London approaches me, with a small smile. “I have a boy you know, so I tried to think of everything you might need, and if you can use anything of Jameson’s that he’s too big for, you’re welcome to it all.”
“Thank you, London. This is great, I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no problem. I kind of like having an excuse to decorate this place without having the guys complain. I think the only other time they won’t mind is for Christmas,” she grins, her expression full of mischief. It’s refreshing to see her relaxed, not uptight about stuff going on with the club.
Avery comes over next, hugging me, “We’re so excited to have a nephew!”
“Thank you for this, Avery. You did an awesome job.”
“It wasn’t just me. It was mostly London and then the guys giving us money.” She giggles and I smile gratefully to London again.
“So are you hungry or anything?” Avery asks excitedly.
“Umm maybe a little bit. Twist wouldn’t stop to get my sundae, so I’m thinking I know why now.” I laugh and she nods. She takes my hand and leads me over to a six-foot rectangle table set up off to the side.
There’s a large cake decorated to match the theme and one of the prospects brings over a tub of ice cream with fresh cut fruit. Of course there are chicken wings, chips, and mini sandwiches for the guys, but all I can see is chocolate cake and homemade strawberry sundae in my near future.
“Can we eat?” I request suddenly and everyone chuckles.
“Yes, definitely. We were just waiting on y’all to get here so we can dig in too.”
London goes on to explain that there’s a little baby inside the cake, kind of like a King cake you eat at Mardi Gras and some of the brothers wig out about it. Twist takes a huge piece so we can share it and I load up on ice cream and fruit. The brothers jovially dig into all the other food and everyone happily eats, joking and celebrating.
Once the majority is finished and had some dessert, London and Avery make us play games, and the best part is these big bad bikers take turns playing one or the other. I never imagined Cain would win at a Marshmallow eating contest, or Smiles would guess the right amount of toilet paper sheets it would take to wrap around my belly. He claims it’s because of his map and distance reading skills, but the guys claim it’s because Smiles is full of shit, so of course he’s going to know about toilet paper.
The girls did really good on winners’ stuff; for prizes they gave out shot glasses and new riding gloves. The guys were pleasantly surprised, and by the last game, nearly all of them were playing to see what cool prize would be won. I couldn’t have had a better party if I were surrounded by women covered in pastel. I had so much fun and laughed until my stomach and ribs ached.
I never felt like a part of the club; but today, it was like I belonged. Everyone was friendly and made the party completely about me. I ended the evening by handing out hugs to everyone while Twist followed me around, growling and cussing at each guy that would wrap their arms around me.
I’ll never forget it and I can finally understand why Avery told me to give London a shot. Today I saw a completely different side to the MC world, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
***
I plop down on the bed, pulling Twist with me. “Thank you for today. I had no idea about it and had an absolutely amazing time.”
“Good, you deserve so much more, but we tried.”
“Are you kidding me? I had the best day today! I couldn’t imagine a better party no matter how hard I could try. Seeing Cain attempt to shovel marshmallows in his mouth with a spatula was hilarious; I’ll never forget that for the rest of my life! When he picked his head up and looked like a chipmunk, then London laughing hysterically, it was just amazing. I loved today.”
“Yeah, you’re not pissed ‘bout the strawberry sundae and me getting you back right away? You’ve probably gotten used to me taking you on a little drive when we go to your appointments.”
“Not one bit. The chocolate cake more than made up for it; I hope there’s a piece left over for tomorrow,” I smile, and he chuckles.
“You got some good gifts, huh? Stuff on your list, right?”
“Crib, car seat, baby bath, blankets, onesies, baby biker boots, and a leather jacket. I have everything I need now.”
“Yeah I figured we’d get that too. Cain’s kid, Jameson, has the boots and leather jacket so I was expectin’ London to get the next club kid a set. We’ll have to get him a little cut made to have the whole set.”
“Club kid?”
“Yeah, you know, like the kids born into the club?”
“But I’m not in the club, just Silas; I didn’t think it would count.”
