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Chapter 196: Wake-up Call
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 197: Winnie Run!
Archer rolls into a ball trying to protect himself. "Winnie, run," he forces out between his teeth.But it's too late. I fight against the man holding me, my fingers digging into his arms, but it does no good. He pulls back and with a closed fist hits me in the mouth. The punch is forceful enough I see stars for a moment and would fall to the ground if I wasn't held up by his bone-crushing grip."Great, you asshole. You let in someone else." The guy standing next Archer kicks him again and spits in his direction.My body is shaken roughly like a piece of paper. "She had a key!"I swallow, the faint taste of blood making me recoil. These two men are obviously here for Archer, but they aren't the same two as before. These are bigger, tougher and mean business. Fear is thick and clouds my ability to figure out the situation.When the tall skinny one stops kicking at Archer and pulls out a gun from his coat pocket, there's no hope at all it's a fake like Huxley used. The metal ca
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 198: Slow and Stupid
It took me so long to admit the truth and how I felt about Huxley and now I lose not only him but possibly my life because I was too proud to have him come with me to the apartment. Everything that's gone wrong is my fault. I deserve whatever fate happens for being so stupid to think I could do it alone.When life hands you an amazing man, you don't question the decision. You take that man and you do everything in your power to hold on to him. You definitely don't go running off alone to kick an ex-boyfriend out of your apartment. You don't let the ex-boyfriend in the apartment to start.In the cramped quarters of our basement jail cell, a new clarity clears my thoughts. I get why Tabitha puts up with Ridge trying to videotape her all over town. Or why Anessa lets her bakery be used as command central. Unlike me, they know they have a good thing and won't lose it.Sure, sometimes men can be overbearing and the level of testosterone whenever Huxley is in a room becomes stifling, b
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 199: Revenge
There's more blood on Archer by the time Vito moves away. I lean to the side using the bottom of my shirt to wipe away red splatters from his mouth as he lies on the floor with his eyes closed, one side of his face already swollen. The skin over his eye is sagging.A tear falls on his cheek distorting the blood before I get a chance to wipe it away."Archer, I'm so sorry. Open your eyes," I plead with him as he lies on the floor not answering.He's alive, his chest raising and lowering with each shallow breath, but he hasn't spoken for the last five minutes. Vito gave up when he no longer got a reaction from the man he helplessly beat. But I'll probably never sleep again. Archer's words as he pleaded with Vito to do whatever he wanted but not touch me will haunt me for the rest of my life. As much as Archer's stupid for taking the punishment meant for me, I'm eternally grateful.The heavy metal door screeches as Vito opens it again after promising he'll be back and not to make
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 200: Places to be
"Where are we going?" I ask standing up from the wall and doing my best to help Archer as well. My heart beats chasing worry about where they plan to take us. This is the part of the movie where it never ends well for the character in our position. It's do or die and I'm worried it's too close to the end."Your friend's money came through, but we can't leave you here. It's dark so we'll take you someplace safe."The way he says safe makes me think it isn't safe at all. The words stick to his throat as almost a taunt."I'm so sorry, Winnie," Archer whispers, his words raspy and barely audible.I lean closer. "For what?""For not sending you flowers. I should have sent you all the flowers." The rest of his words trail off as he mumbles to himself, his eyes closed and his head bobbing to the side. I don't have a medical degree, but it's easy to see Archer is not in good shape. I'm worried. He winces when he stands and moves to one side, losing his footing and forcing me to hold
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 201: Sitting Duck
"Yeah, the extra hungry ones."Vito raises his gun to the bushes when a crack sounds. This noise is created when someone breaks a small branch by stepping on it. We freeze barely breathing but the cool air tickling my nose. I thought I was kidding about the bears.My words scare myself as I imagine a bear coming from the woods. If it truly is one out hungry looking for a snack, Vito's gun won't do much damage. I could make it back inside the building and save myself but it would leave Archer out here like a sitting duck. But I'm no match for a bear and I can't expect help from these two.Something large and tall and heavy steps out of the bushes. There's nowhere to go and nothing I can do to get us out of this mess now. It's dark and the creature blends into his surroundings. He growls, and it sounds... human. Four more big, covered in black clothing people-size objects slip out from the trees and Vito steps back.My eyes adjust to the dark and I make out their faces. There's T
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 202: Epilogue
"I didn't know you had so much stuff at your place in Hawaii," I comment as another huge box comes off the moving truck and gets directly transported to the storage unit Huxley and I rented until we found a place to live. They parked the big red storage container right at the back of the apartment building. Tabitha graciously offered up her home for Huxley and I to rent, but he's decided that since he's here in Pelican Bay permanently we have to buy something. He dreams of finding a fixer-upper and using his blood, sweat, and tears to make the place better. All I envision is the movie The Money Pit with holes in the floor and leaky faucets."My mother said since I wasn't coming home it was time for me to clear out my boxes from her basement.""That's a lot of boxes,"Huxley smiles, setting a small box at my feet and popping open the top. The contents glitter in the sunlight. It's a small treasure chest of gold."She sent every trophy I ever won."I peek in the box, pulling ou
