LOST KING: THE KINGS OF RETRIBUTION MC

by Alvarez, Sandy

  Gabriel and Logan help their woman load the kids into their vehicles and watches them leave before Gabriel and Blake walk across the street to the tattoo shop. Now the parking lot is empty aside from me, Austin and Logan.

  Prez claps his hands together catching our attention as the crowd has dissipated. "Alright, men. We are an hour behind opening time. Let's get to work. We have a full day ahead of us. We can celebrate at the end of the day at the clubhouse with a few beers."

  Chapter Two

  Emerson

  "See you tomorrow, Dr. Evans," Tracy one of the nurses who works the night shift says as she heads across the hospital parking lot to her car.

  "Bye, Tracy, drive safe." I've been working the graveyard shift for the past two weeks. Thank god last night was my last shift before I start back on days. Using the key fob in my hand, I unlock my Jeep. Opening the door, I toss my bag over to the passenger seat, climb in, shut the door, and lean my head back on the headrest. My body is tired, but my brain takes longer to catch up. I'm always wired after my shift ends. A few months ago, I took up Muay Thai at the kickboxing studio. Lucky for me, Rhett opens everyday at five o'clock in the morning. The studio has been a lifesaver. When working the day shift I could go to the gym and work off the day's stress, but before Rhett's studio opened I didn't have a place to go this early in the morning. Polson's local gym hours do not cater to my work schedule.

  My cell phone ringing grabs my attention and I turn my head in the direction of my bag. I let out a deep sigh because I know who's calling. Only one person would call me this early in the morning—my mother. The ringing stops when I don't make a move to answer, only for it to start again seconds later. She is relentless, and I know she will keep on until I pick up. Answering the phone, I greet my mother, "Hi, Mom."

  "What took you so long, Emerson?"

  Sighing, I roll my eyes. "I just got off shift, Mom."

  "Well, I'm calling because your father and I would like for you to come home this weekend. It's been months, Emerson," she scolds.

  "That's because every time I come out to Seattle, you and Dad try fixing me up with someone."

  "Oh, please. Patrick was lovely and a perfect match. You didn't even try to get to know him, Emerson."

  "He's almost thirty years older than me, Mom!" I practically shout into my phone. "I'm not interested in someone old enough to be my dad. And the fact that he's dad's friend makes it creepier."

  "What about that other gentleman, Harris?" she asks.

  "Harris talked about bowel obstruction all through dinner. He was a hard pass."

  "That's your problem, Emerson. You're too picky. You'll never find a suitable man being like that."

  At my mother's statement, I don't bother to respond. We've had this same conversation a hundred times. To her, a suitable man is one who works in the medical field and someone of her choosing, and for me, when I think of what I want, only one man comes to mind. He's my complete opposite in every way. Quinn. My parents would never approve.

  "Look, Mom; I have to go," I say wanting to cut this conversation short.

  "So, I'll see you this weekend?"

  "Yeah, Mom. I'll come home Friday after my shift."

  I don't give her a chance to say anything else before ending the call. Do you want to know what my one weakness is? It's this. My parents and disappointing them. I've never been able to stand up to them. Not like my twin brother Easton. He has always been able to say, Fuck you! and does so with a big smile on his face. He's not afraid to go after his dreams. Easton dropped out of medical school to pursue his love of music. Now he and his band East of Addiction have made it big, and they are currently on tour. My parents love Easton, but still refuse to acknowledge his music as a real career. I thought my father was going to drop dead of a heart attack the day my brother announced he was dropping out of school. I for one was and am very proud of Easton and a little envious. I want to be more like him. Don't get me wrong, I love being a doctor, even though it's what my parents chose for me. Being a doctor is my dream. For as long as I can remember all I wanted to do was help people just like my parents. Only my goal is to have my own practice. Something small. I'd love to have my own clinic right here in Polson. I hate the hustle and bustle of the E.R., it's not for me, but my parents believe in climbing the ranks just as they have.

