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Ryder lead his men to were he suspected the men were stationed. He has immediately gather as much info as he could on this group. It paid to play nice with other Crews. They were always more then willing to swap Intel for a favor, or gift.

He was angry when they arrived and no one was there. He stormed their place. Trying to gather clues or information on where the men could have went. He hated that they had been one step ahead.

He returned to his men. He sent two groups off to some local Crews they were friendly with. He wanted them to gather whatever dirt they could on these guys. This left him with nothing to do but retreat.

He hated retreating, it was an awful feeling. Feeling he had let everyone down. Knowing everyone was in danger and he could do nothing to protect any of them. So before he retreated, and to make himself feel the tiniest bit better. He set their place on fire, and watched it burn until he could hear the sirens getting close.

Law chuckled as he watched the woman dancing about the pole in front of him. He swallowed down his whisky and slapped a woman with a tray hard on her bottom.
"Another!" He barked at her, and she hurried off.
"So Ace...who do you think will surrender first? Reapers or Angels?" He accepted the drink and gulped that one down as well.

He watched in silence as a second woman joined the first one on the pole. He always appreciated the woman form, especially when it was naked. Or near naked as was the two women before him. He lit a cigarette and settled back to enjoy the show.

"Grace will remain here, under our protection. You can leave some of you men to report back to you if you like." He grew quiet.
"We have nothing to hide, and nothing to gain by keeping secrets." Orion looked toward the house.
"Taz is a Nurse Practitioner, she will be staying around the clock with Grace. Niko is a Doctor, and will be in to check on her daily. I figured Grace wouldn't want men hanging around after....She can stay here as long as she needs too." Ryder headed into the house and up to his room. He threw himself down and pulled out his phone.

He skimmed his messages. Everything was good, or as good as it could be given all the sh*t that had went down. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. What was he suppose to? How could he keep everyone safe?

Devil looked to Dereck. He stepped up and took him aside. "I want to stay here with Grace. Jackson can't, he is V.P. Let me stay to keep and eye on her. I will guard her with my life. You know that." Dev felt her owed it to Grace. Hell the Reapers in-general owed Grace a great deal.

Law chuckled. "Guess we got ourselves a wager. I think the Angels will surrender first. Ryder is a b*tch." He stood up and walked over to a woman. He put his arm about her waist and pulled her to him. He lead her off, and into one of the side rooms a few minutes later.

His life was easy. He wanted sex, he picked a female. He wanted a drink, he had a bottle, food, whatever he wanted he got. It was why it was so annoying when he that feeling that something was missing. What could possibly be missing?

Cadie responded immediately when she received the text. She texted Dereck daily for updates. Her brother would not answer her calls or texts. Jasper/Pryde had been replaced at the hideout on the second day. Cadence suspected it was because her brother was worried Pryde would be bullied by Cadence like when they were children.

In Pryde's defense he really stood his ground with Cadence. He laid down the law, and did not budge. He gave her not an inch. If Cadence was being truthful, she hated that her bullying nor charm worked. She was impressed with how he took control of the situation. impressed with the fact that he could control her, and not take her sh*t. She had very few men in her life who could "handle" her.

Much to her dismay he left, and did not return. He answered only one of her texts since she left. That was only to let her know he was in fact, alive, well as was her brother and Grace. Pryde intentionally left out the bit that Devil was staying with Grace and the Angels. He did not want her to think about him.

Ryder went about his daily business. Work, club business and gathering information. He was determined to figure something out in regards to the Outcasts situation. He visited briefly with Grace daily, always in Devil's presence. He mainly went in to see how she was feeling and if she wanted anything. Special food, books, magazines, or anything like that. He had sent a laptop to her room on the second day. He also had a cot moved in there so Devil could stay with her.

