Princess

by Sapphire Knight

  “Because that stripe saved my life, they took me in and showed me what brotherhood is. After experiencing it, I know everyone deserves it.”

  He nods.

  “That’s another thing, the Nomads. You saw them the other day, except for one. If this works, I’m inviting them to join the Chapter and just saying this up front; they’ll be full members and offered officer patches.”

  A few grumble and it takes everything inside to tamper down my temper.

  “That’s fine, you feel that way, but one saved my ass the other morning from a fucking lion. How many of you know of a brother that has your six like that? I’ve never met a more loyal, fearless group of men before. Do not underestimate any of them, ever.”

  Bronx rolls his eyes, but he’ll learn when Ex beats the hell out of him for that shit.

  “We’re all invited to their barbecue later, and I think it would be in our best interest to go and make friends. The Prez offered to let you stay in their guest rooms if needed. I know a few of the members from handling a job with them and stopping through on runs. You can relax around them and have a beer; they won’t try to kill you in your sleep. You’ll get a good look at the Oath Keeper life.” They stay silent, so I figure it’s time to call it to an end. “Anyone have anything to add?”

  Torch nods. “We’re in.”

  Smokey follows. “Yup, me too. Been wanting to get outta SC for years, just wasn’t able to.”

  “Welcome to Texas, brothers.”

  Rapping my knuckles against the table to note the end of the first church I’ve conducted, I’m wearing a smile when it’s over.

  PRINCESS

  Having Odin ask me for five grand in cash, had me a little skeptical, but being Viking’s brother, I figure I should give him a chance. I went to drop it off, and he climbed in the car asking if he could come back to the apartment with me instead of staying with his older brother. I ended up taking him with me grocery shopping to get a few things for the barbecue tonight, and we left with two hundred dollars’ worth of food.

  To see him so excited over having that much food, kind of broke my heart a little. He shared with me that he never really went grocery shopping like that before. I guess he only visited the store for basic things that he could stretch out to last him a long time, like peanut butter and bread. Once I heard that I encouraged him to throw whatever he wanted into the cart. Viking had stuffed five hundred dollars in my purse a few days prior, making up for all the food I was cooking them, but I didn’t want to use it. If it’s for his brother, though, then I don’t mind.

  Never in a million years would I have thought that he’s only fifteen. I knew he was young, but he’s weathered for his age, and that makes me so sad for him. My father sucked, but Odin grew up without love, like my Viking. And shit can he eat; my God, he clears his plate and eats anything else I load it with.

  Viking had brought his stuff over to my apartment so Odin would be able to sleep on the couch and not be left alone. He’s worried that Odin may get pissed about something and just leave without letting us know. I was a little nervous about them being in my space twenty-four hours a day, but I love it. I didn’t realize before that I was so lonely all the time when Bethany wasn’t around.

  I’ve loved having Viking talk to me a lot over the past few days and ask my opinions on everything. We’ve been trying to come up with a plan that would make us both happy. He’s so distraught about the fact that he has to leave the Nomads. They’re his family, people who get him and don’t judge. Now he’s being thrown into something he never wanted in the first place.

  When he told me that he was going to stay here and be home a lot, I almost did cartwheels I was so excited about it. He wants to find a small two-bedroom house for us to rent, so he can give Odin some stability here, and I can’t blame him. After meeting Jekyll, Odin’s going to need every ounce of help and structure he can get. I’m young and know jack about teenagers, but I swore to Vike that I’d do my best and support him as much as I can.

  My father and I haven’t spoken since our blowup, but I’ve been thinking a ton about what all he and my brother were saying. I was so upset that I didn’t pay much attention at the time it was all happening. Now, though, I’m growing curious.

  We stopped by my mom’s yesterday, but again, she wasn’t home. I wanted her to get to meet Viking. It was the same way as before with my dad and brother’s Softails parked there and the truck missing. I’m starting to freak out; it’s been two months since I’ve physically seen her and about a month that we’ve spoken to each other and not just in random messages.