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 203: Lifetime Risk
VOLUME SEVEN: LIFETIME RISKThe oversized black beast roars, charging directly at my body. I stumble and waste a precious second staring at the small butterfly caught between its teeth as the beast runs into my side headfirst, knocking me to the ground. The pavement eats away at my skin and I slide a short distance, but I don't notice the pain in my leg until one of the other forest animals yells."Oh my God, look at her leg!"More words are volleyed in the area surrounding where my body lays on the ground, but it's difficult making out what they say. A persistent wail fills the area, but not one like I expect. This isn't the ambulance coming to my rescue. No. It's worse. My head shakes back and forth, and with an unsteady hand, I reach out to silence the alarm on my phone. The ever present 7 a.m. warning it's time to start the day's madness.Madness is the only way to describe a morning when you're the mother to a two-year-old.The sound does more than wake me. It also wakes
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 204: He Said Not To Worry
He said not to worry, but I can't help my growing concern. The ends of my crutches catch on the carpet when I don't lift them up high enough, but I manage to make it to the kitchen without falling on my face.My eyes water with the haze billowing out of the small area. I twist the knob, turning the stove off, but a steady stream of smoke continues to rise from a blackened pan with what looks like burned and shriveled eggs. The smoke tenderloins reach up toward the ceiling as if calling for help from whatever torture he's put them through this morning. A stack of dishes rises over the edge of the sink and there're bits of scrambled egg squashed to the floor. I'm not sure who made breakfast—Nate or Emma.How did all this damage happen in the few minutes it took me to turtle walk from my bedroom to the living room? How long has he been here?The one lesson I learned since becoming a parent is that it's easier to stay in front of the mess than to come up behind it. If you're continuo
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 324: From Elliot
ElliotFive years later"No, sweetie, we only get one puppy today." I squat getting on the same level as my daughter, Brandise.The round ball of fluff she squeezes onto with all her might so he doesn't run away licks her across the face and she giggles. "Daddy, they're twins just me and Bray. They have to stay together."My eyes flick back and forth between each dog. One held in the tight grip of Brandise and the other being sized up by my son. Their mother, Harley, a woman who took too long for me to figure she meant everything stands between the two of them with her lips pinched together not helping me in this situation. She's left me out in the cold on my own.The two puppy siblings look alike, but in my eyes every Yorkie looks the same. How can you tell them apart? The puppies my babies held both had a lighter colored face than Rocky, but other than that they were big puffballs of fur."Sweetie, Rocky only needs one brother," I try again hoping to talk sense into her.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: No Listening to Reason
Elliot's steps are slow but sure as I hold open the bakery door to let him get through the space. Once he's cleared the way, I stand beside him in case he needs me for support as he makes his way to the first table in the busy sitting section. You wouldn't expect a shoulder injury to cause issues walking, but with each movement his body makes, his shoulder sways with the force and his face grimaces.It's too soon for him to be up and moving, but I couldn't make him listen to reason.He finds his seat and plops in it heavily, the chair legs scraping on the tile. The people around us stop what they're doing and turn before a small round of applause starts from behind the bakery counter and then picks up including people from every space in the bakery. Elliot turns to the noise, catching everyone in their adoration, and scowls until the clapping fades."Cupcakes for everyone," Anessa says smiling from her spot at the counter. "Especially for our new hero."Elliot's scowl deepens.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 323: Eligible Bachelors
Dominick releases a breath and sucks in another one as if preparing himself for this new life. "Are you positive? Because there are very eligible bachelors in my club. A brother could keep you safe."I don't argue with him that Elliot kept me safe. Well at least until he got shot, and no one can blame a man for that. He literally stuck his body in between me and a loaded weapon. How much more could he have done?Plus I could never live life in the club again. Now after experiencing life on my own. "Yeah, and then they'd cheat on me or go to prison."Dominick shakes his head. "My men aren't that way. They love hard and deep. I changed the club here, Harley. It's different from how we grew up in Colorado."There's honesty in his words, but it will never be enough to bring me back. "Elliot is mine."Dom shakes his head once, admitting defeat. "Fine. Onto topic two. I met your father," he says father accusatorily like I've been keeping something from him.Which, in a way, I hav
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: Three Bullets to the Chest
