Emerald

by Rebekah Thompson

  The man driving smiles. He’s large, like Dominic, with tattoos snaking up his arms, almost covering the skin from his wrists to his shoulders. He introduces himself as Ink, the club’s tattoo artist, and without saying it, he proves himself a jokester. Ink tells at least ten jokes between my apartment to the club.

  The kids are in peals of laughter by the time we pull through the gate. Ink parks next to Dominic, who is climbing off his bike. The kids slide out of the car, with me following, and they grab Dominic’s hands.

  “Rosa!”

  Zeke runs toward us with his brown hair flopping in his eyes and a smile on his face. Zeke skids to a stop in front of Rosaleigh and she smiles, mumbling a shy ‘hi.’

  “Hi, can they come to play with me?” He asks, looking up at me.

  “There’s a backyard the kids like to play in. You can trust Zeke and the others,” he tells me, kissing my head, “And you’ll be able to see them from where we’ll be.”

  With that answer, I look back down at Zeke, “As long as you keep them in the backyard Hawk is talking about,” I tell Zeke, and he nods. I watch as they run away and go into the compound.

  Dominic and I follow. He leads me through the building, smiling and nodding at people as we pass. Some are familiar, people I’ve seen in the bar, and some are unfamiliar. There are a few women probably my age, scantily dressed, then there are older women who wear a property vest. All the men I see are wearing a cut displaying either the Black Hawk patch or a Saints MC patch.

  Squeals and laughter fill the backyard as we walk out, and I search out the kids’ area. It’s over to the side of the barn. I don’t remember seeing a swing set and slide when I came here with Dominic the other day, but maybe they added it for the party.

  My eyes find my kids, who are playing with Zeke and some other kids. Dominic notices my gaze and squeezes my hand. “They’re fine,” he assures me, “They’re safe here, I promise.” I look into his eyes and nod.

  “I trust you,” I tell him, softly kissing his lips. If there’s anyone I trust, it’s Dominic. Like he said, these people are his family, so I trust that nothing and no one will hurt my children while we’re here.

  When we pull apart, I give him a slight smile.

  Something touches my shoulder, making me spin around. A relieved sigh, one I didn’t know I was holding in, leaves me when I see Wolf standing there. He grins at me and chuckles. “Hey, Emerald. Prez. How’s it going?”

  “We’re good. Is everyone here?” He Dominic nods, wrapping his arm around my waist. He pulls me close and glances around the yard. There are people everywhere, and I don’t know half of their names.

  “Yeah, everyone’s here,” he says, nodding.

  Dominic nods and begins walking me around. He points out members of his club, introducing me to them. I say hi to Ink and Reaper as we pass them, then Kayden and Jayden. He introduces me to some older inactive members Tank, Blade and his wife Maria, Diesel and Sheila, and some other older couples.

  Dominic comments on how Blade and his wife are the closest things he has to parents after his parents died. They helped him get his life back on track and took him in until he moved into the clubhouse. He told me how they helped him through his parents’ death and continue, to this day, to give him advice and motivation.

  Beast is the next person I meet. He’s a tall, lean man with tattoos all over- and I do mean all over- his body. They’re on every inch his of skin I can see. He has a beard and blonde hair that fades on the sides and pulled into a small bun at the crown of his head.

  Beast doesn’t speak much but welcomes me. Honestly, he’s kind of scary.

  Next, are a couple of Prospects who don’t have patches yet. They welcome me while keeping their eyes from lingering anywhere on my person. I know that if I looked up at Dominic, I’d see a glare or expression of warning on his face. All three of them seem nice enough but soon skitter off to find some of the single women hanging around.

  After walking around and talking to people, Dominic says, “Let’s head to the front. I have an announcement.” I nod and let him lead me to the front of the crowd.

  “Mommy!” Reece yells. I look to the left to see Reece running to me. Rosaleigh stays with Zeke, who is smiling at her, as they walk over. Reece jumps into my arms, and I lift him up to settle on my hip. I rub my nose on his, smiling at him.

  “Are you having fun?” I ask. He nods his head and I glance at my daughter. She and Zeke have made their way over and are standing beside Dominic.