“And me, babe. I’m in the club and y’all are with me, yeah?” He asks seriously and I swallow, excited and nervous all at once at his words.
“Yes, Twist, we’re with you.” I answer ‘we’, since he’s been suggesting repeatedly that the baby is a part of everything also. I’m so glad he knows that we’re a package deal.
“I been thinkin’.”
“Okay.” I answer, swallowing, a little worried at what he’s been pondering.
“Well, you oughta give the kid my last name.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Really? Why not mine?” I’m floored at his suggestion. I never in a million years would have thought those words would come from his mouth.
“A few reasons. First off, ‘cause you gonna be my ol’ lady, hmm? And then maybe my wife someday? We gonna be together that long an’ all, I don’t want that kid growin’ up, thinkin’ he ain’t mine. And also if for some reason I don’t get the chance to kill Ghost, he won’t be able to find y’all by name if he tries someday.”
“Oh. Wow. I umm wasn’t expecting all of that. You’ve really thought of everything. You think you’ll want to be with us for that long? You won’t get tired when he cries a lot or pukes on you? He could pee or poop at any time, interrupt our sex, and then there’s teething and babies can be really cranky. It could make my body sag and all that kind of stuff.”
“I haven’t told you much about me, Sunshine. I don’t care about that stuff. I mean, I do care, but it doesn’t bother me, like you would think. I actually have a little girl.”
“You do?”
“Had... I had a little girl. I lost her years ago.”
“Oh, my God! What happened? I’m so sorry!” Tears start to fall almost immediately at his admission. I knew he had demons, but I didn’t know it was about a child.
“She and her mom were murdered,” he gasps out shakily, breathing deeply, as if the pain of his loss is still fresh. I can tell it’s extremely hard for him to talk about.
“Shit! You don’t have to talk about it, Twist. I’m so sorry I asked about it.”
“It-it’s not your fault, beautiful,” he sadly replies. “I’ll tell you more at another time, all right?”
“Okay,” I quickly agree, my heart breaking for this poor man.
No wonder he has nightmares! I couldn’t imagine what he went through. I have so many questions, but I don’t want to ask him anything because it’s obviously too painful to recall. I wonder how long it’s been. No wonder he’s been so protective of me, and accepting of my having a child. Clearly he’s still torn up over the death of his family, but I love him, and I’ll be patient with him.
He starts getting some clothes together and I panic, thinking he’s gotten troubled enough to take off again and that’s the last thing I want. “I’m sorry! Please don’t leave upset again; I’ll let you be.”
“What are you squawkin’ ‘bout, Sadie baby?”
“I don’t want you to take off again like the last time you were mad; I’ll give you some space if that’s what you need.” I gesture to his clothes and his eyes light up.
“Oh, hell, sugar cakes, I ain’t leavin’ ya. I’m getting my shit squared away for the run we’re going on.”
“What run?”
“I can’t give you any
of the details; you know how the club works and all that now.”
“So you’ll be coming back then?” I ask pathetically, but I can’t help it, I worry and believe it or not, I’m in love with this crazy, damaged man.
“Hell yeah, woman. Didn’t you just hear my spiel ‘bout you bein’ mine and shit? It means I come back to you every time, even when I start getting’ on your nerves.”
“Okay, good, just please stay safe; I don’t want anything else happening to you. The wreck was bad enough and now I’m literally about to pop out this baby, I’m going to need you to not get injured or I may end up in an early labor.”
“You’ll always have me; I promise you that. For some reason, dying isn’t my thing.”
I lean up on my tippy-toes and kiss him lovingly—attempting to pour my heart into it so he knows exactly how I feel. I’m in love with you, I think, as my tongue softly caresses his.
After a moment, I pull back, and he holds me close for a few beats before returning to his task of getting ready to go.
“Do you know how long you’ll be?” I inquire as I head to the bathroom, returning with his toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant.
“No, not exactly. I’m guessin’ ‘bout a week, maybe a little longer. Hopefully, it all works out quickly so I can come back soon.”
