Grizzly (Devil’s Fury MC 8)

The Beginning

Harley Wylde

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Copyright ©2021 Harley Wylde

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Editor: Crystal Esau
Cover Artist: Bryan Keller

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Table of Contents

Grizzly (Devil’s Fury MC 8)

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Epilogue

Dedication and Acknowledgments

Harley Wylde

Grizzly (Devil’s Fury MC 8)

The Beginning

Harley Wylde

May -- I know what everyone sees when they look at him. A rough biker from the wrong side of town. But they don’t know John the way I do. He’s kind, protective, and there’s no one I’d rather be with. Unfortunately, he’s keeping me in the friend zone. He’s saved me multiple times, but when he finds me being attacked by the town’s golden boy, I see the Grizzly his club has named him for… but even at his most vicious I’m not scared of him. I don’t care that he’s a little older than me, or that people whisper when he walks past. I love him, and I know I’ll keep loving him until the day I die.

Grizzly -- She’s too sweet, too good. Too perfect. May deserves the best life can offer, a respectable guy. That isn’t me. She might see me as some cuddly teddy bear, but there’s blood on my hands. I earned the name the Devil’s Fury gave me, and I wear it proudly. So I push her away, keep her at arm’s length, and make sure she thinks I don’t desire her even a little.

It’s a lie. Biggest one I’ve ever told. There’s only one thing I want more than my club, more than my next breath -- and that’s May.

Prologue

Grizzly -- Summer, 1982

I ran my hand over my cut, proud as hell that I’d earned my patch. As the newest member of the Devil’s Fury MC, I should have been at the clubhouse enjoying the party. Instead, I found myself hiding in the shadows by the pond on the outskirts of town. If anyone owned the property, they were long gone. The land had grown wild with weeds. The tall grass around the pond blocked it from view of anyone driving past.

I heard May giggle and a splash. Jealousy ate at me. I had no right to feel any sort of emotion about her at all. She wasn’t mine. Never would be. May was a good girl. Sweet. Angelic. Not at all for the likes of me. I’d noticed her in school, even though I’d kept my distance. Until I’d discovered she liked to come swim here. The first time I saw her in her two-piece swimsuit, I’d had to pick my tongue up off the ground. Who’d have thought little May had curves like that? She’d only been fifteen at the time, and I’d had no business looking.

“Stop it, Mike.” I heard another splash. “I said no!”

My heartrate kicked up and I crept closer, quietly shifting the tall weeds aside for a better look. The dumbass jock she’d come with seemed to be copping a feel. The way May squirmed and shoved at him, I knew she wasn’t just playing around. When she’d told him to stop, she’d meant it. Dickweed didn’t seem to understand.

When he tried to work his hand down into her swimsuit bottoms, I knew I had to do something. I wasn’t about to let him molest her while I stood idly by. Even if I did belong to a club that didn’t exactly walk on the right side of the law, there were lines I’d never cross. Hurting a woman was one of those.

I stepped out of my hiding spot. The moment May saw me, hope sparked in her eyes. Yeah, I wasn’t walking away. Not without making sure she was safe.

“I think she said no.”

He turned to look at me, a sneer on his lips as he eyed my cut. I knew all about Mike Malone. Star forward for the basketball team. Just the sort of guy May should be with, if he weren’t such a douche.

“Let her go, Malone.”

“Or what?” he asked.

“Or I’ll make you, and then you’ll have to run crying home to your mommy. She said she wasn’t interested, but you must have too much wax in your ears.” I folded my arms. “Or maybe you got hit in the head with one too many basketballs. You should catch those passes with your hands and not your face.”

I honestly had no idea how well he played, or what the fuck his position on the team even did. I’d never been into basketball, and I sure as hell hadn’t been to any of the games at school.

He backed away from May and made his way toward me. He slogged through the water and onto the shore, slicking his hair back from his face. We were nearly the same height, but I had a bit of muscle on him. And I knew how to fight. Prissy boy here didn’t stand a chance.

“You lay one finger on me and my parents will sue your ass.”

“And what exactly do you think they’ll get? I don’t have a house. My bike is a piece of shit. Even I can admit that, but one day it won’t be. I don’t have a damn thing you’d want, Malone.” I held my hand out to May. “Come on, angel. I’ll make sure you get home safe.”

May hurried out of the pond and grabbed her towel, wrapping it around her. She came straight for me, giving the jock a wide berth. Couldn’t blame her. He didn’t seem like the type to lose gracefully. Now that he’d decided May should give him what he wanted, he wouldn’t back down. Not until he was forced to.

If he kept bothering her, I’d have to pay him a special visit. Make sure he got the message loud and clear. May wasn’t for him to play with. Or anyone else for that matter.

“This isn’t over,” Mike said. “I’ll ruin you!”

“You can try.” I smirked. “Your parents might be well-off, and maybe this town thinks rainbows shine out your ass, but you don’t scare me. You’re just a little boy pretending to be a man. Men don’t hurt women, numbnuts.”

I backed up, keeping my eyes on him until we were far enough away I felt safe turning away. I wouldn’t put it past him to try and stab a man in the back. Seemed like the chickenshit sort of thing he’d do. I led May away from the pond and stopped next to my bike. She only had on flip-flops. There was no way she could ride on back like that.

I straddled my bike and motioned for her to come closer. I lifted her, making her squeal, and settled her sidesaddle across my thighs. It wasn’t perfect, and I’d have to go really fucking slow, but at least I wouldn’t worry about her burning her legs or feet on the pipes. I didn’t even give a shit that her suit and towel were soaking the thighs of my jeans and my shirt.

“I live in the Willow Brook Apartments,” she said.

“I know.” I winked at her. “I make it a point to know where the pretty girls are.”

Her cheeks turned pink, but she smiled. I started up my bike and slowly pulled out onto the road. I crept along, not wanting to take any chances with the precious cargo in my lap. When we reached her building, I parked my bike and walked her up to her apartment. I didn’t trust Mike not to have followed us and wanted to make sure she got inside and locked the door.

“Thank you,” she said. “I don’t know how you happened to be in the right place at the right time, but I’m glad you were. I don’t think he’d have stopped.”

I reached out and traced her nose with my finger. “Anytime, angel. Glad to have been of service. Now, lock up. I’m not leaving until I hear that deadbolt.”

She gave me another smile, then shut the door. Once I heard all the locks click into place, I finally pulled myself away. If she’d known why I was there, she wouldn’t have been thanking me. She’d probably have been terrified she had a stalker. I’d never hurt May, but it seemed I needed to keep an eye on her. Whether she liked it or not, she’d just gained a bodyguard. No one would put out the light I saw in her. I wouldn’t let them.

It just never occurred to me that sweet little May would be such a magnet for trouble, or that she’d need my services several more times.

Chapter One

May -- Spring, 1983

I flipped my hair out of my face and glanced at the boy lying in bed next to me. My parents were out of town so he’d spent the night. Even though he’d pushed for more, I hadn’t given in. Something felt off. We’d been talking for a few months, but Seth got more and more aggressive with each day that passed. It was time to break up with him, but I wasn’t sure how. The few bursts of temper I’d witnessed worried me.

I quietly slipped from the bed and grabbed some clothes from the dresser, then went to shower. I’d thought he was different from the others, but I’d been wrong. He’d put on a good show, but his façade was starting to crack. Not trusting him, I locked the door before I undressed. I should have listened. My friends told me he was bad news, even if I’d thought he’d seemed so sweet. If anyone should know better than to believe the lies people told, it was me. My father was a professional liar.

Saturday should mean a fun day for a high school girl like me. Instead, I had to figure out how to ditch the boy in my room. There was a lake party tonight, one I’d been invited to. If Seth was going, I wasn’t sure I should. He’d been bad enough last night. Adding in alcohol seemed like a recipe for disaster.

I finished my shower and pulled on my clothes. After braiding my hair and brushing my teeth, I slipped out of the bathroom and tiptoed through the bedroom. My stomach rumbled. I wasn’t the greatest cook in the world, but breakfast I could easily handle. When I got to the kitchen, I pulled out eggs, milk, bacon, and the bread.

I’d just started the eggs when a throat cleared behind me and I whirled, spatula in hand. Seth leaned against the doorframe, a smirk gracing his lips. At one time, I’d found him sexy. Even now, the girls in school squealed when he walked by. If they wanted him, they could have him. I’d give them my blessing.

“Nothing prettier than a girl in the kitchen,” he said.

I tried hard to hold back the sneer. Right. He’d be the type to want me barefoot in the kitchen. Maybe with the right guy, I wouldn’t mind it so much. I’d always wanted kids. A big family. Just not with a guy like Seth. And I sure as hell didn’t want to start that family my senior year of high school.

“You should probably head out,” I said. “I have some stuff to handle today and a project to work on.”

Anger flashed in his eyes as he pushed off and came toward me. “You’re kicking me out?”

“Yeah, I am.” I lifted my chin, hoping he didn’t notice my hands were trembling. If he came after me, I wouldn’t be able to defend myself. Not for long. “Besides, I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”

“Friend?” Seth pressed in closer. “You don’t mean that filthy biker scum, do you?”

“John isn’t scum.” My hand tightened on the spatula. I knew what everyone thought of him. The boy from the wrong side of town. The troublemaker. The kid who’d already patched into the Devil’s Fury MC. I saw a different side of him.

Seth laughed in my face and pressed his lips to mine. I backed up, but he reached out, wrapping his arm around my waist, refusing to let me go. He forced his tongue into my mouth, and I swung as hard as I could, hitting his head with the spatula. It was enough to make him release me. He stumbled back.

“Stupid bitch! Do you know who I am?”

“Yeah. A dick.”

He snarled and advanced on me. “I’m Seth Cartwright! My father owns this fucking town, and by association, so do I. Which means I own you.”

“No one owns me,” I said. I backed up until I hit the counter. I could smell the eggs burning, but I didn’t dare turn even long enough to shut off the stove.

Seth gripped my hair and shoved me to my knees. “I do. I fucking own you, May, and I’m tired of waiting. You want to run your mouth? Fine. How about I give you a better way to use those lips and tongue?”

I screamed and beat at his legs, thrashed in his grip. I heard a roar like a damn bear and the wood door splintered. One minute, Seth was reaching for the zipper on his pants, and the next he crashed into a wall. I looked up, tears blurring my vision, as John went after him. He landed blow after blow, not stopping until Seth fell to the floor. I stood, my legs barely holding me, as I went to my savior.

I placed a hand on John’s arm. “Stop. He’s done.”

John’s chest heaved. Even at nineteen, he was a force to be reckoned with. I couldn’t really call him a boy, not at six and a half feet tall and a wall of solid muscle. He’d grown up. Become a man. We’d been friends since last summer, and he’d become my protector. My confidant. My best friend.

“You so much as fucking look at her again and I will end you,” John said, then spat on Seth. “I’m getting May out of here. I want you gone. Immediately. Understood?”

Seth groaned but nodded.

John herded me toward my room and shut the door behind us. “Shoes, May. Now.”

“You’re going to get into trouble. You know his family is powerful. They’ll come after you.”

He took two steps, closing the distance between us, then reached up and cupped my cheek. His touch was gentle for such a large guy. “May, he was going to rape you. If I’d gotten here any later…”

He took a ragged breath and I wrapped my arms around him. John hugged me, and I felt his heart pounding. Until he’d graduated, he’d gone to our school, but I hadn’t taken much notice of him. That changed when he’d saved me this past summer. He seemed to be making a point of it. I didn’t know how he kept turning up exactly when I needed him to, but I wouldn’t question it. This actually made the fourth time he’d been my knight in shining armor.

I drew back and scanned the leather cut over his shoulders. He’d earned it in the last six months and wore it with pride. I traced the name Grizzly stitched on one of the patches. It made me smile, since he did sound a lot like a pissed-off bear when he got angry. John made me feel safe. Cared for. But I’d already made the mistake of trying to get a kiss from him. It hadn’t gone well, so I’d backed off, and decided to accept his friendship. I couldn’t blame him for not wanting more. I’d heard about the women at the clubhouse. Why would he want an inexperienced virgin like me?

I’d given up all hope after seeing the women one night. I’d been out with friends and we’d driven past the clubhouse. A group of scantily clad women were going in, their hair and makeup done, their nails painted. I’d known then I couldn’t ever dare hope to hold his attention, not compared to women like them. Not plain little May.

“Come on, May. Get your shoes and whatever else you need, but take your backpack. We’re leaving on my bike and I don’t have room for a bunch of crap.”

“Okay. Just give me a minute.”

He ran his fingers over my cheek, then stepped back. “I’ll make sure Seth is gone and turn off the stove.”

He left, and I sank onto the edge of the mattress. Why couldn’t a guy like him want me? No, I attracted the assholes like Seth instead. I knew John would come back if I didn’t hurry. I got up and grabbed an empty backpack from my closet. I put the notes I needed for my project in there, in case I had a chance to work on stuff for school, as well as my favorite paperback. Maybe it was optimistic of me, but I also threw in a change of clothes and a pair of pajamas. The sexiest ones I owned.