Without warning there's another harsh pop in the air like someone shooting off a firecracker, and then red blossoms in the middle of Pete's forehead. His body falls back hitting the ground once again. The thud is too far away to hear, but I swear my body feels the vibration.Holy fuck.My ears ring from the gunfire as men pool around us each of them yelling things back and forth. It's coordinated chaos. An ambulance with its lights flashing speeds over the highway."That man took three bullets to the chest," Huxley mutters to himself shaking his head. "I haven't seen anything that crazy since Thailand."... The steady beat of Elliot's hospital machines lulls me into a restless sleep as my head rests on Elliot's hand."Harley," a deep voice whispers in my ear, shaking my shoulder. "Har."In a start my head pops up and my eyes search Elliot's face, but his hand still rests underneath my head, a pool of my drool sticking between his fingers."Still drool, huh? I wouldn't
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 321: Nobody to Save Me
"Dominick won't pay anything for me," I lie.Pete laughs. "Don't want money. I'm looking to trade you for a free get-out-of-town card. If he won't offer me his protection, you'll be a going away gift to my men. They're upset with having to leave. I'm sure you understand.""What?" Fear causes me to choke out the word as a hundred images flash through my brain of what he could mean, but only one is sick and depraved enough for this man.He smirks. "They'll love you if the Impaler doesn't."I fall to my knees against the back of his seat. "No, please don't." I'd rather he shoot me now than do what his smile promises. He means I'm to be a sexual gift given to his men and passed between them. I'd never survive. Sure, Dom trained me in basic self-defense skills, but my mother sheltered me from club life so I only heard the evils of the world through others. Until now, I never once felt concern for my safety. Not the way I do now.The cargo van travels on the highway, passing a bill
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 320: Nothing Drastic
"Stand up, Fucker."Elliot scoots away from me as I claw deftly on his leg trying to hold on and keep him close. He turns, not making any sudden movements and puts his body in front of mine to shield me once again from the nasties of life."Let's not do anything drastic, Pete." Elliot takes a step forward with his hand held out defensively.I twist seeing the old man wearing a pair of board shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt with palm trees, and flip-flops on his feet standing in the middle of the beach. He resembles a tourist who belongs in Florida not a man running a drug ring in Pelican Bay. He sneers at me taking the tension from Elliot for just a moment and waving the gun in his direction as if either of us could forget it's there."She's the only one who can name me. Without her I can pick up shop and start somewhere fresh and there's nothing you can do about it. You guys don't have shit on me.""You're standing in the middle of a public beach during the day, Pete," Elliot t
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 319: Stagnant Words
He flinches as of my question has hurt him, but I'm the child who didn't have a father. "I got out early for good behavior and I looked up your mother. I learned what happened. Sorry about your loss," he says. The words are stagnant as if he knows what he's supposed to say but struggles with the meaning. Yet, something in the inflection makes me believe he means each one. His eyes turn soft, possibly remembering his time with my mother.My life has never been cupcakes and cookies, but the last month has been indescribable except for the word surreal. First, I had no father, then I picked up a club president for a stepdad, lost him, and now gained back the original. What is happening to my life?"What will happen now?"My father shakes his head and stares at me with a touch of a smile tweaking his lips. "I'm out of the club life. Plan to take the straight and narrow from here on out."I hold back the cringe at his promise. It's one I've heard from club brothers my entire life. E
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 318: She Deserves Better
Elliot shakes his head, his fingers curving around the handle of his gun. His face pinches together as if he has so much to say, but is staying silent for me.Until he doesn't anymore."Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on?"He's not the only one looking for answers. "Me too. Mom said you died in a motorcycle crash. Drove your bike over a mountain ledge one night." She hadn't said he'd been drinking, but I've filled in the blanks for myself as I aged.My father's teeth come together hard making a gnashing sound I hear even from my position. "Yeah well. She thought it would be better than the true story. Easier for both of you to move on rather than wait around on me living only a half-life.""Then what is the true story?" After my mom left Dominick's dad, it was the three of us together. I always believed we never hid any secrets from one another.My father shakes his head and stares at me but looks past me as if he's reliving the memories himself. "She s
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 317: Escape Plans
My gaze and thoughts flip to the back door, but I'm too far away to reach it before he could shoot me.The man is younger than Pete and not the person I saw put a bullet in someone earlier this month, but he's old enough to be my father. His skin is leathered and wrinkled as if he's spent a lifetime in the sun. His jeans are loose and a leather jacket lacking any MC cut is wrapped around his body. Not a Bloodhound.I stand next to the kitchen island breathing heavily while trying to come up with an escape plan as the two of us stare at one another unmoving.He speaks first. "Now, Harley, is this any way to greet the old man who named you?"His words scatter in my brain, startling me into paying attention, all my plans of escape lost. "Excuse me? My father named me."It was one of the few stories I had of the man who shared such a brief relationship with my mother. "He wanted to pay homage to the best...""Damn motorcycle company the US has ever seen," he finishes my sentenc
