Mayhem: A Reapers MC Boxset

by Elizabeth Knox

  I stand up, agreeing to disagree. I’ve seen Dex in some compromising positions. “Text me if you two need anything.”

  “Will do.” Zane says as I make my way out of their room to give them time with their newborn son.

  Shit’s about to go down really soon, and I’m gonna be askin’ two men who I’m sure would wanna tag along for this.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

  ~ Wayne Dyer

  Grim

  I borrowed Bull’s tank of a truck to head into the Billings Logan International Airport, where I’ll be picking up Boss and whoever is accompanying her. She’s the Prez of the Iron Vex MC in Queens, New York. Aside from that she’s most known for being the sadistic Rage’s daughter. I don’t know much about how her parents met or none of that, but from the rumors I’ve heard pass through the club, Rage fucked Boss’ mom one night which resulted in her.

  Boss is now in her mid-late twenties and has a daughter of her own. Destiny. I think that’s her name. Though, even with a kid back in New York she still handles business. I still have a hard time seein’ a woman as Prez. Not ‘cause they can’t do it or anything, but because of how difficult it must be to be a mother and the boss. Women are put under a lot of pressure to do it all, to be super women and whatever. It kinda sickens me to my stomach, ‘cause us men have never had to deal with that shit.

  Zane failed to tell me early this morning when I was at the hospital how he told Boss someone would be pickin’ them up in Bull’s truck. He didn’t say Bull’s truck, but shit if he didn’t describe it from top to bottom. Let’s just say Bull wasn’t exactly too keen on someone drivin’ his prized possession around. Especially after I’m the idiot who just had an accident a couple weeks back.

  I’m sittin’ outside of the pickup area the airport has, with my hazards on, hopin’ and prayin’ one of these airport cops doesn’t come up and tell me to get a move on. They never want anyone to be in the same spot for too long. It clogs up the traffic and people get real pissy then.

  I spot a woman with medium length, chocolate brown hair come through the doors. She’s dressed in head to toe leather, even with knee-high laced up boots. They’re not just any boots. She’s got some death spikes on them. Yet here she is walkin’ on heels actin’ like it’s natural to her.

  Beside her is a guy who stands maybe a foot taller than she does. He’s got dark features with an ivory type skin tone, though I see they’re both wearin’ cuts so these must be them. “Boss?” I holler, rollin’ down the window.

  Her eyes peek up and once she spots me, she walks over to the truck, pulls on the passenger door, and hops in. The guy who was standin’ next to her gets in the back and tosses the two duffel bags he has beside him.

  “You’re Grim, huh?” She mutters, lookin’ me up and down.

  “That’s me.”

  “You don’t look as grim as I thought you would.”

  “What?” I let out a chortle. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You know, I hear about the group of you guys being these big, brutes of men . . . and you look like you’re Santa at Christmas time. Harmless. Sweet.”

  “Alright, you caught me. But don’t you go spoilin’ the fun for those kids.” I tease her, getting a smile in return. She’s not bein’ rude, but she pays attention to the details. I’ve heard a few stories about her grandfather being that way as well.

  “How was the flight?” I ask, pullin’ out of where I’ve been sittin’.

  “It was fine. Turbulence was a bitch.” Boss responds, while her guy in the back is quiet as a mouse.

  I glance up in the rear-view mirror and make eye contact with him. “What’s your deal?”

  “Just don’t have much to say. Don’t even wanna fuckin’ be here.”

  “Ricochet,” Boss growls, her tone warning enough. I take it these two must’ve had some issues on whether or not to come out here.

  “What? How do we even know this isn’t some fuckin’ trap, Tala?” he snarls back to her just as I pull on the interstate.

  “Ricochet, don’t make me slap the shit outta you in front of our new friend here, ‘cause I’ll make you look like a little bitch.” Even though this woman is a tad short and thin, I have a feelin’ she can handle her own.

  “I know we’ve all just met, but lemme be real frank with y’all. If this was a trap, Zane wouldn’t have extended an invitation for you to come to our club. It would be too messy, too much effort. More importantly, it would lead your entire club right to ours. We might not be fond of what your father did to our people, Boss, but one thing about Zane is he doesn’t hold onto the past like that. Rage is dead. Rage isn’t a fuckin’ problem anymore.”