“Geez, a whole week again; I’m going to miss you!”
“I’mma miss you, too, baby. It could be longer than a week, so keep that in mind.”
“Okay,” I nod and he kisses the tip of my nose.
“I know you like to call and check up on me an’ your brother, which is sweet and all, but on runs you can’t do that. It could distract us, and being bikers, we can’t have that. I understand you worry, so I’ll do my best to call you every night. But don’t freak out or nothin’ if I miss a night, ‘kay? It doesn’t mean anything happened to us, we could just decide to ride late then pass out as soon as possible. Or to be real with you, we could stop by a bar and then pass out afterwards. I ain’t gonna lie about that shit with you. I’m no angel, but I won’t be runnin’ around on you while I’m gone.”
“I understand. I’ll wait to hear from you, but, you better actually call me! Don’t do what my brother does, where he says he’ll call and then never does. As for you stopping off at a bar, well I’m used to you doing your thing, just don’t drive afterwards.”
“You got my word.” His eyebrow goes up and I bring up the other thing I worry about.
“Also, ummm, please don’t do cocaine while you ride. I don’t like it at all, but especially when you’re going to be on your motorcycle.”
“I haven’t touched it since I came back and we talked, a little over two weeks now.”
“Oh my God, thank you!”
“I care about you. I promise, I’m tryin’ to be a better man for ya’. I know I don’t deserve you, but fuck if I ain’t gonna at least try to be half the man you oughta have.”
At his words I can’t hold myself back from squeezing him tightly. God, I freaking love him.
Chapter 12
Pressure makes diamonds.
-www.keepcalmgallery.com
Twist
Our Mafia contact, Tate, was able to come through this past week. One reason why we had to lay low was to wait for the new weapons to arrive and do a little recon. We didn’t do much, just played it off with normal shit while a few other clubs, that owed us favors, did the work for us. We didn’t want to alert any of the Iron Fists to our plans if they were busy watching, which we were counting on them to be.
We also made a few of our contacts happy, with making some extra cash when retrieving our guns for us. Normally Cain and 2 Piece go on the run down to Tennessee to retrieve our weapons, maybe a few others, depending on the load. This time we branched out and had them retrieved; it worked out pretty well in the end.
After three days of going over possible locations with a few other Presidents, Ares and Smiles were able to pinpoint a possible location for the Iron Fists South Texas Chapter. That’s our plan, to hit the Texas clubhouse hard and then head straight to the Cali Chapter to meet up with the Nomads.
2 Piece’s buddy, Ace, was able to catch a lower patched Iron Fist in his strip joint and coax the location of the Cali compound out of him. I guess with enough drugs and tits in the douche’s face, he squawked like a fuckin’ bird. Pieces of shits have no concept of what loyalty is.
People are constantly turning and selling each other out. They’d have to kill me before I ever turned rat and gave up information on my club.
We’ve stopped at a gas station, loading our bikes up with fuel at the last stop until we hit their club’s location. We’re already in their general territory, but now we have to find the clubhouse. It could literally be anywhere, considering it’s so fuckin’ dry and abandoned out here. If Smiles didn’t have a spot marked out, we’d never find it out here in the middle of nowhere. This stretch of I-10 consists of random dirt roads and the occasional old dilapidated shack.
“Everyone ready?” Ares barks, and we all fix our skull bandanas to cover our faces and start our bikes up. With him leading the pack, we all fall in order. Once back on the highway, we’re a little more relaxed, spreading out some, but still maintain the convoy. When Prez isn’t around, it’s always Ares, then Smiles, Cain, 2 Piece, me, Spin, and a Prospect. Except today we have Exterminator heading up the back; in case shit goes down, he can hit up the Nomads and let them know asap.
The Nomads took the other route and headed to Cali straight away. They’re gonna go scope out the info 2 Piece was able to get and see if it’s really accurate. We left Snake, Scratch, and Prez back home to watch the clubhouse. Prez was pissed he couldn’t head up the search, but he has to be close in case somethin’ happens with Mona. She needs round-the-clock help right now with a lot of doctors’ visits. Prez doesn’t need to be worrying about club shit right now; he needs to be concentrating on his family. Mona has to come first, and after putting up with his shit for so many years, she definitely deserves it.
