Mark Of A Scarred Warrior (Iron Dogz MC Book 5)

by René Van Dalen

  “Thirsty Dog!” All of us shouted as we had all been in on the tasting a few days ago.

  “Yes it is!” Leo shouted. “Let’s drink a toast on our new pub, The Thirsty Dog!”

  We downed the shots and set the empty glasses back on the trays. None of us could afford to drink tonight but one shot to celebrate our opening was absolutely necessary.

  The trays had scarcely been removed when the loud rumble of bikes could be heard coming up the long drive.

  “Battle stations everyone! Get ready for the invasion.” Leo shouted then turned to the band. “You guys do what you do best. Make some music.” The singer gave a wink and a smile as they started playing.

  Leo and I hid behind the band and watched as the guys and their women streamed in. They all had big smiles on their faces when they saw we had a live band. Leo, the bitch, had decided we had to make an entrance and had coached me through the dance moves until I could do it in my sleep.

  And suddenly it was time and my heart felt as if it was doing double time in my chest. The base drum pounded and the guitars wailed as the band started playing the song Leo had selected.

  We strutted to the front of the stage with our fists raised over our heads. Whistles, screams and shouts echoed as we sang along with the band while dancing like we had been born on a stage. Pretty soon everyone was singing and dancing with their fists raised high. When the song came to an end Leo was handed a mic and she grabbed my hand, pulling me along to stand next to her.

  “Welcome to The Thirsty Dog y’all!” She shouted her accent suddenly very noticeable. “I’ve only got a few words to say before we party ‘til dawn. I would like to thank the Iron Dogz MC for the help they’ve given me and for bein’ super awesome dudes. Thanks to Jagger and the team for fixin’ this place up so we could open tonight. Then there’s our staff who worked damned hard to get everythin’ ready. Y’all know how much I appreciate the work you’ve put in, thank you. A huge thank you goes to my partner in crime and best girl standing here next to me, my VP, Bossy.” She laughed when rolled my eyes at her. “Girl, you are seriously the best friend and VP a woman could ask for. Thanks for everything you’ve done to get us ready to open on time. And finally, to my old man, Wolf and our baby boy, Quinn. Baby, you guys make me fly so damned high. I love you.”

  With that she handed the mic back, grabbed me around my waist and gave me a hard hug.

  And then we were on the floor, the band was playing and the party started.

  The night became busy as hell. I was kept running, checking that the bar was stocked, that the food was replenished regularly and that the waiters and waitresses kept the tubs filled with ice and stocked with booze. Mienkie ruled the kitchen with an iron hand so I had no worries about checking on them. I left it to Sergeant Mienkie, as her staff had affectionately started calling her.

  The only reason I popped into the kitchen was to check on Brutus and when I saw he was getting a bit antsy I took him out the backdoor for a walk, staying away from the outside areas filled with partying bikers.

  After our walk no matter how much I tried to settle him down it wasn’t working. He was still unsettled and I had to get back inside to sort out the bonus for the band who had played way longer than contracted.

  “Okay, fine, you can come with me but you have to behave. No snapping at people and no lunging.” He looked up at me as if he understood.

  I quickly walked through the bar keeping him tight against my hip as I ran up to my office to get the envelope for the band. Brutus immediately went to his bed and lay down with a deep contented sigh then closed his eyes.

  Looking up at the camera in the corner I asked a favour. “Guys, please watch over him and call me immediately if he gets antsy or wants to go out. I’ve got my phone on me. Okay?”

  My phone binged with a text and I pulled it out and grinned when I read it.

  Owen: No problem Bossy, we’ve got it.

  I blew them a kiss then rubbed Brutus’s head one more time, closed the office door and quickly went back down stairs.

  The band had packed up and was waiting for me, after giving them their envelope I invited them to stay and mingle. But they had to leave as they had a mid-morning meeting and photo shoot they couldn’t miss or look tired and hung over for.

  They signed a t-shirt and a band poster that I was going to have framed and hung next to the stage. I had plans to do the same with all the bands that would come to play at the pub.

  Hours later I stood outside on the drive and watched as the last load of happy party goers were driven away. We had a few guys sleeping it off in the converted garage but not as many as we had thought we would have.

  Leo and Wolf had left earlier after I assured them I would be fine closing up.

  Sighing with relief and absolute exhaustion I turned and slowly walked back inside.

  The main lights were on and I felt like hugging our staff as I looked around the pub. They had cleared and wiped the tables and chairs were place upside down on them, leaving the floors clear for the cleaners who would come in later this morning.

  They had done the same outside and had emptied out the big tubs. All the left over booze had been stacked in the waiting crates and the guys were carrying the crates and stacking them in the store room behind the bar.

  Mienkie and her staff had left after she closed the kitchen at twelve. I had taken a peek inside after they had gone and it was spotless. They had cleaned before they left for the night.

  With the fire in the fire pit put out and everything cleared up on the deck I closed the security doors and locked up. When the last of the staff left I closed the big heavy door behind them. That left Owen, Will and I as the last people in the building.

