“He became President.”
The room silences completely as the weight of his words shower over each of us, and our minds race with this type of implication. Either we just found out a huge chunk of secret information the Prez has been keepin’ for a hell of a long time, or this cock sucker is begging for a miserable death.
“You realize what the hell will happen to you if this is all a fuckin’ lie?”
“Please, yes man! Shit, my hands already no good now; I ain’t got no reason to lie to any of you. You think I’d break into a motorcycle compound just for shits and giggles. Fuck! I’m only following orders!”
I glance over at Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin. I’m so conflicted on what the fuck to do at this point. I definitely need more information, but fuck me, if this is true. The guy starts to sweat profusely, shaking and pale. He could go into shock, and that’s the last thing I need to deal with right now. I grab an old greasy shop rag and throw it at him, then untie his other hand so he can hold the cloth tightly to his wound. His legs are still tied, so he can’t go anywhere. Not that I’m worried about him getting away. I’d just catch his ass again and maybe cut a foot off next time.
“Now why couldn’t he have a new VP, and who are you exactly?”
“I’m just a messenger; this came from my uncle and his club.”
“Tell me why can’t we have another VP?”
“I was told your President struck a deal with my uncle. My uncle’s brother was supposed to be next at your table to be in line for President.”
“You mean the old VP that died?”
“Died?” He looks at me incredulously. “No, he was brutally murdered, so your President could have his spot instead. My uncle warned him that he would kill every VP your club patches until your President, now, finally dies.”
“Well, that’s fuckin’ dumb.”
The man shrugs, breathing deep raged breaths, clearly in a lot of pain.
“Grow some fuckin’ balls and man up; I’ve seen men make it to the wrist before they act like a goddamn vagina about it.” I grumble and turn to my brothers.
The man surprisingly pales further at my words. I didn’t think that was possible. Apparently he thought I was only gonna chop a few fingers up.
“Well?” I question my brothers. I definitely need their input on this shit here.
Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin gawk at me, looking angry and confused.
2 Piece hisses, “I still get my turn with him,” and gestures towards Screamer.
“In time, brother. First we need to speak with the others about this, and then we need to talk to Prez.” They all chin lift and I secure Screamer’s hands again. “Oh, and what’s your fuckin’ name?”
“Jake, man, my name is Jake.”
Nodding, we all head to the door; I lock up the shed and follow my brothers inside the clubhouse. This is going to be one nasty clusterfuck. I already know the brothers are gonna go berserk if all this shit Jake’s been spouting out is really true.
We hit the bar up first and I go straight for the whiskey, ‘cause fuck this sober shit. Prez is the closest damn thing I have had to a father figure. Hell, he’s the closest to just a plain old family member in general. I’m gonna have to call church without him knowin’ about it, and that drives me crazy inside. Should I speak to Smiles privately and try to learn what he knows, or just have it out in front of all of the brothers?
No, there are clearly way too many secrets as it is. I’m gonna have everyone in on this, so shit doesn’t get screwed up. Shooting down the remainder of whiskey left, I slam my glass down, angry. I can’t believe I’m the one fuckin’ dealin’ with this shit. I just got my goddamn patch.
A small hand lands on the center of my back and I turn, finding Avery’s worried honey colored gaze. “Yo, angel. Not a good time, beautiful.”
“Are you all right? You slammed that glass down on the counter so hard, I was surprised it didn’t shatter everywhere.” Her worried honey irises flicker all over my face, coming to meet my dark gaze again.
“I’ll be straight wit’ ya’. Right now you should be with 2 Piece.” Swallowing, she peers up at me, lookin’ hurt that I’m chasing her off, but I need to think about this shit. There’s too much going on, and I have too many responsibilities in all of it. It’s gonna fall on me to make sure it all gets handled the way it’s supposed to.
This is why we’re all so perfect together as a unit. 2 Piece can give her this kind of attention she needs. Me, on the other hand, I’m colder inside. I’m not good at all that comforting and lovey-dovey bullshit. I lie to myself, pretending that her touch doesn’t calm my racing heart, that it doesn’t bring me renewed hope in having someone in my life. It does though. It makes me want to be better, for her and for myself. 2 Piece will take me like this, but I need to learn to be a little softer for Avery.