I zipped it up and put on my shoes, then hurried from the room. John had shut off the stove and cleaned up the mess. Seth was absent. The front door to my apartment stood open, the frame splintered. I wondered if I should stay here. What if someone stole everything while I was gone?

“I borrowed your phone. I’ve got a Prospect coming to watch the place,” John said, as if he’d read my mind. I glanced at him, and he winked. “Your face is expressive as hell, May. Can’t keep any secrets from me.”

I hoped he was wrong about that, or it meant he knew exactly how I felt about him. It would hurt too much if he knew I was falling in love with him and still wanted me only as a friend. I didn’t think my heart could handle it.

“Come on, angel. We can go to my place for a bit.”

“Your place? I thought the clubhouse was off-limits.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, it is, but I thought we could hang out in my room. As long as you’re not around the other guys, I don’t see it being an issue.”

His room. At the clubhouse. Where all those women went to party. Did he take them to his room too? Was that where he… I quickly shut off that train of thought. Even though some part of me wanted to know, I also didn’t. It was too painful. And yet my mouth and brain obviously weren’t connected.

“Are you taking me to a place where you hook up with the… whatever you call them?” I cringed and couldn’t believe I’d just asked him that.

He folded his arms over his chest, making his biceps bulge in a way that had my mouth watering. It was really unfair. He shouldn’t look so amazing. Not when he didn’t want me the way I wanted him. It sucked.

“Are you asking me if I fuck women in the room where I’m taking you?” he asked.

I hadn’t expected him to be quite so direct. My cheeks burned hot. “Y-yes. That’s what I’m asking.”

His lips twitched, as if he struggled not to smile. “You’re so damn cute, May. No, angel. I haven’t taken any women to that room.”

My shoulders slumped. He hadn’t taken anyone there, but he’d been with women. He was nineteen. Nearly twenty. Single. And one of the best-looking guys I’d ever seen. I couldn’t blame the women for wanting him. With his neatly trimmed beard, the power and cockiness he exuded, I didn’t doubt he had girls and women falling at his feet. I could never compete.

I heard his heavy tread, then his boots came into view. He tipped my chin up. “May, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.” I forced a smile. “It’s fine. Thanks for stopping Seth earlier. I’d hate for my first time to --”

His grip on my chin tightened and my gaze flashed to his. “Your first time?”

“Y-yeah. I thought you knew. Wasn’t that why you only wanted to be friends?” My cheeks burned hotter. “I mean, unless you’re just not attracted to me at all, which I guess I can understand considering the women you’re around all the time. They’re more… curvy.”

The day my friends had driven past, I eagerly looked out the window. Secretly, I’d hoped for a peek at John. Instead, I’d felt like my heart was breaking even more because I knew I’d never be as sexy as those women.

“May.”

I snapped my mouth shut.

“You’re a fucking idiot.”

My eyes went wide. He said what? “Excuse me?”

“An idiot. You think I pushed you away because I don’t want you? Jesus. I want you too much, angel. Good girl like you deserves so much better than me.”

“John, you’ve saved me several times now. You’re not some monster. I know what the people around here say about you and your club, but I know different. You’d never hurt someone, unless they deserved it.”

He shook his head. “You’re something else. You know that? One of a kind.”

“Am I still invited to go with you? Now that I’ve embarrassed myself. Again.”

“You have no reason to be embarrassed. You’re beautiful, May. Smart. Sweet.” He rubbed his thumb across my lip. “Innocent.”

“I’ve made out with guys before. Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I haven’t done anything at all.”

He growled and his eyes darkened. “Fair warning, angel. You won’t be doing those things anymore. Not unless it’s with me. Another guy so much as puts his hands on you, and I’ll tear him apart.”

I smiled and reached up to run my fingers over his beard. “You say the sweetest things.”

He snorted and took my hand. “Come on. Time to go. Just remember, at the compound, you call me Grizzly.”

I followed him out my busted front door. He gave a nod to a man in the hall wearing a cut like his, except it said Prospect on it. If I’d have known babbling about my insecurities where he was concerned would get me anywhere, I’d have done it long ago. Since last summer, John was the only one I’d wanted.

Chapter Two

Grizzly

Holy hell! My little May was a virgin? I’d known she was too good, too sweet for a bastard like me. My dad was an abusive asshole, and my mother was just a junkie looking for her next fix. I hadn’t wanted the filth in my life to touch May, but it seemed she attracted her own monsters. If being with me kept her safe from guys like Seth, then I wasn’t going to let her out of my sight.

May pressed against my back, her hands clutched at my waist. Having her plastered to me as my bike roared through town felt more right than anything else in my life. I’d seen the way she reacted when she thought I was fucking the girls at the club. I may have gotten my dick wet a time or two -- or more, but since saving May, she’d been the one on my mind. The disappointment I’d seen in her eyes had nearly gutted me.

I’d pushed her away, thinking it was for her own good, but I was damn well lying to myself and knew it. I wanted her, and it seemed she wanted me too. I’d tried to tell myself she had a crush and it would pass, but maybe I was wrong. If I thought her parents wouldn’t flip the fuck out, I’d claim her here and now. Didn’t matter to me she was only seventeen and still in high school. There was only two years between us.

I pulled up to the clubhouse and parked my bike at the end. I tapped May’s leg and she got off. Moment of truth. She’d never been to the clubhouse, and for good reason, but if I was going to keep her in my life, I needed to see if she could handle it. The bitches inside could be catty, and I’d need a strong woman beside me, someone who could stand up to them. Even though I’d just patched in less than a year ago, I hoped one day to have a shot at an officer’s position. I’d just have to work my ass off until then.

I shut off the bike and took May’s hand, leading her inside.

Smoke filled the air and music blasted from an old jukebox in the corner. Several of my brothers were sprawled in various spots around the room, some with their pants open. A few of the club whores were already here, willing and ready, and barely dressed. I felt May tense and could only imagine what she thought of all this.

I led her through the room to the back hall and up the stairs. I unlocked the door to my room, shoving it open to let her in, following close behind. The second the door clicked shut and I twisted the lock the tension in the room went up. May glanced around the small space and I tried to see it through her eyes.

“I know it’s not much,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. Her apartment might not be in the ritziest part of town, but it was nicer than this place. I hadn’t paid much attention to her bedroom, but I imagined it was filled with pretty things. I’d been too focused on May at the time and trying not to rip Seth apart with my bare hands.

My bed was a queen but the comforter was just plain navy. I’d gotten it at the discount store, along with the gray sheets. The dresser was old and scarred. One of the drawers wouldn’t close all the way, and I didn’t have a closet so I always left my boots on the floor.

“Bathroom is through there,” I said, pointing to the closed door across the room. “It’s clean.”

Damn well better be. I’d scrubbed it myself. I’d learned the hard way not to let the club whores in here, not even if they claimed to just want to help clean. My brothers might trust them, but I sure the fuck didn’t. May went over to peer inside. It was just a small room with a sink, toilet, and a shower I barely fit into, but it was mine.

“Not as nice as your place,” I said, shoving my hands into my pockets.

“Are you kidding?” she asked. “It’s yours, John.”

I winced and glanced behind me at the closed door, hoping no one lurked outside and heard the slip-up. I’d told her to call me Grizzly while we were here, but maybe she’d thought I meant only in the presence of others. I hadn’t been overly clear about it and probably should have been. It wasn’t like she’d been around the club before. In my private room, it didn’t matter much what she called me. I just didn’t want any of my brothers, or the club whores, overhearing her use my actual name and think she meant something to me.

She did. She meant the world to me. I just didn’t want them to know it. Not yet.

“Bet your room is pretty,” I said. “I didn’t pay much attention earlier.”

“Those pretty things come with a price,” she said. I’d wondered about her home life. She hadn’t talked much about her parents, except to say they went out of town a lot. From what I’d seen, they didn’t seem to care what she did.

I nodded to the little TV on the end of the dresser. It was small, but I had cable. I even had a VCR and some movies, thanks to the club. Some of my brothers had hit a warehouse a few months back, and while most everything had been sold, we’d been given the option to keep some of the stuff.

“We can pick out a movie to watch.”

May’s cheeks flushed as she eyed the bed. I didn’t exactly have chairs in here. She toed off her shoes and sat on the bed, then swung her legs up onto the mattress. If she hadn’t knotted her hands in her lap, I might have believed she was comfortable, but it was clear it made her anxious to be here. I didn’t know if it was the clubhouse, or me. Might have been both.

“I shouldn’t have brought you here,” I said.

Her gaze shot to mine. “What? Why?”

“You’re fidgeting. Uncomfortable.” I shook my head. “This is my world, May. Not yours. It’s why I tried to keep my distance. You don’t belong here.”

She got off the bed and came closer, not stopping until she placed her hands on my chest. “John, where I belong is with you. I can get used to this place. I don’t care where we are as long as we’re together.”

I reached up to cup her cheek. Her skin was so damn soft. The way she looked at me, the innocence in her eyes, nearly took me to my knees. The world didn’t have nearly enough people like her, and I worried life would chew her up and spit her out. Another reason I’d held off was her age. At only seventeen, I had no right to put my hands on her. It wasn’t illegal for us to be together, but it didn’t mean people wouldn’t take exception to a sweet high school girl dating someone like me.

The people in town would talk, and I knew it was May who’d bear the brunt of the censure. I didn’t want her to suffer through something like that. She deserved to have the world at her feet.

“I should take you home and stay far the fuck away from you.” I sighed. “But I don’t think I can. They’ll test you. The club and those women out there. I can’t be here to protect you all the time, May, and they won’t let me. I don’t want this life to harden you. You’re my angel and I want you to always stay this sweet. I’m worried being here will change you.”

“If I can’t handle it, I’ll let you know,” she said. “I admit what I saw when we walked in wasn’t at all what I’d pictured. It shocked me, and I certainly don’t want to strip down out there like those women.”

My hold on her tightened. “You won’t have to.”

Well, fuck me sideways. She might. They could very well ask her to show her loyalty in ways I’d never allow. I hadn’t thought everything through and might have just dug a hole neither of us could escape from. The club had rules, and if May wanted to be part of my life, she’d have to abide by them too.

“May, there’s something you need to know. Leaving this room isn’t safe. Not even if you’re with me. There are certain rules to follow while you’re here. When it comes to women, they’re fair game. Even if they knew I wanted to make you mine, they’d push you. Test you. And I don’t mean mine as in the sort of relationship you have at school. It’s more. A lot more.”

“Like we have to get married?” she asked, her head tipped to the side.

“No. The club doesn’t do marriage. They need a chance to get to know you. After some time has passed, I can ask them to vote on whether or not you can be my old lady. You’d get a cut kind of like mine but it would say Property of Grizzly on the back.”

She moved in closer, the heat of her body pressing against me. Fuck if my dick didn’t get hard. I wouldn’t act on it. Not right now.

“Are there other old ladies?” she asked.

“Just one. Magda is the Pres’s old lady.”

A fist pounded on my door, rattling it on the hinges.

“Open the door right fucking now, kid,” King bellowed.

I pushed May behind me and unlocked the door, letting it swing open. King, the club’s Treasurer, looked pissed as hell, his gaze zeroing in on May. The look he shot me was full of fury, but I refused to back down. Besides, he wasn’t much older than me.

“Why the fuck am I getting a call from Don Cartwright about you running off with his son’s girlfriend? Not to mention he says you beat the little shit and left him black and blue.”

I heard May hiss like a pissed-off kitten. “I’m not that asshole’s girlfriend.”

I closed my eyes briefly and shook my head. Now wasn’t the time for her to decide she was all tough and shit. Yeah, she’d have to prove she was worthy of being part of the club as my old lady, but this wasn’t the first impression I’d hoped for.

“Not his girlfriend?” King asked. “Then just who the fuck do you belong to?”

I saw her step out from behind me and point in my direction. “Him.”

I straightened to my full height, which put me a good three inches taller than King. I should have gone over more shit with May before I brought her here. She had no idea what she’d just done. He rubbed a hand over his eyes and muttered something that sounded like Jesus H Christ. “All the women you have at your disposal, and you pick one who’s going to cause the most trouble. The Pres is going to be pissed.”

“Magda will love her,” I said, hoping it was true. She’d taken on the role of mother to all of us, and if anyone needed mothering, it was May. I was counting on the two of them bonding and smoothing my girl’s way with the club.

“You know we need to run this by Bullseye,” he said.

“I know. She needed me, and a safe place, King. I wasn’t going to leave her there with a busted door.” Never mind I was the one who’d torn through it. I’d do it again too if meant keeping May safe.

His eyebrows went up. “Is that where Isaiah went?”