  Viking told me that he was meeting with Prez today but that he wasn’t going to the barbecue. I’m relieved I won’t have to worry about a confrontation, but I was kind of hoping to at least ask if he’s seen her. I just want to make sure she’s okay. In her last message she sounded like she was desperate to see me, but now it’s almost as if she’s avoiding me.

  There’s nothing I can do, besides keep trying and ask my dad or Brently if I see them.

  Once my mom’s famous Italian pasta salad is complete, I paint on some light makeup and dig through my closet. I need to find something that’s fit for a biker bitch to wear but also says I’m the Ol’ Lady to a President of an outlaw MC. One benefit of having my mom as the Prez’ Ol’ Lady, she knew how to dress.

  Settling on some thigh-high black leather boots with four-inch heels, I pair them with a cherry red leather miniskirt and my black Harley tank top. Finishing the look, I use a blood red lipstick that’s smudge proof and tie my hair in a high ponytail. We’ll be riding his bike, and I’m not showing up with my hair looking like a hot mess.

  His stack of bandanas that I washed sits folded perfectly on the counter spurring my idea further. I pick out the nicest looking black one, fold it a few times and wrap it over my hair. It reminds me of those workout headbands you use to hold your bangs back; only this one is much more badass.

  “Odin, do you drive? I can’t carry the pasta salad on Viking’s bike; the bowl’s too large.” He doesn’t respond, so I turn around to make sure I’m not waking him up or something.

  I’m met with large eyes and his mouth slightly hanging open.

  “Odin?”

  “You’re wearing that?”

  “Umm, yes. Is it not good?”

  “Do you want my brother to kill someone tonight? ‘Cause if you wear that outfit, that’s what will end up happening.”

  “Whatever, it’ll be fine.” I laugh and roll my eyes. “Do you drive?”

  “I can.”

  “Perfect, I need you to follow us with the pasta salad.”

  “Cool.”

  “Thanks.”

  He nods and the front door opens; Viking’s finally back.

  “Hey! How’d it go?”

  Viking takes his boots off next to the door like I previously asked him to and started peeling the few chunky rings he wears and such off, not glancing up yet. “Fucking perfect. We did a little tweaking and shit, but overall it’s going to work out. We’re going to settle about twenty miles out at an old pig farm. Best fuckin’ part is, your dad’s gonna work with me on making him payments so I can start the build on the club right away.”

  “That’s amazing news!”

  “Yeah, I’m so fucking stoked.” He glances up and goes silent, just standing and staring.

  “Vike?” I raise my eyebrow.

  “I’m going to kill someone tonight,” he finally answers, and Odin pops in.

  “Told you.”

  “Should I change?” I don’t want to and wouldn’t any other time, but this is the first time he’s riding with his club to meet another MC. I want it to be his night.

  “Fuck no; you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “Hell, yeah,” Odin comments and Viking growls.

  “Shut up.” His eyes glaze over looking at me again. “I need to shower, or we’ll never fucking leave.” He storms off, and I do a little dance inside, knowing that
I’ve made him proud.

  The ride over isn’t bad at all; if anything, I’m really starting to enjoy Viking sharing this with me. I know he loves the wind and road when he’s on his Harley, and that means something special to me because I love him. Pulling into the Compound is a little nerve racking. I was made to stay away basically my entire life and now to be invited, is just surreal.

  The night passes in a blur; Viking’s introduced me to so many people. Blaze and Torch actually smiled at me; I thought their faces were going to crack or something. I think my favorites are still the Nomads. I got used to their banter and rough exteriors. Plus, I know they truly have Viking’s back, and that’s important to me.

  God, I wanted so badly to rip Nightmare a new one, but know that I can’t. He’s Bethany’s baby’s dad, and she needs to fight that battle when she’s ready. I’ll always support her decisions even if I don’t agree with them.

  However, I was a little taken back though when he was talking to me like nothing was different. Nightmare has to know I’d be pissed at him on my best friend’s behalf. Once he said hello and started telling me that Viking had to patch him up on their run, I just walked off in the middle of him talking. He’s Vike’s brother, not mine.