"I know they aren't going to hurt you. I am here because I want to be. Ever think of that Grace?" He sat down in the arm chair next to her bed and helped himself to a baby carrot stick.
"Dereck and Jackson would be here with you, if they could be. They can't. So I am the next best thing. They trust me, I actually care about you. So it is not just a job to me." He grabbed one of her magazines.
"Let's see what kind of lover I am..." He teased as he pretended to read the magazine. The statement was of course a reference to the ridiculous quiz inside the magazine.
"You ready to travel? I know Dereck would feel better with you at our place. He could see you regularly." Devil had not told Grace that their place has been shot up the same day she was attacked. He felt there was no need to worry her and further.

'Whoa! Slow down! No one ever said you were afraid Grace!" Devil threw the magazine down.
"How nice of you to let me follow you. I was going to either way. Actually, I want you to let me check the house before you enter it. Cole will ride with. He will guard you outside while I check the place out."

Devil wasn't surprised that Orion was out in the hallway. He had been a good host to Grace. A little too good if you asked him. He felt like Ryder had a thing for Grace. He was not going to worry about that just yet though. He could only put out one fire at a time.
"She wants to go home today." Dev said loudly and gave Orion a look as if saying, you deal with it.
"What? Uh....why? Is there something wrong with the room? We can fix it." He walked back to the room.
"Is it the view? You can move to a new room. No problem." Ryder offered.

He walked back to Grace, slowly he took her hand. "Hun, I really don't think you should leave just yet. Let us take care of you just a few more days." He gave her his best puppy dog look.

Never one to sit still, or behave Cadence had come up with an escape plan. She waited till some of the guys were drinking and partying. Once they were fully loaded she stole a set of keys. She searched for the nearest bank that accepted her card. Once there she pulled out some cash and went to a dinner located across the street. From there she called a cab and had it take her to the nearest motel. In the morning she could rent a car and drive back to her hometown. Or or new home.

Once at the motel Cadence put her feet up, and turned on the tv. She didn't sleep much that night, but that just meant she was up extra early. She overnight mailed the keys and location of the bike back to the club. She rented a car, ate breakfast, fueled up the car and grabbed a few items for the road.

She was happy to be on the road. Putting space between the hide out and herself. She had to get back home. Had to find out what was going on. Had to help in whatever way she could.

"Your no burden! You politely, well mannered, your not a jerk like my sister! Now, that girl is a burden! A pain in the a*s she is! We love having you! Your welcome to stay as long as you want!" Orion grinned and tried to take her hand. He stopped when she lifted her shirt and wrinkled his face.
"That looks so painful. Jesus...friggin' animals..." He brushed her shirt down.
"Grace, why don't we all go downstairs. Have a nice dinner. April cooked a nice meal. That girl can throw down in the kitchen! Trust me, you will good after a nice hearty meal. Maybe a glass of wine. You can use my Jacuzzi. It will be nice!'
'C'mon! Stay another few days!" He took her hand, gave it a light kiss and lead her downstairs.

Devil watched Ryder charm Grace. this guy was good! He was damn good! A part of him wanted to lay the guy out, another part had mad respect for Orion's game. He quickly texted Dereck.
Grace wants to leave. Ryder is trying to keep her here. If he fails, what do I do?

Ryder had three large tables pushed together in a huge room Plenty of chairs. There were actual quality plates and silverware. Several different men sat at the tables. The tables were loaded with food. Fresh baked biscuits, homemade mashed potatoes, yams, a whole ham sliced up and spread on a platter, another platter piled high with friend chicken, a large bowl of salad, another platter of corn on the cob and a smaller platter with steamed asparagus. Several bottles of wine were open. The guys were drinking beer.

