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Chapter 17: Leader of the Pack
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2022-09-17 14:07:07Related chapters
Riding with the Pack Chapter 18: New Management
HarlowBonnie eyed Madoc suspiciously."I know you're not accustomed to taking orders," he said to her. "So I'll try my best to give you some time to adjust to new management."That clearly pissed Bonnie off, but she held her tongue for the time being."You ok if I go?" she asked me.I didn't know what other option we had, so I nodded."If I find out you so much as looked at her funny—" she began, but Madoc released his grip on my wrist and raised both his hands in the air."I'm just having a meet and greet with my newest employee," he replied."I'll be back in just a couple minutes," Bonnie assured me and headed for the door.When she was gone, Madoc said, "Why don't you be a dear and make me a margarita?""No salt with a little umbrella?" I asked."Good memory."I made my way behind the bar while he sauntered over to the jukebox. Coins clanked into the machine, and he selected a song. As I measured and poured the margarita ingredients into the cocktail shaker, a glitter r
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 19: Team Building
Harlow"Splendid!" Madoc exclaimed. "That's exactly the kind of go-get-'em positive thinking we need. Hip, hip..."Madoc threw his arm in the air, waiting for a group "hurray," but it never came."I see we don't do group chants," he said. "We'll work on that.""This is bullsh*t," said Bonnie."Now, Ms. Black," Madoc replied, "if you have feedback you wish to share, please save it for the suggestion box. You can hash out the rest of the details yourselves. I'll be right over here if you kiddies need any help."Madoc sat on a bar stool, pulled out a newspaper from his jacket, and began working on a crossword puzzle.Bonnie looked like she was about to blow her top."I'll be ok," I assured her."We're sending Stitch as one of the escorts," she said. "At least we'll have someone there to help if Harlow gets hurt. That leaves three more.""I volunteer," Cyrus said, throwing me a quick glance."You just wanna go 'cause your wannabe girlfriend's leading the charge," Blayze snapped.
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 20: Sweet Butt
HarlowThe next day, Red, Goldie, and I finished up all the passports for the trip. Then Red closed up the bar at 3:00 in the afternoon, so everyone had time to get ready for the potluck. The whole MC was expected to be there, and from what I could tell, a lot of non-MC pack members were attending, too. That also meant that Cyrus and I would once again be in the same place. But being surrounded by people from both sides, we couldn't actually interact with each other."This used to be Arlene's big tradition," Red explained. "A pack-wide potluck at her place the night before a group got on the road for a big out-of-town mission. I've actually kinda missed it. The last one we had was right before the Mexico incident.""That was when Cyrus's father was killed?" I asked.Red nodded. "Him and eleven others. Lola, Dax, and Mac were the only ones on that mission that made it outta there alive. D*mned hunters just ambushed 'em. That last potluck was the last time things really felt whole."
