Chapter Nineteen
Akira
My heart raced as I blurted out the words, “I’m moving into the clubhouse with Logan.”
Dad’s face turned an alarming shade of red, his fists clenching at his sides. I braced myself for the explosion, but Mom stepped in, placing a gentle hand on his arm.
“Wraith,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of steel. “Remember what it was like when we fell in love?”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Really, Mom? That’s the example you’re going with? Dad pushed you away.”
Mom shot me a warning glance, but I pressed on, turning to face Dad. His jaw was clenched so tight I worried he might crack a tooth.
“Look, I know you’re worried,” I said. “But I’m not going to do anything stupid. I love Logan, Dad. Really love him.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed, skepticism etched into every line of his face. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I had to say next.
“I want you two to get along,” I said, my voice softer now. “Because I’m not leaving him. He’s part of my life now, whether you like it or not.”
I watched the emotions play across Dad’s face -- anger, fear, and finally, a grudging acceptance. He didn’t say anything, but I saw his shoulders relax slightly.
Mom squeezed his arm, a silent conversation passing between them. I felt a pang in my chest, hoping that someday Logan and I would have that kind of connection.
“Just… be careful,” Dad finally grumbled, his voice gruff with emotion. “And if that asshole knocks you up, he better do right by you.”
I decided to ignore that last part. My dad would be utterly relieved if I told him we hadn’t had sex yet. I was too much of a bitch to put him out of his misery. Besides, he’d sort of given us his blessing. As I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of the cherry blossom tattoo on my arm -- a reminder of both my heritage and my strength. I’d need both to navigate the choppy waters ahead.
I tossed a few changes of clothes into my duffel bag, my mind racing with thoughts of Logan and the days ahead. It could be fun. With so many other people in the clubhouse, it wouldn’t exactly be like we’d moved in together, but I’d still enjoy getting to sleep beside him.
The clubhouse was a hive of activity when I arrived. Ridley’s blonde hair caught the light as she bustled around, her petite frame belying her commanding presence. Darian, Kasen, and Westyn were all there too, arms full of fresh linens and towels.
“Hey, guys,” I called out, dropping my bag by the door. “Need any help?”
Ridley flashed me a grateful smile. “Always. Can you grab those pillowcases?”
As I joined in, my mind drifted to little Kelsey. “You know,” I said, smoothing a pillowcase over a fluffy pillow, “we should probably get some stuff to keep Kelsey occupied. She’s about Taylor’s age, right?”
Kasen paused, her gray eyes lighting up. “That’s a great idea, Akira. What were you thinking?”
I shrugged, trying to recall what I liked at that age. “Maybe some puzzles, crayons, coloring books… oh, and dolls. Something to make this place feel less… intimidating.”
“Smart thinking.” Darian nodded. “It’s not easy for kids in situations like this.”
I felt a twinge in my chest, remembering my own tumultuous childhood. How many times had shit gone down and we’d been shuffled to a secure location? “Yeah, well, sometimes the little things can make a big difference.”
Westyn piped up, “I think we have some of that stuff in storage. I can go check.”
As she headed off, I caught Ridley watching me with a thoughtful expression. “What?” I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
She smiled softly. “Nothing. It’s just… you’re good at this, Akira. Thinking of others, making people feel welcome.”
I felt my cheeks warm at the unexpected praise. “I just want them to feel safe here,” I mumbled, focusing intently on arranging the pillows.
But inside, a small spark of pride ignited. Even at twenty-five, it still felt good to receive praise.
Ridley’s arms suddenly enveloped me in a warm hug, catching me off guard. “You are going to be a great mom someday, you know that?”
I stiffened slightly. Me? A mom? It wasn’t something I’d ever really thought about. Sure, Dad had popped off with that comment about Logan knocking me up, but… Hearing that phrase hadn’t really made it hit home that Logan and I could have a baby together. Until Logan, I’d never wanted forever with anyone, so having a family hadn’t even been on my radar.
“Thanks,” I muttered, awkwardly patting her back.
As she pulled away, I caught a glimpse of conflict in her blue eyes. “As much as I’d love to have Dawson and his family stay with me and Venom, I think… I think it might be better for Kelsey to have Taylor here at the clubhouse with her.”
I nodded, understanding immediately. “You’re right. It would be less scary for both of them if they were together.”
“Exactly,” Ridley agreed, relief evident in her voice.
An idea struck me. “You know what? I’m staying here too. It might help Nora and Avery feel more at ease having another woman around.”
Ridley’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect, Akira. Although I’m sure Wraith had a few things to say about it.”
“Let’s focus on getting this place set up, yeah? We’ll need some night lights, maybe some stuffed animals…” I muttered, grabbing a pen and paper.
“Don’t forget snacks and drinks,” Ridley chimed in. “You know how particular kids can be about their food.”
I nodded, adding a separate section for kitchen supplies. “Good call. I’ll make sure we get everyone’s favorites.”
As I finished the list, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was really happening. We were bringing two worlds together, and I was right in the middle of it all.
I handed the list to Owen, Rocky’s son, and one of the Dixie Reapers Prospects, who had been hovering nearby. “Think you could handle this shopping run?”
Owen straightened. “Absolutely.”
As he turned to leave, he hesitated, his hazel eyes flickering with uncertainty. “Listen, if it helps, I can give up my room at the clubhouse. You know, to make more space for the Angels. I’m sure Mom and Dad would let me crash at their house.”
My heart swelled at his offer. Owen had always been a sweetheart, even if he was built like a tank. “That’s really sweet of you, Owen. But since you’re friends with Dawson, I think it’s okay if you stay. It might actually help make things less awkward.”