There were a few women at the tables and a few more walking about bring out more dishes. Ryder sat at the head of the table. There was a lot of loud chatter and laughter around the table. He pointed to a seat to his left.
"Grace you can sit there. Devil you can sit beside her." He smiled as a lady about 20 brought him over a beer.
"Two more fore my guests. You be sure to eat while the food is still hot." He told her. She immediately left and returned just a few minutes later with two cold beers. She set one in front of Grace and and the other in front of Devil. The woman walked down to the other end and sat with a few people down there.
"Grace, Devil....don't be shy. Eat up!" Ryder stood up and brought over three large dinner plates. He handed Grace and Dev a plate.
He walked off and was piling food onto his plate. Pretty much a little of everything. His plate was damn near over flowing before he returned to his seat.
"Dinner is big in our house. Whoever wants to come home for dinner comes home. There is always food, there are always people here. We have girls that stay were. They cook, clean and even help out with the children. We have a few Old Ladies here that go to school or work. They bring the little ones here during the day. During the day it is mainly our women and some children here." He explained.
"We are a family here. Everyone is treated as such. Everyone does their part. No one hurts our girls here either. "

Several kids were seated at the middle table. A few women were fussing over them. Some women were covered up, others wearing very revealing clothing. The kids seemed happy though. A baby was being passed around.

It really did seem like some weird family compound. Everyone seemed to know one another. Greeted each other and the evening was very relaxed. It was easy to forget the troubles that faced them outside the walls of that establishment.

Ryder smiled around at his 'family'. He loved having them all around. It made everything he did feel worth it. At the end of a rough night, he knew he could always find companionship, and someone to care for him. If only for a few hours he had someone to share his world with.

He was not a hopeless romantic. He didn't really believe in love. He felt like it was a word women tossed around to try to control you. His ex girlfriend for example. She was nice, smart, beautiful and all that changed once he said 'I love you'. She became jealous, possessive and tried to control him.

He didn't really care for her anymore, but he was forced too. Seeing as how she was pregnant with his child. So he supported her lifestyle. Bought her a small house. Big enough for just her and the impending baby. Bought he a reliable and safe care. Paid her medical bills and threw money her way once a week.

In return she decided to keep the baby, and she was a willing warm body whenever he felt like it. Not that he was interested in her like that anymore. Whenever she started acting crazy and making threats regarding the baby he had to soothe her ego.

Growing up his Father was one of those ex Bikers/Cons that saw the light and changed his ways. His Mother met his Father when he was about that rough life. She did not like the change, but accepted it. She accepted it because it kept him from straying, though she strayed from time to time.

Ryder has a younger brother, who moved away as soon as he turned 18. He wanted nothing to do with their dysfunctional family. Ryder did not blame him in the least bit. Their Mother was a money and power hungry witch. She tried to manipulate Ryder as she had their Father for years.

It was a bit harder because there was no sexual aspect to play too. No kids to use as pawns. Plus Orion knew her game well by now. So he was harder to play then his Father was.

It was all these reasons that Orion had built this world for him and his friends. Growing up they all had an imperfect life. A life that could have had more love, laughter, friendship and peace. This was his attempt at building that.

A world where someone was happy to see him at the end of the day. Where there was a nice home cooked meal, and conversation waiting for those who wanted it. A world where there was plenty for everyone, and everyone felt welcomed and accepted. A place he finally felt he belonged. A place finally where he could be himself, where he could let his guard down.

Devil ate in silence He could not help but smile at the baby. She was a cute little thing. So tiny, like a doll. He quickly went back to his food when Grace took the baby. He did not want to see her with the baby. He feared that she may one day she might want a baby...and given what had happened. He was not sure if there was any permanent damage done. He did not want to be haunted of that image in case this was a problem they faced in the future.

Orion eagerly took the baby from Grace. He kissed her tiny head. He smiled at her and rocked her gently.
"She is gorgeous." He passed her back to her Mother.
"Jenny, she is is beautiful. You and her can stay as long as you want." Jenny accepted the baby back and thanked him shyly before hurrying off. Jenny looked to be in her late teens.