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 21: Werewolf Potluck
Harlow"What's that about?" I thought to myself after seeing some blonde getting handsy with Cyrus. After all we'd been through in the past week, I felt like I could trust him. His "friend" on the other hand… Brat, Red, Gunner, and I got the food off the back of our bikes and followed Bonnie to the front steps of an old farmhouse. Cyrus had walked up to the porch and was talking to a pleasant-looking middle-aged blonde woman. She was full-figured with a round face and wore a hippie-style dress under a fringy leather jacket. "Is this the famous Harlow?" she asked when we approached. "Our newest prospect," Bonnie replied. "It's good to see you, Arlene." "You too, sweetie." Arlene gave Bonnie a kiss on the cheek. She turned to me and said, "You've certainly made an impression on both of my boys. I'm Blayze's mom." She extended her hand to me. "And Cyrus's momma number two." "It's n
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 22: Say a Little Prayer For Me
Harlow"You human b*tch!" Stella screamed as she lurched forward and put her hands on Brat's throat. The girl was small, but she was still a werewolf and had no problem lifting Brat off her feet. She dropped Brat back down, though, when Red and Gunner both pulled her back."Stella, come on!" Gunner exclaimed.Stella began to shift, and sandy blonde hair began to sprout all over her body."Enough!" Blayze's voice roared from across the yard.Suddenly, Stella stopped the shift and came fully back to her human form."Blayze," she said with a pout. "This human—""You're at my mom's house," he said sternly. "You disrespect her; you disrespect me. Get out.""But—" Stella began."Now!" Without another word, Stella left. One of the Howler guys followed her out. I presumed to give her a ride.Red and Gunner both burst out laughing as Bonnie and the other officers approached."Well," Bonnie said to Brat, "that's one way to start a patch-in.""I'm sorry, Bonnie," Bra
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 23: Best Laid Plans
Harlow"Do you know how to attach a PDF to an email?" Madoc asked, shattering the ominous moment we'd just shared."Wait—what? Was that your question?" I asked. He turned on his heels and hurried back to his computer. "Yes. I've spent the last hour-and-a-half trying to figure it out." I was taken aback when I realized he was using a boxy computer monitor that was so large it looked like it could launch a nuclear missile. A burst of laughter slipped out before I could stop it. He scowled."Sorry," I said. "I just realized that you're using a computer that came out before I was born." He still wasn't amused. "Why do you want my help anyway? You could have asked anybody else to do this for you.""I like you." Madoc shrugged. "In a purely platonic sort of way, that is. So...is that a 'yes' with the PDF?"I sighed. "Yeah, I can help you." "Amazing." He got up from his swivel chair and pulled it out for me."I just find it…" I paused, trying to be delicate. "Unique that
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 24: On the Road Again
HarlowThe next morning was a big day for a couple of reasons. One: We would be getting on the road and driving to Mexico to pick up what we could only guess was illegal cargo. Two: We would know sometime that day if Brat made it through her first shift. If she survived, she'd be a Blood Dog for life.Before we got started, I rode my bike to Brat's little house to say goodbye. Goldie's bike was parked out front. She'd kept watch of Brat through the night. Stitch drove up behind me with his medical bag."Mornin', Harlow," he said as he dismounted. "Just here to give some TLC to our girl before we get on the road."The front door was unlocked, so I let us both in."Hello?""In here," Goldie's voice called from the bedroom.The bedroom doorway had a beaded curtain separating it from the living room, and the beads rattled as Stitch and I stepped through.Goldie looked exhausted, but Brat looked awful. She was awake but drenched in sweat. The mark on her wrist from Bonnie was deeply
Last Updated : 2022-09-17Riding with the Pack Chapter 25: Goin' Down to Mexico
HarlowI was greeted by six cuts bearing emblems of a flaming sword surrounded by seven rings as I sped toward the Seventh Circle bikers from behind. They'd been following our caravan for several minutes and were quickly gaining on our four bikes. From my vantage point, I could see that these guys were packing, and pretty soon, they would be in firing-range of Cyrus and the others.Thinking fast, I pulled up to within six feet of them. Once I matched the engine speed with the transmission, I pressed down on the clutch and stepped on the gas pedal, which made my GTO roar like a metal beast. Panicked by my sudden appearance, the two men bringing up the rear swerved and almost lost control of their bikes.To drive my point home, I brought my car closer and revved the engine even louder than before. They seemed to take my threat seriously, and all six of them took the nearest highway exit. Crisis averted.I let out a huge breath of relief and gave the steering wheel a hardy love pat. "
