Erik (Knights Wrath MC #5)

CHAPTER TWELVE

I love how you like your routines. Long phone conversations with Kinsley on Sundays, game night with your boys on Monday night, and your coffee first thing in the morning-always in the same mug for the last twenty-something years.

~Text from Erik to Grant

Erik

It’s been a couple of months since I brought the box to the clubhouse. Everyone saw what was inside, except for the Larvikite stones that I gave out right after I opened the box for the first time. I showed all the papers to Jonah first, and I think his head almost exploded with the one that shocked the shit out of me. We shared the names listed with the brothers, and one of them made Mike, Ben, and Tripp think it could be connected, but not for sure. They’re doing some digging and looking into some contacts to see what they can find out. We’re having church again tonight to discuss.

It’s been way longer than the week that we were threatened with, yet not one peep outta that club.

It was decided to not leave any box where the fucker demanded. Jon said if we did leave one, it would have just pissed him off more because we wouldn’t have included everything, though if we did, it still wouldn’t be what they were hoping for. We haven’t heard anything through the grapevine of clubs we have relationships with. Not one of us is dumb enough to think something’s not coming. The question is where and when.

Tripp and Ben rode out to see a few more of their brothers who were “retired” by the current leadership of the club. They all say that the guys running it now are nothing like the guys who ran it when they were part of it. Mike admitted that they weren’t as clean as we are but that they even drew the line when it came to human trafficking and selling drugs to kids. He told our club, “We may have been doin’ some illegal shit from time to time, but even we had some morals. It was always no women and children. Hell, we almost came to blows when we opened a strip joint, and those women were there because they wanted to be.” Hopefully, they’ll have some information for us tonight.

Jonah, the fucker, as we finished discussing everything in church, pointed at me and glared. “Linnea has a right to know this shit, and you’re gonna be the one to tell her, got me?” I knew it had to be me, but fuck if I didn’t pause before I nodded back at him. She’s gonna shit when she sees what Mamma and Father did.

I’ve put this shit off long enough, so I agreed to go over and have lunch with Sis. She’s gonna be busy putting together stuff for tomorrow’s family day. It’s gonna be the first one that little Mikayla is gonna attend. She’s gonna get her first introduction to our loud and crass family. I’ve spent quite a few days over at Mick and Madison’s getting to know my goddaughter. She’s so curious, and I think she thinks I’m alright, as she actually listens to me when I share my thoughts. Jonah gets grumpy because his voice puts her to sleep. Cracks me up every damn time.

It’s nice enough today that I’m gonna ride my bike over to Sis’s place. Grant laughed at me when I told him what I was gonna do today. Okay, he chuckled and kissed me breathless. He also reminded me that my sister ain’t killed me yet, so it’s likely I’ll be fine. He wasn’t reassuring at all this morning. Fucker. Makes me rethink that blow job I gave him in the shower.

I pull up and park in front of their house. I grab both envelopes out of my saddlebag and head to the front door. I knock and open it, yelling my greeting. “Anyone home? Sis, you here?” I hear her voice from the kitchen. “Of course, I’m here. Get in here and help me with these potatoes.” I walk into the kitchen and see her stirring something on the stove. “What are ya making?” Without even turning around, she answers me. “I’m making the sauce for the au gratin potatoes for tomorrow, but I need two more pans filled with potatoes so help your sister and get started cutting them.” I go wash my hands and get to work. I’m about halfway done with the peeling of the potatoes and about to chop the ones I’ve got peeled when Linnea speaks up. “So, dear brother, I’ve got two questions for you. I’m gonna need an answer for both of them and not one of the vague answers that you like to give me. Actual answers.” I can’t help but roll my eyes at her. Some things never change.