  When I walked to our make-shift office the door to the security room stood open and I could hear them laughing as I gathered my stuff and got Brutus ready to leave. My boy moved between me and the door when the boys came into the office.

  “We’re ready to go when you are, Bossy.” Owen said and winked at the new name. “The security feed has been switched over to the clubs’ security room and Damon and NikNak are on their way to take over from us. They’ll keep an eye on the sleepers and let them out when they eventually rise and shine.”

  “We’ve got orders to make sure you and the big guy get home safe and sound.” Will said as he took my bag from me.

  “I could have carried that you know.” I rolled my eyes at him when he laughed as he walked out.

  “Ja, but then my boss would see that shit when he checks the feed tomorrow and he will kick my ass.” His voice came floating back as I checked one more time that I had everything before following Owen out and locking the door.

  Outside a yawning Damon stood next to his bike when we walked out and I looked around for Owen and NikNak.

  “Where are the other two?”

  “They’re checking on the sleeping beauties.” Damon grinned.

  “You guys have got the codes for the alarm and locks, right?”

  “We do, but we’ll most probably be out here patrolling most of the time.” NikNak said as he came up to us. “If we need to get inside we can, so don’t worry about it, okay?”

  “I just don’t like leaving you guys out here with no way to get a warm cup of coffee or anything.”

  The guys laughed. “Shit, Bossy, do you think we get coffee when we’re back at the compound?” Will asked.

  “Uhm, yes?”

  “No, we don’t.”

  “Well then, I’m going to talk to Leo about having something for whoever gets guard duty here overnight.” I looked around and frowned. “Winter is coming and it’s going to be flippen freezing. We need a guard house.”

  “Oh shit. Jagger is going to lose his nut when everyone starts arguing about who gets to guard the Thirsty Dog at night.” NikNak grinned and shook his head. “Go on, Chris, you’ve had a damned long day and night. Go home and get some sleep, we’ve got your back here.�
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  Yes, I was deathly tired and all I wanted was a hot shower, my bed and to sleep for hours and hours.

  Driving home I had one bike ahead of me, the other following behind all the way home. They waited for me to get inside, close and lock the security door before they rode away. I tiredly closed and locked the front door, armed the alarm then followed my boy to the bedroom. He was lucky, he could just get into bed and go back to sleep.

  Me, not so much. I had the night’s grime on my skin and had to clean the heavy make-up from my face before I could go to bed. A quick shower took care of the grime and make-up remover wipes removed most of the make-up. My nightly routine took care of the rest. I promised my hair I would wash it in the morning.

  Plugging my phone in to charge I set it on the bedside table then slid into bed. Groaning in pleasure I drew a pillow into my chest, curled up around it, closed my eyes and fell asleep.

  My last thought strangely was about Scar. And then sleep pulled me under.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Hawk

  “We all know why we’re here.” Hawk said pointing at the burner phones arrayed on his desk. “Ziggy found the phone Flash used to contact Jane. Our next step is to mimic his texting style and draw her out of hiding.”

  “Do you have a plan, Prez?” Beast’s voice was cool and calm but his eyes weren’t. They were alive with anticipation. He had a very good reason to look forward to getting his hands on the bitch. He wasn’t the only one.

  “Yes, yes I do.” Hawk pushed one of the phones out of the line-up. “You know him better than any of us, Kid. Do you think you’ll be able to pull it off?”

  His SAA’s smile was more of a sneer than a smile. “Easily. I’ve watched the two of them for years. They speak in a sort of shorthand to each other. Never full sentences, I’m sure they do the same when texting.”

  “They do. I was able to pull the last two texts from the phone and can verify what Kid is saying.” Ziggy confirmed.

  “Right.” Kid cleared his throat then reached for the phone. “When do you want to start, Prez?”

  Hawk knew they had to strike before the fucking body was found. “Now, do it now.”

  Kid nodded and powered up the phone. Almost immediately it started pinging indicating several texts had come in since Ziggy had last looked at it.

  Pepper: Dentist

  Pepper: Toothache

  Pepper: Hold hand?

  Kid read them out and there were frowns all around but not his SAA, he was grinning wide.

  “It’s definitely her. He once told me her temper was like a hot pepper. She’s letting him know she’s working on their extraction and wants his location.” Kid shook his head. “This is fucking easier than I thought. I’ll give a vague reply and wait. She’s going to reach out to my mother when she doesn’t hear from him. I want to find out how far Essie is willing to go for her daughter. Is she willing to betray me and the club?”

  “Brother, I don’t think your mother is going to stab you in the back.” Sin said gently. “I’ve been to your place a few times and she loves you, man. She’s not going to do anything that would jeopardise the relationship she’s busy building with you. Give her a chance to come to you. Trust her.”

  “I hear you, Sin, I do. But you need to remember one thing, she’s had more than enough time to come to me. She hasn’t. Why hasn’t she?” Kid looked down at the phone then lifted it up for all of them to see. “Is it because she’s going to help her get out of the country? Or is it something else?”