She leans in, kissing me softly on the bottom of my jaw and then walks away, giving me exactly what I just requested. She does it without asking me any questions about it at all, and I think my heart just completely went with her.
“Church!” I bellow loudly and the brothers whip their heads toward me. “Now.” I grunt and gesture to the Chapel. They all set their drinks down immediately, making their way into the room. We’re missing a few people, but there are enough here to discuss the issue at hand. I don’t think I can wait anyhow. I’m brimming over inside with anger and deceit. I need to get to the bottom of this shit that could possibly break the fuckin’ club in half.
Church…
I take my seat and everyone stares at the Prez’s seat. Well, all of them but Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin, that is.
“We have a problem to discuss.” I glance around at everyone’s faces. “Prez ain’t here, and it’s too important to wait on it.” Smiles peers at me puzzled, and I decide to get started with him.
“Smiles, brother, do ya know anything about what happened to the last VP of this club?”
“Yep, he got into a wreck and passed on. God rest his soul.”
“We all know that story. I’m talkin’ ‘bout what the fuck else happened to him?”
He shrugs, suspiciously glaring at me.
Nightmare grunts, “Ares, wanna clue us the fuck in? I ain’t got time for no fuckin’ guessin’ games, you feel me, brah?”
Shifting my glare to him, I huff. I think he and Exterminator are decent people, we’ve been cool for a while, but interrupting me is a fuckin’ no go. I may be the VP and not the Prez, but right now I’m highest other fucker at the table, and he needs to shut the fuck up ‘till I’m done.
“Pretty sure I was getting to it brother, wanna fuckin’ cookie while you wait?” I growl in response, and he grins. “Now, before I was fuckin’ interrupted, there was some shit I was heading toward. Does anyone know of a different story about what happened to the last VP?”
The room stays silent, and I flex my hands into tight fists. For fuck’s sake, I can’t believe I’m put in this fucking position right now. It boils my blood inside.
I crack my knuckles and rehash what Jake admitted to us in the shed. The brothers all react the same way 2 Piece, Twist, Spin, and I had—with anger, hurt, confusion, and skepticism. All of them except for Smiles. He wears a smirk like he’s pleased it finally came out.
Cocking my eyebrow, I confront him, “Well?”
“Nah, let Prez tell you ‘bout it. This ain’t my shit to share.”
Chapter 9
Church ends with a group of pissed off brother who head back out to the bar. I’m about to head to my booth when I overhear 2 Piece runnin’ his fuckin’ mouth off to Exterminator, and it’s pretty much my breaking point after all the shit going down today. First Avery being attacked, then this crap about Prez, and now him.
“I’m serious, he’s the fuckin’ Butcher for God’s sake, and everyone knows it. He should have diced that piece of shit up already. No, instead he’s busy fuckin’ around with this Prez bullshit playing goddamn detective. I mean if he can’t do his shit, may
be I should be allowed to take care of it.”
Fuming inside, I bellow loudly, “2!”
Turning towards me, he cocks an eyebrow, “Yeah?”
“You think I don’t hear you motherfucker? Been real fuckin’ tired of your bullshit here lately.”
“And? You know Avery deserves justice, yet you sit in here, fretting like a fucking cow.”
“Get to your room so we can talk ‘bout this shit.”
“Why the fuck can’t we talk about it here?” He widens his arms, gesturing to the bar littered with club members.
“You really wanna hash our shit out in front of everyone? I don’t give a flyin’ fuck, brother; we can do this shit here.”
He huffs, storming off down the hallway to his room, clearly pissed off that I had called him out on it.
The room’s fairly quiet after he leaves, and everyone’s staring at me. “The fuck? I’m the motherfucking Butcher, aye? Move the fuck on, unless you wanna find out how I got my fuckin’ name,” I grit out and head toward 2 Piece’s room after him.