“Well, if I knew the questions, dear sister, I would be able to answer them.” She turns around and glares at me as she walks to the table and sits across from me. “You know if I wanted smartass remarks, I’d invite some of my boys over. I think they might have learned too much from you.” I can’t help but roll my eyes again at her. She starts cutting the pile of peeled potatoes, so I continue on peeling instead of cutting. “First thing is when is your divorce going to be finalized so you can officially be done with the witch?” She’s refused to say Celeste’s name since I was hospitalized. She swears Celeste is the one who did something to make me end up there, and while I wouldn’t put it past her, without evidence, I don’t let it take up space in my mind. “Actually, it should be finalized on Monday. Colton said that her lawyer finally got her to understand that she wouldn’t get more really since I’m already giving her the house and half of what’s in our shared accounts. He said I was giving her too much, but I just want this over with. The house is paid off,so unless she doesn’t pay property tax, she’ll have it forever.” Linnea stops cutting and looks at me. “I agree with your lawyer. You gave her more than she deserved during your marriage, and I still can’t believe you gave up the house, but it’s your decision. You gonna be okay for money now, or are you gonna have to work till you’re ninety?” I keep peeling but glance over at her. “I’m gonna be fine, and no, I don’t have to work till I die. I got some very wise legal advice from Max about some steps to take before I filed. Since Celeste has barely worked, her money always went into her own account for her to do whatever she wanted. I have a feeling she doesn’t have much saved in it. She knows about our joint checking and savings account but didn’t know about a few other accounts I had. Thanks to Max, they’re all included in my accounting business that he established for me since I do everyone’s taxes every year.”

Linnea nods and gives me a smile, which I know means she wants to go on about how I should’ve left Celeste years ago and all, but that she’s actually going to hold her tongue for once. Color me surprised. She gets up and moves the trays of potatoes to the counter, pouring over the cheese sauce. I know she’ll have to let them cool before she puts them up to bake tomorrow. She grabs the potholders and opens the oven. I can’t see what she’s getting out, so my curiosity wins out. “What are we having for lunch?” She turns around and sets the casserole dish on the trivet on the table. “I just whipped up some Chili cornbread casserole. I was gonna make Johnny Mazetti, but turns out I’m out of olives. Don’t worry, I’ll make it soon since I know you love it so much.” I nod as I get up to throw the peels in her compost bin and get plates out for lunch. “I do. It’s one of the more American-style dishes I remember Mamma making us. She always put extra olives in it when she made it when Father was out on the boat.” Linnea serves up lunch and hands me the basket of rolls to take one to put on my plate. “Now, the second part of what I wanted to ask you. I figured out that you came here with something to tell me and whatever it is, must be pretty big ‘‘cause Jonah cleared out to go have lunch with some of the guys at the diner, and he loves this casserole.”

I take a bite of food before I answer her because it smells too good not to. I do love that Linnea learned so much about cooking from Mamma, and I won’t admit this out loud, but she’s an even better cook than Mamma. “You remember when I brought over the Larvikite to pass out to your kids?” She nods as she takes a sip of her iced tea. “Yeah, you said you found them in Mamma’s hiding spot when you guys went up there after Anna and Madison.” I finish the bite I just took before I speak again. “Yeah, I did, along with those pictures I brought over. Thing is that those weren’t the only things in the box. There were two manilla envelopes in there, too.” I pause to take a sip of my drink. Linnea, always impatient, speaks up. “Well, what was in the envelopes?” I tell her about the paperwork that shows that the land our cabin was on was in Mamma’s name only and how now I apparently own forty-ish acres up there. “I dunno what I’m gonna do with it because I’m almost certain the few people who are still up there can’t afford it, but I sure as hell don’t wanna keep it. I’m guessing you wouldn’t want it either.” Sis glares at me. “Of course, I don’t want it. Sell it. Someone is going to pay good money for it, and that could help with your retirement.” I shake my head. She’s always worrying about me. “You know we’d split whatever it is fifty-fifty. That shit is half yours.” I can see she’s physically restraining herself from arguing with me about splitting it. The only thing saving me from that argument is the fact that my little sister doesn’t like anything unknown. “Well, what’s in the other envelope?” Instead of telling her, I pick it up from the chair next to me and slide it across the table to her. I take a few more bites as I watch her read the first document, knowing that it’s the second one in the envelope that shocked the ever-loving shit out of me. I watch her move to the second set of papers. I can see the moment she gets to the details. Her eyebrows go higher than I’ve ever seen them. “What in the? I mean, what the?” I nod at her when she looks over at me. “I mean, holy fucking shit!” I nod in agreement. “I know. I had the same reaction. Mamma was way more business savvy than Father or Joseph gave her credit for. How do you think she got them to sign this? Hell, how do you think she figured out Joseph wasn’t his fucking legal name?” Linnea takes another minute to study the papers in front of her. “Well, for one thing, they would talk about anything just about in front of Mamma because they didn’t think she either understood or had anyone to tell anything to. Father always kept her pretty isolated, ya know. He also made her his errand runner and would have her deal with people for him. I bet she looked up some things when she was filing paperwork or overheard at some point that Joseph was an alias. She probably told them it was just another form for the bank or something that she needed them to sign, and why would they think she would do anything against them when she went up the mountain with them and everything.” She looks back at the second page of the document, letting out a sigh of disbelief. “I just…I mean of all the things we’ve learned about what really went on up there, and also how when we sold Mamma and Father’s house in town, that she was the only one on the deed, this shouldn’t be that big of a shock, but fuck…it still is.” She looks at me and asks a question that I’ve been too hesitant to even ask. “How much do you wanna bet Father’s name was different too? What’s our real last name?” We are so not going to go down that path. “Our birth certificates say Olsen, and that’s our name. If it’s not Father’s real name, who the fuck cares? Do we really want to carry on his legacy anyway? My boys carry my name. That’s all that matters. Kinda makes me glad we’ve never done that DNA ancestry thing. Sometimes, the past should stay in the past.”