  She goes quiet, as if talking about her father’s death guts her. “Thank you, Grim. I know my father wasn’t a saint. He brought more pain, chaos, and deception onto so many people. His sins heavily outweighed what I believe was his path to redemption.”

  “Mmm?” I mutter, curious as to what she’s going on about.

  “He saved one of our own. It’s how he died, saving one of our women.”

  “Ironic, considering he raped and tortured them for shits and giggles.”

  “Like I said, he wasn’t a great man. He wasn’t even a good one . . . but at the end of the day he was my father and I won’t disrespect him.”

  “Shit, sorry. Didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “It’s fine. No one ever does.” She’s tellin’ me it’s fine, yet I can sense the hurt in her voice. “You have a food truck or anything up here? I’m starved.”

  “Yeah, I know of a place.” I reply, turning off the highway we head into downtown Billings. We have a park almost in the center of town, so I head there, parking on the east side. Every Friday through Monday there are a series of food trucks that park on the outskirts of the park. They have everything from fried dessert, barbeque, Korean, Mexican, and more.

  “Damn, this place smells delicious.” Ricochet comments from the back.

  “Yeah, the Korean they have here is a big hit at the club. But about everything is good here. Never had any complaints.” I mutter.

  “Perfect. Cool if we chill for about thirty and grab a bite?” Boss questions.

  “Yeah, I don’t care. I’ll grab a bite myself. Meet back here in thirty.” I say, hoppin’ out of Bull’s truck I shut my door, then head over to the Mexican truck. I’m havin’ a nasty cravin’ for some tostadas.

  Once my order is in, I walk a bit further into the park and pop a squat at a picnic table. It’s chilly today, but not too cold. I even see some kids out runnin’ around in their jackets with their moms in tow.

  I take one bite out of my tostada and hear footsteps crunching leaves to the left of me. “Ooo that looks yummy.” A small voice says.

  I turn my head and see a small young girl. She must be about five or so. Her hair is a bit curly in a medium brown tone and there’s no adult in sight. “Where’re your parents?”

  “Dunno. Can I have some?” She asks, and the second time she speaks I hear the same accent that’s oddly familiar to me. I ordered about five tostadas, so I hand one over to her and she takes a seat beside me.

  “Dig in, kiddo.”

  “Sorcha!” I look in front of me to see Natalie calling for her daughter, who’s digging into a chicken tostada beside me. She seems happy as can be.

  “You were hungry and ran off from your mom, didn’t you?”

  Sorcha shrugs. I swear Natalie said Davina was her handful, but little does she know this one is gonna be far worse. I just have a gut feeling. “Java,” I wave her down, yelling over in her direction.

  I do have to say, when she spots her lil’ girl beside me, her reaction is priceless. Her jaw practically hits the floor. Two other kids come running up to Natalie and the three of them come walking up.

  “Sorcha . . . you know better than to run off like that.” Natalie berates her, though I can see she
’s just had the scare of her life.

  “I was . . . hungry.” Sorcha whines, gnawing into the tostada.

  “Did you buy this for her?” her mom asks me.

  “Nah, she came up and asked politely to have some. Of course, I couldn’t say no.” I smile, trying to make light of the situation. “It’s nice to finally meet your quiet one,” I tease, holdin’ back my laughter.

  “Sorcha!” Natalie throws her hand in front of her face in embarrassment.

  “Who is this guy, Mum?” The tallest of the bunch asks. I’m bettin’ this is Aggie. She’s got some crazy natural red hair. Didn’t expect that to come from Natalie.

  “This is my friend, Grim, the one I—”

  “Oh, your boyfriend. Nana told us about him. Said you all met him at the café for coffee.”

  Natalie’s face flushes bright red. “Oh, I didn’t know Nana went and told the lot of you stories.”

  “Yep, she said you’ll be married in no time.” Aggie says, though I can see the smile pullin’ at her lips. She’s screwin’ with her poor mom.