Catching 2 Piece at the door, I grasp onto his shoulder, holding him in place and ripping the door open. I propel him into the room. Slamming the door and heaving him up against it. “The motherfucking Butcher, huh?” I hiss, close to his face. “You up for gossiping like a little bitch when you don’t get your way? Don’t get it fuckin’ twisted. Just ‘cause we’re fuckin’ don’t mean I won’t handle my shit with you in front of the fuckin’ brothers. Disrespect me again motherfucker.”
He smacks his palms against my chest, heatedly, growling, “Well, what the fuck? I thought you cared about Avery? I thought you fucking cared about me? That shit was different, yet you’re not giving me the justice I crave, the justice I fucking deserve! Did you see her face after she was basically attacked? You didn’t ride with her the last time she was shot! You haven’t a fucking clue, and you wanna call me out? I’ll run my mouth if you fuckin’ deserve to hear it!”
“You brother, have no goddamn idea how much I care for her or for you! I know you deserve justice, and you will fucking have it.”
“You care, huh? Oh, I’ll fucking believe it when I see it!” He shouts, and I can’t control myself.
Thrusting my body against his, my lips hover over his as I hiss, “Yes, I fucking care! I fucking love her for fuck’s sake, and not just her you idiot, but you as well!”
As the words come tumbling out, 2 Piece perks up, bends forward and takes my mouth in haste. His hands trail up my chest, wrap behind my neck and pull me closer to him, as I grip onto his hips. Driving my pelvis into him, my cock goes ramrod stiff and I grind into him, finding his own hardness through his jeans. Feeling my cock rub against his, fully clothed is a turn on like no other.
I pull my mouth away on a gasp, as he moans, “I fucking love you, too, Ares, both of you, I just love both of you.”
Leaning in, I take his mouth again, ripping his shirt up and over his head quickly, seeking his nakedness, wanting to take him, to own him completely. 2 Piece scrambles, rushing to pull my shirt off of me and unbutton my pants. God, I fucking love him and his impatience. Drawing him away from the wall, I shift our bodies so I can walk him to the bed, while I glance over his shoulder, making sure we can make it without falling.
I’m not met with the bed, however. Instead, I’m met with a warm set of honey colored eyes, overflowing with heat. She’s been in here the entire time. She fucking heard all of it. I stop completely, and 2 Piece’s eyes shoot open, questioning me. Staying silent, I nod behind him to the bed.
His forehead wrinkles slightly, and he turns, glancing back to the bed. A gasp of her name trembles off his lips in shock, as he finally comes face-to-face with Avery, and our secret is wide out in to the open.
“Sh-Shorty, please, I can explain.”
Avery’s gaze shifts between him and me, squinting, “Explain what, Silas? I think it’s pretty clear.”
“Fuck, free bird, please don’t hate me. I love you so much; I don’t want to hurt you. Fuck, I’m such a fuck up. Always screwing shit up with you.” He shakes his head, upset.
“Hate you? No Silas, I love you, very much, in fact. I was battling my feelings inside this whole time, because I actually love you both.” She finishes on a whisper and my throat hurts hearing about her feelings. Knowing that she loves me, too, right after 2 Piece had finally admitted how he really feels.
I don’t know why my throat hurts and it feels like I can’t swallow, but after a moment the feeling dissipates, calming down, and I take a relaxing breath for the first time all day.
His eyes grow wide. “You serious ‘bout that right now, Avery Marie? I know I keep screwin’ this shit up. I’m sorry, I keep tryin’ to do right by you, I swear to fuckin’ God. I don’t wanna fuck it all up with you.”
She nods, bending her head to look at the bed. “I’m completely serious, Silas. We still need to talk about everything though, about how this will work, but I want you both.” She picks her head back up, peering at me, “That is, if you’ll have me.” I swallow harshly at her confession, wanting to charge her and rain kisses all over her body.
“Oh, thank God. I had no fuckin’ clue how to tell you ‘bout this an’ all. I love you so fuckin’ much free bird. I’m really sorry; I promise you mean the fuckin’ world to me.” 2 Piece rushes to Avery’s side of the bed, sitting beside her, looking worried. Avery pulls him to her quickly, kissing him wildly to get him to stop his pleading and apologizing. He lovingly holds her face in his palms, studying her, making sure she’s okay. After a few moments, she pulls away, stands up from the bed and makes her way in front of me.
