"It’sintentional."Danielleans forward, his voice dropping. "TheCostasthrive in the dark.Theyuse secrets.Byputting you in the light, by making you a part of this town, we take away their leverage.Ifanything happens to you now, it’s not just anMCproblem.It’saPineValleyproblem.Andthese mountain people?Theydon’t like outsiders messing with their own."
Hereaches across the table, taking my hand.Hisfingers are rough, calloused from wire strippers and gun grips.
"You’reone of us now,Kaila.Youhave a tribe."
Ilook down at our joined hands.Forso long, it was just me andKevin.Usagainst the world.Theidea of a tribe—of a whole town, a whole club—standing behind me is terrifying.Andwonderful.
"Speakingof the tribe,"Danielsays, checking his phone. "Loganjust texted.Weneed to get back.The'ceremony' is set for sundown."
"Ceremony?"Ichoke on my muffin. "Ithought we were just signing papers?"
Danielsmirks. "Loganis thePresident.Helikes pomp and circumstance.Andapparently,TiffanyandAveryhave been planning a party sinceIbrought you through the gates."
Igroan, dropping my head onto the table. "Idon't have a dress.Iown jeans and a hoodieIstole from you."
"Don'tworry,"Daniel’shand squeezes mine. "Ithink the sisterhood has that covered."
Thesisterhood did, in fact, have it covered.
Iam standing in the "Chapel"—the meeting room of theClubhouse—wearing a white lace dress that fits like it was made for me.Apparently,MarieatVelvet&Laceis a wizard who can size a woman based on a text description from a biker.It’svintage, knee-length, with long sleeves and a high neck, but the back is completely open.
It’sclassy, but with an edge.Perfect.
Savannah,Logan’swife, is fussing with my hair.She’sbeautiful and kind, but there’s steel in her spine.You’dhave to have steel to be married to theMCPresident.
"Stopfidgeting," she scolds gently. "Youlook beautiful."
"Itug at the lace on my wrists,"Iadmit, staring at myself in the mirror propped up on a chair.Myeyes scan the room for the nearest exit. "Aweek ago,Iwas eating cold beans in a cabin and coding exploits to destroy your husband’s servers."
Savannahlaughs. "Andnow you’re marrying the guy who guards the servers.Lifecomes at you fast inPineValley."
Thedoor creaks open.It’sKevin.
Thebruises onKevin’sface have faded to a dull yellow-green, and he’s clean.Shaven.Wearinga button-down shirt that is definitely too big for him—probably one ofShane’s.
"Hey," he says, leaning against the doorframe.
"Heyyourself."Iturn to face him. "Howare you holding up?"
"Theguys are cool,"Kevinsays, shrugging. "Chaseshowed me the gym.AndEliaswas asking about my encryption methods on theCostadata.Theytreat me like… likeIbelong."
"Youdo belong,Kevin."Iwalk over and hug him.He’staller than me now, lanky and awkward, but solid. "We’resafe."
"Becauseof him,"Kevinsays quietly. "Hecame for me,Kaila.Hedidn't know me.Hejust knewImattered to you."
"Yeah,"Iwhisper. "Hedid."
"He’sa good guy.Scaryas hell.Butgood."Kevinpulls back, grinning. "Readyto get hitched to theTerminator?"
"ReadyasI’llever be."
Theceremony is short.There’sno priest.JustLoganstanding at the front of the room, looking serious in his cut.Thebrothers—Austin,Shane,Tristan—line the walls, arms crossed, faces proud.Thecousins are there too, filling the space with leather and testosterone.
Kevinwalks me down the aisle.The"aisle" is just a path cleared between rows of folding chairs, but it feels mile-long.
Danielis waiting at the end.
Hecleaned up.He’swearing dark jeans, fresh boots, and a black button-down shirt under his leather cut.Hishair is pulled back, exposing the sharp angles of his face.Hewatches me walk toward him with that same intense, predator focus he uses when he’s tracking a signal.