“He’s watching the door until it can be repaired or replaced. I hadn’t had a chance to call anyone yet. Had to bust it down when I heard what was happening.”

King’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t want to know, do I?”

“He was going to rape her, King. I know this club isn’t exactly squeaky clean, but if I find out anyone is hurting a woman that way, I’ll gut the bastard. Brother or not, Cartwright’s kid had her on her knees and was trying to unfasten his pants.” Fury rolled through me again just remembering the scene I’d walked in on. The fucker was lucky he was still breathing, although it seemed I shouldn’t have been so lenient.

“The Cartwrights are going to rain down hell on us if we keep her here,” he said. “But you were right to protect her. She says she belongs to you, but you know damn well how things work around here.”

“I know.” Didn’t mean I liked it. If I ever got into a position to make a difference, there were a bunch of things I’d change. The first being how the club would try to treat May. I didn’t think I could keep my cool. “Anyone touches her…”

He looked over at her again and nodded. “Right. Got it.”

“So how do we do this?” I asked.

“Head into Church and take her with you. I know it’s not done, but we’re not bringing in the full club. Just Magda, Bullseye, the three of us, and Killer. We’ll start small.”

I took May’s hand and followed King down the back stairs. He motioned for us to enter the club’s sacred space and presumably went to get the others. Magda arrived first, clucking her tongue at us.

“You starting trouble, Grizzly?” she asked.

“No, ma’am. Just finishing it.”

She smiled and pulled May into a hug. “Welcome to the Devil’s Fury. The big growly men will be here in a minute. I’d say their bark is worse than their bite, but I’d be lying. Don’t worry. If this one here wants to keep you, I’ll give you my support. He’s a good one, which means you must be too. Doubt he’d want to hang onto a girl who wasn’t a sweetheart.”

“She’s an angel, Magda.”

“You know anything about this club, girl?” Magda asked May.

My girl shook her head. “Only that Grizzly is part of it. And I know people around town don’t think much of any of you, which is stupid. I’ve never met anyone better than Grizzly.”

Magda studied May, staring into her eyes for so long I wondered if she was trying to hypnotize her. “All right. You let me handle Bullseye. Once he falls in line, Killer will too. But be warned. You’ll have to fight to keep him, May. There are women here who’d love to get their hooks into Grizzly, and they’ll see you as competition.”

May lifted her chin. “They can’t have him.”

“I’m afraid you’ll need more than words. You ever fight?”

May’s eyes went wide. “N-no.”

Magda sighed and focused on me. “Boy, I hope you know what you’re doing. Those jackals out there will chew her up and spit her out.”

“No, they won’t. They’ll have to go through me,” I said. And I meant it. Never again would someone hurt May. Not on my watch.

Chapter Three

May

When the man John had called King came into the room, he brought two others with him. I assumed it was the Bullseye and Killer mentioned before. All of them seemed big, rough, and a little scary. Even with Grizzly and Magda at my side, I’d have been a fool not to worry. What if they didn’t want me here? And what had King’s cryptic words meant? What exactly was expected of me in order to be with Grizzly?

I noticed their names were on their cuts, just like Grizzly’s. I knew I needed to keep thinking of him that way, or I’d slip up and call him John at the wrong time. I didn’t want to embarrass him, or make him angry. He’d stressed the importance of using his club name, and I’d make sure that’s what I did.

Bullseye looked me over, making me feel a little like I was on display. “How old is she?”

“Seventeen,” Grizzly said. “She’s still in high school, but I don’t care, Pres. I’ve tried to stay away and I can’t. She means too much to me. Besides, it’s not illegal for us to be together so if you’re worried about extra heat from the cops there’s no need.”

“You know how things work around here,” Killer said. “She understand what’s expected?”

Grizzly tensed and shook his head. The other three men stared me down, making me want to hide behind him. Only Magda’s silent presence at my side kept in me place. She’d said she’d talk to Bullseye. So far, she was only observing. Was this a test? What if I failed it?

“Our young Grizzly here wants to make you his,” Bullseye said. He looked at Grizzly again. “I’m assuming you want a property cut for her.”

“Yeah, I do,” Grizzly said.

“Thing is, we don’t know you, girl. We don’t trust you. To be part of this club, you have to earn your place. In this case, you have to prove to us you can be what Grizzly needs. What we need,” Bullseye said.

“How do I do that?” I asked.

Killer smiled. “Women here are fair game. For anyone. Unless you’re wearing a property cut. Which you aren’t.”

My stomach flipped. “Wh-what’s that mean?”

“It means you give every brother in this club what they want, when they want it, and prove you’re loyal to us.” Killer’s smile turned cold. “And if you survive with your mind intact, and the club whores don’t kill you, then we’ll take your old lady status to a vote.”

Horror filled me and I stared up at Grizzly. Had he known what they’d want me to do? How were they any better than Seth Cartwright? Or Mike Malone for that matter? I couldn’t, wouldn’t, be used like that.

“If anyone touches May, you’d better be prepared to put me down,” Grizzly said. “I will kill anyone who hurts her.”

Magda took a step forward, folding her arms under her breasts. “Bullseye, you damn well didn’t make me go through all that when you made me your old lady. This sweet, innocent girl isn’t a whore, and I refuse to let you turn her into one.”

Bullseye snarled. “You refuse? Is that what you said to me?”

Magda inched forward, her steps slow and measured. She didn’t stop until she stood toe to toe with him. Even though she’d dropped her voice low, I could still hear her. “You’d best sleep with one eye open, old man. You hurt that girl, or make Grizzly watch the club abuse her, and I will cut off your balls, then shove them down your throat and watch you choke and die.”

Grizzly rocked back on his heels, but the room had gone completely silent. I had to assume her confronting him like that wasn’t the norm. At the same time, I was a little in awe of her. I’d never met a woman so fierce. It was at that moment I realized what Grizzly needed from me. Not meek, shy May. The girl I’d been all my life. He needed someone like Magda who would fight back. I wasn’t sure I had quite as much backbone as her, but for Grizzly I’d try.

“I won’t be used like that,” I said. “I’ve never been with anyone before. The only man I want is Grizzly. Anyone else touches me and they’ll have to force me. Is that what all of you are? Rapists? Is the town right about you?”

Killer’s head went back like he’d been physically hit. “No! Of course, we aren’t rapists. Women beg us to be with them. They’ll do whatever we want, and like it.”

“Well, I won’t,” I said. “You can never make me want you. I’ll never want your hands on me, or any other part of you. I’m with Grizzly, or I’m with no one.”

Grizzly reached down and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. I smiled up at him, hoping I wasn’t making a mess of things. I’d meant every word, though. What I didn’t understand was why he’d want to be part of a club like this. He seemed so good and kind, at least with me. Did he have another side? A darker one? The way he’d rescued me three times from the unwanted attention of boys in my class, and once when I’d been stranded in the rain, I’d thought he was a hero. I didn’t like the idea of him being like these men and using women just because he could.

Time to blink the stars from your eyes, May. He’s just a guy like all the others.

I hoped he’d prove me wrong. I wanted him to be the Grizzly I’d put on a pedestal, the one who rushed in to save the day. To be fair, he’d told these men he wouldn’t accept them using me that way. Still, I’d realized he’d been aware of what they’d demand, which meant they’d done it before. Since Magda was the only old lady, had the rule been a deterrent for anyone else wanting to have someone special in their life? Or did it mean the others had failed?

Magda’s words about not having to go through something so horrific to become Bullseye’s made me think no one else had attempted it. I studied the men across from me and it became rather clear. For whatever reason, they didn’t want anyone else to have an old lady. I wondered if Grizzly had realized their intent. As I watched them, and saw the way Bullseye’s gaze softened on Magda, I knew I was right. It was clear he adored her, and he’d have never asked her to do something like offer herself up to the entire club. For whatever reason, they wanted the others to remain single. Even Killer looked at her with a certain fondness.

My curiosity was piqued, which wasn’t always a good thing. I couldn’t wait to be alone with Grizzly again and ask a few questions. I only hoped he’d know the answers, or it would make him question things enough that he’d find out what was really going on with the Devil’s Fury. He was so proud to be part of them. I’d hate for him to leave. Would he even be able to? I had no idea how places like this worked. Once he’d patched in was that it? He could never walk away?

Bullseye looked at Grizzly, dragging his gaze away from Magda. “You know if we put it to a vote, no one will let her in. They don’t know her, Grizzly. She’d have to hang out around the club, prove her worth, but with the way things stand now, she wouldn’t be safe from their attentions. Not even if they knew you wanted her.”

Magda made a hmpf sound. “I’ll say she’s mine.”

Bullseye rolled his eyes to the ceiling and looked as if he were mentally counting, or possibly praying for patience. “And you don’t think the club will find it odd you have a kid who isn’t mine, one who’s never been around before?”

Magda turned to me. “Where are your parents?”

“Somewhere. They go out of town a lot. It’s okay. I’d rather be alone than have them home anyway.” I’d never told a soul why I didn’t like my parents being home, and I didn’t plan to start now. I hoped they didn’t push for more information. There was only so much I was comfortable telling them.

“What’s your full name?” Magda asked.

“Angelica May Ross, but I go by May. And before you ask, my parents are Sam and Laura Ross. I don’t know what they do for a living to travel so much. I asked once and they got weird looks on their faces and changed the subject.”

“And that didn’t seem unusual to you?” Killer asked.

“Of course, it was! But pressing for an answer might not have been a good idea. My dad can be volatile when he gets angry. I try to keep the peace when they’re home and enjoy my freedom when they’re gone.”

I felt Grizzly tense. “Exactly how volatile?”

Crap. I shouldn’t have said anything. He turned me to face him, forcing my chin up so I’d have to look at him. The way his jaw tensed, the flare in his eyes, told me I’d said too much but I couldn’t take it back now. He’d push until I told him everything.

“My dad isn’t a nice man,” I said. “Sometimes, if things don’t go his way or you disagree with him, then he’ll talk with his fists.”

Grizzly growled and the snarl on his lips would have had me taking a step back, if I could have. The way he gripped me, I wasn’t going anywhere unless he permitted it.

Chapter Four

Grizzly

Despite the fury I felt over May’s confession, and hearing her dad had been abusing her, I hadn’t missed the look on Killer’s face when she’d mentioned the names of her parents. The club knew something about Sam and Laura Ross, and I wanted to know what the fuck it was. First, I needed to take care of May. The fact Magda had stood up for her was a start, but Killer and Bullseye were right. She’d need to prove herself to the club, and I had no doubt they’d do what they could to test her. And I fucking hated it.

I left her in Magda’s care so I could get to the bottom of things. Killer and Bullseye would have appeared relaxed to anyone else, but I knew better. There was a tightness around Killer’s mouth and Bullseye’s fingers twitched every now and then. They were hiding something.

“So who are Sam and Laura Ross… to the club?” I asked.

“You’re not an officer, kid. You only get to know what we permit,” Bullseye said.

“Maybe, but right now whatever you know could put my woman in danger. I wasn’t kidding. I want a property cut for May. And I want to know why you’ve made it so damn difficult for anyone here to have an old lady.” I folded my arms and watched them. It hadn’t occurred to me until now something was up, but Magda was right. If they hadn’t made her jump through those hoops, why set up that shit now? “If May being mine is going to put her in more danger than she seems to be in already, I have a right to know about it. I’m not trying to be disrespectful. You know I’m honored to be a member of this club, and I have your backs, but right now I need you to have May’s back too. Tell me what I need to know so I can keep her safe.”

Bullseye sighed, shared a look with Killer, then they both took a seat. They motioned for me to grab a chair and I did, waiting to see what they had to say. Something told me I wasn’t going to like it. Not even a little.

“Laura and Sam Ross don’t have a direct connection to the club,” Bullseye said.

“No, but an indirect one, right?” I asked.

Killer nodded.

I was missing something. And I wasn’t sure if it was a connection to May herself, her parents, or all of them. I had a feeling it was more than just one thing. The club was keeping me in the dark, which meant my other brothers probably didn’t know about this shit either. Why keep the info from all of us? It put a target on anyone who didn’t know what the hell was going on, made us vulnerable.

“No offense, Pres, but this shit needs to stop. I don’t know what you’re keeping from the rest of us, but I don’t like not knowing who my enemies are.”

“The less you know the better off you’ll be,” Killer said.

“Why not let me be the judge of that? Especially if May is in the middle of this, and likely doesn’t even realize it?”

Bullseye gave him a nod.

“Cartwright is running drugs and women. He’s using the Ross couple as mules. The mom is getting drugs out of Mexico, and the dad is finding young girls for Cartwright’s stable. He has three underground brothels in this state, as well as some in four other states.” Killer leaned forward, bracing his arms on the table. “I’m betting if your girl isn’t dating Cartwright’s boy, then he’s been planted in her life to keep an eye on her. Maybe as leverage against her parents, or for some other fucked-up reason.”