Linnea nods but hits me with more reality than she realizes. “Our past seems to be coming back and affecting our current lives whether we want it to or not, dear brother. Maybe it’s time we deal with shit instead of just leaving it to rot up on that mountain. Maybe we need to see if Max knows a good estate attorney, or shit, at least one who is good with dealing with decades-old, complicated shit. If we really want to be able to wash our hands of everything up on that mountain for once and for all, we need to sell the land.” I rub my face with my napkin and lean back in my chair. I know she’s right, but fuck if the other part is gonna be easy to deal with. I look back over at my sister. She’s looking at me and tilting her head. Shit. That means she’s thinking and about to question me about who knows what. “I’m guessing Jonah knows about all of this, doesn’t he?” I nod because right now, I’m not sure where she’s going with this. If you’ve met my sister, you know when she gets going with her questions, she can be intimidating as fuck and just as effective as the best lawyers. It’s probably why she was so good at raising so many teenagers. Fuck, focus man.

“I know you aren’t going to answer me in words, but I’m guessing the land bit wasn’t the part that’s the issue.” I shake my head because she’s right. I’m not gonna say it in words. Linnea stands up, taking our dishes to the sink. She grabs two coffee mugs from the cabinet and pours us each a cup of coffee. She goes to the fridge to get the creamer, but she stops and turns back toward me. “Those other papers…do those have any possible connection with what happened at the hospital?” I must show my answer in my eyes because I don’t even move my head to acknowledge her. She pours some creamer into our coffees and brings both mugs to the table, handing me mine. I know better than to speak up while she’s mulling over something. I’ve lived my whole life with my sister, well, all but eleven months, and I know when it’s best for my survival to shut up and wait her out, and this is most definitely one of those times.

Linnea sits down and takes a sip. Before she can speak, the front door opens. Jonah and Grant walk into the room. They both stop talking and look at us. Jonah speaks up. “Did we come back too early?” Linnea turns her glare over to him. “Nope. Both of you grab a cup of coffee and sit down.” Grant hesitates for a second, but my dear sister doesn’t. “That wasn’t an invitation, men.” You know, only she could speak to those two like that and get away with it. Not only get away with it but have them listen to her. They each grab a mug of coffee and sit down at the table. Grant sits next to me, and Jonah next to Linnea, turning in his chair to face her. “What exactly were you two discussing that we needed to be a part of?”

Linnea looks at the three of us, holds up the document, and asks us the question I’ve been asking myself for weeks now. “Is there any way for us to have known that taking this document off the mountain would have led to what happened at the hospital? How the fuck did they know about it to begin with?” Jonah, knowing just how to handle my sister, which I don’t want to think about anymore when it comes to a situation like this… because eww. Back to Jonah. He takes the papers from Linnea’s hands and sets them on the table. He reaches over and takes her hand in his. “Love, do you think your brother would be sitting at this table in one piece if what happened could have been prevented and his taking it off the mountain and not sharing it right away led to our little one being hurt? He may be your brother, but if we could’ve prevented that and he hadn’t shared it-” Grant shocks me by interrupting Jonah. “I told him to not share it.” I can see both Jonah and Sis look surprised. I glance over at Grant as he takes a sip of coffee, leans back in his chair, and lays his hand on the back of my chair. “I told him to hold off till the divorce was over because I didn’t want that bitch to get one more penny than he’s already giving her. I saw both envelopes, and if either of us had seen anything that we thought could bring that kind of trouble, you know we would’ve said something.” I don’t even think about it when I lean back in my chair to feel his arm behind me. “He’s right. If I saw any name on there that I thought would be cause for concern, I wouldn’t have waited to share it. Hell, as of right now, we still don’t know what they think is in that box or how they found out about it. I think Joseph promised them some shit and assumed the paperwork was what he thought it was, though if he had been smart, you’d think he would’ve questioned it when he couldn’t sell any of the acreage that was in Mamma’s name.”