  “Ezekiel, I need to borrow Rosaleigh for a few minutes, is that okay?” He asks, looking at the kid. Zeke looks up at Dominic and nods, not arguing about his new friend leaving him.

  “Yes, sir,” he answers seriously. Rosaleigh smiles at Zeke, and I watch as his sour look melts away. So cute. Dominic secures Rosaleigh in his arms and points somewhere in the distance.

  “You should go to your parents for the announcement, Ezekiel.” Zeke nods, looks to Rosaleigh, then walks away. For a second, I feel bad for splitting them up. Then, Dominic lays his hand on the small of my back. The skin to skin contact sends warmth through me as I let him lead us to the back porch. People turn to face us, some single, and others with their partners and kids.

  “Welcome everyone!” Dominic shouts. Not even a second later, everyone goes quiet. Curious eyes scan over us as Dominic holds my daughter and pulls me and Reece close. He clears his throat before speaking again.

  “Thank you all for being here today. I know you’ve waited for this for a long time, and now, I’m happy to say I have found my woman,” he announces, making me turn a shade of pink.

  Several yells and woops sound around the yard as people cheer. The cheers die down after a minute, and Dominic turns to me. “I would like you all to meet, my Old Lady, Emerald,” he tells them, “And her kids, Reece and Rosaleigh.”

  A few gasps erupt from women, and someone steps forward.

  “She already had kids by another man, and you’re going to choose this slut over someone you already know?” The woman demands. I look her over to see painted on leather pants, a tight red corset top, and black stiletto boots; her dark hair is long, and her makeup is far too heavy.

  “Julia, what happened in her past is none of your concern,” Dominic growls, “Why are you even here?” He demands, making me look up at him. His lips are in a tight line and if he had lasers coming out of his eyes, this woman would be toast.

  The woman, Julia, smirks. “I came to see you, baby,” she purrs, moving closer. I shiver in disgust as she rubs up against him like a cat in heat.

  Anger builds in me, and I hand Reece over to Dominic. Once he has both of my kids in his arms, I turn to the woman, anger seething through me and boiling like a volcano.

  “He is not your baby,” I sneer, stepping in front of my man. “He is mine. You got it? And if you come anywhere near him with your leech lips or grabby hands, I will personally end you,” I growl. Her eyes widen, and she looks behind me as if Dominic will defend her.

  Anger spikes. My hand shoots out, grabbing Julia by her long hair. She shrieks as I kick her legs out from under her and let her fall to the ground. I hear chuckles from around me, but no one makes a move to stop me.

  “Like I said, skank, if you go anywhere near him- or if I even hear about you looking at him in a way you shouldn’t…. I. Will. End. You.” I yell, making her eyes widen in fear.

  Releasing her hair, I let her body drop all the way, and I turn back to the crowd. “I know I’m new here, but if any of you thinks you can take him,” I point at Dominic, “Away from me, you better think again.”

  Everyone keeps their eyes on me as I speak. “He is your President and I am just a new girl, but he claimed me, so help me God… if any of you women touch him or make a move on him-” I stop talking and look down at the woman at my feet, “Well, I don’t have to tell you what I’ll do.”

  With a nod, I turn to Dominic and nod. When I look back at him, I find surprised eyes watching me. Dominic
clears his throat and shakes his head. “Since that’s settled, I can say the same thing. If anyone looks at Emerald wrong, touches her wrong, or makes a move on her, you’re out,” he announces, and they all nod.

  I was taught, when I was growing up with my dad, Old Ladies were to be respected. It taught them to fight for what they wanted and to defend it. Old Ladies could be territorial over their men, because even though they have property patches, they are equal with their partner.

  “Lacy, will you bring me the cut?” Dominic asks. I look up to see Lacy striding towards us. She holds a leather cut in her hands, my cut. My eyes widen when I see the patches on it. She hands me the cut, and I slip it on. On the back, over the wings, is the patch that reads “PROPERTY OF HAWK”. On the front right side, is my new name EMERALD, and on the left side "Black Hawk MC” is stitched with a flying hawk under it.