  “Mum’s married to Dad. This guy won’t replace Daddy!” Davina hisses, glaring at me.

  “Have you forgotten what he did!?” Aggie snarls at her little sister.

  “He didn’t do anything. You all just made it up so we’d be away from him forever. Because of you he didn’t even call to wish me a happy birthday or send me a card!” Davina seems upset, and rightfully so. Little does she know that it’s not because of her mother or sister that her deadbeat, piece of shit father hasn’t sent her a card or called.

  This is the type of shit that pisses me off more than anything else. I’d kill to have my daughter back. She was the one thing I did right in this world, and I barely had her before she died. I felt so lost, so out of control. My life had little meaning and even her mom and I broke up. Kids are what give us purpose. At least for me anyway. Your family needs to be put above all else.

  “You girls hungry? Dig in.”

  Aggie quickly takes a seat and grabs a tostada, taking a bite and moans from how good it is. Davina on the other hand glares at me but ends up sitting down. She reluctantly takes one, and I have a feelin’ her and I are gonna have to work at this relationship. “I have another one for you too, missy.” I say to Natalie, who gives in like the rest of the girls and takes a seat next to me. I wrap my arm around her to pull her close.

  I didn’t expect to meet the girls today, but I’d be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t happy we ran into each other. Hopefully it’ll make things a little easier tomorrow when they’re at the clubhouse. “You have any plans later?” Natalie asks.

  “Not really. Why, what’s up?”

  “If you wanna stop by my house later tonight, I’ll make some dinner. So, you know, you can interview me for the job.”

  “What ya makin’?” I ask, while my stomach growls.

  “A pot roast. I’ve prepped some Dundee cake as well.”

  “Don’t know what it is, but I’m ready.” I joke, rubbin’ my stomach. Natalie smiles, and so do Sorcha and Aggie, but Davina keeps on glarin’ at me like I’m her arch nemesis.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Understand me. I’m not like the ordinary world. I have my madness, I live in another dimension and I do not have time for things that have no soul.”

  ~ Charles Bukowski

  Grim

  Spending thirty minutes in the park turned into an hour. Boss and Ricochet made their way over to where I was with Natalie and the girls, of who at that point were laughing at my ridiculous jokes. Even dear Davina started to warm up to me. I’d left on a good note and told Natalie I’d be by around seven for dinner. Boss caught on very quickly that my relationship with Natalie was new and drilled me with questions on the ride back to the club.

  I dropped them off at the house they’ll be stayin’ in so they can get themselves settled in and drove back into town to get some gifts for the girls for later. Natalie had said Aggie is artistic, so I grabbed her a necklace making kit and a drawing pad with pencils. Davina is into makeup so I grabbed her some cute kid like shit that hopefully she’ll like. Knowing what I do about the girl, she’ll tell me the quality is sub-par. Then there’s little Sorcha, who really likes dolls. She told me how much at the picnic table, and how they were going to have a tea party later but with solo cups because she didn’t have a tea set. I might be adding a tea set and a doll to her collection. Hopefully Natalie won’t get mad at me, but kids are my soft spot.

  I really can’t help but spoil them.

  Now I’m back at the club, and Blackjack just walked through the door a couple minutes ago. He spends most of the time at the lake house with Ashley, which is about a five-minute drive down the back lane. Fist owned acres upon acres, which now his three kids inherited. If all of us wanted to build mansions on this land, we could. We won’t, ‘cause let’s be real, we don’t have that kinda cash. But we can keep growin’ here for a long ass while.

  Boss and Ricochet are sitting across from me at one of the smaller tables in the living area. We’ve all been nursing a beer, trying to relax. Boss has mentioned a couple of times how she’s gettin’ stared at really weird.

  “It’s not every day that the infamous Rage’s spawn comes to visit. Your dad had a reputation.” I murmur, taking a sip of my beer.

  “Don’t I know it. I swear everyone thinks I’m going to go crazy and shoot everyone in sight.”

  “Only when you’re hungry,” Ricochet jokes, getting a punch to the arm from Boss.

