Chapter Seven
Akira
I stood in the living room, my eyes locked with my father’s steely gaze. The air crackled with tension, a suffocating heaviness pressing down on my chest. My dad’s imposing figure loomed before me, his arms crossed and jaw set in a stern line. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation.
“Akira,” Dad’s voice rumbled. “We needed to talk about this Logan guy you’ve been seeing.”
I lifted my chin defiantly, meeting his stare head-on. “There’s nothing to talk about, Dad. Logan and I are together, and that isn’t going to change.”
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger igniting within them. “The hell it’s not. You know the rules, Akira. No dating outside the club without permission, especially not some Swift Angel pretty boy.”
My hands balled into fists at my sides, frustration surging through my veins. How dare he try to control my life, to dictate who I could and couldn’t love? I took a step forward, my voice rising with each word.
“Logan is more than just some ‘pretty boy,’ Dad. He’s kind, compassionate, and he actually gives a damn about me. Unlike you, always putting the club first.”
Dad’s nostrils flared, his temper simmering beneath the surface. “Watch your tone, young lady. I’m still your father, and I know what’s best for you.”
A humorless laugh escaped my lips. “Best for me? Was it best for Mom when you ran her off all those years ago? If you hadn’t eventually gone after her, I’d have never even known who my dad was.”
The words hung in the air, sharp and cutting. His expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of pain crossing his features. But he quickly regained his composure, his voice lowering to a dangerous growl.
“Logan will never understand our world, Akira. The two of you are like mixing oil and water. We’re just too different.”
I shook my head, refusing to back down. “You’re wrong. Logan may be a Swift Angel, but he understands loyalty and family better than anyone. He was there for me in ways you never were.”
Dad held up a hand. “What the hell does that mean?”
I bit my lip. “He stepped in to save me from a handsy customer at the bar. When I got a flat and my jack broke, he’s the one who came and changed my tire. And days all I wanted to do was cry because it was that time of the month, he…”
Dad covered my mouth with his hand. “Enough. That’s too much information.”
I licked his hand and he jerked it away, wiping it on his pants with a disgusted look on his face. I’d done that to him every time he’d try to shut me up that way, even when I was little. Never got old watching him react the way he did.
“Besides, Dawson is also a Swift Angel, and he’s Venom’s son. That alone makes your logic faulty. You’re just grasping at straws,” I said.
Dad slammed his fist against the wall, the sound reverberating through the room. “Damnit, Akira! I’m trying to protect you!”
“I don’t need your protection!” I shouted back, my voice cracking with emotion. “I need you to trust me, to support me. But you can’t even do that, can you?”
The silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating. I could see the conflict in Dad’s eyes, the battle between his desire to control and his love for me. But I wouldn’t back down, not this time.
I took a step back, my resolve hardening. “I love Logan, Dad. And if you can’t accept that, then maybe I don’t belong here anymore.”
With those final words, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. I grabbed my jacket and keys, slamming the door behind me as I left the house. As I climbed onto my motorcycle, the roar of the engine drowning out the turmoil in my mind, I knew one thing for certain: I wouldn’t let anyone, not even my father, stand in the way of my happiness.
The wind whipped through my hair as I sped down the road, the vibrations of the motorcycle beneath me mirroring the tumultuous emotions coursing through my veins. Anger, frustration, and a deep sense of betrayal consumed me, blurring the lines of the asphalt ahead.
How could he? How could my own father, the man who raised me to be strong and independent, try to control my life like that? The bitter taste of disappointment lingered on my tongue as I replayed our argument in my mind.
I thought he’d understand, that he’d see how much Logan meant to me. But instead, he threw his own prejudices and fears in my face, treating me like a child who didn’t know her own heart.
I needed to get away, to find a place where I could breathe and think without the suffocating weight of my father’s disapproval. Clearly not anywhere outside, since I’d just be hauled back like a runaway child. As I made my way through the compound, a destination crystallized in my mind: Tank and Emmie’s house. A sanctuary where I knew I’d find the support and understanding I so desperately craved.