Linnea looks at both of us. “Fair enough. Now I have one question for the two of you.” She doesn’t even let us get a word out before she continues. “Have you two finally quit dancing around each other?” Well, fuck. I mean, I told Grant I wanted to wait till the divorce is final, and it basically is since Monday it’s all official. I feel Grant’s hand at my back. I glance over at him briefly but can see the tiniest of nods. “We’re together. It’s still relatively new and we haven’t told our boys or Kinsley yet, but yeah, we’re…dating. I guess that’s the right word?” Grant makes a scoffing sound. “Fuck dating. We’re together. In a relationship, a fucking exclusive one.” His hand moves from my back to around the back of my neck, and he pulls me to him, kissing me briefly. Clapping is all I hear. I turn and see Linnea with a big smile on her face. “I’m so happy for you two!” She gets up and comes over to our side, pulling us both in for a hug. “I’ll keep quiet till you share with everyone, but I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.” She gives Grant a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for making him so happy. I’ve seen him smile more in the last few months than I have in the last twenty years.” Jonah’s looking over at both of us with a grin. He nods toward Grant. “Now you can be part of the family without tryin’ to steal my wife.”

Grant

Church last night didn’t give us a whole lot more information. Ben and Tripp let us know that their contacts think that the last name they were looking into was the same last name as the current Sangre Devils president’s mother. He wasn’t raised in the club really. His mom married one of the members when he was a teenager, and he prospected when he was eighteen. He was just a member and hadn’t really shown much leadership till he got in good with a couple of the other younger members. From what Tripp says, it sounds like his mom used to talk about having a long-lost brother somewhere. Ry, Samson, and Mario are going to look into if that’s how they started working with the cult.

After church, I’d planned to go home and have some quality time with my man, but no, that wasn’t fucking to be. I swear you’d think our kids were barely eighteen and just out of the house, but Samson and Saxon are thirty, with Leif just a year and a half behind them. Jeremiah and Kinsley are both around twenty-four or so. Don’t kill me, but I don’t remember exactly how old Jeremiah is. I just know he’s like a year or so older than Kinsley.

Last night, we’d been home all of ten minutes when there was a knock on the door. When I answered it, Leif was standing there. As soon as he walked through the door, I heard a car door close just outside, and I looked to see Kinsley walking up the path. Turns out she needed to talk some things out about a friend who she’s trying to help. Love my girl, but she’s gotta learn to not take on everyone’s problems. Shut it. I only do that with Erik and my kids. Okay, my family too, but not everyone I meet, damn it. Kinsley ended up crashing in her old room, and Leif was in no shape to drive, so he crashed out on the couch. Seems the woman troubles our other boys have been having are now affecting Leif. He spent quite a few hours talking to Erik about it. Seems he’s conflicted, though I think the girl he’s interested in could be really good for him. But it’s a situation where he needs to be sure he’s willing to go there because there are some serious complications involved. Max stopped by for a little bit and added to the conversation with Leif, though his main reason for stopping by was to give Erik the name and contact information for an estate lawyer who can help with the land situation.