  Spinning around, I grab Dominic’s shirt and pull him down, smashing my lips to his. “I love it,” I mumble against his lips. He smirks and we pull away, cheers ringing through the air. “Thank you,” I say, pecking his lips again. He smiles before turning to the crowd and holding his hand up.

  “I also want to announce I am taking Reece and Rosaleigh as my own, so they are to be treated as my own children,” he announces, making my heart pound. I couldn’t have met a better man. He may look big and mean, but inside is a soft and loving man.

  Again, the club erupts into cheers.

  Chapter 13

  Something whispers by my ear, echoing, “Emerald.” Turning over, I open my eyes to find Dominic dressed and shrugging into his cut. Confusion crawls through my body. I push myself up on my elbows, glance at the clock, and survey him. It’s two in the morning. Why is he up?

  “I gotta go, love. Something happened with the club, and I have to take care of it,” he tells me. I blink a few times, rolling onto my back. Saying nothing, Dominic leans over, kisses my forehead, and stands back up.

  “What happened?” I ask, my voice scratch from sleep. His eyes flicker to me, sadness lighting his eyes before it disappears.

  “Nothing you need worry about right now. Go back to sleep. Sniper is outside to watch over you,” he whispers, shuffling to the door. His movements are sluggish either from sleep or the buried sadness I’d seen in his eyes before.

  My eyes grow heavy, drooping, as I nod. “Love you,” I mumble, my eyes closing. He says something, but I’m too far gone to understand.

  Viper drags me through the warehouse and down the concrete stairs I ran up just moments ago. My body knocks and slams into every step on my way down. “NO! Let me go!” I scream, but he doesn’t. He gets rougher.

  I scream again for him to let me go, but he only cackles. He throws me to the ground and climbs on top of me. “You thought you could run away from me, didn’t you, baby?” He asks, his hands wandering, groping my body.

  Thrashing, I try to move from him, but my beaten body is too weak.

  “Dominic!” I scream, “Help me!” Pleading for him to come for me. He said he would keep me safe. He promised no one would hurt me.

  Where is he?

  “Stop! Please!” I scream, throwing my arms up to hit him. No use because he catches my wrists and pins them on both sides of my head.

  “No, baby,” he grunts, squeezing my wrists. I whimper in pain.

  “DOMINIC!

  A scream rips through me, my eyes fly open, and I shoot up. Arms, strong and warm, wrap around me as I thrash wildly, trying to get out of the man’s grip.

  “Emerald, hey. It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re okay,” Sniper repeats, drilling through the fear and panic. He strokes his hand in soothing circles over my back. I cling to him, listening to the whispers of comfort.

  Tears run down my cheeks, soaking Sniper’s shirt as I bury my face in it. He moves me to his lap, an arm around me, as he uses his other arm to do something else. I lift my face from his chest and my eyes idly follow his fingers as they move across his phone screen. I try to keep the tears at bay, but my vision blurs again.

  Sniper lifts his phone to his ear, and I lay against his chest, tears rolling down my cheeks and his voice filtering into my system.

  “Prez-”

  “Dominic,” I croak. I hear his muffled voice call my name before Sniper continues.

  “No… nightmare…” he says and pauses. “She’s right here.” He hands me the phone. “He wants to talk to you,” he states. With shaky hands, I take the phone from him and lift it to my ear.

  “H-hello?” I sniffle.

  Dominic’s deep, husky voice filters through the phone. “Emerald, are you okay?” I relax against Sniper’s body and listen as he fires off question after question. “Can you hear me? Emerald? Are you there?” I sniffle again.

  “I-I had a night-mare,” I hiccup. I hear him exhale, and I curl closer to Sniper’s chest. His comfort feels almost as good as Dominic. Almost.

  “I’m on my way, baby.” I cringe at the word and another tear slips free.

  “Please don’t call me that,” I plead, remembering his voice and his hands on me. There’s a pause on the other end of the line as a rumbling starts. The sound floats through the phone and I assume he’s on his bike.

  “I won’t, Emerald,” he promises, and I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Give the phone to Sniper,” he tells me. I pull the phone away from my ear and hand it back to the man holding me. Once the phone is in his hand, I wrap my arms around his waist and patiently remain in his lap, waiting for my knight in worn leather to come save me.