A deep voice chimed in from behind me. “I could crash at my old man’s place if that would make things easier.”
I turned to see Sam, his usual stoic expression softened with concern. “Or I could bunk with my daughter and Thunder. Whatever makes the Angels more comfortable.”
I was about to respond when Ridley stepped forward, her eyes warm with appreciation. “That’s really thoughtful of you both,” she said, glancing between Sam and Owen. “But I think it might be better if you stay.”
I cocked my head, curious about her reasoning. Ridley continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “There’s a chance Logan, Dawson, and Justin might all have to work on the same days. If that happens, we’d be leaving their families here unprotected.”
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. How could I have missed that? Of course, they’d still be behind the locked gates, but there had been plenty of times the compound had been breached.
“Having both of you here means there’s always someone within shouting distance. It’s an extra layer of security we can’t afford to lose,” Ridley said.
I nodded, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over me. “Ridley’s right,” I said, looking at Sam and Owen. “Your presence here could make all the difference. Are you both okay with that?”
Both men nodded. Now that we had their agreement, I focused on the last few things we needed to accomplish.
I had just finished putting the finishing touches on a vase of wildflowers when the rumble of motorcycles filled the air. My heart leapt into my throat as I rushed to the window. The Swift Angels rolled in, their bikes gleaming in the afternoon sun. Logan was at the front, his broad shoulders relaxed despite the tension in the air.
As they dismounted, I couldn’t help but notice how Justin kept Kelsey close, his protective instinct on full display. Dawson helped Nora out of the car that had followed them, his gentle touch betraying his love for her.
Before I could overthink it, I was out the door and racing toward Logan. He caught me in his arms, lifting me off my feet as he pulled me into a kiss that stole my breath away.
“Missed you,” he murmured against my lips.
I smiled up at him, drinking in the warmth of his brown eyes. “It’s only been a few hours, you big softie.”
“Way too long,” he retorted with a grin.
I took his hand, leading him toward the clubhouse. “Come on, I’ll show you to our room.”
“Our?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yep, I’m going to stay with you.”
As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice how Ridley had pulled Dawson aside, her animated gestures a stark contrast to his more reserved posture.
“What’s that about?” Logan asked, following my gaze.
I squeezed his hand. “Ridley’s telling him about the new plan. They’re staying here too.”
Logan’s eyebrows shot up. “All of them? Here?”
“It’s safer this way,” I explained, leading him down the hallway. “Plus, it’ll give Kelsey and Taylor more time to play together.”
We reached our room, and I pushed open the door, suddenly nervous. “I hope it was okay. I tried to make it feel homey.”
Logan’s eyes softened as he took in the space -- the fresh linens, the small vase of flowers on the nightstand, and the framed photo of us I had kept in my room.
“It’s perfect,” he said, pulling me close. “You’re perfect.”
I leaned into his embrace, savoring the peace before the chaos that was sure to come.
A soft knock at the door interrupted our moment. I reluctantly pulled away from Logan’s embrace, opening it to find Justin standing there, his usually stoic expression tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
“Ridley just finished explaining everything,” he said, his deep voice low. “I wanted to thank you both for… all of this.”
Before I could respond, a commotion erupted from the main room. The aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the air, accompanied by the clinking of dishes and excited chatter.
“Looks like dinner has arrived,” I said, offering Justin a reassuring smile.
We made our way back to the main area, and I was struck by how quickly the atmosphere had transformed. Isabella, Emmie, and Kayla were arranging an array of steaming dishes on the tables, while Preacher and Torch, his silver hair gleaming under the lights, carried in coolers filled with drinks.
Logan leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “This is… unexpected.”
I nodded, watching as more food and drinks appeared, seemingly out of thin air. The younger kids started trickling in, their excited voices rising above the general din. I spotted Kelsey and Taylor emerging from their room, eyes wide with curiosity.
“Go on,” I encouraged them gently. “There are some other kids your age here too.”
As the girls hesitantly joined the growing crowd, I noticed Logan watching the scene unfold, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“You okay?” I asked, nudging him gently.
He turned to me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, I just… I’m impressed. The way everyone has come together like this, for us -- for people they barely know. It isn’t what I’d expected.”
“This is just how it is here, though. When someone needs help, everyone shows up.”
Logan nodded, then turned toward Justin who had been quietly observing the scene unfold. “You know, Pres, in some ways, they’re not so different from us.”
For a moment, Justin’s expression remained unreadable. Then almost imperceptibly, he nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”
I couldn’t help but smile, warmth spreading through my chest as I watched the scene unfold. This was more than just a meal -- it was a bridge being built between two worlds that had been at odds. My eyes found Logan again, and for a moment, I let myself imagine a future where this wasn’t just a temporary truce, but our everyday reality.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Logan asked, his arm slipping around my waist.
I leaned into him, savoring his warmth. “Just thinking about how this could be the start of something bigger.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? Like what?”
I bit my lip, hesitating for a moment before deciding to be bold. “Like us, maybe. Our future. If we end up getting married someday, then there would be two family ties between the Swift Angels and Dixie Reapers.”
Logan’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, his grip on me tightened. “That’s some pretty serious thinking, Akira.”
“I know,” I admitted, my heart racing. “But look around. In the past, the Dixie Reapers have started relationships with other clubs built on less than this. The Reckless Kings, Devil’s Fury, Devil’s Boneyard… the Reapers have a family tie to each of them. More than one in some cases. So, why not the Swift Angels too?”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. It wasn’t exactly a yes, but it wasn’t a no either. It made me wonder if he was at least thinking about it.
As I melted into his embrace, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope. It hadn’t been easy, and there would still be a long road ahead, but for the first time, I could see a clear path forward -- for us, for our families, and for our clubs.