“I told you I stopped him from trying to rape her,” I said. “Wouldn’t matter if she’d been dating him or not. She’s not now.”

“If he knew she was a virgin, he might have been testing the merchandise so to speak. Perhaps her parents have sold her to Cartwright, or maybe the man just plans to take her out from under their noses. If her parents raise a fuss about her being here, it’s going to cause the club some issues,” Killer said. “It may be legal for you to date your girl, but her parents could still go to the cops and have them come look for her.”

“Are we in Cartwright’s pocket?” I asked. I’d worry about May’s parents later. Right now, I needed to find out what I could about Cartwright. He was at the heart of all this shit.

“We have some deals going with him,” Killer said, his tone careful.

“I know our club isn’t exactly law-abiding, but are we now into selling women? Because I didn’t sign up for that. Maybe some of these other fuckers wouldn’t care, but I do.”

Bullseye cracked his neck. “We need Cartwright to drop his guard. We’ve spent a damn year trying to get into his good graces, earn his trust, and make sure he doesn’t suspect why we’re really there. Before him, it was Dean Foster. He ran things in this town for damn near a decade before Cartwright took him out.”

“And that’s why you don’t want anyone to have an old lady?” I asked.

Killer shifted in his seat. “Who said we don’t want anyone to have an old lady? Bullseye has Magda.”

“Right, and only Bullseye has one. You’ve made sure the rest of us don’t want to even attempt to have a serious relationship with someone. I want to know why,” I said.

The two shared a look and communicated silently. At first, I thought they might not answer my question. After all, I was just a patched member. If I poked the bear too much, I’d find myself busted up or in a shallow grave. If it weren’t for May, I’d back down, but I couldn’t risk it. I needed to find out everything I could to ensure she stayed safe.

“Women make us weak,” Bullseye said. “Cartwright knows all he has to do to get to me is threaten Magda. Same shit Foster used to pull. If we have a bunch of old ladies around here, it gives him even more leverage over us. How did you know we were trying to persuade everyone to stay single?”

“Magda said she didn’t have to do what you’re asking of May. It means those rules weren’t always in place. Something changed and I wanted to know what.”

Bullseye sighed and ran a hand through his hair. It was clear my questions were agitating him, which wasn’t a good thing.

“Now you know,” Killer said. “We didn’t think things through before Magda was voted in. It was only afterward we discovered we’d given our enemies the perfect leverage over us. We can’t make an exception for May or the club will want to know why you don’t have to play by the rules, boy. I know you want to keep her, but it’s not in her best interest right now.”

“Look, you said yourself her parents are up to their eyeballs in crap with Cartwright. Sending her home isn’t going to keep her safe. She’s already on his radar, and now that she’s not allowed his little bitch of a boy to have his way with her, they’ll be after her.” I leaned back. “Maybe let the club know she’s here under my protection? It will make her hands off while giving them a chance to get to know her and keeping her out of Cartwright’s hands.”

Killer smirked at Bullseye. “He’s thinking like an officer. Knew we made the right choice patching him in.”

Pride swelled at his words. I’d love nothing more than to earn my spot as an officer in the club. We didn’t have any openings right now and wouldn’t unless someone decided to step down or ended up dead.

“Does that mean you agree? May can stay with me?” I asked.

“Your girl can stay,” Bullseye said. “We’ll let the others know why she’s here and that she’s off-limits. Doesn’t mean those club whores won’t try to sink their claws into her. She’ll need to be tough to make it in this world, Grizzly. If you want to keep her, see that she learns the rules.”

I nodded and stood.

“Keep thinking the way you do, and proving yourself, you might just be an officer one day,” Killer said. He jabbed his finger in Bullseye’s direction. “This fucker can’t live forever.”

The Pres flipped him off. “You just want me six feet under so you can console my old lady.”

Killer grinned at him but didn’t deny the claim. I walked out shaking my head at their antics. Now that I knew May wouldn’t be tossed out, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I’d have to tell her the good news and figure out how to either get her things from her apartment or buy her some new clothes. Either way, she wouldn’t be going back there alone, and I damn sure wasn’t letting her stay with her parents again. It was clear they couldn’t be trusted.

I found her with Magda in the kitchen, making cookies of all things. My girl had her hands in a bowl of dough while Magda prepped the baking sheets. I brushed a kiss against May’s cheek, settling my hands at her waist. She smiled up at me, happiness shining in her eyes.

“I didn’t know this could be so much fun,” she said. “I’ve never baked cookies from scratch before. Or any kind for that matter. My mom isn’t exactly the domestic type.”

“I’m no gourmet chef, but I can teach you the basics,” Magda said before sprinkling chocolate chips over the dough. “Knead those in and we’ll add a bit more. Then I want you to roll them into small balls before you put them onto the baking sheets.”

May nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration.

“You’re going to need some clothes, May.” I leaned over her shoulder to watch her roll the dough into balls. “Want the stuff from your apartment or want me to go grab some new things from the store?”

She tensed a moment. “You don’t need to spend money on me.”

“The club will handle it,” Magda said. “Neither of you needs to worry about the cost. Just leave Bullseye to me.”

I ran my nose over the shell of May’s ear, making her shiver. “Need your sizes. All of them.”

I heard her breath catch and watched as her cheeks flushed a pretty pink.

I’d thought to send out a Prospect to pick up a few things, but that look on her face? Yep, I would be shopping for May myself. In fact, I’d be buying her a few sexy things. Even if I didn’t get to see them yet, I’d know what she had on under her clothes. I breathed in her scent, then stepped back, leaning against the kitchen wall as I watched her and Magda.

The glances she cast my way, the flush to her cheeks, and the sparkle in her eyes were enough to make me realize I’d made the right choice. Not just in bringing her here, but in keeping her. May was mine, and I was never letting her go.

Chapter Five

May

My face had felt like it was on fire when I’d opened the bags Grizzly had left for me. He’d showered and changed before stepping out of the room, claiming he needed to talk to King about something. The bras and panties were lacy and far sexier than anything I’d ever worn before. The thought of him buying them for me made me squeeze my thighs together as a shock of awareness went through me.

The roughness of the lace scraped across my nipples, making them even harder, and the panties were damp within minutes of putting them on. I stared at my reflection, head cocked, trying to compare this new May with the old one. I’d dried my hair, then used the curling iron Grizzly had purchased. He’d bought some mascara and a pot of lip gloss, but no other makeup, which was fine. I seldom wore any. I could have used some hairspray, but he hadn’t picked up any.

I worked the mascara into my lashes, watching as they darkened and seemed thicker and longer. Using the tip of my finger, I smoothed the gloss over my lips. With the tousled curls and new underthings, I looked… not like me. I liked the changes, though. I still couldn’t compete with the women I’d seen here before, but I no longer looked like sweet little May either. I was walking a line somewhere between the two.

The door opened and I spun, eyes wide and arms crossing over my chest as Grizzly tromped back into the room. The second he saw me, he froze. The man blinked twice, growled like the bear he’d been named after, and slammed the door shut. My chest heaved with every breath as I watched him, feeling like a mouse about to be pounced on.

“You’re fucking gorgeous, May.” His gaze skimmed over me before rising again to linger on my breasts. He came closer, reaching out and prying my arms loose. “You have no idea the things I’d like to do to you right now.”

The deep rasp of his voice and the hunger in his eyes made me shiver. I stepped closer, my breasts pressing against his chest. I felt the hard length of his cock through his jeans and my cheeks warmed. “No one’s ever seen me like this before.”

Oh, they’d seen me in my two-piece swimsuit, but this was different. I knew the lacy material didn’t exactly hide much.

“Killing me, Princess. Fucking killing me.”

“Thank you for the clothes and other stuff.” I licked my lips, trying to be seductive but I probably looked like an idiot. A seventeen-year-old virgin and a biker. We were as different as night and day. I looked up at him from beneath my lashes.

He lowered his head, his lips by my ear. “If I didn’t know how innocent you are, I’d tell you exactly how you could thank me. I’m going to lose my damn mind tonight, knowing you have this on under your clothes. I want to kiss you. Mark you. Make sure every damn brother down there knows you’re mine.”

I swallowed hard, my breath catching. I wanted that, so much, but I didn’t know how to ask him for it.

His voice dropped lower. Got deeper. “I can see your nipples, May. How hard they are. Makes me want to pull down the cups of your bra, suck those hard little buds into my mouth, and see just how wet I can make you.”

“Oh, God,” I murmured, barely holding back a whimper.

“You ever let a guy suck your nipples, May?”

“N-no.”

He placed his hands on my hips, squeezing. “Just how far have you gone, Princess?”

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I knew Grizzly was experienced. What would he think of just how little I had? “I’ve kissed before, and…”

He growled. “And what, May?”

“They’ve touched me. My breasts. Under my shirt. A-and one… one of them put his hand down my pants. Over my panties.” I wasn’t going to count the touches a few had taken without permission.

His hold on me tightened until I knew he’d leave bruises. “You’re mine now, May. You understand? Your breasts? Mine. Those pretty nipples? Mine. And your pussy is damn sure mine. Anyone touches you and I will cut off their fucking hand and shove it up their ass.”

His words should have frightened me, but they didn’t. If anything, I burned even hotter for him. Was something wrong with me? Violence shouldn’t turn me on, should it? Or was it only because it was Grizzly making the threats?

“Then maybe you should touch me.” I sucked in a breath the moment the words left my mouth. I hadn’t intended to say them.

His eyes turned darker, his expression fiercer. A little shiver ran through me as I watched him struggle for control. I wanted him to let go, to do whatever it was he wanted. I needed to know what it would feel like for him to kiss me, really kiss me. To touch me.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for, May.”

I looked up at him. “I’m seventeen. Nearly eighteen. I know you’re older, but I’m still legal. More than. Or is it because I’m a virgin?”

He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “Sweetheart, you have no idea what it does to me, knowing you’ve never been with anyone before. I don’t like that others have touched you, but they didn’t get all of you.”

I reached up and tugged on his beard. “They wouldn’t have had that much if someone hadn’t been so stubborn.”

His eyes flashed a moment, going even darker. “What are you saying, May?”

I pressed even closer to him. “I was waiting for you. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted, John. You keep saying I’m yours. Prove it.”

I didn’t know where those words had come from, or why I’d gotten so bold. I was more the type to stick my nose in a book and hide in a corner than go after what I wanted. Until now.

His jaw tightened. “It may not be illegal for us to be together, but people around town aren’t going to look too favorably on a relationship between us. Not just because of who I am either. You might be legal, but you’re still in high school.”

“I didn’t know you cared what other people thought.” I hesitated a moment. “Or is it more that you’re embarrassed to be seen with someone in high school?”

“It’s not me I’m worried about, May.”

In other words, he was holding back for me. To protect me. I couldn’t be angry with him. As badly as I wanted his lips on mine, his hands on my body, I wouldn’t push him.

I felt a bit of my spark die. “So you won’t kiss me?”

He reached up, gripping my hair in his hand. “Oh, I’m going to kiss you. I’ll even do a little more. But the big finale? That we’re saving for your birthday. My club may not care, but I won’t have the people in this town looking down on you.”

I couldn’t hold back my smile, and then he was kissing me. His lips devoured mine and he thrust his tongue into my mouth. The way he held me, tasted me, made every part of me want to beg for more. It felt like fire licked along my skin and burned me on the inside. My panties weren’t just damp. They were soaked.

John groaned and the hand still at my hip slid around and down to grab my ass. I squeaked in surprise when he gave it a squeeze. Without breaking our kiss, he managed to topple us to the bed, the weight of his body settling over mine. He moved his hand from my ass up my ribs, his thumb brushing the underside of my breast.

“John.” His name was little more than a whisper between kisses. “Please. Please touch me.”

He drew back and gazed down at me, his eyes holding mine as he tugged down my bra. When he cupped my breast, stroking my nipple, my clit throbbed. He held my gaze as he lowered his head and took the hard peak into his mouth. He sucked, licked, and even nipped it before switching to the other side. I ran my fingers through his hair, holding him to me. Nothing had ever felt so amazing.

If this was what sex was supposed to feel like, I could understand why the girls in my class were so eager to sleep with the guys at school. No one’s touch had ever made me want more. I’d endured the others because I thought there was just something wrong with me. Now I knew different.

“John. I-I…”

He pulled back. “So fucking beautiful, May. I’ll be jerking off later, remembering the way you look right now. These beautiful tits on display, your cheeks flushed.”

I squirmed beneath him trying to ease the ache that was building.

“Ever had an orgasm?” he asked.

I shook my head.

He leaned down and kissed me again. “Goin’ to make you come, May. Give me that first orgasm. Let me see how pretty you are when you’re falling apart.”

He slid his hand into my panties and his fingers stroked my pussy. I moaned and spread my legs farther. I’d always thought I’d feel embarrassed if I was laid out like this, but I wasn’t. Not with Grizzly. He rubbed my clit with his thumb, and I felt his finger slide inside me.