Waking up, knowing we don’t have the house to ourselves, I reach over and pull Eric into my arms and kiss his neck. Waking up next to him every morning has given me a peace that I didn’t know I was missing. I sleep better with him next to me. I can tell the moment he wakes up, as he snuggles into me more. “Mmm. Morning.” I kissed his neck a couple of times in response. “Someone woke up happy this morning.” I can’t help the smile that comes across my face as I pull him in as close as he can get in my arms. “It’s always a good morning when I wake up with you in my arms.” Bastard bursts out laughing. “I love you, but that’s about the cheesiest thing I think I’ve ever heard you say.” I bury my head into his neck again. “Whatever, you love me, and that’s all that fucking matters.” I hear him chuckle again, but it turns into a groan when I rub my morning wood against him. “You’re killing me. You know we’re not alone this morning, but fuck I want you inside of me something fierce.” I love how needy he is some days. His easy submission to me continues to amaze me. Okay, it also turns me on and gets me harder than college-level statistics. “I’d say we could still do it if you'd be quiet, but we both know you’re not good at that at all. ” He huffs in response. “Well, I think that’s really your fault since you know what to do to get that response out of me, and you can’t help but do that. All I know is tonight, when we get home, you better be ready to go because I’m gonna be very needy.” He moves out of my arms and sits up. “Now, I’m going to get the coffee going and start on breakfast. I think Kinsley wanted to make something in our kitchen for family day today, so I’m gonna make sure the kitchen is cleaned up for that.” I watch him grab a shirt to throw on, and he goes into the bathroom. Fuck me. His bratty side even turns me on. I can’t wait for our kids to know, because once they do, if they choose to crash here for the night, you better believe I’m going to be with my man whenever I want, and they may hear things, but damn it, it’s our house, and they’re grown-ass adults. I guess it's time to get up for some coffee. I get up and do my morning routine before heading into the kitchen. For a man who’s not a morning person, he seems to turn into one whenever our kids or goddaughter spend the night. I walk into the kitchen to find Kinsley at the table with a cup of coffee and a notebook in front of her. “Morning, Dad.” I walk over to the coffee pot and pour a cup, filled to the brim. “Morning, kid.” I know there’s more going on with her than just her friend having issues. I turn around and lean against the counter, taking my first sip of the nectar of the gods. “You know you’re always welcome here, kid, but you have an apartment only ten minutes away. What’s really going on?” She gives a big sigh, making me wonder if she’s been hanging out more with Ry. “I’m just trying to figure out my life outside of school. I love my apartment and roommates, but when I feel like I need to recenter myself, I always end up here. I promise I won’t be here tonight. I just needed to think some things through.” I know she’s not sharing everything, but I always promised myself I wouldn’t demand to know things like my mom did when she was drinking and was horrible to me and Gretta. I realize that’s the most I’m going to get from her. I walk over and give her a side hug and kiss her head like I’ve done a million times before. “Love ya, kid. I’m gonna go hop in the shower. I’ll be out before breakfast is done.”

Erik

I can tell Kinsley is hiding more than even Grant realizes. I know he’s always had blinders on with her. I can only imagine I would, too, if I had a daughter. I keep chopping vegetables for breakfast while I try to figure out the right words to say. Kinsley surprises me by speaking up. “I want to tell Dad everything, but how can I when I don’t understand all of it myself?” These kids think they’re the first ever to have problems and that we just magically knew things? “Honey, he doesn’t expect you to come to him just with good things. You have stuff you’re working through? Something you’re trying to figure out? Well, I know without a doubt that he would love to be an ear for you, and would love to help you in any way he can.” I look over at her, and she seems to be thinking about what I said. Leif appears in the doorway, looking a little worse for wear. “Dad’s a good ear, too, if you ever need it.” I pour him a cup of coffee and hand it over to him as he walks over to the table and sits across from her. I can tell she’s studying him. “He help you figure out your problem? You’ve been moping around for weeks, I swear.” He glares over at her and I zone their bickering out so I can finish getting things prepped so I can make a breakfast hash for us. Potatoes are always a good way to start the day. I know, I know, we’re going to have them for dinner later, but come on, you know they’re a good hangover cure, and I’m pretty damn sure Leif has got a good one going on. Straight whiskey can do that to anyone. Apparently, my boy has caught the feels and takes after me about overthinking shit. At least he’s old enough and smart enough not to run away when he caught them. Time will only tell if he does decide to act on them.

**********

I love family days now more than ever. Our kids are all grown and having kids of their own. I love the little ones all over the place. We’ve got a whole section of the clubhouse gated off with soft flooring so toddlers can play safely. Bryant and Carter are already walking just fine and are definitely little daredevils. They try to keep up with Daisy, but so far, her little legs can still go faster, although we all know that won’t last much longer.

Gracie is not quite as sure on her feet, but she’s got all the brothers wrapped around her finger. Jane and Kierstie’s youngest are still infants and both Molly and Hunter get passed around all the time. Mikayla seems to be enjoying her first family day and being passed around. She’s got to be one of the cutest babies ever, not that, as her godfather, I’m biased or anything. Jonah gets a little put out when he thinks I’ve had more time with her, but I remind him he may be her grandpa, but I’m her godfather and great-uncle. Two titles means twice the time. Oh, let me live in my delusion, would ya?