  Both of my parents attended Johns Hopkins University. That's where they met. Once they finished medical school and were established in their careers, they had Easton and me. As far back as I could remember they had planned mine and my brother's path in life. We excelled in school, both graduating high school a year ahead of our peers. Then we both were accepted into Johns Hopkins. The day I received my acceptance letter in the mail I was ecstatic. My brother--not so much. He always knew the medical field was not for him and so did I. My parents will never understand how someone as smart as Easton and with his IQ would turn down Johns Hopkins. Thinking about my brother brings a smile to my face. We were thick as thieves growing up. Easton is my best friend. And even though he's away on tour, he still texts and calls me every day. I have never gone one day of my life without talking to my brother.

  Pulling up in front of Rhett's studio, I park. Looking around, I take in my surroundings before climbing out of my Jeep. Hanging around The Kings the past few years I have learned to be more aware. Not that I need to be. It appears a certain biker knows my schedule because anytime I work nights I am hyperaware of the sound of his motorcycle that follows me from the hospital to the boxing studio. And as I step out of my Jeep, I hear the rumble of a bike. Looking to my left, I see Quinn ride by. His eyes lock on mine as he drives past. My stomach does a little flip-flop knowing that he's always watching.

  I remember the first time I met Quinn. Bella had been brought into the emergency room at a hospital I worked at in Seattle. I had just informed Logan and everyone else of her condition. I remember being nervous and intimidated by all the men. Then there was Quinn. Intimidating in his own right but not like the rest. He carries himself differently. More easy-going and approachable. Quinn stands at six-foot-two and has shaggy blond hair that has grown longer over the past couple years, and he now wears it in a ponytail. His body is strong and lean with just the right amount of muscle. Quinn's skin is a light golden color, and he keeps his beard cut close to his face, just enough to where I can see his full lips every time he smirks at me. And if that's not enough, my breath catches every time he looks at me with those knowing blue eyes. I swear he can see right through me. The first time he spoke to me he called me Dr. Pretty and asked for some coffee. I blushed the whole time he tried to carry on a conversation. "Your blush is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, Sunshine." A couple of hours later I saw him outside Bella's hospital room, and he was flirting with a nurse. He was leaning in real close whispering into her ear as she giggled at whatever he was saying. I learned right then Quinn was a flirt and all the sweet things he had told me; he was speaking to every other woman that would give him the time of day. I'm young and don't have tons of experience when it comes to men, only one casual boyfriend in college to whom I lost my virginity to, and a fellow doctor I worked with in Seattle. We weren't serious, just used each other from time to time. We had a mutual understanding. I have zero tolerance for bullshit. If I'm with a man whether serious or hooking up, I won't stand for him sleeping with another woman. And everything about Quinn screams player. I will admit his persistence over the past year has me second guessing his intentions. He makes it sound like he and I are a done deal. Like I'm already his. I would be lying if I said I didn't secretly love the thought. The thing is, I like Quinn. I'm not willing to risk my heart though. But that's me, always playing it safe.

  "You coming in or what?" a deep voice asks me from the open door of the studio, and I see Rhett looking at me expectantly.

  "Yeah, I'm coming."

  Sliding in past Rhett as he holds the door open for me he asks, "Everything okay? You were standing out there next to your car like
you were lost in thought."

  "I'm fine," I smile. "It's been a long day. I was trying to collect my thoughts."

  "You know anytime you're having a bad day or just want to talk, I'm here, and I'd love to take you out sometime." As flattered as I am by Rhett asking me out, I can't accept. Something about it feels wrong. Don't ask me why. He's a great guy and sexy as hell, but he's just not him. God, this is ridiculous. Here I have a good looking and kind man asking me out, and I can't stop thinking about Quinn long enough to accept. Deciding not to rule Rhett out completely, I answer, "I think I might like that sometime. I'll let you know." The words taste bitter in my mouth, and I instantly know it's a lie. I have no intention of going out with Rhett.

  Two hours later I'm back in my Jeep driving down Wicker Street on the way to my apartment. When I pass Grace's bakery, I see her about to step inside, so I honk my horn and give her a wave as I continue to drive by. When I first moved to Polson a few years ago I never dreamed I'd find such good friends. Learning Bella lived here was a shock. When I treated her in Seattle I vaguely remember her saying she lived in Montana but didn't know it was Polson.