  I met the Oath Keepers Ol’ Ladies, which was interesting. They all have big personalities, and you can tell they love their own type of sisterhood that they’ve formed. I was nervous, but Ares and 2 Piece’s Ol’ Lady, Avery, walked right up to me and started talking like she’d known me for years. I couldn’t believe it when she told me she had two Ol’ Men; I wasn’t sure if I should feel bad for the woman or congratulate her.

  There was also a rumor floating around that my dad may pass the gavel to his VP, who happens to be Ares. I was freaking shocked, and now I do want to speak to him. The only part of the night I’d take back if I could, would be catching Odin with an Oath Keeper’s little sister bent over the trunk of my damn car.

  Pretty sure that it was Spin’s little sister too, but I’m pretending like I didn’t see a thing. Maybe Oath Keeper women will end up falling for Widow Maker men, who knows. I did warn Vike, though, and he had a ‘talk’ with Odin. The kid was mortified, but it was hilarious and the least he deserved. I don’t think he understands what kind of hell he can stir up for himself messing with a biker’s little sister.

  After this brief time, I’m starting to see why my mom loved this life in so many ways; I can understand why it made her so happy with my father. Bikers don’t just love you; they obsess over you. With that fierce love, comes a protection like no other, willing to kill for their women at a drop of a hat. Getting together didn’t make me feel uncomfortable or out of place like I imagined it would. I felt like I was finally home and surrounded by family. I was hugged and welcomed, complimented on my food and asked to come back.

  If this is club life, no wonder my father loves it, because I do too.

  VIKING

  The following day…

  Yesterday I met with Prez and my Nomad brothers. I wanted everyone’s opinion on my ideas to merge the club over. They were a little hesitant at first, but once I explained all of it out in detail, they were much more open then I’d expected.

  There was a vote, and I was named the new President of a hybrid Charter. Prez said he’d contact the other Charters to inform them of us and the decision. After being a part of the Oath Keepers, I know what types of men are in the MC, and I’m pretty honored to be a President affiliated with them.

  Ares was in that meeting and surprisingly he approved of the plans.

  I also found out about the run to Mexico we pulled since Exterminator was there. He said that he let the cop know about the maid and then hours later some mafia guys in suits showed up and took her. According to Ex, the Russians are on a massive manhunt for one of their sisters that were taken. The cop asked to use us in the future, and Ex agreed as long as there are no exotic animals involved.

  I’m hoping with the time it’ll take to build our Compound and get everything set up that my Nomad brothers will trade their wanderer patch for one that says Texas. I can’t think of any better men to have in my club.

  Nightmare showed up to the meeting. He thought Ex was bullshitting him about everything that was going down and he needed proof. It was pretty fuckin’ hard to watch him walk in using a cane. He claimed that once it’s healed, he won’t need it, but I was the one who saw the gash first, and I’d be surprised if he ever walked without it again. He was at the party but stayed sitting, so I had missed it.

  Scot came too. He asked the brothers to approve his request to hand in his Nomad patch. He’s not planning on leaving Nancy anytime soon and asked to be a part of my hybrid crew. I was honored.

  Being surrounded by my brothers made me realize just how lucky Odin is going to be. He not only has Princess fawning all over him, feeding him too much, but he’s going to learn the true meaning of brotherhood and loyalty.

  Before I left yesterday, Prez pulled me to the side and requested I bring my woman to her mom’s house. I tried to let him know I wasn’t getting in the middle of their relationship shit, but he reassured me it’s because her mom needs to see her and that he wouldn’t cause trouble.

  We’re headed to her house now, and I’m a tad bit nervous how she’ll take the news of Princess and me. Of course, I won’t care if she’s not welcoming, but I want this part of our relationship to be somewhat easy on my woman. She’s already dealt with way too much when it comes to me and our family drama.

  “You straight, Cinderella?” I check as we dismount off my bike.