“So tight. So wet.” He peppered my lips with kisses before moving to my breasts again. “Come for me, angel.”

The sensations rolled over me, stealing the breath from my lungs. When I didn’t think I could take any more, he pressed on my clit a little harder and it felt like the earth fell away. My body tensed and my thighs trembled. A keening sound escaped my lips before I could hold it back as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me. When it abated and I was able to focus again, I saw him smiling down at me.

He pulled his hand from my panties, then stuck his finger in his mouth. My cheeks burned as I watched.

“You taste good, angel. Makes me want to drink it from the source.”

I gasped and clutched at the bedding.

“But right now, you need to get dressed so we can head downstairs. Just remember who you belong to.” He nipped my neck, biting a little harder before releasing me. “And now the others will know too.”

My hand went to my neck and I knew he’d left a mark. The possessiveness in his eyes made me want to stay right where I was, and finish what we’d started. I understood why he wanted to wait, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.

I finished dressing, tugging on the low-cut black tank and skintight jeans. The boots he’d picked out for me laced up and had decorative buckles on the sides. Thankfully, they had a modest heel. If he’d gotten me spiked heels, I’d have ended up on my face. I’d never figured out how to walk in them.

Grizzly helped me tuck in my shirt, his fingers lightly stroking my belly. He pressed another kiss to my lips before picking up a belt off the dresser. He slipped it through the loops on my jeans and fastened it. It had small silver studs dotting the length of it and was definitely meant for someone more badass than me.

“Let’s go show them what you’ve got,” he said. “And, May, no matter what happens, don’t back down. You show them fear, and they’ll tear you to shreds.”

I swallowed hard and nodded. Good to know. I was determined not to embarrass him. I didn’t think I was nearly as tough as Magda, but maybe one day I would be.

I followed him to the main area. Smoke hung heavy in the air and music blasted from a jukebox in the corner. The party couldn’t have been going for very long, and yet the room was packed. My eyes went wide when I noticed a few women were already topless and one had stripped all the way down to the skimpiest pair of panties I’d ever seen. The lace ones Grizzly had bought for me seemed like granny panties in comparison.

I tightened my hold on his hand. One of the topless women homed in on him, a smile stretching across her bright red lips as she sauntered over on sky-high heels. The way her hips moved mesmerized more than one man as she drew nearer. If I’d tried to walk like that, I’d have probably fallen.

“Grizzly! I’ve been waiting for you.” She pouted and ran a long fingernail down his chest. “I thought you’d never show up.”

He gripped her hand and shoved it away. “Not now, Donna.”

Her gaze slid over to me, her eyes narrowing. “Who’s this little bitch?”

Grizzly let out a growl and he snarled at the woman. He really did sound more animal than man most of the time. The fact my panties got wetter every time he rumbled at someone like a damn bear should have probably concerned me. I’d always been taught good girls didn’t end up with guys like Grizzly. But he was all I wanted.

“She’s none of your concern,” Grizzly said. “Move the fuck away, Donna. I’m not dealing with your petty bullshit tonight.”

The look she cast my way was enough to make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. She wasn’t done, not by a long shot. I had a feeling I needed to watch my back around her. For whatever reason, she seemed to feel like she had some sort of claim on Grizzly, and she didn’t like me encroaching on her territory. Had they slept together? Did I even want to know?

One of the other Devil’s Fury members came over, eyeing me like a piece of meat. “Fresh blood? Isn’t she a little overdressed?”

“This is May,” Grizzly said.

The guy blinked and straightened before backing up a step. “Shit, sorry. Bullseye told us about her, but he didn’t mention she was a damn knockout. I’ll spread the word so you don’t have brothers trying to get in her pants all night.”

“What exactly did the Pres say?” Grizzly asked. “He excused me from Church so I could buy a few things for May.”

“She’s under club protection. More specifically, under yours.” He glanced at me again. “You have shitty parents. I have no idea why they’d work for a bastard like Cartwright, but we’ll keep you safe. Name’s Beacon. You need anything, just ask.”

I gave him a smile of thanks and noticed his patches said he was the club Secretary. As we moved through the crowd, I met a few more of the members, including the Treasurer, King. Even though I’d seen him earlier, we hadn’t been formally introduced. I had to wonder about Beacon’s words. What did he mean my parents worked for Cartwright? And so what if they did? The man was well-known around town, and no one seemed to look down on him. I had a feeling there was something I didn’t know, something important.

Grizzly stopped at a table along the wall and sat, tugging me onto his lap. He gave a nod to the man on his left. “This is Blades. He’s fairly new to this chapter. On the other side of him is Freckles.”

I waved at the two redheaded men. I wasn’t about to ask why Blades had been given such a tough name while Freckles had the name of some cute pet. I didn’t think I wanted to hear the answer.

“I’m Yeti,” the tall blond next to me said, holding out his hand. I gave it a quick shake, thinking he seemed familiar. He smirked. “We went to school together. Dropped out last year and patched into the club.”

That’s right. Now I remembered him. We’d had a few classes together, even though he’d kept to himself. William Brown. I’d wondered why he’d dropped out. It wasn’t all that uncommon. More than one girl I’d gone to school with had gotten married and dropped out, and several of the guys had gotten full-time jobs. I’d stuck it out, even though I didn’t know what I’d do next with my life. My parents had never discussed my plans for after I graduated.

“Don’t you worry, little girl.” Blades smiled at me. “We’ll keep you safe. The way this one here is holding onto you, I have a feeling he wouldn’t mind you sticking around even after your parents have been handled.”

My cheeks warmed as I glanced at Grizzly. I wouldn’t mind either. I’d love nothing more than to be his and stay with him. Although, I hadn’t imagined everyone would be so accepting of my presence. The guys were treating me like a little sister, but the way Bullseye and Killer had spoken before, I’d expected them to demand I strip down and service them or something. Whatever he’d said to them, it must have had a very big impact.

“I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to keep me,” I said, my cheeks getting hotter by the minute.

Yeti flicked the spot on my neck where Grizzly had bitten me. “Seems he’d like that, seeing as how he marked you and all.”

“Surprised you didn’t tell the Pres you wanted a property cut for her,” Blades said, eyeing Grizzly.

“I did, but I won’t put her through the shit the club requires for her to prove herself. There wouldn’t be a brother left breathing afterward. Any fucker who touched her would die a bloody and painful death.”

Blades studied him quietly. “I understand. If I had a sweet thing like her, I’d want her all to myself too.”

One of the mostly naked women sauntered over and ran her fingers over Grizzly’s shoulder. She gave me a malicious grin as she leaned forward, putting her bare breasts in his face.

“Want to have some fun?” she asked him. “You know I’ll give you anything you want.”

Grizzly eyed her breasts before looking up at her face. I tensed on his lap, wondering if he’d take her up on the offer. Even though he’d said I was his, I didn’t remember him saying he was mine. Did it work that way? What happened if he wanted one of these women? Would I have to sit back and just pretend it didn’t happen?

“Did I give you permission to touch me?” he asked.

Her smile faltered and she removed her hand. “You haven’t complained before.”

He motioned to me. “Does it look like I’m here to party with the likes of you? Show some fucking respect for me and my woman.”

She frowned, her gaze flicking from him to me and back again. “She’s not wearing a property cut like Bullseye’s old lady.”

I saw Magda making a beeline for us. I didn’t know where she’d come from, but the fierce look on her face warmed me. My parents had never stood up for me, but it looked like Magda was about to come put this woman in her place. Which made me realize I shouldn’t let other people fight my battles. If I wanted Grizzly’s club to accept me, I needed to prove I belonged her.

Standing up, I turned to face the woman who still hadn’t backed off. I folded my arms and lifted my chin, hoping I looked far braver than I felt.

“Are you deaf?” I asked her.

The woman snarled. “Stay out of this, bitch.”

I straightened to my full height, which was still barely five feet. When she put her claws on Grizzly again, I knew I had to do something or risk these women running roughshod over me. I let out a breath and reached out, grabbing a handful of her hair. I yanked, tumbling her to the floor at our feet. When she tried to stand, I tightened my hold on her hair and shoved my booted foot down onto her chest.

“I’ll fucking kill you!” She screeched and beat at my leg, but I didn’t let go. I felt Magda stop at my side, her presence bolstering me.

“No, you won’t.” I leaned forward, putting more weight on her until she gasped, and her eyes went wide. “But if you come after Grizzly again, I will kick your ass. Keep your filthy hands off him.”

Magda patted my shoulder and I released the woman. “That’s my girl. Come on. Let the whore go and we’ll go to the kitchen. We can snack on the cookies we made earlier.”

“Y-you made cookies? With the Pres’s old lady?” The woman on the floor rubbed at her chest. “Who the hell are you?”

Magda put her arm around my shoulders. “She’s my adopted daughter and Grizzly’s woman. Next time you fuck with her, remember that. What she did was mild. You know damn well what will happen if I get my hands on you.”

With that, she steered me away. I felt everyone watching as we walked out of the main room and down the short hallway to the kitchen. Magda already had a plate of cookies in the center of the table and she’d pulled out two ice-cold sodas.

“You told her I was your adopted daughter,” I said as I took a seat.

“I did, and as far as I’m concerned, you are. Bullseye already knows how I feel. I’ve made it quite clear to him that I’m going to claim you as ours, and if he doesn’t like it, he can go suck rotten eggs.”

I snorted my drink and coughed, trying to catch my breath. “You told him that?”

Magda smiled. “We’ve been together a long time. Since I was sixteen. Well, unofficially. It took him a while to make me his old lady. We wanted kids when we were younger, but it just never happened. Then Bullseye became the club President and we knew the timing was just all wrong.”

I reached over and placed my hand over hers. “I’d be honored to be your daughter.”

The warmth in her eyes as she smiled at me made me feel happier than I had been in a long time. Magda would have been an amazing mother, unlike the woman who’d given birth to me. If anyone proved that being able to have children didn’t necessarily mean you should have them, it was Laura Ross.

Chapter Six

Grizzly

I’d been so fucking proud of May tonight. She’d impressed my brothers not only sitting at our table, but those who’d been close enough to pay attention to what was going on. The way she’d put the club whore on her ass was sexy as hell. I hadn’t realized May had it in her, but she’d proved me wrong. I knew I was a long way from getting to make her mine in the eyes of the club, and give her a property cut, but it was a step in the right direction.

She lay curled against me, her head on my shoulder as she slept. I’d enjoyed a few beers with my brothers before I’d found her in the kitchen, laughing with Magda as if they were old friends. Or mother and daughter in truth. I couldn’t believe she’d claimed May in front of everyone. I wondered if Bullseye knew.

I hated that I couldn’t make her mine. I hoped like hell if we settled the issues with Cartwright it would mean things could change around here. I couldn’t be the only one who wanted an old lady. The way Blades had talked tonight, I had a feeling he wouldn’t mind finding a woman to call his own. Yeti was a little younger than me and I knew he was still happy to screw around with the club whores, but some of the other guys seemed to be getting tired of the casual pussy.

Maybe it made me less of a man, but I wanted to hold a woman at night, watch her sleep peacefully in my arms. Like I was doing right now with May, except I wanted it every fucking night. The taste of her was still on my tongue and I knew she was the woman I wanted to keep for the rest of my life. I just had to make sure it was safe first.

“You’re thinking too hard,” she murmured.

I stroked her arm and kissed her forehead. “Go back to sleep, May.”

“Can’t. My pillow is too tense.”

I chuckled and gave her a slight squeeze. “So now I’m just your pillow?”

“Mmm. I want you to be more, but you said we had to wait.” She snuggled closer. “I’m just trying to follow your rules.”

I snorted. “Yeah, right. You didn’t dress in as little as possible, then practically crawl on top of me because you were following anything except your own desires. You want me as much as I want you, and it’s a big fucking turn-on, May. It’s just not safe right now. Not only because of the rules of the club. It’s not safe outside the Devil’s Fury. There are people who would hurt you just because you’re mine.”

I ran my fingers over the patch of exposed skin above her panties. She’d put on a clean tank and changed into another pair of the panties I’d picked up earlier, and that’s all she’d decided to wear to bed. The little temptress!

“Is that why the ridiculous rules were put into place? So none of you would want to claim a woman?” she asked.

“You’re too perceptive. And yes, that’s why.” I sighed. “I hate to say it, baby girl, but your parents are in the thick of it. Beacon shouldn’t have opened his mouth earlier. He didn’t know you have no idea what your parents are up to. It’s not safe for you to go home, but you aren’t entirely safe here either. If Cartwright’s men were to attack, you could be captured or killed. Since I put his son on his ass for touching you, it makes you even more vulnerable. It won’t just be the senior Cartwright trying to use you to get to the club, or even your parents. The younger one will want payback.”