  I heard about an opening at Polson's local E.R. from a colleague of mine. Leaving Seattle and taking a job in a small town was the only time I had done something for myself and not my parents. Moving to Polson has been the best decision of my life. I love my parents but the friends-the family I have here are the best. Bella over time claimed me as family and therefore so did The Kings. When the club decides you mean something to them, you are considered family. They don't care where you come from or what kind of past you have. Once you are a part of The Kings of Retribution family, it's for life. And you won't find a more loyal family than them. Jake once told me after I saved Bella's life and helped Sofia that I became someone they would forever be indebted to. He said that if I was willing to stick my neck out and risk my career for Sofia, then I was worthy of their loyalty. And that's exactly what Jake told me the day Bella was discharged from the hospital in Seattle along with giving me his number. He made me promise to call if I ever needed him or the club.

  My parents are the only people who I keep my involvement with the local motorcycle club a secret. If they knew how often I risked my license and job for them, they would lose their shit. Easton knows all about my life here. We tell each other everything. He's the one person who keeps pressing me to make a go of things with Quinn. My brother also knows I can't do hookups with someone I have feelings for either, so he understands why I'm hesitant.

  Walking in the door to my apartment, I set my bag down on the kitchen counter, grab a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator then make my way to my sofa picking up my laptop from the dining table along the way. Sitting down, I tuck my legs and set my computer in my lap. I need to book my flight home for Friday evening. Once my flight is taken care of, I pull up a group text on my phone. I was supposed to have lunch with the girls on Saturday. Now I have to tell them I need to cancel. I hate it because it's not often I get a weekend off and I was looking forward to seeing the girls.

  Me: Hey girls, can't make lunch Saturday. Flying home to see my parents. It's been months. Couldn't get out of it.

  Bella: Damn that sucks. But I understand.

  Alba: Booo!!

  Mila: What they said.

  Grace That's okay. We'll plan another lunch. Or maybe dinner. You back on days again?

  Me: Yep. Back on days.

  Alba: Yes! Let's make dinner plans!

  Mila: I'm game.

  Grace: Me too!

  Me: Okay. Let's do dinner next week.

  Bella: Wait! What about the patch-in party for Grey Sunday night? Are you still coming to that?

  Alba: Party girl! We all have babysitters. Please say you're coming.

  Me: Yep. I have a return flight home Sunday morning. I'll be back in time for the party.

  Mila: Hell yeah!

  Grace: Can't wait to see you.

  Bella: See you Sunday.

  Me: See ya girls Sunday.

  Once all the ladies had said their goodbyes, I toss my phone to the cushion beside me then use the palms of my hands to rub my tired eyes. I don't know how much more of the E.R. I can take. Today a teenage girl was brought in. She had been in a car accident, and she was not wearing her seatbelt. She made it, but is in a coma. Seeing the kinds of trauma I see, day in and day out, is starting to take its toll. Car accidents, drugged out women in labor, men who beat their wives, and gunshot wounds. I don't want any more of that. I want sore throats, earaches, and sprained ankles. I also know the only person who can change my situation is me. I have to quit being a chicken shit and stand up to my parents. Maybe when I see them this weekend, I can finally do it. I can finally take my life and my future in my own hands. I need to let my fear of disappointing them go.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Quinn

  Another day, another dollar. Right now, I'm changing the oil in Mila's vehicle that Reid dropped off about forty-five minutes ago. Work in the newly built shop has been smooth sailin' since we opened a couple days ago. Having more space and better equipment makes the job and the day go much faster.

  "You comin' with us out to Charley's tonight, Quinn?" Logan peers over the rear fender of the bike he's working on.

  Charley mentioned about a week ago he had a couple of guys come in nosin' around and askin' the local barflies questions about our little town and the people in it. The good thing about Charley's is all the regulars know us and don't say too much. The last thing we need is any more asswipes comin' around our town tryin' to stir up shit.