I just gave Gracie up to Jonah because he was grumbling about all of us hogging his grandbabies. The man has six grandbabies. He can’t hold them all at once. I get up and go over to the bar to grab myself a beer. Leif’s the only prospect at the moment, so he’s run a bit ragged. I know Micah and Jameson both have people interested in joining, so hopefully, he won’t be alone. Besides, his prospect time is about done.

I take a sip of my beer and walk back to the tables where most of the family is hanging out. Saxon looks in my direction. When the family is all together, that’s rarely a good thing, especially when it’s paired with the shit-eating grin he’s got on his face. He proves me right when he opens his mouth. “Now that your divorce is final, are you going to start dating? Oh, we should put you on some of those dating apps!” Oh good lord. How the hell can I get his attention redirected to someone else? “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary at all.”

Juan, Ry, Jeremiah, and Samson, all being oblivious to my saying no, hop on this train of thought. Ry, the man who has never known when to be quiet a day in his life, pulls his phone out. “I’m sure we could get you a date for next Friday. What do you say? Let’s do it.” Fuck me.

Juan adds his two cents to the conversation. “Come on, Uncle Erik, you were miserable for so many years with the Celeste-rcist. Time to find someone good for you.”

I hear a loud, deep growl from across the room. A growl I have learned to recognize in the last few months. One that usually means I’m about to be manhandled in the most delicious of ways. I hear a bottle slam against the bar and glance over in that direction. Grant is stomping my way, a man on a mission. My man on a mission.

“He ain’t getting dates with fucking anyone.” He makes it across the room in three, maybe four steps. He grabs my neck and pulls me to him, kissing me. The kiss can only be described as a claiming one, one leaving no question of his intentions. Fuck me, it’s hot. He breaks the kiss and looks at me with an intensity that if we were alone, I’d either be on my knees or bent over in front of him right now. I can’t help the smile that comes over my face.

Grant declares to the room, “He ain’t fucking dating anyone else, ever but me.” I can’t help but lean over and kiss him again. He grabs my hand and holds on. I break the kiss. I think my smile is even bigger when Jonah exclaims, “About fucking time.” Wyatt and Jackson clap with Wyatt adding in, “Finally! I thought we were gonna be in the nursing home before you two finally got your shit together.”

I look over at the faces who matter most. Leif and Jeremiah both have shocked expressions. Saxon and Samson, too, though Kinsley has a grin on her face, making me think she either thought something was going on or even if not, is just happy for us.

Leif surprises me by standing up and walking over to me, giving me a big bear hug. “Dad, as long as you’re happy, that’s all I fucking care about. Your smile just now tells me all I need to know. I don’t think I ever saw you smile like that with Mom.” I feel a hand on my shoulder. Leif steps back, and Jeremiah gives me a hug. “What he said. Am I surprised? Fuck yes. Do I think you look really happy? Fuck yes, too. That’s what matters most. You deserve to be happy.” I’m not able to form words right now, honestly surprised and touched that both of my boys are so accepting of me and of my being with a man. They both go back to talking to some of the brothers like nothing happened.

I’m enveloped in a hug, and I instantly know it’s Linnea. I can’t help but laugh at her. “You already knew. It’s not like you just found out.” She lets me go and steps back, just far enough to glare at me. “I know that, but I’m still so happy for you. Happy to see you raised those boys right, so they’re fine with it too. Love you, big brother.” I snag her in for another brief hug. “Love ya too, little sister.” She, like me, can only handle emotions in little bits, gets control of herself, and calls out to some of the boys to help her set out food.

I sit down in the chair I’d been sitting in before, and immediately, a hand comes down on my leg. Grant’s sitting in the chair next to me. He leans over and gives me a quick kiss. “I know it’s not how we talked about telling everyone, but fuck if I could let them put you on a dating site.” The possessive streak is strong in him. “Even if they had, I wouldn’t have gone on any dates. You’re more than enough for me.” He squeezes my leg again and leaves his hand there, turning his head back to the group and answers a question Mick just asked him.