I pulled into their driveway, the tires crunching against the gravel as I came to a stop. With a deep breath, I swung my leg over the motorcycle and made my way to the front door, my hand trembling slightly as I knocked.
The door swung open, and Emmie’s warm smile greeted me, but it quickly turned to one of concern, her brow furrowing. “Akira? Is everything okay?”
I shook my head, the words caught in my throat as the emotions I’d been holding back threatened to spill over. Emmie didn’t hesitate, pulling me into a tight embrace as she ushered me inside. If Mom hadn’t been at a chemo appointment, I’ve have talked to her about this. Then again, if she’d been home, Dad would never have blown up like that.
In the comfort of their home, surrounded by the love and acceptance I’d always found here, I finally allowed myself to crumble, the tears I’d been holding back cascading down my cheeks as I poured out my heart.
I took a shuddering breath, my voice trembling as I recounted the explosive argument with my father. “He just didn’t understand, Emmie. He refuses to see how much Logan means to me, how we’re meant to be together.”
Emmie nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. “Your father’s a stubborn man, Akira. But you can’t let his disapproval dictate your life. You have to fight for what you believe in, for the love you and Logan share.”
Her words struck a chord within me, resonating with the defiant spirit that had always driven me forward. I knew she was right. I couldn’t let my father’s narrow-mindedness stand in the way of my happiness.
As we talked, the weight on my chest began to lift. It was nice to hear someone support me. Until now I’d felt like no one wanted me to be with Logan. But Emmie had given me the encouragement I needed. I wouldn’t back down, not when it came to Logan and the future we were building together.
Emmie’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen, her expression shifting to one of concern. “It’s Tank. I don’t know if anyone told you, but he’s in the hospital.”
My heart clenched, worry for my friend’s dad mingling with the lingering turmoil of my own situation. “Mom mentioned it, but she didn’t give me a lot of details. Is he going to be okay?”
“He has a long way to go to fully recover, but at least he’s alive.” Emmie sighed. “I need to go to him, Akira. I was supposed to be there an hour ago but got caught up with some stuff around the house. Will you be okay here for a bit?”
I nodded, grateful for the sanctuary of their home. “Go, Emmie. I’ll be fine. Tank needs you.”
As Emmie rushed out the door, I was left alone with my thoughts, the silence of the house a welcome reprieve from the chaos of the day. I knew I couldn’t hide here forever, but for now, I allowed myself this moment of respite, gathering the strength I needed to face the challenges ahead.
With renewed determination, I rose from the sofa, ready to confront my father and fight for the love I refused to let slip away. Emmie’s unwavering support had reignited the fire within me, and I knew that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, I had the resilience to overcome them.
As I stepped into the living room, Kasen emerged from the kitchen. She opened her arms wide, and I practically collapsed into her embrace, the weight of the day’s events crashing down upon me.
“I don’t know what to do, Kasen,” I admitted, my eyes brimming with tears. “I love Logan, but the thought of losing my father’s support, of disappointing him… it’s been tearing me apart. I just want the two of them to get along. Logan said he met him briefly at the hospital, but that wasn’t good enough. Why won’t my dad just give him a chance?”
Kasen listened intently. She reached out, clasping my hands in hers. “Akira, you are one of the strongest, most resilient women I know. All of us envy you. Sure, your dad is every bit as overprotective as the rest of ours, but you ride a motorcycle like Pepper, and you know how to shoot a gun, throw knives, and even some martial arts. Do you have any idea what kind of badass you are?”
I snorted. “Kasen, your dad was the club’s SAA for a long time. I know for a fact you can protect yourself if you need to.”
She nodded. “I do. So can my sisters. But not on your level. Wraith went even further and made sure no one would be able to hurt you. He loves you, and that’s why he’s acting like this. I think he’s worried you’re going to get hurt because he thinks Logan will never be able to truly accept you or your family.”
“That’s just stupid! He accepted Dawson, and he grew up with us. Why does it matter if I’m a woman and not a man? What the hell difference does it make?”
She smiled a little. “Because we’re our daddies’ precious girls. Don’t try to make sense of it. You’ll just hurt your brain. What does your mom think of all this?”