She traced a pattern on my chest before pressing a kiss to the side of my neck. The heat of her breath as it fanned across my skin had my dick even harder. She wasn’t making it easy to keep my hands in respectable places. I wanted nothing more than to strip her down and claim her innocence. Make her mine in the most basic of ways.

“I was in danger before you brought me here, John. At least I have a chance as long as I’m by your side, and there’s honestly nowhere else I’d rather be. As for my parents, I don’t delude myself into thinking they care. If I were to die tomorrow, you and Magda are the only ones who’d even notice. I might not know what they do for Mr. Cartwright, but I have a feeling it isn’t something legal.”

I turned, rolling her underneath me. Stroking her hair back from her face, I studied her in the moonlight. I’d never seen anyone as beautiful as May. It wasn’t just her physical beauty, but her inner beauty. She was sweet, but it seemed she was strong as well. There was no woman more perfect for me than my angel.

“How many days until your birthday?” I asked.

She chewed on her lower lip and something flashed in her eyes. It almost seemed as if she had a confession to make. Had she already turned eighteen and had just been fucking with me?

“Does it really matter? If we’re down to counting days, what’s the difference?” she asked. “If anyone asks, we can say I’m eighteen. It’s not like I have a driver’s license for them to check, and who’s going to ask to see my birth certificate?”

“I want to do right by you, May. I’ve fucked up enough things in my life. It’s bad enough just being mine could damn well ruin you. This town isn’t going to look at you the same way once our names are linked.”

She reached up and cupped my cheek. “John, my parents aren’t nice people. Once the truth comes out, do you think anyone is going to see me as sweet, innocent May? Because they won’t. They’ll wonder if I was part of it all. I may not know everything they’re up to, but don’t think I didn’t notice the look on Killer’s face when I said their names. And the way Beacon mentioned their connection to the Cartwrights only confirms that. Your club knows something about them, which means my parents are into some illegal stuff. I don’t know how bad it is, and I don’t care.”

“You’re an angel, May. My angel. Anyone who sees you any different isn’t worth your time. As for your parents, they don’t just work for Cartwright. They play an integral role in his business, but I don’t want to tell you more than that.”

She bit her lip, giving my beard a slight tug. “I think I’m falling for you, John. Don’t break my heart. I don’t think I’d survive it.”

I kissed her soft and slow. She might be falling for me, but I damn well knew I was already ass over head in love with her. I’d never met her equal and knew I never would. She was amazing, and she’d be mine one way or another.

The window rattled and the bed under us vibrated. I heard shouts and a stampede of booted feet. My heart hammered in my chest as I stared at May. I didn’t want to leave her behind if it wasn’t safe in the building, but taking her with me could be bad too.

“Put some clothes on. Quickly,” I said, rolling out of bed. I drew on my jeans, a black tee and my cut before shoving my feet into my boots. I wasn’t about to take time for a damn belt or socks when I didn’t know what the fuck was going on out there.

Once May was ready, I grabbed her hand and led her to the door. I picked up my Glock 17 off the dresser and cracked the door open just enough for me to view the hall. May squeezed my hand as I stepped out of the room. One of my brothers ran past, shrugging on his cut and his pants still undone.

“What the fuck is going on?” I asked.

“Someone set off explosives.”

I had a feeling all this was connected to Cartwright. Sure, the club had other enemies, but they weren’t the type to try and blow up the clubhouse. Assuming that’s what happened. Until I got my orders, I wouldn’t know for sure what was going on. When I ran across Magda, I left May with her, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.

“Stay safe, sweet girl. Do what Magda says. I’ll come get you as soon as I can.”

Magda wrapped her arm around May. “We’re going into the cellar.”

I gave her a nod, some of the tension easing from me. What Magda called a cellar was actually a trapdoor that led to an underground room and a hidden passage that would carry them about a mile from the clubhouse. It would hopefully get them far enough to be safe from whatever was going on here.

I rushed to the main room where Bullseye was barking orders. The club’s VP, Sandman, was standing by his side, which drew me to a quick halt. Last I’d seen him he’d been full of holes and dying. What the hell was going on?

The emptiness in his gaze chilled me as Sandman scanned the room, seeming blind to the chaos around him. No one else found it strange he just happened to reappear when someone set off explosives? Where had he been the last few months? The way Bullseye glanced his way a few times told me the President didn’t trust him right now either. Not completely.

Killer approached. “Cartwright’s men set off some small explosives along the perimeter. Not anywhere near close enough to take out the building, which makes me wonder why he bothered. If he wanted our attention, he’s got it.”

“You think it was more of a distraction?”

Killer leaned in closer, his voice dropping. “You mean because our VP suddenly appeared after not hearing from him in months? The very man we believed had died on our last run?”

“Something like that,” I said, not wanting to mention my distrust out loud. Not being an officer, I wasn’t about to say I was suspicious of our VP.

“Bullseye isn’t too accepting of Sandman’s return right now either. But he could have walked in here without all the extra shit. So I don’t think he’s the reason for the explosives.”

“Then who…” Every muscle in my body froze. May. Cartwright had called to demand we return May to his son, and we’d refused. This wasn’t about the club at all. It was about my woman.

I rushed back the way I’d come and tried to lift the cellar door. Magda must have locked it from the inside. The door didn’t budge, and I heard the rattle of the bolt on the other side as I yanked on the handle several times. Backing away from the trapdoor, I raced through the clubhouse and went out to my bike. By the time I had the engine going, Killer and Yeti were beside me mounting their bikes as well. They followed as I drove away from the clubhouse. I knew exactly where the hidden tunnel would let out. I only hoped I wasn’t too late.

The wind whipped through my hair and my headlight cut through the darkness. The back roads behind the clubhouse were rough, nothing more than dirt. The bikes kicked up dust as we made our way toward the back half of the Devil’s Fury property. A small form lay on the ground at the entrance to the tunnel and it felt like all the air had been sucked from my lungs. I brought my bike to a skidding halt, barely pausing long enough to put down the kickstand before I rushed toward the woman.

Magda. I brushed her hair back and saw the blood trickling from a wound on her head. From the swelling and bruising, it looked like someone had bashed her over the head.

“Jesus,” Killer muttered, kneeling next to me. He took Magda into his arms and cradled her close. “Magda, can you hear me? Wake up.”

She moaned and her lashes fluttered before she opened her eyes all the way.

“Good girl,” Killer murmured. “I’m going to take you to Bullseye, but first I need to know what happened. The kid here is about to lose his shit.”

He wasn’t wrong. It felt like I was unraveling at the seams. May was gone. I knew in my gut Cartwright had her, and I worried he’d let his son finish what he’d started.

“They took her,” Magda said, her words slurring. “Her parents and two others.”

“Her parents?” I asked. “Are you sure?”

“She recognized them,” Magda said. “Tried to stop them, but I couldn’t. They hit me and snatched her from my arms.”

Killer pressed a kiss to her brow. I wondered exactly how close the two of them were since she was Bullseye’s old lady, but now wasn’t the time. “You did good. Let’s get you to your old man.”

She groaned as he stood, lifting her into his arms.

“I’ll go with Grizzly,” Yeti said. “You know he’s going after May and he shouldn’t go in alone.”

“Stop by the clubhouse first. You need more men with you. Take Blades and Beacon. When I can, I’ll see you get more reinforcements. You know where they’re taking her?” Killer asked.

“No. I’ll check her apartment first, in case her parents just took her home. If she’s not there, I’ll go to Cartwright’s place. I won’t go in guns blazing. I’ll sit and watch, see if I can figure out if she’s there or not,” I said.

“Keep your cool,” Killer said. “We’ll do whatever we can to get her back. Just don’t go in half-cocked and do something stupid or you’ll both end up dead.”

I nodded and went to my bike. Yeti followed. When we stopped at the clubhouse, Killer filled in Blades and Beacon after handing Magda off to a furious Bullseye. I knew if I didn’t tear Cartwright apart for stealing May, the Pres would go after him for harming his old lady. Couldn’t blame him.

Chapter Seven

May

Knowing your parents don’t care if you live or die and being present when they actually hand you over to a monster are two different things. I had to wonder why they’d even had me. It had always been clear they didn’t love me. My heart ached as I thought of Magda. They’d hit her so hard! If they’d killed her… No! I wouldn’t even think it. She had to be okay. Someone would find her and get her the help she needed. As for me, once Grizzly knew I was missing, he’d track me down. I didn’t doubt it for a second. I just hoped when he got here, he wasn’t falling into a trap that would get him killed.

Don Cartwright circled me, his hands behind his back as he eyed me up and down. I felt like a horse being auctioned off. He reached out to touch my hair, testing the texture. Squeezed my breasts and my ass. Fear and revulsion rolled through me, but I forced myself to hold still and take it. There would be a time to fight back, but standing in a room with four armed men wasn’t it. I’d end up shot or worse.

“And she’s seventeen?” Mr. Cartwright asked.

“Yes,” my mother said.

“No,” I said, then glanced at the clock on the wall, seeing it was after midnight. “Not anymore. It’s my birthday.”

“It would have been better if you’d brought her here several years ago. I can always find buyers for the younger girls. Girls, and even boys, thirteen to fifteen years old do really well. Even younger. But by this age… Well, I’m sure I can get a decent price for her.” He stopped in front of me, gripping my chin tight. “How experienced are you?”

“W-what?”

“Are you a virgin? And don’t fucking lie. I’ll have you examined to make sure you’re telling the truth.”

My stomach knotted and I fought back the bile rising in my throat. Examined? And buyers… like he’d done this countless times. What exactly did my parents do for this man? The thought of them helping him sell kids made my stomach knot even more. How could they do such a thing? Were they completely heartless? Did they not have a conscience at all?

His hold on my chin tightened and tears stung my eyes. “Yes, I’m a virgin.”

He hmm’d and stepped back, releasing me. “Then I may be able to find someone after all.”

Seth strolled into the room. He seemed as if he hadn’t a care in the world, despite the bruises on his face and his split lip. The moment he noticed me, his lips tipped up in a smirk. As much as I didn’t want to be sold to some stranger, I didn’t exactly want his hands on me either. I didn’t know how I’d get out of this, but I needed to figure something out. Or say a prayer Grizzly found me in time.

“Well, if it isn’t my girlfriend,” Seth said.

“I’m not your girlfriend,” I said. “I tolerated you because I couldn’t have who I wanted. Things are different now.”

“Not so different if you’re still a virgin.” He sneered at me. “What? The nasty biker wouldn’t even touch you? Or were you a frigid bitch with him too?”

My fingers twitched as I fought the urge to smack him. I wanted to say something to put him in his place, but I didn’t dare. The last thing I wanted to do was let anyone here know exactly how far I’d gone with Grizzly. Although, right now, I was wishing he hadn’t held back. What if he didn’t make it in time and I ended up with some strange man?

Not helping! Don’t think about it.

“Show her to her quarters. She’ll need to be bathed and properly attired,” Mr. Cartwright said.

“It would be my pleasure,” Seth said, taking a step closer. His dad held up a hand.

“Not you. I need her to still be a virgin, if she’s telling the truth. If you go down there, you’ll do something stupid and her value will drop.”

Right. Because I wasn’t worth anything more than a sale to these people, including my parents who hadn’t said a damn word since bringing me here, except a one-word response to Cartwright. They didn’t have a flicker of sympathy or regret in their eyes as one of the armed men grabbed me.

“Come on, girl,” he said, yanking on my arm and dragging me down a hall. When we reached a door, he shoved me through, and I nearly fell down a flight of stairs. As I descended into the dark, keeping one hand on the wall, I worried I’d never see Grizzly again. Even if he did figure out where I was, how would he ever get in here to save me?

I’d noticed the wrought-iron fence, and the guards when we’d arrived. It would be suicide for him to even try getting into this place. As much as I wanted to go back to the clubhouse, I didn’t want Grizzly to risk his life for me. I cared too much about him. I had no doubt if Mr. Cartwright got his hands on any member of the club, he’d kill them. Watching Grizzly die would be worse than whatever was in store for me. I could get through this as long as I knew he was still alive and out there somewhere, hopefully trying to find a way to rescue me.

You couldn’t have taken some self-defense classes? Or learned something useful?

No, but then I hadn’t exactly thought I’d ever end up in a situation like this one either. Whoever contemplated their parents selling them? Your parents were supposed to love you and care for you. Granted, mine hadn’t ever seemed to care. I still hadn’t ever thought they’d be so cold as to sell me to the highest bidder.

At the bottom of the stairs, the man flipped on a switch and the room lit up. I wished he’d just left the lights off. Chills skated down my spine as I looked at my surroundings. Whimpers drew my attention to the cage in the corner. Three girls were inside. They’d been stripped, and had bruises covering their skin. If they were being sold, I couldn’t think of why anyone would pay for them in this condition.

“Unless you want to join our little toys, you’ll do as you’re told,” the guard behind me said, giving me a shove toward a room on the right.