  “Those were your girlfriend’s kids from earlier?” Boss asks, but I realize I didn’t say whose kids they were.

  “Yeah.”

  “Oh, wow.”

  “Wow, what?”

  “I thought they were yours and she was watching them. With the way they were interacting with you, it seemed so natural.”

  “Thanks for saying that. Meeting the kids is a big deal.”

  “That it is, and a new relationship, dang, Grim.” Boss smiles. I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I don’t think she’s like her father at all. This woman has some good in her.

  “You have a youngin’ too, yeah?”

  Boss smiles brightly. “I sure do. Destiny. The best thing that’s ever happened to me. A surprise, but what a great one. I was scared shitless at first but having my own family has really given me a sense of purpose.”

  I nod, understanding what she’s talking about. It’s how I felt when my daughter was born. “I hear a lot of shit, about rumors that is. Care if I ask you this?”

  Boss gulps while her expression turns to a stern one. “I have a feeling I know what you’re about to ask, and I’ll tell you what I tell everyone, it’s no one’s business.”

  “That’s true. It’s just, there’s a new woman in Stoney’s life named Rachel. I heard from a friend that you and your buddy here went to a barbeque. Rachel caught wind of it, and I’m damn sure he knows what’s up.”

  Boss blinks a few times in disbelief. She must’ve known this would happen at some point. I don’t need a confirmation from her because her fear is written across her face. Ricochet’s even lookin’ at her with concern.

  “Stoney can go choke on a fucking rock.” She grits, her throat flushing with red. Obviously, she’s upset.

  “You can talk to me you know. Hell, you know my story. Not like I’m gonna go talk about shit to anyone.”

  “Didn’t you hear her? She said this isn’t anyone’s business.” Ricochet growls, comin’ to her defense.

  She puts up her hand, signaling him to stop. “It’s fine. Everything is going to come out anyway, and from the looks of it, Stoney already knows about her.” Boss turns her attention to me. “Stoney and I used each other I think, to feel something, for just a moment. He’s far too bull-headed for it to ever work out between us, but . . . I thought about it, for our daughter’s sake, then I heard about this Rachel and,” Boss rolls her eyes, obviously not fond of her. “Other women complicate shit, so I�
�m not gonna go down that road. If he wanted to be with me, he would. It’s as simple as that.”

  “Yeah, ain’t that the damn truth.” I confirm, totally getting her point of view.

  “Sucks, but it is what it is. I’m fine. She’s fine, and we have a club who loves us both.”

  “And a man who’s trying to love you,” Ricochet mutters with a cough.

  Boss shoots him a glare. “Shut up unless you know what you’re talking about.”

  “Fuck, you?” I cock a brow, meanin’ Ricochet must be the one who’s interested in her.

  “Ew, hell no!” Ricochet practically gags.

  “Well, damn. I didn’t realize I was so disgusting.” Boss laughs.

  “You two have a moment to talk?” Blackjack asks, speakin’ to Boss and Ricochet, who both nod. “Perfect. Let’s go somewhere a little more private.” Blackjack leads them away, and I glance down to my watch. It’s about time I get goin’ over to Natalie’s anyway. Only, I realize I don’t have her address.

  Guess I’ll be stoppin’ by Herold’s to get that information. I’ll probably have to slip the man a $50 too. Dammit.

  Chapter Twenty

  “One day someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with anyone else.”

  ~ Unknown

  Natalie

  I changed my mind and decided to make a stew instead of pot roast. Fresh carrots, potatoes, parsley with chunks of beef are in a pot. The scent is flooding through the house and the girls have asked me numerous times if they can dig in yet. It’s not quite done, but within the next fifteen minutes or so it should be, and hopefully Grim will be here. I’ve even made some fresh bannock to dip in the stew as well.

  Aggie and Sorcha seem so excited to see more of Grim, though my darling Davina isn’t exactly thrilled. She’s been on the couch with her arms crossed and bottom lip puffed out for at least ten minutes. If anything, I know my darling little drama queen wants to talk. She may act all tough and angry, but she’s the most emotional of them all, needing to express her feelings whenever she can.