Last Updated : 2022-09-17
Latest chapter
Riding with the Pack Chapter 50: We Belong
CyrusEveryone else in the bar parking lot looked as shocked as I was. Madoc was still alive. But how?I pulled Harlow close to me. To my disappointment, she looked relieved to see him."Now, I know what you're thinking," the vampire said, from the middle of the road. "Where did he get a new suit on such short notice? Spoiler. I got it at Mega Mart. I also picked up a toolset for only ten dollars—""That's it!" Blayze roared as he threw down his cut, shifted, and charged the vampire.He slammed into Madoc, knocking him to the ground, but in seconds. Madoc was on his feet again, seemingly unfazed. The Alpha attacked again, this time snapping at him with his jaws, but to everyone's surprise, all he got was air as Madoc rushed out of the way and reappeared several yards away.There were gasps from all around at how fast Madoc moved."Look, I just want to talk," the vampire said. Undeterred, Blayze rushed toward him, but again, Madoc evaded his assault."Honestly, I just want to ha
Riding with the Pack Chapter 49: First Shift
CyrusI held Harlow while she fell asleep. The sun had come up, and she'd be unconscious for a while after being bitten."I love you, baby," I whispered in her ear and kissed her mating mark. It was bruised, and the heat from the bite was quickly spreading to the rest of her body.Soon she'd have a fever. Then would come the pain of her human body being overtaken by the bite—a pain no one who was born a werewolf had to endure. Sure, the first few shifts were uncomfortable for born wolves, but what Harlow would be going through was an entire transformation; her DNA was rewriting itself.Hours went by before she finally began to stir. By that time, she was feverish, and it would continue to climb. Werewolves run hot."Hey," I said, helping her sit up. "How're you feeling?" I took the cap off a bottle of water and gave it to her with a straw."Ok so far," she said before drinking, then motioned for me to get into the bed with her, which I did. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed
Riding with the Pack Chapter 48: Marked
HarlowAfter we pulled up to Cyrus's house on his bike, he picked me up and carried me inside. It made me think of the first time he'd done that before we'd made love. Turning on the living room lamp, he sat me down on the couch and planted a kiss on my lips."Wait here a minute," he whispered, and he headed into the bedroom.I was becoming nervous. I'd have been lying if I said I wasn't, but I was also excited for what was to come. I would be like Cyrus and the rest of the pack members soon. If everything went right… It had to. Cyrus was going to be my mate, and it felt impossible that our love couldn't withstand my first shift. It made me feel invincible.Regardless of how sure I felt, my knees were shaking. I placed my hand on my neck, where my mating mark would be."Oh, God," I muttered. My pulse quickened, and I tried to force myself to keep my breathing steady. My mating mark… This was really happening.Then I felt Cyrus's familiar touch on my arm, and it had an immediate c
Riding with the Pack Chapter 47: Return of the Mouth
Harlow"You…want to mark me?" I asked, astonished."You mean so much to me, Harlow," Cyrus said, pulling me in close. "If you still want me to—""YES!" I blurted louder than intended. In an instant, our lips were locked in the sweetest embrace.We spent the next several hours there just holding one another. Cyrus and I sat wrapped in each other's arms overlooking Gnaw Bone from up high in our spot. Knowing how seriously he'd thought about marking me made it all the more special, but a text from Bonnie eventually brought me back down to earth.It read, "Can you come to the bar? It's important."I hated that we had to leave, but I did as requested. We rode our bikes back to Gnaw Bone side by side as the sun went down. When we arrived, Cyrus and I walked into the bar, where Bonnie and the rest of the Blood Dogs officers were waiting for me."Hey, Harlow," Bonnie said. "I know that was hard for you today, but we couldn't—""Mind control," I interrupted. "You couldn't risk me spi
Riding with the Pack Chapter 46: Double-Cross
