The Biker's Fate Chapter 178

"Been there, honey. But I know Booker, and he won't let Mack do anything without him, so he'll keep everything calm."

"God, I hope so," I whispered. "Is there any news on Millie?"

She shook her head. "But you didn't hear that from me. Her parents are here, so I can ask them if you'd like me to."

"I would, Macey. Thank you."

"No problem."

Mack walked back into the room and sat on the bench by the window, watching Macey as she worked. "Everything looks great, Darien. Doc thinks you can go home tomorrow, so we'll plan for that."

"Thank you," I said at the same time Mack did.

Macey left the room and I patted the bed. "Join me?"

He smiled and slid onto the mattress, pulling me gently against his chest again.

"Can we go home tomorrow?" I asked.

"I don't know," Mack admitted. "I've got a couple recruits watching the house, so far, it's safe."

"The alarm would ping anyway, right?"

"Yeah, but I'm not taking any chances. If we have to stay at a hotel for a couple days we will."

"I go where you go, honey."

He kissed my temple. "Good."

"Knock knock," Pauley sang as she pushed open my door. "I'm smuggling illegal goods into your room... shhh," she whispered.

I raised the bed and giggled when Pauley scooped Barney out of the oversized purse she carried. She settled him gently on the bed between me and Mack and I forced back the tears. "He's all bandaged up! Is he okay?" I stroked his head gently, and he laid his chin on my leg. He was a lot mellower than normal.

"He had a few lacerations and bruises, but nothing was broken and nothing needed to be stitched. He's on some pain stuff which the vet said will make him sleepy. They're a little concerned about his hearing, but I have a sheet on what to look for," Pauley said, and leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." I grabbed her hand. "Thanks for taking care of him."

"I just picked him up, sissy. Him getting to the vet was all Mack." She smiled at Logan. "As was you getting here safely. Thank you."

Mack smiled, but didn't comment.

Pauley pulled a laptop out of her bag and set it on the table next to the bed. "This is your old laptop until we can find your other one. At least you can get email and write if you want to."

"Good thought, Pauley," I said. "Thank you."

"Shorty with you?" Mack asked.

Pauley nodded. "Yeah, he's on Pauley watch."

Mack pulled out his phone and slid from the bed, grabbing the remote.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Booker texted to turn on the news." He flicked on the television and turned to channel six before sliding back on the bed with me.

Pauley rounded the bed and sat in the chair and we watched the screen as video of the club came into view, then switching to the Kozlovs in handcuffs (along with a dozen or so other people) being loaded into squad cars and police vans.

"A large-scale FBI raid ended today in the arrest of Nika and Katya Kozlov, the figure heads of the Kozlov crime family, along with sixteen of their top soldiers, advisors, and conspirators," the anchor reported. "They will be held in an undisclosed location as the FBI sort out who was involved in the bombing of Big Ernie's Body Shop today. No deaths reported, but several severe injuries. We'll keep you updated as we get information."

"Wait, I thought you said Flick died," I challenged.

Mack was already on his phone, effectively ignoring me. "What the hell happened to Flick? Yeah? You're shittin' me." He chuckled. "That's fuckin' great, brother. Yeah, I'll see what I can do. Okay, 'bye." He slid his cell phone back in his jeans pocket with a smile. "Flick had a heart attack apparently. Jaxon started CPR on him and got a pulse. He's here somewhere, so I'm gonna find him."

I gasped. "That's awesome. You find out where he is and then we'll smuggle Barney in with him."

Mack chuckled. "Sounds good. I'll be back."

He left the room and I smiled at my sister. "I'm so glad you weren't there today."

She sighed and I could tell she was trying not to cry. "If you'd died, Dare, I don't know what I would have done."

I patted the mattress and she climbed up next to me. "Everyone's okay, Pauley."

"I know." She sobbed against my shoulder. "I love you, sissy."

"I love you back."

"How's it going with Shorty?"

She giggled with a sniff. "Really well."

"How well?"

"Like I can't imagine life without him well."

I smiled. "He's super hot."

"I know and he's super skilled... well, we'll leave that there."

I giggled. "Thank you."

"He dropped me off and then went to the club. I hope he's okay. He hasn't texted me yet."

"I'm sure he's fine, sissy. The place is crawling with people, so there's safety in numbers... plus, I'm realizing they're hard to kill."

She sighed. "I hope so."

We held each other for a while before Mack walked back in and shook his head. "You stole my spot."

Pauley giggled. "I sure did."

He grinned. "Flick's still in ICU, but he's resting comfortably, and Millie's out of surgery. She's doing really well."

"Oh, thank God," I breathed out.

"Shorty's outside, Pauley. I think he wants to take you home."

She pushed herself up with a grin. "Tell him he can wait."

"No, babe, I'm not a messenger."

"Chicken," she retorted, and climbed off the bed, walking out of the room.

Mack took her place, shifting so he didn't crush Barney. He pulled me close and I raised my head for a kiss. "We keep doing this," he said between kisses, "I'm gonna fuck you right here, right now."

"I'm okay with that."

"Really?" he challenged. "In front of Barney."

I wrinkled my nose. "Um, yeah, no, that's just gross."

He chuckled. "We'll make up for lost time when I get you home."

"Can't wait."

I couldn't seem to keep my eyes open, so I let myself drift off to sleep. I was safe, I was warm, and my dog was close. At some point during the night, Barney whimpered, but Mack whispered, "I've got him, go back to sleep," so I did.

I didn't wake again until the sun was rising. I found Mack beside me, the dog hidden under a blanket, and Macey pulling things quietly from the cabinet.

Mack smiled, raising his finger to his lips. I bit my lip to keep from giggling, and nodded. Peeking under the covers, I saw Barney sleeping quietly, which was rare when a stranger was around. I chalked it up to the pain meds he was on.

"Shouldn't you be done with your shift already?" I asked.

Macey turned with a smile. "One more hour, but I figured I'd wait until you were released. Doc'll be in to check you out in about ten minutes." She raised an eyebrow. "I suggest you get rid of the dog before then," she added in a whisper.

I blushed. "Sorry."

She raised her hands. "Don't sweat it. I get it."

"I'll take care of him, baby," Mack offered.

"Thanks."