  “That’s something none of us will know until it happens.” Hawk looked at his best friend and wished he could do more for him. “We’re going to have to wait and see, brother. That’s all we can do. Wait and see and watch your back just in case it all goes sideways.”

  “I don’t want to even think about shit going sideways.” Spider groused. “We’ve had enough shit going sideways to last us a fucking lifetime. I propose putting two men on Kid at all times, even if he’s getting a damned blowjob or fucking some slut. I want men on him. No way am I going to lose one of my big brothers.”

  There were a few sniggers as Kid gave Spider a death stare. But Spider just gave him wide eyes and shrugged innocently.

  “Just saying, brother. And I’m serious as shit about the protection detail. I’m not losing another brother, not fucking happening.” There wasn’t a single smile in the room as Spider laid it out.

  “I’m with Spider.” Ice said quietly. “Before we get side tracked let’s get the text sent. We can debate Kid’s protection detail once it’s done.”

  Hawk thumped a fist on the desk then pointed a finger at Kid. “Do it.”

  They all watched as Kid drew in a deep breath and typed. It did not take long.

  Once he was done he slid the phone across the desk to Hawk. He read the text and frowned. “What the fuck does it mean?”

  Flame: Dentist. Hand. Holding.

  “I just told her to wait. That’s it. It’s going to piss her off.” Kid gave a small shrug. “She’s never been one who liked to wait. She’ll stick her neck out. All we have to do is wait and she’ll come to us.”

  There were several sighs in the room, not only Hawk’s.

  “Fuck. I wish we could’ve finished this shit today. I hate this hanging over the club.” Jagger growled.

  “What’s going on with you, Jag?” Kahn who had been quiet until now asked.

  “I have no fucking idea. I just have this feeling at the back of my neck that shit’s about to go tits up. I’ve been doing checks on the security feeds from all our local businesses and beefed them up.” He shook his head with a frown. “I’ve checked camera footage and nothing jumped out at me. But I just can’t shake this feeling that something’s not right. It’s fucking with my head.”

  “Let’s not go looking for shit right now, brother.” Hawk warned. “We’ll keep our eyes open and hope it’s you being your over protective self with Chris that’s messing with your head.” There were a couple of grins around the room as he continued. “We all know you’ve had eyes on her from the moment she started working with Leo. It’s messing with your head that she’s away from the compound and outside of your total control.”

  Shaking his head Jagger gave a shrug and a half-smile. “Shit. I know I’m over reacting but I just can’t help it.”

  “I promise we’ll keep our eyes open, brother.” Beast said. “I’ve got your back.”

  “Right, is that all for this morning, boss?” Sin asked.

  “Why? Do you have something important to get to? Like a redhead or two?” Spider teased with a wink.

  “What do you know about me and redheads?” Sin asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Ask Boots. I heard him telling Spook about a certain party you boys went to where there were two very pretty redheads. Are you going to be bringing them around for the rest of us to take a look?” Spider bounced his eyebrows up and down while giving him with a lascivious grin.

  Jesus, these fucking men of his. Hawk grinned as he smoothed a hand over his beard.

  Sin laughed. “Hell no. I never go back, brother, that’s just looking for trouble.”

  “Do they know you’re a member of the Iron Dogz MC?” Ice asked with a frown.

  What now? What has his VP’s ears up?

  “I certainly never told them. I don’t know about Boots or Scar. We weren’t wearing our kuttes. We were in a cage because Scar was still using his stick to get around. And I certainly never flashed my back tat and I’m sure neither did my brothers. So, no, I don’t think they know. Why are you asking VP?” Sin looked a tiny bit worried.

  Grinning Ice pointed at him. “See that look right there on your face? It tells me all I need to know.” The grin faded and he was suddenly very serious. “Stop fucking random civilians, Sin. What happens if one of those bitches arrives at our gates and demands to see you? Would you even know when or where you fucked her or who she even is? We’re embro
iled in a war with the Harrison Syndicate, how do you know those bitches haven’t been sent your way by them?”

  Sin wasn’t the only one who looked stunned and horrified.

  Spider looked at Ice and frowned. “Are you telling us to keep our attentions on the club girls and avoid anyone we might meet outside of our gates?”

  Hawk threw his hands up and stopped the discussion that was about to ensue.

  “Stop. This club has never interfered in a brothers’ need to get his dick wet outside of the clubhouse and it’s not about to start now. All we’re saying is be very, very sure of who you choose to stick your dicks in. She might not be as innocent as she seems. And be sure you have back up should you be invited back to her place.” Hawk grinned at the groans. “The rule is still in place, brothers. No one rides alone and if you’re riding off to get your dick wet your brother is going with you. No excuses.”

  Spider looked at Sin and gave him an exaggerated wink. “Seems like us single brothers are going to be seeing more of each other’s dicks than usual.”

  “Jesus, Spider. I don’t want to see your dick you dirty bastard.” Sin gave him a nasty look but it just caused Spider to burst out laughing.

  “Fuck.” Laughing Hawk shook his head at Spider. “I have to agree with Sin. Spider is a dirty little bastard. Now get the hell out of my office before I start making rules about how, where and who you may fuck.”