Even though Stunner could see by the anguish on her face her heart was in shreds, Suzie made one last stand for him. “Daddy, wait.”
“Suzie,” Angel started, but Cain waved her off gently.
“Just because he’s broken doesn’t mean you should throw him away.” She turned to Stunner then, still speaking to her father. “And just because I don’t believe you should give up on him doesn’t mean I’m taking him back. Just means I know how much I owe him. Besides, you can’t abandon him now.”
Cain gave her an annoyed look. “Well aware of that, baby. We cut him loose, every club who finds out what happened will know they can take us apart one member at a time. So here’s what’s happenin’. Stunner is still Bones.” He tossed the vest back to Stunner. “We take care of our own. To the death. Once this is over and settled to my liking, we’ll discuss what to do next.”
“I can put this to rights alone,” Stunner said. “I fucked it up myself. I can damn well fix it.”
“You take one step out that door, Stunner, and I’ll shoot you right here. I already owe you a beatin’ for breaking my daughter’s heart. No matter what happens after this, you’re getting the beatdown of your life. Until it’s settled, though, we’re all in this together.”
“Cain, we got company at the main gate requesting entrance.” Data checked a tablet he carried, scowling. “Bigass fuckin’ limo.”
Cain stilled, looking over Stunner’s shoulder out the window. “Well Goddamn motherfuck,” he swore. “Your buddies are comin’ to your rescue, Stunner. Let’s go greet them properly, shall we?” As he strode to the door and approached Stunner, Cain lashed out with a left cross, catching Stunner in the jaw.
Stunner grunted, his head snapping to the side. It was by no means Cain’s strongest punch. The man had even delivered it with his off hand, but the message was clear. Stunner stood there as each man in Bones took a shot at him as they passed. It wasn’t the worst beating he’d ever had, but then they all went easy on him. Still wasn’t comfortable by any means. And he was bloodied and sore. The last man to leave the room was Shadow. Stunner winced, but took a breath and stood, hands at his sides.
When Shadow did nothing, Stunner raised an eyebrow, holding his palms up slightly as if to say, “Well? Take your shot.”
For long moments Shadow just looked at him. He was a big, intimidating man, heavily muscled and, despite his easy-going manner, was like dynamite when he exploded. He looked ready to explode.
“I trusted you, Stunner. You were my best friend as a kid. Once you came here, I knew you’d changed, but I thought your integrity was still strong. Did I misjudge you?”
“That’s for you to decide.”
Shadow nodded slowly several times, as if trying to make up his mind what to do. Then, just like Stunner knew he would, Shadow exploded into action. He swung a haymaker at Stunner’s head, knocking him to the floor, then he was on him, punching and pounding. Stunner didn’t lift a hand to defend himself or to block Shadow. He deserved everything the other man dished out.
Somewhere in the background, he heard a woman’s anguished cry, but others stilled her. Then Shadow was off him, stomping away. It took him a while to get his bearings again. Again, not the worst he’d ever taken but he definitely felt it and would for a while. In his heart, he knew he deserved worse. He also knew he’d get worse once this was over.
He groaned as he crawled to his feet, blotting the blood dripping from his nose with his shirt. One of the club girls was there with a towel and a bag of ice. Stunner searched the room for Suzie, not taking the offered items. When he didn’t find her, he sighed heavily, taking the towel and ice. He’d lost her. His Suzie. The stinging in his eyes and the way his throat tightened had nothing to do with the beating he’d just received.
Stumbling outside, Stunner came face to face with both El Diablo and El Segador. The Devil and the Reaper. How much torture was he going to have to endure before they just let him die? The waiting was worse than the fucking beatings.
“Ah, there you are, Stunner.” El Diablo frowned. “Everything all right?”
Instead of answering, Stunner shrugged.
“You know, you always have a home at Black Reign. No strings. No conditions.” Stunner gave him an impatient look, and El Diablo chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. “I’m just making sure you understand. I’ll always welcome you with open arms.”
“Home is here,” Stunner said quietly. “Don’t belong anywhere else.”
“Well, then,” he addressed Cain. “I’ve come to offer my services. Stunner has an assassin after him. Your daughter as well.”
“We can handle this,” Cain said, though he looked resigned. Stunner knew they’d be accepting help from Black Reign in some form.
“I’ve brought my best hunter,” El Diablo said with a bright smile. “El Segador --”
“The Reaper. Yeah. We know.” Cain sighed. Stunner knew what he was thinking. He didn’t want Black Reign anywhere near Bones, but he also needed to know where the other club members were at all times.
“Where are the others?”
El Diablo looked confused. “I brought myself and El Segador. Rycks is here, but he’s here as chauffeur. You’re welcomed to make use of his talents if you like. I know he helped your sister club in the past. I’m sure Thorn or Vicious can attest to his skills.”
“Fuck,” Cain muttered, scrubbing a hand through his hair. “Who is the best hunter?”
“Both are equally good,” El Diablo said. “But in rural areas, I’d give the edge to El
