creature, discarded like garbage on a blazing highway, an intense, righteous fury
ignited within them.
“Who the hell does something like this?” Jax growled, his fists clenched so tight
his knuckles were white. Several bikers muttered curses, their faces darkening with
anger.
Big Jim didn't speak. He gently scooped the fragile puppy into his massive,
calloused hands. The dog felt lighter than a feather, its tiny heartbeat fluttering
wildly against Jim’s leather vest. He cradled it against his chest, shielding it from the
sun.
“Water. Now,” Jim barked.
Immediately, three bikers sprinted to their saddlebags. A canteen was uncapped
and brought over. Jim poured a small amount of cool water into the palm of his
hand and brought it to the puppy’s snout. The dog didn’t react at first, but then a
tiny, dry pink tongue darted out, lapping weakly at the moisture.
“We can’t wait for animal control,” Jim announced, looking up at his crew. “This
little guy won’t make it another hour out here. Jax, figure out where the nearest
emergency vet is. We’re taking him in.”
By now, highway patrol sirens were wailing in the distance, responding to the
massive traffic jam. A police cruiser maneuvered through the shoulder and came to
a stop. Two officers stepped out, hands resting on their belts, expecting to confront a
gang dispute or a crash. Instead, they walked into a circle of giant, heavily tattooed
men crowding around a tiny, shivering dog.
When Jim explained the situation, the officers’ stern expressions softened. They
took one look at the puppy and nodded. “We’ll give you an escort,” the older officer
said. “Follow us. Let’s get that dog some help.”
It was a sight that Interstate 15 had never seen before. A highway patrol car,
lights flashing and sirens blaring, cleared the way through the traffic. Right behind
the cruiser was Big Jim, riding one-handed, his jacket zipped halfway up with a tiny
puppy tucked safely inside against his chest. Behind him roared a phalanx of ninety-
nine bikers, riding in a fierce, protective formation.
They tore down the highway and exited toward the nearest town, pulling into