"Put our tab on my tab. We’re leaving."
Bear looked down at Mia. He reached out with his massive hands and unbuttoned his heavy, fleece-lined flannel shirt, pulling it off over his t-shirt. He knelt down and wrapped it around Mia's trembling shoulders. It engulfed her like a blanket, immediately bringing warmth to her freezing frame.
"You're not going to any group home, Mia," Bear said, his voice absolute. "And nobody is throwing away your father's things."
Mia looked up at him, her wide blue eyes searching his scarred face. "You believe me?"
"Your dad was the best man I ever knew," Bear said. "And if he said we’re your brothers, then we're your family. Let’s go have a talk with Carl."
Bear stood and walked toward the diner exit. The little girl trailed right behind him, drowning in the oversized flannel shirt. Prophet, Dex, and the rest of the Hounds followed in a heavy, booted procession, their faces set like stone.
When they stepped out into the parking lot, the crisp morning air felt sharp. Bear walked over to his custom Harley Davidson and lifted Mia easily with two hands, setting her securely on the wide passenger seat.
"Hold onto my belt, kid," Bear instructed, swinging a heavy leg over the bike.
Mia grabbed the thick leather of his belt with both hands. For the first time all morning, the terrified look on her face began to fade, replaced by something resembling safety.
A moment later, the deafening roar of seven V-twin engines shattered the quiet morning. The Iron Hounds pulled out onto Highway 9 in a tight, disciplined formation, tearing down the asphalt toward the address Mia had given them.
The air was electric with tension. Bear gripped his handlebars, feeling the heavy silver dog tag pressed inside his chest pocket against his heart. Jax had left them a final order, and the Hounds were going to answer the call.
Chapter 2: The Estate Sale
The residential street of Willow Creek was normally quiet on a Saturday morning, lined with neat suburban lawns and mature oak trees. The deafening rumble of seven heavy motorcycles turning onto the asphalt instantly shattered the peace.
Bear led the formation, keeping his speed low as they cruised down the block. Behind him, Mia maintained a tight grip on his belt, her small face peering around his leather vest to look for her house.