Mouser (Reapers MC Book 9)

by Elizabeth Knox

“Tsk, mija. You of all people should know why I’m here. You do something stupid and I come here.” He draws his brows together and I take note of how the one stress line he had across his forehead has turned to three in the last couple of months.

  I roll my eyes, aggravated he’s choosing this moment to speak in riddles. “If you have something to say, then say it.”

  “Do you know who I just got off the phone with? Hmm!?” Wow. Someone took his daily dose of sassy today.

  “Obviously not, since I’m not a psychic.”

  “When did you tell your boyfriend Lucian to take you out of his system?” Fuck. He didn’t. Lucian seriously couldn’t have called my godfather and tattled on me like I’m still a little girl who has to ask permission.

  “First of all, Lucian isn’t my boyfriend,” I huff, walking back into my kitchen. If I’m going to have this conversation than I need coffee to help get me through it. “Second of all, how is this any of your business anyway?”

  His eyes nearly pop out of his head and his face turns blood red. I guess what they say about Latinos and their tempers is true. I’ve never been unlucky enough to experience it firsthand, though. “Because I’m trying to keep you alive! Have you forgotten your father wants your head for defying him!?”

  Picking up my cup of coffee, I take a sip, hating how fucking hot it is. I’m not a fan of iced coffee but the heat of the summer may end up changing my mind. “I’m not the only one he wants dead now, am I?” I counter back, cocking a brow.

  “You and I have completely different circumstances.”

  “Right,” I roll my eyes yet again. I know my uncle is trying to watch out for me, but he can’t always be my guardian. Sometimes, I’ll have to be the one rolling up my sleeves and getting in the trenches.

  Essentially, my uncle and father aren’t getting along because my uncle came to Japan on behalf of his cousin, Francisco, who is the head of the Mexican Cartel. He’s also going into the corrupted political system of Mexico, genuinely trying to right the wrongs of his predecessors. He was hopeful that because of the connection my uncle and father have, he’d be able to get his endorsement and have a potential trade agreement between Mexico and Japan that would be mutually beneficial. My father, being the smug bastard he is, wasn’t interested in the least bit. He told my uncle he shouldn’t get involved in the mess that is politics, and he’s better at doing what he does currently, running the Diaz gang.

  It was a slap in the face to my uncle, for that to be said when it’s so important for not only the Diazes but the Lopezes to help their country— not hurt it.

  “Your boyfriend, Lucian, he said that he took you out of his program this morning so you won’t be masked over any surveillance cameras anymore. The only reason you’ve been safe thus far is because he was helping cover your tracks. What will you do now?”

  “He is not my boyfriend!” I bark, trying to make this old man understand just because two people fucked in the past, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re in a relationship.

  “Right,” He mocks me, rolling his eyes like I did earlier. It only further irritates me.

  “I’m a big girl who can handle herself. The Reapers are providing me protection since I helped them get Orion back when that crazy man took him. I will be okay,” I doubt my uncle believes it, but it doesn’t matter if he does, because I’m the only one who needs to.

  “You cannot seriously say you’re going to be fine going up against your family. What will you do, Sakura?” His tone grows more serious with every word and his stare reminds me of the way I was tested in college.

  “I will go up against the Dragon, and I’ll win.”

  “I love you dearly, mija, but you won’t win. You will be burned to ash like every man has been before you.” The Dragon is another word for my mother. It’s what the locals call the head of the Yakuza. Part of me wonders if what he’s saying is a cruel metaphor. One that ended up happening to my sister, burned alive in the place where she felt the safest.

  I stare into his dark eyes and speak with the most confidence I ever have in my entire life, “Uncle, I love you . . . but please don’t think so little of me. I will find a way to get out of this. I promise. I will find a way. Even if I have to cut the head off the Dragon myself.”

