ROSE They say blood's thicker than water, but they also say the grass is always greener... Should I stay or should I go? Sure, I need my dad, somewhere to live. But I don't need to be mixed up in the mess he's got himself into. Taking police bribes and faking taxes for dealers and meth labs? I'm out. I won't have a part in it. I can't. But how can I save dad from the cops, from himself and that whole world? What I need is a knight in shining armor. My go-to fantasy when reality bites. Oh, I know it's stupid, but a girl can dream. I know he's out there, somewhere, and if I ever thought I needed him, whoever he is, I need him now more than ever. Help me stranger, wherever you are. Come rescue me and help me save my dad too. I'll do whatever you want. And I mean, anything. THORN Every rose has its thorn and every dark night has its dawn. This Thorn's never found his rose though. Probably never will. And I know a thing or two about dark nights. Seen plenty of those, alone. I'm a lone wolf, flying solo but the club's my air. The MC is the only tribe I have, all the family. All the trust I need. With the club's work, we're cleaning up Valor. Giving the town some of its own namesake back with our own. But when I see yet another younger girl, thumb out and hitching a ride in the fading evening light, I wonder if we're doing enough. I never thought it could happen.Not to me anyway. Feeling her warmth pressed up against the back of me. Her hands around my waist. "What's your name?" I ask her. "Rose," she answers shyly. The low rumble of my ride underneath both of us. A sly grin curls my lip as I look up in silent thanks. Looks like this thorn's just found his rose after all. Her ride. My Rose. Mine.