Toys? I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. Still, maybe there was a way I could help them if I knew more about why they were here. If I did get a chance to escape, I could try to take them with me. “Why do you call them that?”

“Because they’re here for us to play with,” he said.

I glanced their way again. Two of them looked younger than me and the other girl was a little familiar. They’d hurt those girls for sport. Would the same thing happen to me when I got to whoever was going to buy me? Could I survive?

The man shoved me into a small room. A twin bed sat against one wall. The rest of the space was empty except for a door. He nudged me toward it, and I discovered a bathroom. It was just a small shower, a toilet, and a sink hung on the wall.

“You need to get clean,” the man said.

I waited, thinking he’d leave. Except he didn’t. He folded his arms and stared. I turned, giving him my back and wondered if I could go through with it. Could I undress in front of him and wash? It didn’t look like he was going to give me a choice. My hands shook as I removed my shirt and jeans. I was wishing for my non-sexy underthings as I stood in front of the stranger. Instead, I had on one of the lacy sets Grizzly had bought for me.

I reached behind me to unlatch the bra and let it fall to the ground. Before I got a chance to take off the panties, gunfire sounded from somewhere above. The man in the doorway cursed and I heard him stomp away. I didn’t know how much time I’d have, so I quickly put on my clothes again and peered into the bedroom. He’d left, but it didn’t mean he’d gone back upstairs. I tiptoed to the bedroom door and tried to see out into the main area without getting caught.

The girls were subdued and huddled together. I crept closer, not seeing the man anywhere down here. As I neared the cage, I tried to figure out how to open it. I didn’t have a key. Scanning the area, I saw a line of hooks and keys. It couldn’t really be that easy, could it?

I grabbed all of them and ran back to the cage. I tried every key, until one worked. The door swung open on squeaky hinges.

“Come on. Let’s find a way out.” I held my hand out to them, but they just cowered farther back into the cage. “Don’t you want out of here?”

“They’ll kill us, like they did Daisy,” one of them said.

“Daisy?” I asked.

“She tried to run. They made an example of her. Strapped her to a table in the middle of the room and forced us to watch as they tortured and raped her, before they finally slit her throat.” The older girl pressed closer to the other two. “We aren’t ever leaving this place. Not unless we’re dead.”

I couldn’t fault them for being scared. I was terrified, but I refused to give up. I left their cage open, in hopes they would change their minds and try to get out of this place. Making my way up the stairs, I noticed the gunfire seemed to be farther away now. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or bad thing. Would the guard come back? Or had we gotten lucky and someone had shot him?

At the top, I peered through the doorway and breathed a sigh of relief. I saw several men in Devil’s Fury cuts fighting with Cartwright’s men. I recognized Yeti and hoped if he was here, then Grizzly would be too. I ran from my hiding place and sprinted toward the front of the house. Maybe if I could get outside, I’d have a chance of getting away from this madness.

A strong arm wrapped around my waist from behind and hauled me back against a broad chest. I thrashed, slamming my heels back into the man’s shins. There was no way I’d go back down to that room!

“Hey! Easy, angel.”

The fight drained from me. “Grizzly?”

He released me and I turned to face him. Tears welled in my eyes and I threw myself into his arms. He’d found me!

“Did you think I wouldn’t come for you?” he asked.

“I didn’t know how you’d get into this place.”

“No one takes my woman and gets away with it,” he said. “Heard your parents were there.”

I nodded. “They hurt Magda.”

“She’ll be okay. Did they hurt you?” he asked.

“Not exactly.”

He tensed. “What the hell does that mean?”

“I have some bumps and bruises, and they embarrassed me. Mr. Cartwright felt me up, testing the merchandise, I guess. Said he might have a buyer for me. One of the guards made me strip and was going to watch me shower, but… I guess you guys broke into this place. I heard guns going off and the man left.”

“Which man?” Grizzly asked, scanning the area.

“It doesn’t matter. Please. Can we leave? I want to get out of this place.”

“If your parents and Cartwright aren’t handled, they’ll just come for you again,” he said. “I’m not walking out of here until I know they’re dead.”

I could tell he wouldn’t budge on the matter. He’d meant every word. Which meant I needed to find my parents in all this chaos. It looked like nearly the entire club was here. Grizzly held tight to my hand. We went room by room. It wasn’t long before we found my mother. She lay in a pool of blood, her throat slit and her sightless eyes staring up at the ceiling.

By the time we reached the back of the house, we’d also passed my father and Seth. Both had been shot multiple times. Which only left Mr. Cartwright. We found him in the backyard, along with Killer and Bullseye. The President of the Devil’s Fury looked like the thing of nightmares. If I hadn’t known we were on the same side, I might have peed myself right then.

“Grizzly, get your woman out of here,” Killer said, not taking his gaze off Cartwright. “She doesn’t need to see this.”

“He touched her,” Grizzly said.

Killer took a step back and waved at Cartwright. “Then get a few hits in. But don’t kill him. The Pres gets that honor.”

Grizzly released me and stalked toward Cartwright. He slammed his fist into the man’s face twice. When he hauled back his arm to do it again, Bullseye grabbed his fist and yanked him back.

“That’s it, kid. Get your girl out of here.” Bullseye shoved him toward me. “Take her to see her mom. She’s worried sick.”

“My mom?” I asked.

“My woman adopted you, remember? Makes you our kid. Now do as you’re told. Go see your mom and take this hothead with you,” Bullseye said.

Warmth filled me at his words, and I tugged on Grizzly’s arm. “Come on. Take me to the clubhouse.”

Grizzly gave a low growl but swung me up into his arms. Before he carried me off, I remembered the poor girls in the basement. If they hadn’t been found yet, someone needed to save them. I looked over at Bullseye.

“There’s a few girls in the basement. They’ve been badly abused, and they’re terrified.”

Killer flashed me a smile. “We’ll handle it. Go see your mom and don’t think about this place anymore.”

Grizzly moved quickly around the side of the house and out to his motorcycle. I clung to him, eager to leave this place behind.

Chapter Eight

Grizzly

May had insisted on taking a shower and changing before she saw Magda. After what she’d been through, I could understand. I’d helped her undress and wash. Held her while she cried. Now she sat in a chair by the Pres’s bed, holding Magda’s hand. The woman had tears in her eyes as she stared at May.

“I failed you,” Magda said. “But you’re my strong girl and you came home.”

“You didn’t fail me. You’ve been the best mom ever.” May licked her lips and her knee bounced up and down as she fidgeted. “Would it… I mean, could I…”

“She wants to call you Mom,” I said.

Magda lit up, the biggest smile spreading across her lips. “I’d love nothing more. My sweet girl. You’re the best gift I could have ever received.”

“And you know damn well you didn’t fail her. Sandman betrayed us all. Then he took the coward’s way out and put a bullet in his own head before any of us had the chance.”

After May had been taken, Bullseye had lit into Sandman, questioning where he’d been, how he’d survived. The VP had broken down and admitted to joining Cartwright’s crew after we’d left him behind. Didn’t matter the club had thought he was dead. He’d decided to get even by switching sides.

May openly cried as she hugged Magda. I decided to leave them alone for a few minutes, but I wouldn’t be far. As it was, Bullseye had left two Prospects to guard Magda, and a few brothers were in the main area and standing guard outside. He hadn’t taken any chances with his woman. Hopefully, he’d finish off Cartwright and things would settle down. It would put an end to the human trafficking in this area, at least for now. The club would take over the drug business for this region, and who knew what else. I had a feeling Cartwright was into more than selling girls and drugs.

I went to the bar to get a cold beer and kicked back at one of the tables. I’d give my woman a few more minutes with Magda before I decided to steal her away. It was my hope, when the dust settled a bit more, the club would vote her in as my old lady. With Magda and Bullseye claiming her as their kid now, I didn’t see why anyone would stand in my way. Unless the Pres didn’t think I was worthy of his new daughter.

May might have lost her birth parents, and her entire life might be changing, but I had a feeling things would be looking up for her. She had the love and support of this club now. And she had me. I’d do anything for her. Hell, I could admit I loved her. Maybe I needed to tell her. Was she ready for something like that?

“You going to sit here and second-guess yourself or go get your woman?” Blades asked, kicking my chair.

“When did you get back?” I asked.

He nodded toward the door. “We’re all back. Bullseye took care of Cartwright. The cleaners have been called, and now… now it’s time to party.”

I eyed the blood spattering his clothes. “Might want to shower first.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “You may be right there. I plan to indulge in as much pussy as I can tonight. Wouldn’t want to scare the ladies off.”

I snorted. “Ladies. That’s a good one.”

He smacked the back of my head. “Don’t go disrespecting them. Just because they spread their legs easier than most doesn’t mean you can look down on them.”

“Tell me that again after they’ve tried to start shit with the woman you want to claim. Right now, I hope they all give me a wide berth. I’m not up for their games.”

“Go get May. Bullseye will be wanting to spend some time with Magda. Besides, your woman may want a quiet night in your room after all she’s been through. Better take some drinks up there. You can get a Prospect to bring you some food when you’re ready. Whether it’s a snack or later on for breakfast.”

“Good idea.” I stood and slapped Blades on the back before heading to the Pres’s room to get May. She and Magda were quietly talking when I stepped into the room and both stopped immediately. A pretty blush spread across May’s cheeks.

“Tell him,” Magda said.

“Tell me what?”

May stood and came toward me. “My birthday is today. I’m eighteen. And… when I was with Cartwright, and he… Well, I was wishing you hadn’t waited. That you’d claimed me. Made me yours. If he’d succeeded in selling me and my first time had been with some strange man, I think I’d have died inside.”

Oh, hell. I gathered her close and glared at Magda. “What kind of mother encourages her kid to have sex?”

Magda gave a weak laugh. “The kind who knows love when she sees it. You love my girl and she worships you. Waiting was foolish. It’s not like it’s illegal for the two of you to be a couple. The two of you belong together. Don’t waste another minute, Grizzly. Life is too fleeting.”

“She’s right,” May said. “We don’t know how many tomorrows we’ll have. I want to enjoy every last one we have together. I love you, John. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted, and I’ll love you until the day I die.”

I cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes. “Love you too, May. You’re it for me. I did my best to stay away, thinking you deserved better. I was an idiot and I’m sorry. But why the hell didn’t you tell me your birthday was so close? I was thinking it was days or weeks away, if not longer.”

“I guess it just bothered me you were so hung up on me turning eighteen. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t illegal for you to be with me when I was seventeen, and it wasn’t like you were going to force me. I wanted to be with you. Still do.”

“Get out of here. Let an old woman rest,” Magda said, her voice getting weaker as sleep tugged at her.

I led May from the room and to what would now be our room. I didn’t know how the Pres lived here with Magda. As loud as this place could get, and as crazy, I’d have preferred to take May to a nice cozy house. A place that was just our own. Maybe someday we could have a home. For now, the room at the clubhouse would have to do.

“Why don’t you change into something comfortable,” I said. “Want me to grab you a soda from the kitchen? The guys are going to party in celebration of Cartwright being gone. It’s going to be loud, and I’m not sure you’re up for that scene.”

She sank onto the foot of the bed. “Definitely not up for a party.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

I stepped out into the hall and went for the drinks I’d promised her. While I was in the kitchen, I grabbed a plate of the leftover cookies. By the time I got back to the room, May was under the covers. I set the drinks and cookies on the dresser, then locked the door so we wouldn’t be disturbed. Unless the place was on fire, or we were under attack, I didn’t want anyone barging in.

“Ready for bed?” I asked as I shrugged out of my cut and set it on the dresser. I toed off my boots and pulled my shirt over my head. When I reached for the button of my jeans, I noticed her cheeks were flushed. “Or is my angel ready for something else?”

She gripped the covers tight a moment, then flung them off, leaving her bare to my gaze. I stared, thinking I must have died and gone to heaven. May was… perfection. I’d seen her mostly naked before, but this… this was different. She’d stripped down completely and crawled into our bed.

“Fuck, May. Never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”

Her cheeks flushed a darker shade of pink and she gave me a shy smile. “Hurry up and finish undressing. I’m not sure how long I’ll feel this bold.”

“You have nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, you’re mine, right? That means I get to look whenever I want. I also get to touch you. Kiss you.” I finished removing my clothes and crawled onto the bed beside her. “Fuck you. God, May. You have no idea how bad I’ve wanted you. Since long before I should have.”

“Then take me, John. I’m yours.”

I kissed her, ravaging her mouth as I traced her curves with my fingers. As much as I wanted the moment to last forever, I didn’t think I could hold on that long. Still, it was her first time and I wanted to make it memorable for her. If I’d planned tonight, I could have bought some candles or something. Women liked that shit, didn’t they?

I trailed my lips down her neck, across her collarbone, and down to her breast. Taking my time, I tasted her. Teased her nipples until they were hard little buds. Sucked on the tips until she made the sweetest sounds and clung to me. I traced her slit with my fingers and found her already wet and ready. I knew I wasn’t exactly small and didn’t want to hurt her.

