Chapter 40

Lilly
It has been a week since my party and the first time Tank spent the night with me. He has spent every night since in bed with me. Sometimes we make-out like a couple of teenagers. Sometimes we just talk but both I enjoy immensely. We still haven't made love yet. I thought it was because I was so inexperienced he was holding back or that he didn’t want to. I gathered up all my courage and asked him about it last night. He said it wasn’t because he didn’t want me. He wants me very much. So much that he is having a hard time holding back but he is.Tank told me he wants our first time together to be special to both of us. He doesn’t want it hurried. He wanted to take the time to enjoy and explore every inch of me. He doesn’t want it to be in the club where he has been with the bunnies. He feels it would be disrespectful to me. He says right now he is just happy to be able to sleep with me in his arms every night. Which happens a lot. Most of the time I fall asleep with Tank’s arms around me but wake up with me laying across his chest and one of my legs draped over one of his. That is something he has never had a desire to do with anyone before so he is enjoying the firsts we share with each other. So when he put it like that, who was I to argue. It is rather sweet if you ask me. And respectful. And it shows me he is trying hard to not be the jerk he was before.

Today is an exciting day for both of us. I got to pick up my guide dog, Harley, today. We went to the orientation not expecting much. Tank and I gave the director our criteria for the dog they were going to pair me with. Had to be good with kids. Couldn’t be bothered by loud noises. I didn’t want the dog to get jumpy whenever one of my brothers cranked up their biker. Or be bothered with the loud music I play or be upset at some of the parties. After that we were asked to sit in a room and wait for the dogs to be introduced to us. I could hear their paws hitting the concrete floor when all the sudden I felt a wet nose nudging my hand. Tank laughs “ Looks like you have a new friend. The worker comes over “ He has never done that before. I think we just found your dog.” He explains that Harley is a male golden retriever. He has been in the program two years and is fully trained. It is just a matter of whether or not we can work together. I will have to come in for several days to work with him so we can get used to each other.

And that leads us to today. Harley met all of the things I needed and we bonded quickly. I was told Harley has met with a few people before but didn’t click with them like he did me. Harley is even comfortable with Tank. Today we even brought Goof along. I think he is just as excited to meet Harley as I am to bring him home. Goof is along for another reason. Viper now has me paired up with two people at all times since the letters suddenly increased. It seems that whoever is after me is growing impatient. We are sitting in the office waiting for Harley. Tank is holding my hand. Suddenly Goof says “ I never thought I would see the day whenTank is holding hands with a girl.” Tank laughs “ Get used to it brother. I’ll hold her hand as long as she let’s me.” I think’ forever' but I don’t say it.

Goof laughs “ You have it bad, brother.” Tank squeezed my hand and said low enough for only me to hear “ Yes, I do.” Before I can come up with a response the door opens. I am grateful for the interruption. Not only because I want to take Harley home. But seriously, how could I respond to that? What should I say? Thank you? No, that's not right. It is sweet but I didn’t want to say that in front of Goof. I wanted to kiss him senseless but that was for when we were alone. I feel Harley nudger me with his nose. I scratch him between his ears “ Hi, Harley. Are you ready to go to your new home?” He barks. “ Goof, could you come here?” I feel Goof come beside me. Harley tenses. “ It is ok Harley. This is my friend Goof.” I instruct Goof to hold his hand out to Harley. Harley is going to sniff his hand to pick up his scent. We are going to have to do that with all the people who come near me so Harley will recognise them. After being around the clubhouse and places I frequent he will get used to everyone and pick on scents that are common and ones that aren’t. Once Harley and Goof are introduced we are given Harley’s things like his tags and vest. I will only make him wear it when we are away from the club. Tank has all Harley’s paperwork like his vet and registration and now we are off. I grab Harley’s harness that has a handle on it for him to walk with me. Harley follows Tank out to the truck. I sit in the back with Harley and Tank and Goof up front.

Everything is fine for most of the ride home. Harley has had his head in my lap while I absentmindedly scratch him. Then suddenly Harley lifes his head and barks. “ Are you excited buddy?” I ask. He jumps on my shoulder and growls. He has never acted this way towards me. He jumps on me again with all his weight. I didn’t expect it so I fell over on the seat. Once I’m down Harley lays down on me. “ Harley what the hell?” Tank yells. “ Harley, bad.” That's all I get out when I hear glass breaking. “ Harley keep Lilly down. Lilly don’t move. Goof return fire.” Tank yells rapid fire. I’m scared and shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. I want to yell “ What’s happening?” but I don’t. I hear something pinging against the metal of the truck. I hear gunshots coming from different directions. I know Tank has sped up because I am suddenly thrown further back into the seat. Harley has not moved off me.

“ Lilly, just keep down. We are almost home.” Tank yells. He turned a corner and I slid along the seat a little bit. If it wasn’t for Harley’s weight on me I’m sure I would have slid further. This whole time I hear gunshots. It doesn’t stop. I hear glass shatter before I feel something fall on me. I scream when I feel something scrap my arms. I hear two more shots before they suddenly stop. Then the truck stops. I hear doors open. I want to get up but Harley won’t let me. After everything that happened I’m going to trust his instincts. I hear my door open and Harley growls menacingly. He isn’t going to let anyone near me without knowing it’s ok. “ This must be Harley.” I hear Viper say. “ Harley, it’s ok. Viper is a friend.” I say trying to stop Harley from attacking Viper. “ Harley, you are a good boy. You can let Lilly up now.” Tank says. Harley’s weight gets off me and I start to move but Viper calls out. “ Lilly, don't move. You are covered in glass. I'm going to pick you up and pull you out. Then we are going to the med room to check you out. I already called Ryans. He will be here any minute.”

I feel Viper reach around me and slide his hands under me. I’m lifted up and pressed against a chest that I know is Viper. “ I’ve got you Little Bit. You're safe now.” I hear Harley whimper. “ Come Harley. It’s ok.” Before I know it I’m being set on a bed. “ Viper, Ryans is here.” “ Send him in.” Viper says. “ Hey, Miss Lilly. Let’s have a look at you.” Ryans said. Harley was whimpering so I had him climb up on the bed with me. “ Tank and Goof I want you with me. I want to know exactly what happened.” Viper said. “ I’ll be right back, Lilly.” Tank said.

Dr. Ryans asked what happened while he was checking me over. He asked about any pain I may have been in. “ Well, Lilly. All things considered you are a very lucky young lady. Only a few cuts to your arms and one small one on your face. I will get those treated real quick.” Ryans says. “ It wasn’t luck. It was Harley. It was like he knew something was going to happen.” I explained how Harley reacted and how he protected me. “ Dr. Ryans I know you aren’t a vet but could you give him a quick look over? I think he got the brunt of the glass and I want to make sure he is ok or if I need to take him to get checked out.” I ask. Poor Harley isn’t even home for a few minutes and he may be hurt. That thought weighs heavy on me. “ I have no problem with that. Once I am finished with you I see if he needs anything.”