  They keep talking, but I don’t listen to the rest of their conversation. I focus on my breathing, pull my legs up to my chest, and just let Sniper hold me. Quietly, I let his arms tighten around me, showing me he’s here for me.

  Not long after, I hear the front door open, so I scramble off of Sniper’s lap. Stumbling out of the room on shaky legs, I find Dominic stalking towards my room. I run over to him and jump into his arms. My arms and legs wrap around him, and he settles an arm under my butt and another around my back, so I don’t fall.

  “Shh, I’m here, Emerald. I’m here,” he whispers, moving through the apartment. I bury my face in his neck and cling to him. He’s my lifeline…. Him and my kids.

  “I’ve got it from here, Sniper,” Dominic mutters. Looking up, I see we’re back in my room. Sniper stands and heads for the door but stops when I call out to him. He turns around, and I wiggle out of Dominic’s grasp. My feet touch the floor, and I walk over to Sniper, wiping my face free of tears as I do so.

  If he hadn’t been here to calm me, I would’ve had a panic attack.

  When I reach him, I curl my arms around his waist. With tenderness, he hugs me back, as if not wanting to hurt me. I peer up, “Thank you.” I don’t have to say anything. He just smiles at me and nods to Dominic, before turning and leaving the room.

  Sighing, I turn to Dominic. Again, tears fill my eyes and I shuffle over to his opened arms. He coos at me and runs his hand up and down my back. We slowly move onto the bed, and he lays me down, half on top of him.

  “Tell me what happened,” he breathes, making me look up at him. I shake my head, not wanting to repeat my dream.

  Sadness flits through his eyes, and he wipes my cheek. “Please don’t cry,” he pleads, his voice still low. I nod my head, trying not to cry. I don’t want to cry. I’m tired of crying. Tired of feeling weak.

  Shaking my head, I remind myself that I am not weak. I made it through so many awful situations that strengthened me. I went through the fire, and yes, I got burned, but I will not let those burns hold me back from living. I may have setbacks, like these nightmares, but I also have Dominic now.

  “I was back with Viper,” I spit his name, my voice thick with emotion. Dominic presses his lips to the top of my head in encouragement. “He pushed me down the stairs of the basement. It hurt.” I pause, taking a deep breath, “When I hit the bottom, he dragged me across the floor by my hair.” With my words, Dominic tenses and a growl-like rumbl
e comes from his chest.

  I look up at him to see anger and pain creating hard lines on his face. I pull myself into a sitting position and he moves too, sitting up.

  Moving, I sit on his lap and let my legs fall on each side of him. “Do you want me to stop?” I ask, my voice still a little hoarse from crying. He nods but says nothing.

  Taking a breath, I continue. “I tried to run, but he caught me. No one was there to help. I knew no one was coming,” I tell him, looking down. It broke my heart that he didn’t save me, but I recognized it was a dream, and I couldn’t keep anything like that against him.

  I take a second to box my thoughts up and put them away.

  “Sniper told me you were screaming in your sleep,” Dominic interrupted, making me look up at him, “He said you screamed my name several times.” I nod my head and close my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction to my next words.

  “You never came,” I whisper, squeezing my eyes closed.

  Instead of speaking or pushing me away, he pulls me impossibly closer. My face finds itself in the crook of his neck and his face goes to my neck.

  “I wish I could have been there to protect you,” he tells me, his warm breath fanning my skin. Warmth spreads through my body, letting me relax.

  “You’re here now,” I tell him. He nods, and I feel something wet on my neck. I wrap my arms tighter around him, and he does the same. Now that he’s here, I can relax. I know he will try his hardest to make sure nothing or no one hurts me, and I trust him.

  For a while, we just sit here; him holding me, and me holding him. I feel his tears drop onto my neck and he feels mine. Soon, my eyelids grow heavy and my tears dry out. His arms around me, his breathing under me, and his heartbeat against my chest lull me to sleep with a fresh sense of security and safety.

  ~*~

  The Hell Riders haven’t made a move against us since the night of my nightmare, which was a week ago. It turns out they set a house on fire, but not just any house, an older club member’s house. Blade and Maria. I met them at the barbeque.