I worked her pussy with one finger, then two, bringing her close to the edge again and again, yet never letting her fall. Sweat slicked her skin and she clawed at the bedding.

“Please, John! Please. I need… need…”

“Does my angel need to come?” I asked.

“Yes! Stop teasing me!”

I smiled and kissed her again as I drove my fingers into her faster and harder. I rubbed her clit with my thumb, and she detonated, crying out as her body tightened and her back bowed. I felt the hot gush of her release and groaned, wanting to feel her do that while my cock was inside her. Before she came down her from her high, I settled over her.

I nudged her entrance with the head of my cock and slowly pushed inside. She was so damn tight! I worried it would be too much for her and tried not to rush, even if I did want to thrust into her hard and deep. Her nails bit into my shoulders and she gazed up at me with complete trust in her eyes.

“Do it,” she said. “I know it might hurt, but I don’t care. I need this, John. Need you. All of you.”

I flexed my hips and slid in farther. She gasped and her eyes dilated. I worked my cock into her, making her take a little more with every stroke. When I was fully seated, my dick twitched inside her.

“Ready?” I asked. “Think you can handle more?”

She nodded and I started a slow and steady rhythm. I shifted my angle so I’d press against her clit. It didn’t take much to make her come again. The feel of her squeezing my cock made me see stars. I couldn’t hold back anymore. Our hips slammed together as I rode her hard and fast, taking what I wanted. When I came, I roared out my release, pumping my cum into her.

She lay under me, panting for breath, wisps of her hair clinging to her face and neck. She reached up, running her fingers through my beard. She and Magda had been right. Waiting had been foolish. May was the same now as she’d been yesterday. There was only two years between us. I’d be twenty in another few weeks. But our ages were just numbers. I loved her, and she loved me. That’s all that mattered.

“You’re my everything, May.” I smoothed her hair back. “I’m sorry I waited so long to make you mine.”

“You can make it up to me.”

“How’s that?” I asked.

She smiled. “Give me more orgasms. We have a lot of time to make up for. Think you can go again?”

I pressed deeper inside her so she could feel I was still hard as a damn rock. “Yeah, I can. But I don’t want to make you sore. There isn’t exactly a tub here where you can soak.”

“Don’t need one. I just need you.” She leaned up to press her lips to mine. “You’re all I ever needed. My knight in shining armor. My protector. My heart and the other half of my soul.”

“Shit, May. I’ll never be that eloquent. And I’m damn sure no one’s idea of a hero.”

“You’re mine.”

I felt like I grew two sizes, and I didn’t mean my dick. I was her hero? She really saw me like that? For her, I’d strive to be a better man. I wanted her to be proud of me. Whatever it took, I’d make sure she never regretted coming here with me. Being mine.

I’d love her for an eternity, no matter what came our way. As long as we were together, I knew everything would be okay.

I spent the next few hours making up for lost time, until she fell asleep in my arms.

“Love you, angel. With all my heart.”

I kissed her brow and watched over her until sleep claimed me as well.

Epilogue

May -- One Year Later

The clubhouse was packed. Not only were all the Devil’s Fury present, along with me and Mom, but the club whores were already stripped down and having fun. At least, I assumed it was fun for them. I couldn’t imagine being with all these men willingly if they didn’t enjoy it at least a little.

Mom and Dad were in the corner keeping an eye on things. Grizzly hadn’t appeared yet. He’d left for an errand an hour ago and still hadn’t returned. Dad swore it wasn’t club business, so I wasn’t too worried. Whatever it was must have just taken longer than he’d anticipated.

I grabbed a cold soda and went to join my parents. Mom hugged me and then sat on Dad’s lap so I could take her chair. Killer was in the spot on the other side of Dad and King sat across from them. I knew Grizzly kept trying to puzzle out the relationship between my parents and Killer. It wasn’t my secret to tell, but I might have accidently walked in on something I shouldn’t have a few months back. Like my mom sandwiched between the Pres and Sergeant-at-Arms. I wasn’t about to judge. For whatever reason, they didn’t want the club to know so I’d kept quiet.

“Your old man is back,” Killer said with a nod toward the doorway.

Grizzly pushed his way through the crowd and stopped to kneel next to my chair. I started to get up so he could sit, but he placed a hand on my thigh, holding me in place.

“Grizzly, what’s going on?” I asked.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. He flipped open the lid and my jaw dropped.

“May, you already wear my property cut, and you know I love you more than my next breath. Will you be my wife? I want everyone to know you’re mine. Not just here in the club, but out there too.”

“Oh, Grizzly,” I murmured and reached out to tug on his beard. “I’d be honored to be your wife.”

He slid the ring onto my finger, then kissed me until I was gasping for air. He lifted me, took my seat, and settled me on his lap. I blinked at up him, then glanced at my parents and Killer, who were all smiling but didn’t seem to be the least bit surprised.

“You knew!” I accused.

“Maybe,” Mom said. “I picked up some magazines the other day that had articles about weddings in them. Thought we could get a few ideas about your dress and what sort of ceremony you want. And don’t worry about the cost. Your dad and I are covering it.”

Dad winked at me. “Only kid we’ll ever have. You can have the biggest wedding you want, anywhere you want.”

My heart warmed. I might not have been born into their family, but they’d welcomed me with open arms. Bullseye and Magda were the best parents. I’d gotten lucky when Grizzly had brought me here a year ago. I owed him my life, and so much more. And now he wanted to marry me!

Since I’d graduated ten months ago, I’d been a bit lost. I helped around the club as much as I could, but I’d wanted more. We’d been trying for two months now to have a baby, but every time my period came disappointment hit me really hard. A knot formed in my throat and my eyes burned as I looked at the man who meant everything to me.

“What if I can’t have kids? I know you made me your old lady, but marriage… I don’t want you to wake up one day and regret your decision to be with me. We’ve been trying, but it’s not working. Maybe I’m defective.”

He rubbed my nose with his. “Angel, I don’t care if we have kids or not. Do I want them? Sure. But if we can’t have one of our own, it won’t be the end of the world. The only thing I can’t live without is you.”

A tear slipped down my cheek and he wiped it away. I didn’t know what I’d ever done to deserve someone like him. People saw a rough biker, a scary man who broke the law. To me, Grizzly was honorable, protective, had the biggest heart of anyone I’d ever met, and he was the most loving man. I felt lucky every single day that I got to be part of his world, stand by his side, and fall asleep in his arms. And now this…

“As long as I have you, I don’t need children,” I said. “I want them, but we’ll just have to keep trying and see what happens. If you’re sure you’d be okay if we can’t have any, then I won’t bring it up again. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

“You’re all I need, May.” He kissed me soft and slow. “Don’t ever leave me, angel. If you do, you’ll be taking away my sunlight and all the warmth in my life. Because you’re my life, May. My everything. I will love you for now and always, and that’s not just a promise. It’s my solemn vow.”

I melted against him. He always claimed he didn’t have the right words to say, and yet he always seemed to find them. I looked forward to our future, whatever it might bring. I’d been existing until a year ago. Now I was living, and I was going to make the most of every second of every day.

He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Come on. Let’s go celebrate you agreeing to be my wife. And maybe we’ll practice a little more and work on expanding our family. But, May, I meant what I said. You’re all I need.”

I smiled at him. “Then take me to bed. We can make some more memories together. One day we’ll be old and feeble. We can look back on days like this one with a smile and remember what it was like to be young and in love.”

“I’ll always be in love.”

I sighed as he carried me into our room. “So will I. I’ve loved you since you swooped in and saved me from Mike Malone at the pond. Nothing will ever change that.”

He set me down. “Strip, woman. Let’s see how many times I can make you scream tonight.”

With a smile, I did as he commanded and hoped it would always be like this. Even a year later, I felt like I was burning from the inside out from a simple touch. And his kisses? They still made my knees go weak. If anything, I fell more in love with him with every day that passed.

There were times I was so happy it felt like my heart might burst. He’d given me a family, and his love. As long as I had both of those, I didn’t need anything else. Never would. And soon I’d be Mrs. John Moore. If life got any more perfect, I’d probably float away on a cloud of bliss. We had a once-in-a-lifetime type of love, the sort fairy tales were based on.

“You’ve given me what I dreamed of as a little girl,” I murmured between kisses. “A happily-ever-after.”

“No. Happily-ever-after implies our story is over, and ours is just beginning.”

Dedication and Acknowledgments

Dear Reader,

Thank you for picking up a copy of Grizzly: The Beginning. Your support means a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed the story of Grizzly and May. I’d be ever so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a rating or review at the retailer of your choice, or over at Goodreads or BookBub. The best gift you could ever give an author is a review (or coffee -- some of us survive on lots of coffee).

I’ve had so many emails and social media messages since Badger’s book released in 2018, asking if Grizzly would ever get a story. Everyone seems to love him. My answer was always -- probably not. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to back up a bit and show readers how he and May got together. So that’s exactly what I did. I know it was just a quick peek into their lives, but I hoped it answered some of your questions. And yes, the Devil’s Fury in the 1980s was quite a bit different from the club you’ve read about in the other books in the series. Thankfully, Grizzly stepped in and turned the club around. Grizzly and May were together for so long, it would have been impossible to write their entire story without having it span multiple books.

Yes, May is seventeen and Grizzly is two years older. Before anyone gets outraged over May being a minor, their relationship was perfectly legal. In the state of Georgia, the age of consent was fourteen years old until 1995. At that time, it was raised to the age of sixteen (Star News February 1995). Since Grizzly and May’s book takes place in the early 1980s, their relationship was completely legal.

If you’re a handgun enthusiast, you may be wondering about Grizzly’s Glock 17. It was created in 1982 and was used by the Austrian Army in 1983. It passed the NATO durability test in 1984, but was not available in the US during the time Grizzly owned his in this book (obviously I took a bit of creative license with that one). Glock opened their US headquarters in 1986 in Smyrna, Georgia. (You can find out more at https://us.glock.com)

Thank you again for your support! I’ve included a playlist that kept me motivated while I worked on Grizzly’s book. They aren’t exactly a “theme” for the book, but more a list of what kept me working even when I was exhausted. I should probably warn you, I listen to a little bit of everything so the list covers the 1980s to the 2000s.

Until next time…

Harley

* * *

Playlist for Grizzly: The Beginning

* Intergalactic by Beastie Boys

* I’m Shipping up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys

* Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen

* A Million Dreams by P!nk

* No Scrubs by TLC

* No Diggity by Blackstreet (with Dr Dre)

* Whoomp! There It Is by Tag Team

* Gold Digger by Kanye West (with Jamie Foxx)

* Love Shack by the B-52s

* Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison

* Paradise City by Guns N Roses

* Metal Health (Bang Your Head) by Quiet Riot

* I Wanna F*ck You by Snoop Dogg (and Akon)

* * *

Dedication:

For everyone who’s ever asked, “Will Grizzly get a book?”

Exclusive Offer:

Want more Grizzly and May? Join Harley’s newsletter to read a second epilogue as an exclusive offer for newsletter subscribers: https://BookHip.com/SASNWP

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to my daughter for all the runs to McDonald’s and Starbucks to fetch coffee for me. Although, that might have been self-preservation because I’ve been told I’m much more pleasant when I’m caffeinated.

Thank you to the Wyldlings for your enthusiasm over Grizzly and May! I hope this book didn’t disappoint you.

To the staff at Changeling Press -- editors, proofers, formatters, the Rileys, and the fabulous Bryan Keller who makes all the Devil’s Fury MC covers -- you guys are awesome as always. Thanks for putting up with me (even when I’m super bitchy, suffering from extreme squirrel brain, and running a bit off schedule). Love y’all!

As for my husband -- No, you may not quit your job. Yes, I’m working even when I’m not actively writing (it’s called research, marketing, and occasionally having a mini-meltdown and staring into space). But I love you, thank you for all the “inspiration,” and for telling me to go write every day.

And to my cats -- Tanto, Sirius, Marshmallow, and Kringle -- thank you for the cuddles! But stay off the keyboard. No one wants to read your version of the book.

Last but not least, thank you to each and every reader who picked up a copy of Grizzly from Changeling Press, online booksellers, or your local library! (in other words, thank you for not promoting book piracy) You’re awesome and very much appreciated.

Harley Wylde

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil’s Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series.

When Harley’s writing, her motto is the hotter the better -- off-the-charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can’t deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you’ve come to the right place. She doesn’t shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

The times Harley isn’t writing, she’s thinking up naughty things to do to her husband, drinking copious amounts of Starbucks, and reading. She loves to read and devours a book a day, sometimes more. She’s also fond of TV shows and movies from the 1980s, as well as paranormal shows from the 1990s to today, even though she’d much rather be reading or writing.

Harley at Changeling: changelingpress.com/harley-wylde-a-196