We ride for what feels like hours before Ares signals to slow down; Smiles’ intercom popping on in our helmets.
“We’re hitting the left in about a quarter.” His voice streams through pretty clear for being on a motorcycle and none of us wearing full helmets.
We adjust our speed accordingly, and sure enough, a narrow side street on the right side comes into view. Ares slows and Cain pulls ahead to lead. Being the Enforcer, he’s usually the first one in to inspect. That way if shit goes down, it’s his job to attempt to protect us until we can get set up and fuck some shit up if needed.
Smiles rasps quickly, “Slow it down, kid! It’s not even two miles up, son. Hit the left in about one point five. Map shows a mass of trees.”
So he’s saying in about a mile and a half take a sharp left. He always changes it up. We’ve gotten used to it and he does it as added precaution in case someone’s able to pick up our communications system. A massive what looks like wall made of trees appears around a hill and we turn off, quickly quieting our engines.
“You’d never know this shit were here, if we hadn’t drove down this way!” Cain states as he climbs off his bike.
Smiles climbs off next. “Yep, ‘cause we’re getting close to Mexico. All kinda shit’s hidin’ back in these parts. It would make sense for these fuckers to be out here; they can get drugs and women from the Mexican Cartel easily.”
Ares angrily grumbles something under his breath.
I’ve heard the rumors of his ex leaving him for some dude in the Mexican Bikers Association or whatever it was called, but I’m not sure if any of it’s true. The brothers are bad about gossiping, so you never know what’s actually accurate.
“We goin’ on foot the remaining half?” I ask, tying my boots tighter. In case it’s a trek, I don’t want one to fall off.
Ares nods, “Yeah, probably smartest to be as quiet as possible. I’m hoping they didn’t get too wound up from us comin’ this clo
se. Load up on the ammo and new toys; let’s go get these fucks. Oh, and watch out for traps or anyone hiding. Smiles is right, for all we know there could be Mexicans out here for the Cartel or other smugglers and that would really stir the shit pot up for us. They probably have some bear traps set or some shit, not to mention the wildlife.”
I fix my bandana over my face to make sure I can’t be recognized and also the plain black one I wear over my hair to keep it out of my face while I ride. Folding my cut, I carefully place it over my bike and grab my extra ammo for the guns I have strapped on and a bottle of water. I’m about to have an adrenaline spike, let alone have to walk for who knows how far, I may as well hydrate on the way there.
A few other brothers quickly chug a bottled water or Gatorade and we all start to make our way through the trees, following Smiles’ directions. He rants on random facts, while sipping from his flask of whiskey.
Spin jumps to the side, faster than I’ve ever seen him move before. “Fuck! Watch out for snakes! I just saw a scary lookin’ bitch!”
Ares chuckles, not breaking his pace. “A snake won’t hurt you; they’ll bite, but you’ll live. Pull your panties outta your ass, Spin.”
“Fuck that shit.” Spin grumbles and the brothers grin. They keep their mouths closed though, because I’m betting the only real fucker out here not scared of snakes is Ares. The brother would probably catch it with his bare hands and take a bite out of it or some wild shit.
“Shhh! Shut the fuck up!” Smiles growls, and we all still. “Look.” He points, and through the foliage you can make out a large faded building that looks like a cabin.
“Was this what you saw on the satellite map?” Cain asks and Smiles nods.
“Fuck me, I bet we’re here brothers.” Ares murmurs. “Hand signals if possible from here on out.” He glances over at us and we all nod. Then he chin-lifts toward the building and we fall in to follow his lead.
There’s a guy passed out next to the entrance gate with a shot gun on his lap. Great security so far. Not that I’m complaining; it’ll make my job easier if anything.
Oath Keepers MC: The Collection Page 63
