you want to keep running in that dress until they catch you."
Kelly looks down at herself, at the ruined white gown that was meant to mark her as someone's property. Something flickers across her face, determination pushing through the fear.
"My sister," she whispers. "She's still with them. I tried to get her to come with me, but she wouldn't."
That complicates things. Always does when there's family involved. "One problem at a time," I tell her. "First, we get you somewhere safe."
I extend my hand, keeping my face neutral. I'm not good at looking trustworthy. Not good at being trustworthy, for that matter. But she doesn't have options, and we both know it.
She stares at my outstretched hand for a long moment. Then, with visible reluctance, she places her smaller one in mine. Her skin is cold, her fingers trembling. As I help her to her feet, she sways unsteadily.
"When did you last eat or drink?" I ask.
"Yesterday morning. Before..." She doesn't finish the sentence.
I nod once, releasing her hand as soon as she's stable. "You need water. Food. And different clothes."
Kelly looks down at the wedding dress again, her expression hardening. "I want to burn this."
For the first time since I found her, I feel something like respect stirring. "That can be arranged."
She follows me to the bike, limping slightly. When she sees it, she stops. "I've never been on one of these."
"Hold onto me. Don't lean when I lean. Just stay centered." I swing my leg over and start the engine, feeling it rumble to life beneath me.
After a moment's hesitation, she awkwardly climbs on behind me, gathering the torn dress around her legs as best she can. Her hands hover uncertainly at my sides.
"You'll fall off if you don't hold on properly," I tell her over my shoulder.
