Page 21 of Ferocious Protector

I put a finger to my lips. “The important thing is they don’t know where I am. Stay off the radio about me, and give me the keys to the UTV.”

I race down and uncover them, jumping into one and taking it around the backside where Patti Ann showed me just the other day. It comes into the back of the trails that hook up with Mason’s and from there I should be able to cover the backside in case anyone decides to come up.

Garrett and Cole may be tough as nails, but they’re too close to the house and not going to think the bastards will come in through the brush.

We made them desperate taking so many men out this week. And if I were them, this is the way I would come in, and just as I’m nestled in on my belly, scanning the terrain, I see a shadow, one slight movement, and then two and then three.

20

Patti

The morning flies by with caterers arriving to lay out an early morning breakfast buffet, people setting up tables and a little archway on the lawn, and hairdressers from town showing up to do our hair and nails.

We admire each other’s dresses as we get ready for the quiet little wedding, glad that the men finally agreed to let the people in with additional security, although I’m not sure any of us is too comfortable with Tommy’s men hanging around. They may be on our side, but they look scary as hell.

Lacy adjusts the strap on my light green dress. “I think we’re all way more anxious than PJ and Jules. They’re the ones getting married today.”

“I know, I’d be a nervous wreck. It probably helps that it’s being held here and not with a ton of strangers, you know? Well, except the thick-necked goons in the zoot suits.”

Lacy nods, touching up her lipstick after downing a glass of orange juice. “I know, neither of them wanted anyone but all of us and of course Kenny and family, and Lettie. They said the dance tonight down at Kenny’s will be enough celebration for everyone in town. They wanted to keep their vows private and small. I hope things go well and we can make the dance happen.”

“I wasn’t surprised they didn’t want a bachelor and bachelorette party though. Not after what happened at yours.”

Her eyes go wide. “We got lucky the guys were all on their A game that night. That’s for sure.” Her eyes scan across the room. “Speaking of, Garrett just came in for a bite to eat. I’m going to see how he’s doing.”

“Sounds good. I’m going to check on our brides-to-be.” I walk in behind Jules and PJ who are checking out their dresses in front of the mirror. I tuck a straggling strand of hair into PJ’s updo, and they both turn to show me their beautiful white gowns. “You both look so stunning that I could just cry.”

Jules’ eyes widen. “Don’t you dare. I’m having a hard enough time not getting soppy myself. And with all this eyeliner and stuff on my face, I seriously would be a mess.”

“Did Mason get back last night? I didn’t hear anything at all once I got to sleep.”

She rolls her eyes. “Well, sneaking in after rolling around in the hay night after night will take it right out of you.”

My face splits into a grin. “I wondered if the guys on patrol knew and just didn’t call us out.”

She nods. “Oh, they all knew. Not much gets past these guys when they’re on patrol. Mason got back again late last night and slept here with me once Tommy and his boys took over.”

Krissy rings a little bell on the catering table. “Last call for breakfast before it’s heading to the refrigerator.” She looks at Jules and PJ. “I still can’t believe you are both getting married today.”

PJ rolls her eyes. I’ve never seen my friend look as dressed up or as completely in love as I do today. She inhales a deep breath. “Stop already. I honestly can’t wait to say I do. That man, he has become my entire world. Well, with the exception of all of you.”

I laugh. My friends are all so happy, and for the first time in a very long time, I find myself wishing I was part of a couple too. And that’s something I thought would never happen again.

It’s hard to believe the time has come when Garrett walks into the great room, which has turned into a room full of feminine chaos. “The pastor has arrived and everything’s ready.”

PJ and Jules both inhale a deep breath. Krissy leads them out the door while Lacy and I lift and carry their beautiful trains as we head outside to views of blue skies, green grass, forest, and rolling hills. The pastor is waiting at a pulpit under a large white archway not too far away with Mason and Beckett standing in tuxes waiting for their loves.

The way they look at them makes the butterflies in my stomach dance as my best friends in the world walk toward their forever loves. Once they’re in position, Lacy and I take a seat with Garrett and Cole, watching as our friends vow to love and cherish each other until death do them part.

The minute the pastor says, “You may now kiss your brides,” gunfire erupts in the distance and instead of kissing them, Mason and Beckett get their brides to the ground and cover them with their own bodies.

Cole and Garrett have Krissy, Lacy, and me down on the ground in less than a second. “Stay down!” Cole yells as more gunfire erupts in the distance and a flash of fire lights up the sky.

21

Blake

I keep the assholes getting closer to the ridge in my sights while monitoring the wedding processions, hell-bent on not letting them ruin Mason and Beckett’s special day with their soon-to-be wives while not putting them in danger either.