Last Ride (Wind Dragons MC #5.5)(10)

When I turn back and see them hugging, I smile.



“Well, this is slightly awkward,” I say when I spot Talon in the clubhouse kitchen, wearing a WDMC cut. “Rocking our colors now, hey?”

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a man in the clubhouse who wasn’t like family to me. It’s not every day you see a new face around here, unless the men are bringing in their women.

Are Talon and Ranger going to respect me on sight? Or are we going to have to prove to one another who we are, show one another where we stand? I know they won’t disrespect me openly, because Dex would rip their hearts out, but that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically respect me either. Coming into this MC doesn’t automatically come with close bonds and ties—you need to make them and then work to keep them. There’s a reason the Wild Men aren’t like us; it takes a certain type of person to thrive in this environment, and you need to be here for the right reasons.

Talon glances down at his cut and grins. “What, you don’t think it suits me?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” I say, tapping my index finger on my cheek. I decide to change the subject. “Any updates on the mole?”

His expression darkens, his jaw going tight. “Oh, I’ll get the bastard. He can’t hide forever. It’s only a matter of time until he pays for everything he’s done.”

“Ahhh the quest for vengeance. Always enlightening.”

“It’s never boring, that’s for sure,” he fires back.

“Is your old club going to want to kill you?”

“They can try, but no. Slice understands.”

“That badass, are you?”

“Yep,” he replies, grinning. “I know them. They don’t have it in them to come after me, Faye. Without me and Ranger, their MC is just an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.”

I burst out laughing at that. “Holy crap, the new guy has jokes.”

“The new guy? Is that how I’ll be referred to from now on?” he asks, studying me.

“Nah, Talon is a nice name. It would be a shame to waste it. It means claw, right?”

He nods and murmurs, “Yeah. A little creepy that you know that.”

I shrug. “I’m creepy for other reasons, but not that one. I have babies. I look up names and meanings. No big deal.”

He pauses, then laughs. “Fuck, you say the most random shit.”

“You have no idea. Where’s Ranger?”

“Around here somewhere. Why?”

“I want to welcome him to the family.”

“Hopefully it’s a nicer way than you’re welcoming me,” he says, arching a brow.

“This is me playing nice,” I say, batting my eyelashes. “This is us bonding, Talon.”

“Bonding? I feel like there should be alcohol involved.”

“Why, do you want to get me drunk?” I ask, focusing my gaze on him. “Do you think clouding my judgment is going to make me like you more?”

“Do you not like me now?”

“I don’t not not like you,” I reply, threading my fingers together. “I don’t really know you.”

“Everyone else loves me.”

“Bold comment considering I can name a few who don’t just off the top of my head.”

“Yet the vote was unanimous.”

“Which intrigues me,” I admit. I’m so surprised about Arrow’s and Rake’s votes. Talon must really be a badass if they want him here, when they used to all but hate him.

“I’ve never met anyone like you before,” Talon says, narrowing his eyes a little. “So light and yet so dark at the same time.”

“I’m a Gemini,” I say, shrugging my shoulders, like that explains everything. “I have two sides. One everyone likes; and the other . . . not so much.”

Talon nods, pushing off the counter, stepping toward me. “I don’t know you Faye, but all the people I care about do, and they f*ckin’ adore you. You don’t need to test me. I will prove my loyalty to the Wind Dragons.”

He kisses me on the top of my head, then walks out, leaving me a little stunned.

Maybe Talon and I will get along after all.



It’s afternoon when Arrow finds me outside, while I’m practicing throwing knives into a target, with “Don’t Let Me Down” by the Chainsmokers playing in the background. I like to hone my skills and make sure I can still handle each weapon. Even though I’m a mother now, I’m still me, and I still like to know how to defend myself. In fact, after having kids, I’m more determined than ever, because the day may come when it’s solely up to me to protect them.

“Don’t f*ckin’ stab me,” Arrow says in warning, coming to stand next to me. I glance to my right to look at him. His beard is even longer than usual, his brown eyes pinned on the target board.

I hand him a knife, and he takes it.

“What’s up, Arrow?”

He throws the knife, right in the bull’s-eye, before he replies. “I want to do something nice for Anna, you know? Something—”

“Romantic?” I cut in, smiling wide. “You big cutie, Arrow! Who knew you had it in you?” I pause, then add, “Certainly not me.”