Staring up to me with her sweet-as-sin eyes, she licks her lips and lightly wraps one of her fingers around my pinky. The gentleness she always shows me makes my heart swell, and I lean down, wrapping my arm around her small waist. I lift up her petite body, bring her close and hold her tightly as she’s finally at my level.
Murmuring, I put myself and my feelings out on the line to her, “Angel, I will keep you, if you let me.”
Her face lights up and she comes closer, bumping my nose lightly with her own. “I love you, Air.”
“And I love you, Angel.” Her saying those words makes my heart swell so much; it feels as if it may burst. Who would think that a few words would make such a difference when you finally hear them from the woman you adore? The thing with Avery is that I know I won’t have to worry about her running off with some fucking Mexican biker gang like my ex. She has 2 Piece and me both, I actually trust her. 2 Piece is the same, he may drive me to fuckin’ madness with his smart ass mouth sometime, but in the end, I know I can trust him and that I love him.
I’m confident that by the way they both look at me, that they love me. The rest of the world matters even less, knowing I have them both. Our relationship may not be what is known as normal, but it’s what works for us.
We’re interrupted by a knock on the door, and I automatically open the door widely, still holding Avery close to my chest.
Spins big ass black Mohawk and freaky colored eyes greet me, “Yo?” I grumble, wanting to get back to my previous conversation.
“Hey man, Prez is on the compound. The fuck you gonna do about that bull from earlier?”
“Shit, of course this pops off when I’m in the middle of somethin’ important.”
Avery places her soft hand on my cheek, instantly consuming the bulk of my attention. “Go take care of things, I won’t be going anywhere, I promise.” I nod, placing a chaste kiss on her lips, setting her back down and catching Spin peering into the room at a shirtless 2 Piece sitting on the bed.
“Can I help you, brother?” Grumbling, I pull my shirt back on.
Blinking, Spin meets my dark gaze. “Nope.. Just happy for you man.”
“Quit being sappy an’ shit, let’s go.”
Spin grins cheekily and heads back toward the bar. I pop back in the door, “Brother?” 2 Piece looks up, “Church, you comin’?” He nods and I
make the trek to the bar.
Time to figure some shit out.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER IN CHURCH AGAIN…
Prez scans the room, taking in all of the brothers’ angry faces until he lands on mine, puzzled. “The fuck’s goin’ on VP? What’s this I hear, I missed church? I didn’t get a fuckin’ notification I was needed.”
Clenching my jaw, my mind races on what to say and how to go about it all, no way will probably be the right way in the end. It’s times like these, that fuckin’ suck being in this position, it would be entirely too easy if this responsibility fell to another’s shoulders. However, my life has never been an easy one.
“Yeah, your right, it’s because you weren’t invited.”
“Excuse the fuck outta me? The fuck you just say to me, boy?”
“I’m no boy, old man, I’ve told you this. It has been brought to our attention you may have wronged the club, and we had to discuss what was the best thing to do about it.”
“I’ve wronged the club? Have you fuckin’ lost it? I love my club. Who the fuck are you exactly, to question me?”
“This is our club also, and it’s my job as VP to protect it. When I was speaking to Avery and London’s attacker, some information about the club was brought to our attention.”
“Who the fuck was the guy and what did he say?”
“Well, how about we start with you tellin’ us all what happened to the last VP.”
“Last time I checked, you don’t fuckin’ give me orders. Now tell me what the fuck was said!”
Cain stands suddenly, his chair flying backward from the impact and bellowing angrily, “Enough bullshit! I’m the fucking Enforcer of this club now. Prez, tell us what the fuck happened, then Ares can tell you what we found out and we can compare stories. I’m sick of this back and forth shit; you’re both just wasting fucking time while we have shit to get taken care of.” He turns, scooting his chair back and sitting. Once he’s settled, he folds his arms over his chest and cocks his eyebrow, clearly waiting on us to follow orders.
Oath Keepers MC: The Collection Page 44