“Dad is trying to keep her out of it because of her health. But I talked to her, and she supports my relationship with Logan.”
Kasen hugged me again. “Then, there you go. Do you really think if your mom puts her foot down with Wraith, that he’ll dare to say no to you?”
She made a good point. If there was one person who could bring my dad around, it was Mom. He adored her. While he was just as overprotective of her as he was of me, she could bend him to her will on occasion. I just had to hope this would be one of those times. I wasn’t going to give up Logan for some stupid reason that only made sense to the men in this damn club.
“Aside from letting Mom persuade him, how can I convince my father that Logan and I belong together?”
Kasen’s eyes sparkled with mischief, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips. “Well, first things first, we need to show Wraith that Logan is more than just a pretty face in a uniform. We need to highlight his dedication, his loyalty, and his unwavering commitment to protecting those he loves. And make it clear you are on that list.”
I nodded, my own thoughts aligning with Kasen’s. “You’re right. We need to make my father see Logan the way I do -- as a man of honor, someone who would go to the ends of the earth for the people he cares about. Besides, the Swift Angels and Dixie Reapers already worked together once. I’m sure it will happen again, especially if I end up with Logan. And who’s to say you or one of your sisters don’t end up with someone else in the club? You’d be close to home, but not directly under your dad’s thumb anymore.”
Kasen leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she fixated me with an intense gaze. “I love you like a sister, Akira, but if you think for one second Tank would let any of his daughters date a cop, paramedic, or fireman, you’ve lost your damn mind. It won’t matter if they’re also a biker or not.”
While I understood where she was coming from, I didn’t think she was entirely right. Especially if Logan had been the one to save Tank. Since they’d met at the hospital, Dad had to know about that, right? How could he be so dead set against me being with someone when they saved his brother? I had a feeling this went beyond my dad being overprotective.
“What if we had a way to bring the two clubs together?” I asked.
“Like on a ride?” she asked. “I’m not sure they’d volunteer for that.”
I bit my lip. “But what if it was a charity ride? You know this club is always up for helping the children in the community. The Reapers have done a lot of work to improve their image around here. It’s not perfect, and probably never will be, but wouldn’t a charity ride with a club full of first responders go a long way to show this town the Reapers are no longer men who’d sell guns and drugs?”
Kasen sighed. “They haven’t done that for as long as I’ve been alive, and yet this town just won’t let go of the past. Or at least, some of them won’t. But sure, it could certainly help. We could tell Tempest about it.”
I started shaking my head the moment I heard his name. I was still pissed as hell about his little stunt. There was no reason for him to scare the shit out of me, yet he’d done it anyway. I doubted he’d acted entirely on his own, but still… Hadn’t he learned anything yet? He’d nearly gotten his ass kicked a few times by being downright mean to the wrong woman. Clearly, he was a slow learner.
“He’s not that bad,” Kasen said, her cheeks flushing.
Oh hell. “You have a crush on Tempest?”
“Maybe,” she said. “Not that it matters. He’ll only ever see me as a child. He’s twice my age.”
“Your dad is a lot older than your mom. You know as well as I do that doesn’t mean anything around here.”
“Maybe not, but he was a prospect when I was just a toddler. He’s literally watched me grow up.” Kasen shook her head. “He’s never going to look at me the way a man sees a woman, and I’ve come to accept it. Which is why I’ve never tried to date anyone.”
“Because he’s the only one you want,” I said, feeling sorry for her. Of all the guys she had to fall for, why that hothead? “Go ahead and call him. See if he’ll come over and hear us out. Then again, maybe don’t tell him I’m here.”
Kason nodded. “All right.”
She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Tempest. Maybe she thought that was better than speaking to him on the phone. Or perhaps she was too nervous. Even while she tapped on the phone screen, her cheeks turned a bright pink.
It didn’t take long for Tempest to show up. The moment he saw me, he scowled.
I lifted my hands in a gesture of surrender. “Not here to start a fight.”
“Tempest, can I ask you something? A few things, actually,” Kasen said, her voice suddenly softer and more demure than before. I almost did a double take.