Devil was being a creeper. He was trying his hardest to give Grace her space, but also keep an eye on her. He wanted her to not feel like she was being smothered. He also wanted her to know she was safe, protected and he would kick a*s she wanted him too. More importantly he wanted to ensure that none of the guys got any ideas about her.

He knew she was pretty, and he saw the men look. Not in a vulgar way. They looked though. He understood though. He was a man. He looked as well. So many attractive women hanging around. Luckily he did not see Grace that way. She was like the little sister he had never had. (Thankfully! He was starting to see all sisters were trouble!)

He noticed a text from Dereck and was really unsure how to answer. Grace seemed happy, and surprisingly comfortable in the AA house. He didn't want to tell Dereck that. He also didn't want Dereck to show up, and have a freak out.
Grace is fine. She is relaxing after a big dinner. I am keeping Angels away from her. They are not bothering her really.
He sent the text then gave her about ten minutes before he joined her on the balcony.
"Hey! There you are....Did you eat enough?" He pulled out his cigs and offered her one before he himself took one.
"Pretty different here..." He looked out over the town.

The next morning Cadence was on her way. She had rented her car, hit the back, mailed the keys to the club with a note as to the location of the bike. She had even hit a grocery store, and Target to get a few items she would need.

She turned up her music, and sang along. She wasn't a particularly good singer. She enjoyed it though. It made her happy and calmed her all at once. She popped an apple slice in her mouth as she drove.

It was about 4pm when Cadie made it to town. She had turned off her cell phone. She did not want anyone tracking her. First thing she did when she made it to town was drive to her Mother's. Of course he Mother had not let her in. She screamed and yelled at her through the door. She cursed her, and called her an ungrateful little whore. She disowned her yet again.

Finally fed up with the situation Cadence gave up. She drove to her Aunt's house. Her Aunt Celeste was relieved to see her, and of course welcomed her back. Cadence went up to the room that she was staying in at her Aunt's house. It wasn't her bed, or her room, but it was at least familiar.

She must have drifted off because when she woke up, it was dark out. She could hear the Cicadas and the day had cooled off. Cadie showered, dressed and finally turned on her phone. She had 42 text messages, and 36 voice mails. Most from her brother, a few from Jasper. She eventually gave up listening to them all.

She repacked her smaller suitcase. She wrote her aunt a quick note, made a quick sandwich and was gone again. She drove right on into the Club's main house. She waited to a group of girls were outside smoke. She left her bag in the car and joined the girls.

She mingled with them, and made it in the house unnoticed. She went right on upstairs and looked for her brother's room. He was not in it, but she made herself comfortable.

It was nearly an hour before her brother finally made his way to the room. She was laying on his bed, on her stomach. Flipping through one of his porn magazines.
"So...I was curious, do men really like fake tits? I mean they are all over this magazine. Mine's are real and very large. Is it the size they like or...?" She brother stalked over and snatched the magazine from her. He threw it across the room, and EXPLODED.

He was screaming at her, and yanked her up by her arm. He gave her a good hard shake. She seemed not to be phased by his outburst. He let her arm go and walked off.
"Oh my gawd girl! You make me so damn angry!" He began punching the wall since he could not hit his sister of course.
"I have had people out looking for you! I was afraid you were dead in a ditch somewhere! What the f*ck were you thinking? You couldn't have been thinking! No! You couldn't have been! That was the stupidest...."
"Are you done yet? Because I am so over this." She asked as she stomped her foot and put her hands on her hips.

He looked at her as if he would murder her. He was trembling from the sheer willpower he exerted to not strangle his little sister.
"GET THE F*CK OUT OF MY ROOM!!!" He boomed and this time she jumped. She had never seen him that angry. He was turning all sorts of colors. She actually ran from his room. A minute after the door slammed shut there was a loud crash. It was followed by more yelling, cursing and things being broken.

She stared at the door widen eyed, and for once in her life....frightened. She went running away from the door. She was not thinking about where she was going. She only knew she wanted to be away from her brother's rampage.