Page 98 of Brutal Reign
“Actually, things are good right now,” I reply with a confident lift of my chin, turning my attention back on him. “I mean, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I screw it all up again, but for now, I’m counting it as a win.”
Cam gives me a look of commiseration, blowing out a slow breath. “Trust me, I know a thing or two about screwing up,” he murmurs. “Taking accountability and doing your best to make good on everything goes a long way, though. It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.”
I nod back at him solemnly, appreciating the gravity of his words. If anyone can understand digging yourself out of a hole of your own making, it’s a former shifter hunter that held his mate captive. The fact that he and Avery were able to work it out after all they went through means there’s definitely hope for me. “Thanks, man,” I reply sincerely. “That’s solid advice.”
The door to the weight room opens again, all four of us glancing toward the entrance and promptly shutting up when we see who it is. Ares Raines drags a hand through his red hair as he saunters inside, a wide grin stretching his lips. Love the guy, but I’m not about to invite him into this conversation. Everyone knows he’s notoriously bad at keeping secrets.
“Party at the old lodge tonight!” he announces gleefully as he makes his way toward us.
Javi arches a suspicious brow. “Since when?”
“Since they just got the green light to start renovations on Monday,” Ares replies matter-of-factly. “We decided we needone last hurrah before we lose our favorite party spot. Andie and I just ran it by Madd and Tristan and they said they’re down and to spread the word.”
“Music?” Ace asks, his interest piqued.
Ares grins back at him. “Why do you think I’m here? I’m swinging by the Goldenleaf bar to pick up a few kegs and bring them to the lodge, figured you could ride with me and grab your DJ equipment.”
“Fuck yeah,” Ace breathes, snatching up his gym bag with a burst of renewed energy.
Ares pivots back toward the door, gesturing for Ace to follow. He starts to, but he only makes it a few steps before he suddenly pauses, swiveling back toward me.
“I’ll tell her,” I say, already knowing what’s on his mind.
Ace nods back at me, throwing up a wave to the others before turning back around and striding toward the exit, disappearing through it after Ares.
“Guess I should probably let my pack know what’s going on so they’re not freaked out by all the activity at the lodge,” Javi sighs, lifting his gym bag from the bench and hauling it up onto his shoulder. His pack has been residing in the cabins on the old ski resort while their territory is built out, so it stands to reason that they should be given a heads-up that their space is about to be invaded. Javi turns to Cam, arching a dark brow. “Rain check on the workout?”
“For sure,” Cam replies, nodding his agreement. “I’d better check in with Avery anyways, see if she needs my help with anything. I’m sure the second she hears about this she’ll be in party-planning mode.” He glances over at me, adding, “Unless you need a spot?”
“Nah, I was done anyways,” I say, easing to my feet and offering each of them a fist-bump. “See you guys tonight.”
Exiting the weight room, I make my way through the hallways of the squad complex, returning to the recruit barracks to change out of my sweaty clothes and take a quick shower. Hayden tells me that River went out for a ride, so I throw on a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt before grabbing the keys to my bike and heading out to track her down.
I don’t have to go far. As soon as I round the corner of the building to the parking lot, I find Riv crouched down beside the Chief, brow furrowed in concentration as she tinkers with her motorcycle.
“Damn you look sexy with grease on your hands,” I comment as I approach, my hungry gaze raking over every inch of her form.
She rolls her eyes as she turns to look at me, blowing a loose strand of hair out of her face. “It’s leaking oil,” she grumbles, pushing to her feet and wiping her hands off on the legs of her jeans, leaving black streaks across the faded blue denim. “The drain plug must be bad. Gonna have to run into town to pick up a new one.”
“I can take you,” I offer, nodding to my own bike parked a few spaces over. “Hop on, babe.”
“Sure, if I can drive,” she replies sassily, popping out a hip and resting her hand upon it.
I shake my head with a frown. “I’m not riding bitch on my own bike.”
She pinches her lower lip between her teeth, hazel eyes sparking with mischief. “You sure about that?”
“Positive,” I scoff. “You want a ride or not?”
She folds her arms over her chest, staring me down. I mirror her stance, meeting her challenge head-on.
This is one battle she won’t win. Having River Jacobsen on the back of my bike has been a top tier fantasy since before Ieven got the damn thing, and I’m not about to pass up a prime opportunity to make that a reality.
The longer we stare at each other, the more I feel the bond between us stir in my chest, pulling taut. Copper shimmers bleed into her irises as her wolf rises to the surface, my own pushing forward in response. Still, I don’t back down. Just once, I need to know how it feels to have her legs and arms wrapped around me as we zip down the road, hearts pounding in sync with one another’s as our adrenaline soars.
I’ve thought about it way too many times to count. I need a taste of the real thing.
“Fine,” River grits out, turning at the waist and snatching her helmet off the back of her bike.