HarlowI was relieved when we drove back into Gnaw Bone. All I wanted was to go back home with Cyrus, take a hot shower, and crash. I still couldn't believe the crazy stunt I'd pulled to get my car back, but I was pretty proud of it.I parked my car outside the garage, and everyone else got off their bikes. Remy and Leon stepped out of the SUV parked around the back and came to watch us unload.But instead, Butch and Shorty quickly took both of Madoc's familiars into chokeholds."What are you doing?!" I asked, confused."I'm sorry," Cyrus said. "I couldn't tell you in case Madoc forced you to spill information.""You couldn't tell me what?""We're not handing the smack over to Madoc," Bonnie said as everyone else began unloading a small mountain of heroin behind the garage. "We've gotta show Sunrise Corp that we won't be their foot soldiers."I didn't know what to say. I got why everyone thought they had to keep it from me, but it didn't make me feel any better, being left in t
Riding with the Pack Chapter 45: H-Day
HarlowSitting in the Mega Mart parking lot, I watched the heist unfold in the reflection of my rearview mirror. I'd parked near the gated entrance that led to the loading dock. It was surrounded by a chain-link fence where I could see several Seventh Circle members pacing near five semi-trucks.Bonnie, Blayze, and Gunner kept watch from the adjacent parking lot so their bikes wouldn't draw attention. Stella and Stitch, on the other hand, were already inside working undercover as dutiful Mega Mart employees. And for the next fifteen minutes, everyone else took turns walking inside and getting into position.Tank was the first to go inside, followed by Shorty, then Butch. They all definitely blended in with the rest of Mega Mart's typical clientele, wearing things like cargo pants and T-shirts with stupid phrases on them.Goldie and Wyatt went in together. From the moment they stepped out of their van, they assumed the role of a bombastic couple and pretended to bicker as they made
Riding with the Pack Chapter 44: Reservoir Wolves
Harlow"You're..." I couldn't believe what Bonnie had just told me."Keep it to yourself," she said. "No one else knows."I didn't dare ask who the father was, but I had a pretty good idea.At that moment, Blayze walked into the bar."Hey," he said, "Bonnie, we have a last-minute addition to the security squad. Cyrus told me Seventh Circle's got five escorts on the trucks. He wants to add Butch and Shorty. Cool with you?""That's fine," she said, not meeting his eye."What was it you wanted to talk about this morning?" he asked."Nothing," she replied. "Let's just focus on getting through tomorrow for now."Ok, I knew who the father was."You sure?"I felt really uncomfortable between the two of them."Yeah," Bonnie insisted. "Don't worry about it."I spent the rest of the day thinking about what Bonnie must have been going through. But it also got me thinking about Cyrus and me and our future together. I didn't know if he wanted kids, but I'd always thought that I would e
Riding with the Pack Chapter 43: I Hate Myself for Loving You
BlayzeI woke up to someone knocking on my front door. The two sweet butts in my bed both groaned as I climbed over their naked bodies to get my boxers. Looking at my phone, I saw that it was about 7:00 AM. I went to sleep only three hours before."Better be f*cking important," I mumbled. I nearly tripped over my underwear, pulling them on as I made my way for the front door. "What!" I demanded when I swung it open, which I immediately regretted when I saw my mother's face."Good mornin' to you, too, Sunshine," my mom said as she waltzed past me and toward the kitchen. "Ugh, Blayze," she said disapprovingly. "It smells like cigarettes and a** in here. I brought leftovers."I rolled my eyes as I closed the door. But the truth was, I appreciated my mom making sure my fridge was stocked with her home-cooked food. Unlike Cyrus, I'd never let her teach me how to cook. My dad had always said cooking was women's work, and I'd, unfortunately, listened to him. Now I pretty much relied on my
Riding with the Pack Chapter 42: It's My Party
Harlow"Get your hands off her!" Cyrus's voice boomed from the bottom of the cellar stairs. Within seconds, he shifted and charged forward as Madoc released me and put his hands up."Woah, woah! I just gave Harlow her birthday gift. That's all," Madoc said.Cyrus didn't listen. Before I knew it, Madoc was on the floor, and Cyrus was on top of him."Cyrus, stop!" I cried. "He wasn't doing anything to hurt me!"Cyrus now had Madoc's mangled wrist in his mouth. He looked over his shoulder at me with his wolf eyes and let out a low growl."Please, let him go," I begged.He released Madoc and slowly shifted back."What was he making you do?" he asked as he picked his cut up off the floor."He wasn't making me do anything!" I shouted angrily. "I was just hugging him to thank him for my gift.""Why are you crying?" Cyrus asked, gesturing to my tears.I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "Madoc set up a call with my dad. That's all. I haven't so much as heard his voice in years. I'm ju