Someone sits down next to me. I look over and see it’s Romona. I must give her a questioning look because she gives me a smile. “I’m so happy you two are finally together. I’m happy you’re getting a chance to be happy. Mitch would be, too. Speaking of Mitch, I've been going through more of his stuff…well, because I want Jason to be at home, and I don’t…” I put my hand on her arm to stop her rambling. “Mitch has been gone a long time, darlin’. You are entitled to find some happiness and love. He wouldn’t want you to be lonely the rest of your life.” She gives me a look. “Okay, he wouldn’t be okay with it if he were here, but he’s not. It’s okay to miss him and also find happiness with someone new. Our hearts can always expand for love. Even for a cop.” She moves her hand and smacks my arm at my last comment. “Back to the point, mister. I have some things of his I found that I would like you to have, or at least come check them out and see if you want them.” I can’t imagine what she might have found since we went through so much of his stuff right after he died. “I’m off on Monday, so I’ll come over then.” We both get distracted when Linnea calls out that food is ready. Those potatoes are calling my name. That and the layered salad I happen to know Kierstie made. Mamma used to make that, and it always brings back memories of her.

Grant

It’s been a couple of hours since I outed our relationship, and I’m glad to see his boys are handling it well, especially since I don’t think they had any inkling that he was into men. I knew my kids wouldn’t have a problem as they all love Erik.

Stuffed with good food, I head out to the bonfire that I can see is being started. When I walked out of the clubhouse, I heard Ry and Asher trying to convince Erik he needed a night of drinking to celebrate his coming out. I have a feeling we might be crashing here tonight since we both rode our bikes here earlier.

I grab a seat and see that quite a bit of the family has come out as well. We have to take advantage of nicer nights like this when we can. Jonah is in his usual chair next to me. Before I can say anything, a beer is dangled in front of me. Looking up, I see it’s Leif handing it to me. I take it and nod at him in thanks as he grabs a seat across the fire next to Micah and Jameson. Jonah speaks up just so I can hear him. “That boy is percolating something. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got some words for you about being with his dad. Not thinkin’ he’s mad about it, but he’s seen more than anyone else, just how bad shit with Celeste got. He’s a quiet one, and they seem to notice a lot more shit than people realize.” He’s not wrong. Out of all of mine and Erik’s kids, Leif’s always been the quietest and last to speak. Course, it’s probably easy to be that way when he’s surrounded by loud, animated people.

We’ve been out here for a good hour or so, and conversation has been flowing. All our newest additions have all slowly left for the evening, along with the littlest ones in our family. Linnea just went inside with Millie to make coffee for everyone.

Jeremiah just put another log on the fire. Over the fire, he looks over at me and looks like he’s gonna say something when Leif surprises me by speaking up from across the fire. “I know I’m supposed to respect my elders, and I do, but I just need to say this. You seem to make my dad happy. That’s what matters most to me. However, growing up I’ve seen you date and discard quite a few women and men. You hurt my dad, and we’re gonna have a problem. Got me?” Jeremiah nods in agreement. Time to lay it on the line for them. “I got you. I love your dad more than you know and would never want to hurt him. If I have any say in it, we’ll be together for the rest of our lives. He’s it for me.” I must say what both of them want to hear because they both nod and let the subject go. Linnea and Millie bring out coffee and start passing it around.

Jonah leans over toward me. “Brother, I think you just got a threat from someone whose diapers you used to change.” I can’t help but glare at him, knowing the fucker is enjoying this moment all too much. “I would’ve been more disappointed if they hadn’t said anything. I know how close they are to Erik, and if I somehow lose my shit and ever hurt him, I would expect nothing less. Seeing how that ain’t gonna happen, I’m not too worried about it coming to fruition.”

Wyatt from my other side speaks up. “Using that word-of-the-day toilet paper again, are ya?” Fucker has jokes. Time to go see just how drunk they’ve gotten Erik and if I need to pour him into my bed here.