  He comes up to me, wraps his arms around my body and holds me close. I wrap my arms around him as well, feeling ten times lighter just being entrapped in his embrace. My uncle is the only one I can count on right now. The only person who I know would never turn his back on me.

  Even though the Reapers have welcomed me with open arms, I’m still a stranger. Even though my sister was loved and adored by every member of this club, I can’t change one thing— I’m not Asami, or Saffron as they all knew her. I’m much different and I hope they’ll learn to love me in a fraction of the way they loved her.

  I bury my head in his chest and keep every fear, worry and anxious thought at bay. Regardless, I will get through this because I simply don’t have another choice. The stones have already been cast, and I can’t change the past. Not that I would. I did what I knew in my heart was right. It wasn’t just right though, it was the best thing for me.

  If I’ve learned anything over the last couple of months, it’s that I should’ve put myself first a long time ago. I wasn’t happy being a pawn, doing someone else’s bidding and being their eyes and ears at parties and galas. I needed to be my own person and I finally am.

  I won’t let anyone take this from me, because it’s precious and I feel at peace— even if I may end up losing my life for it. My choice was worth it.

  I’ve never felt so free.

  Chapter Two

  “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.”

  ~ Maya Angelou

  Sakura

  My uncle and I sat in the kitchen drinking coffee and iced green tea for a couple hours while we caught up. Over the last couple months we haven’t seen too much of one another. He’s been helping Francisco with whatever he needs on his venture to change the current state Mexico is in. Which means he hasn’t had much time for me. Meanwhile, I’ve been here, protected by the safety that is the Reapers MC.

  For a while I was confused on how neither of my parents had found me as of yet, considering I told Lucian to stop running the masking program months ago. I should’ve known he would’ve waited. That maybe he had some hope we’d be able to fall back into what we were before and the mere act of our sexual relations would keep me safe. But I couldn’t keep doing it anymore.

  Lucian was great, for a time at least. I think I outgrew it. Although, it was fun. Flying to various cities, having sinful filled nights underneath satin sheets with far too much sake and whiskey. In a sense I felt carefree and it only gave me a taste of what I feel now.

  While we caught up I discovered my uncle has been spending much more time in Mexico. However, he’s been trying to stay close to the border in case he’d need to rush back here if something went sideways with me. When he told me, I stared at his caramel skin and looked into his almond colored eyes, and internally thanked the kami for bringing such a blessing into my life.

  As a follower of the Shinto religion we are some of the most optimistic people. It is said that as people, we are naturally good. However, all evil in this world comes from evil spirits. I must admit, over the last six months or so my faith has been lessening. I know I’m supposed to be positive, and to believe that people are good . . . but are my parents under the influence of evil spirits, or is this simply who they are?

  I respect my religion and love my Shinto faith. Although, in my heart I know my parents aren’t under the influence of evil spirits. This is simply who they are and knowing that only hurts even more.

  “I will be heading back to Mexico tomorrow, but Damon requested a meeting with me before I leave.” My uncle tells me, finishing the last of his tea.

  “Oh?” I question, cocking a brow but I try to not seem overly inquisiti
ve.

  “Yes, I think he wants to go over more of how we can help one another. Especially with our plan starting to go in motion over the border.” He tells me.

  “Makes sense. I know working with him isn’t something you wanted, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not grateful that the two of you put your own warpath to the side and figured out what was actually happening. It shows what great leaders you are.” A while back, my uncle and Damon, the Prez of this charter of the Reapers MC trusted the wrong person. Her name was Onyx and she was trying to double cross them with the other, making them appear like enemies to the other when that wasn’t the case.

  They figured it out and arranged a meeting, ending up taking Onyx down. Although, it wasn’t the easiest feat. A newborn baby was stolen and the Reapers ended up taking down their longest reigning enemy. Thankfully, they were able to get the newborn back as well and now he’s safely with his parents and his twin sister here at the club.