  I’ve been asking her randomly ever since I found out how bad her anxiety can get. I never want to see my Ol’ Lady shut down like she did when my father had her. She admitted that it happened the first night we saw each other also with the attack. I guess she felt strong with me there beside her, but that once she was away from me her tears and shakes set in for a few hours.

  “I’ll be fine; I’m just happy we’re finally getting a chance to visit, and you’re meeting her.”

  “Me too, baby.” I place a swift peck on her lips and follow her up the pathway.

  We climb the stairs to the porch, and she stops mid-stride. “The door’s painted,” she mutters softly.

  “Yeah?”

  Clearing her throat after a moment, she knocks on the front door. Pulling her hand to her chest, she rubs her knuckles with her fingertips. I don’t know what’s up with the sudden weirdness, but somethings gotten to her.

  Her brother opens the door, stepping out of the way for us to enter. “P.” He greets her, then turns to me, “Viking.” He nods and I return it.

  Prez comes into the dainty living room looking exhausted; he has dark bags under his eyes, and he’s dressed in plain clothes. You’d never guess that he’s the President of an MC, seeing him like this.

  The couch has sheets, and a pillow pushed carelessly to the side and a half eaten grilled cheese sits on the coffee table in front of it. Princess notices and becomes annoyed, “Geez Brent, you need to clean up your crap. You’re too old to be making Mom do it. Did you move back in?”

  He huffs, “No, of course not. That’s Dad’s, not mine.”

  Prez approaches us, “Heya, sug’, thanks for coming,” he says to Princess then turns to me shaking my hand, “Brother.”

  “Brother,” I respond, paying him the same respect.

  “Mom?” Princess calls but gets no answer.

  Prez cuts straight in, “We need to talk about your momma.”

  “What’s wrong with her? What did you do this time?”

  PRINCESS

  Furious at the mess my dad’s left my mother to deal with, I question him, ready for him to admit that he’s staying here to have her wait on him like he sometimes does. He’ll walk through the door after being gone months, and you’d swear he was a long lost king or something with how my mom treats him.

  His hand tangles in his overly long sandy hair as his head drops, his eyes on the floor inst
ead of meeting my irate gaze. He opens his mouth to say something, but then a huge crash comes from my mom’s bedroom.

  “I’ve got it, Dad,” Brently jumps, but my dad rushes in front of him.

  “No son! Not unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

  “It is, talk to Princess so that she can stop this bullshit.”

  “Excuse me?” I gape at him. Who the fuck does he think he is, suddenly being a dick to me all the time. I’ve barely walked in the freaking house.

  A moan comes next from my mom’s room, and I quickly skirt around the table, beelining for the bedroom door.

  “Wait!” My father shouts, but I ignore him, throwing the door open.

  “Mom?” It takes a second to see a table knocked over with stuff spilled everywhere. I find her on the floor, crumpled in a small, frail ball, a small amount of throw up beside her.

  “Shit! Mom! Are you okay?” Rushing over to her side, I start to help turn her over when I’m stopped by a firm hand. My head shoots up, finding my father’s stern gaze.

  “Don’t move her like that,” he orders and I yank my shoulder out of his grip.

  “Get off me; I’ll take care of her. I always make sure she’s okay.”

  “I know,” my dad croaks as tears start to fall down his cheeks. I’ve only seen him cry one time in my life, and I thought I had hallucinated it all. “I know you do sweetheart, and I’ll owe you for the rest of my life for taking such good care of the woman I love.”

  “What are you talking about?” I’m so fucking confused. What is going on?

  His shoulders shake as sobs begin to take over. Brently comes in to help Mom to bed, and Dad just bawls, so much to the point that I start crying. It’s so fucking scary to see the man that you’ve always known to be unreadable and hard, crack before your eyes.

  “Dad, talk to me please, what the hell’s happening?” I glance at my mom, clearly on a ton of medication looking the weakest I’ve ever seen her. Brently fixes her pillow and softly wipes off her cheek with a baby wipe.