I get up and walk over to the clubhouse, and as soon as I open the door, I can tell that there’s been some serious drinking going on. Erik, Ry, and Asher are sitting at a table with a couple of half-full bottles of whiskey in front of them, each with a half-empty glass in front of them. Ry is in the middle of a story about who knows what. I see Logan and Nicky sitting at the bar, both looking sober and shaking their heads at the drunkies. I walk over to them. “So, just how drunk are they?” Logan looks over and raises his chin in greeting. “There used to be three bottles on the table, if that tells you anything.” My face must show my surprise because Nicky chuckles at me. “Apparently, Ry and Asher saw this as a night to welcome Erik to the club and also celebrate his finally being free from his ex-wife.” As I go to grab a stool to sit next to them, I hear Asher speak up very loudly, “Yeah, and he told me there are two hundred and six bones in his body, and he wanted two hundred and seven!” All three of them crack up and I can see Logan put his head in his hands. “Apparently, they’ve felt the need to teach Erik a bunch of pickup lines to use on you, I’m guessing. I haven’t seen Asher this drunk in a long time. Hell, he might not have been this far gone before.” Nicky nods. “Yeah, I’m not sure why they decided they needed to do this, but Ry’s gonna be feeling this shit in the morning.” I think I need to go see if my man needs rescuing because he’s gonna be hurting tomorrow, especially as he almost never drinks hard liquor. I walk over to the drunk party, and Ry is the first to notice my presence. “Hey, if it ain’t Delilah’s paternal unit. We were just sharing with Uncle Erik all the awesomeness that is being with a man.” He wiggles his eyebrows and takes another drink. I look down at my man, and he’s got a huge grin on his face. I can tell he’s beyond feeling no pain. “How are you holding up drinking with these two young'uns?” Something passes between the three of them and he looks up at me and grabs my shirt, pulling me down so we’re face-to-face. He attempts to whisper, but volume control seems to be out of his control. “My vibrator is out of batteries. Can I borrow you instead?” Yep, time to get him into my room. I grab his hand and pull him up. As soon as he’s standing, he leans toward me and again tries to whisper but fails. “They’ve been giving me lines to use on you when I want sex. I think that one is the best one, don’t you?” Looking into his eyes, I see a peace I don’t know if I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I realized just how much he’s had to not be himself in life, and that stops now. If I do anything else for the rest of my life, it’s going to be giving him a home and life where he can feel free enough to express himself-whatever that looks like. “Babe, any line you use on me is gonna be my favorite line because it comes from you.” I lean in to actually whisper to him. “How about we go to my room, and I'll show you how much I like that line and how much I love you?” I must say the right thing because he grabs my other hand and pulls me to the hallway leading to the rooms. I hear hooting and hollering coming from the table, with Asher being the loudest “Go get you some!” I don’t bother looking back because what I want is right in front of me. Erik stops right in front of my door. I grab my key out, and as soon as I unlock and open the door, he rushes inside, pulling me with him. He pushes me up against the door, and his lips crash against mine. He’s the most forceful he’s ever been, demanding entrance with his tongue. I want to see what he does next, so I let him keep this control he seems to be trying to demand at this moment. He breaks the kiss and looks at me with a grin. “I wanna suck you and then climb on top and ride you. We haven’t done that before.” Fuck me, that sounds hot. “Well, I’m not gonna stop you, babe. Take what you want tonight.” He pulls me toward the bed and tries to undo my jeans, but in his state, he can’t get the button undone. I reach down and do it along with my zipper. He pushes down my pants and boxers and falls to his knees. I know that’s gonna make him sore tomorrow, but any thoughts about that fly out of my mind when Erik takes me into his mouth and starts a fast rhythm. Shit, just seeing him on his knees in front of me, knowing he’s all mine and that our world knows it, has me close to coming already. “Fuck! You do that so fucking well, babe.” He moans and that just adds a vibration to his sucking, and my knees almost buckle at the sensation. I can’t last much longer. “I’m about to come. If you want me inside you…you gotta stop.” He doesn’t stop, but I swear, he doubles down and moans even deeper. I feel myself coming, and I manage to get out one more warning to him. “I’m coming!” I watch through the haze of my orgasm as Erik takes it all and doesn’t stop till I pull back from him. He looks up at me and wipes his mouth, a grin on his face. “I changed my mind. Those moans you were making were too hot to stop.” I look down and realize in the middle of sucking me off, he managed to free himself and looks like he came when I did. He looks down and back up at me and shrugs his shoulders. “It was really fucking hot hearing you.” Gods, this man.

I hold out my hand to help him up. “Let’s get you cleaned up and drink some water because I think you’re gonna be feeling tonight all day tomorrow.” He has a big smile and starts stumbling toward my bathroom. “Only if you manage to recover and fuck me in the shower.” Only he would throw down a challenge like that and hobble to the bathroom with his jeans around his knees and his glorious ass sticking out. Well I can’t let him down now, can I? Time to take back control and remind him who he belongs to.