  Onyx wasn’t just a random woman, though. She had been in charge of the clubwhores and the prostitution business. You see, she had managed her own sort of prostitution ring before she began working with the club. Since she’s out of the picture it was suggested I handle the group of women. I know it was only suggested because I was privy of watching my mother handle her Shirabyōshi.

  Shirabyōshi are women who practice the arts, who also operate as prostitutes. They’ve been doing this since the early 12th century. They’re commonly mistaken as geishas. Geishas are in no way, shape or form any way associated with prostitution. They are but the highest-level entertainment in all of Japan and they should be treated as such.

  “How sweet you are, Sakura. Yes, well, we do have a bit of business to discuss. Francisco has given me an offer for the Reapers to handle some issues on this side of the border. In a sense, they’d offer security. They’d also act as . . . enforcers of people who want to keep doing the grimy shit they are.”

  “So, the Reapers would be peacekeepers in a sense?”

  “Yes, though they can use as much force as necessary to get the message across to those who wish Mexico stay in the same drastic state it’s currently in.” He rises from the bar and takes his glass over to the dishwasher, placing it in the top rack.

  “Ah, I understand.”

  “I’m glad you do, because I’m unsure if they’ll want to get mixed in our politics.” He states, turning around to face me, leaning his body against the countertop.

  “It’s not my place to say, although I can see why they’d have some reservations. Mixing in other people’s business has been proven to not be in the best interests for anyone.”

  My uncle chuckles lightly, nodding. “Yes, I have to agree with you there. But, we aren’t here to cause problems for the Reapers. It’s quite the contrary, they’ll be handling our problems and in turn they’ll be paid a hefty penny for their services.”

  “Well, I hope you’re able to contract them. Clubs like this will never say no to easy money.”

  “Yes, well, we won’t know until I ask. Speaking of jobs, have you started running the whores yet?”

  I scoff, letting a breath out. “Do you have to call them whores?”

  “They fuck for money, yes? They’re whores.”

  Rolling my eyes I decide not to argue with him. It won’t get me anywhere and he’s the type who can argue until his face turns blood red. “No, I haven’t started officially working with them yet. After Onyx was killed, they kind of just . . . decided to be sole proprietors.”

  “And you allowed them?” He questions, showing me in his overall tone just how much he disapproves.

  “Considering their former boss was just murdered for being a two-timing piece of shit, I decided to give them a bit of time.”

  He begins to walk toward me and places his hands on my shoulders, looking me sternly in the eyes. “No, my dear. What you did was give them the perfect reason to riot against you. In any business, that is what will happen if you don’t demand respect and make your position as their leader known. Now, well, I’m afraid you’ll have one hell of a time trying to get them to be on your side.”

  “They don’t need to be on my side. They just need to do their fucking job.” I hiss back my reply.

  He chuckles, wrapping his arms around me while he kisses me on the cheek. “This is exactly why you will have a problem. Call me if you need my help. I’m afraid I must get to my meeting with Damon.”

  “Alright. I’ll go over and check in on Ivy. She’s been great so far, but every time I get a chance to go over she has about twenty questions prepared on what she should or shouldn’t be doing. She’s so afraid she’s doing something wrong. Always so nervous and whatnot.”

  “Isn’t that what they say about first time mothers? How they are so fearful?”

  I nod, “Yes, it’s true.”

  “Ah. I’ve never had a woman who wanted to give me a child. I thought one day I would experience it for myself, but it seems life didn’t work out for me in that way. But I do thank God every day that he brought me you, mi amor.”

  “Go, you’re going to be late.” I gently remind him, feeling thankful that even if I can’t stand my own parents, the kami sent me my godfather.

  Chapter Three

  Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul

  ~ Unknown

  Mouser

  The club chatter is louder than usual. Not that it’s ever quiet in here, but lately we haven’t had much going wrong. I suppose I should knock on some wood or some shit before I jinx our asses, but I’d need to be a superstitious fucker to do that. I pick up my chilled bottle of beer and bring the tip to my mouth, taking a hefty sip.