  From what we know they haven't been back, so Charley thinks they were a couple of nosey fuckers passing through. It's been awhile since any of us have hung out at his place, so we figured it was high time we pay a visit and make our presence known. Just in case. "Naw, brother, not tonight. It's the second Friday of the month, man." Opening another quart of oil, I pour it into the funnel. "Plus, I told my dad I would help him on his car this evenin', but if you run into any problems, I'm there," I tell him.

  "Thanks, brother," Logan nods.

  "Damn, something is smellin' good," I remark screwing the oil cap back on.

  Logan tosses a wrench into the toolbox beside him and stands. "Bella came by to cook lunch for everyone today. Her and the kids are back there in the break room."

  My stomach rumbles. "That's what I'm talkin' about. Feels like forever since she has treated us to some lunch."

  "She's had her hands full with Bree and Jake. I'll go see if the food is done." Turning, Logan walks towards the back where Bella is. It doesn't take me long to put my tools away and wash up. As soon as I walk through the break room door, I see Logan has Bella up on the counter, his hand under the front of her shirt and his lips on her neck.

  "If I eat all my food will I get dessert too?" I waggle my eyebrows the moment Bella's eyes open and look in my direction.

  "I don't share, brother," Logan rumbles, helping Bella down. I do my usual mock pout before Bella walks over hugging me.

  "How ya doin', Sweetheart?" I ask her.

  "Tired. Two little ones keep me busy," she peers over towards her kids, both fast asleep in a playpen; the smile she wears on her face saying it's all worth it. It causes my chest to ache because I want the same for myself one day.

  "I had lunch with your beautiful mom the other day," Bella sits a bowl of potato salad on the table along with a platter loaded with pulled pork sandwiches.

  Scooping food onto my plate, I ask her, "she help put your mind at ease about Bree?" What if she feels like she doesn't belong? What if she wants to find any of her biological family when she's older? These were just a few questions that were weighing on Bella about the baby she and Logan recently adopted. Knowing my mom probably went through the same emotions and had the same questions, I suggested she talk to her. I mean, I gave her my perspective on things but for her to bond with someone else—another mother who has gone on a similar journey in life would p
ut things in a much better perspective than I ever could. "My mom is the best," I wholeheartedly express.

  Within the following moments, Gabriel and Austin stroll in, sit down and start eating. Checking on the kids, Bella kisses her man. "I'm going to take Jake some food. The man has been working nonstop. He needs to eat."

  Logan pulls her closer and leans in for another kiss. "I'll eat with you when you get back, Angel."

  As soon as she walks out of the room I ask Gabriel, "You ever order that new barbell for me?"

  "Came in yesterday," he tells me.

  "Sweet," I rub my hands together and Gabriel shakes his head. "I'm considering another piercing," I take another bite of food. Gabriel stares at me. He reluctantly did my first one because I didn't trust anyone else. That and he's the only shop in town who does them.

  "Not touchin' your dick again," he grumbles.

  Austin chimes in with a surprised expression. "You have your dick pierced? Do women really like that shit?"

  "Hell yeah. I never met one who didn't. You considering one?" I look at him. Austin has gauges in both ears, tattoos slowly covering both arms and a small barbell piercings below a knuckle on his right hand, so for him to show interest in a cock piercing doesn't surprise me.

  "Thought about it," he nods. "This chick I'm seeing has her hood pierced. Fuckin' hot if you ask me," he says.

  Before he can finish the rest of his description of his woman's artwork, Bella reappears at the same time her children begin to wake from their naps. Logan grabs their son while Bella reaches for their daughter and the two of them sit down. After finishing our meal, we thank Bella for lunch, then Gabriel, Austin and I get back to work leaving her and Logan to enjoy their lunch together.

  I knocked off work an hour early today to head towards the youth center. The center is about a block from where my mom runs her practice. At least twice a month for the past five years now I have been volunteering my time. I like hanging out with some of the local young men who come here for various reasons. Sometimes, they need extra help with school work, and others may have to do community service, some just need someone to talk to. All of it helps to keep them off the street and out of trouble.