“Sure.” He folded his arms and stared down at her, but I noticed his face softened a little. Interesting. I had to wonder if it was as Kasen said and he just liked her as one of the kids around here, or did he see her as a desirable woman? Sure, she was twenty-five to his forty-nine, but there were a few couples I knew with thirty or more years between them.
“The officers knew Dawson was the VP of the Swift Angels long before he told Venom, right?” she asked. Tempest nodded. “And all of you were okay with it?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know if okay is the word I’d use, but we didn’t think he’d cause any trouble. Even though he comes home to visit, we know he isn’t going to sell us out.”
“And I will?” I muttered, but the way he narrowed his eyes at me said he’d heard me. Just keep your mouth shut, Akira, before you make things worse .
“So, being that Dawson is the son of a Dixie Reaper, and has your approval to come and go, then it means you must also trust the Swift Angels to some degree, right?” she asked.
I waited for him to tell her Dawson wasn’t allowed here now either. Except, he didn’t.
“Maybe,” Tempest said. “Why do you ask? Are you interested in one of those fuckers too?”
Oh-ho! Now that got a reaction out of him. I didn’t think he was angry just because a Reaper’s daughter wanted to date a Goody Two-shoes, as I’d heard the Angels called more than once around here. No, Tempest definitely liked Kasen. And he’d also just lied to her. That wouldn’t go over well once she found out.
“I’m not. But I was thinking, the Dixie Reapers have tried hard over the years to improve their image in this town. The club has done a lot of charity work over the years. What better way to improve that image even faster by doing a charity ride with a club like the Swift Angels?”
He opened his mouth, and I could tell he wanted to protest, but she held up a hand to stop him.
“Hear me out, please. I’m not asking you to invite them in for a barbeque or anything. You could even meet at their clubhouse if you don’t want them inside the compound. But a ride with the two clubs could do a lot of good for the kids in this town, don’t you think?” Kasen asked.
He sighed. “And let me guess, you’re hoping we’ll decide we like Akira’s boy-toy in the process?”
Kasen winced. “That’s not very nice, Tempest.”
He shook his head. “Girl, did you miss what my name is? Because it’s not Daisy.”
I bit my lip so I wouldn’t laugh. “Thank you for considering it, Tempest. They really are a good bunch of guys, and like you, they don’t like it when people hurt women and kids. I think the two clubs will have more in common than you think. If they didn’t, how could Dawson be part of it?”
He shrugged. “That kid always did have a different set of views than the rest of us. But I’m willing to bet when his woman was in danger, he was wishing he didn’t have to follow the rules so closely. If it were me, I’d have wanted to personally send the asshole to hell.”
“And I’m sure Dawson did want that, very much. But at the same time, he chose a path that means he has to follow the law. It doesn’t make him right or wrong. Just different. And Logan is the same way,” I said. “Please, Tempest. Just give the Swift Angels a chance. If even Venom can accept that Dawson is the VP of a club full of first responders, then why can’t anyone accept the fact I want to date one of those men?”
He sighed. “You’re going to have a hard time selling this to your dad. He may not be an officer, but he’s trying to look out for you. Honestly, with your mom not doing so great, he probably can’t handle the thought of his baby girl leaving the nest.”
“I love both my parents, and this club. But everyone needs to get the hell over it. I’m an adult, Tempest, and I refuse to put my life on hold. Mom doesn’t want me to either. She’s fine with me dating Logan and told me to follow my heart.”
He nodded. “I’ll see what I can do, but I make no promises.”
“Thanks. And, Tempest?”
“What?”
I balled up my fist and slugged him in the stomach. “That’s for scaring the shit out of me. I thought someone was about to kidnap me off the damn street!”
He winced and rubbed his abdomen. “Well, I guess I thought I could scare you straight.”
“Next time, I’m going to shoot you just for the hell of it.”
Kasen covered her mouth to smother her laughter, but we both heard it. Tempest’s cheeks flushed a little, and I knew I’d been right. He was sweet on her.
Good. They both deserved some happiness. Maybe then the big burly bear would be less grumpy all the damn time.