  It’s hotter than Hades’ asshole here today and to top it all off, half of the air conditioning units are busted. Meaning, we’re all sweating our bloody assholes off. Okay, not all of us. Kade and Ivy have two units up and running in their trailer to keep the babies comfortable. Plus, Hawk and Raven have two units in theirs for Raven’s little sisters who they have custody of. Kids always come first in this club. They always have and they always will.

  In the meantime, the rest of us will be slowly roasting to death. I may have to convince Damon and Amara to let me borrow one of the trucks. If they say yes, I wouldn’t have any problem running down to a home improvement store and grabbing a couple of window units. It should fix everything until we can get someone out here to fix the units that’re down.

  The door to the club comes busting open and I see Eduardo Diaz in all of his rich Mexican glory. Even on the hottest day, he looks like this shit doesn’t even phase him. His salt and pepper hair is perfectly slicked back while the diamond earring in his left ear glistens in the light. He even has his three or four gold chains hanging around his neck, over his white shirt. As I stare, I realize he isn’t even drenched in sweat like the rest of us. Fuck, what the hell is his secret?

  “Where is your Prez?” He stops directly in front of me and asks.

  I lift my head and motion toward Damon’s office. “In there, but let me escort you. Damon doesn’t like surprises.” He and Amara did go in his office fifteen minutes ago, so they must be talking business.

  “Yes, well, we have a meeting. I’m a bit late if I’m not mistaken.” There’s only one thing Damon hates more than surprises . . . and that’s inconsiderate fucks who waste his time. Not saying Eduardo is inconsiderate, but he should know better than to keep a powerful man waiting.

  I rise from my seat and make sure to pick up my bottle of beer. Walking ahead, I take Eduardo back to Damon’s office and knock on the door lightly. “Prez, Eduardo’s here to see you.”

  I haven’t even finished speaking when the door is opened and Amara greets us on the other side. She’s healed up pretty well since she got shot. Every now and again she complains about her range of motion, but I think she’s doing good. I’m not a doc or anything. She has been seeing Sakura every week just to make sure everything is going smoothly. Since she’s a woman and we all toy wi
th her about being anxious and emotional, but I can see she is having a lot of anxiety about her recovery. While I’ve been sure not to poke the bear, others haven’t followed in my footsteps.

  I move out of Eduardo’s way so he can enter Damon’s office and start to head back to my seat when I hear a throat being cleared. “Did I say you were dismissed, Prospect?” Damon’s voice growls.

  “No, Prez. You didn’t.” I respond, looking back to my commander.

  “Glad you understand, now get your ass in here. Being present in a meeting like this will give you some good life lessons.” Following my order, I walk in through the doorway and shut the door behind me, leaning up against the back wall while Eduardo moves forward to shake hands with Damon and Amara.

  “It’s good to see you both.” Eduardo states, extending his hand to Damon and then Amara.

  “Likewise. It’s been a while if I’m not mistaken.” Damon replies.

  “That it has. Things have been very busy across the border. I was just explaining everything to Sakura. It never stops.”

  “Nothing ever does,” Damon states, sitting down behind his desk while Amara and Eduardo follow suit. I take this moment to sip on my beer again. If I have to be here I might as well be comfortable, doing as I was before, enjoying my fucking drink.

  “I’ll cut to the chase. We were both shocked to hear you wanted a meeting with us, and considering we all have busy schedules, how about we move this along.” Amara states in an authoritative tone, adding a smile at the end to soften it up a bit. Actually, she probably smiled as a way to say, ‘I have shit to do, motherfucker’.

  Eduardo bursts into laughter. “Ah, how much I like you. You’re a spicy one.”

  “Of course, I am. I’m Latina,” Amara rolls her eyes.

  Eduardo cocks his brow, “Oh, you are?”

  She nods, “Yes, half-Mexican, half-Irish.”