13. Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Bear
“ H ey, Psycho? Why’s he lookin’ at me like that?”
“He’s probably hungry.”
“Bullshit, they don’t eat meat.”
“They do if it’s fresh meat.”
Watching Bash and Psycho talk about Ninja like he’s two little rat paws away from chewing Bash’s face off is the greatest thing that’s ever happened at Church. Not counting the day I got patched in, of course.
“Hardy fucking har har. It’s like I’m still a prospect sometimes.” Reaching across the table, Bash grabs Psycho’s plastic baggie full of goodies for the little rats before he flashes his surfer-slash-rockstar smile at my best friend. Bold, but he’s a brother now. He can talk shit without getting shit duty.
“In our hearts, Bashy-Poo, you’ll always be our little bitch,” Grinder chimes in, and I swear it’s like watching, in real time, the effects of crack cocaine washed down with a couple dozen energy drinks.
“Christ, I can hear you crazy motherfuckers from down the hall. Let’s get our heads in the game.” Hoops walks in, slams the door, and takes his seat at the head of the table, the gavel echoing in the small room to get the meeting started.
“Yikes, Daddy’s angry.” Fucking Grinder, I swear.
“Call me Daddy again and I’ll make you choke on your own dick.” Silence falls like a fucking two-ton hammer. Hoops is usually amused by their shenanigans, everyone is because it’s just who they are, so this comment with zero humor behind it gets all of my fucking hackles up.
“You all right, Prez?” Just as I ask the question, Sledge comes in with a look on his face that tells us all shit’s about to hit the fan. Hoops doesn’t answer me, and to be fair, I get the feeling from just looking at them that I don’t really want to know anything. None of us do.
“Fuck, sorry I’m late.” All eyes are on Sledge as he rounds the table to his VP seat.
Hoops’s gaze pauses on every one of the brothers before it lands on me and stays there for a second too long. Nope, I don’t fucking like that at all.
“The guy you and Psycho knocked out? I had Grinder bring him back. Something about this whole story was nagging at me so we put him in the basement and Sledge has been working him.”
Psycho and I share a look that says we’re about to fuck shit up. Also, this explains why we haven’t seen Sledge around in a while. Ever since he’s taken on his duties as vice president, he’s been working hard making this club earn well. Not only that, but the fact they tortured a guy for me really warms my heart. Outside the club, that probably sounds fucked up, but not here. We protect each other, and anyone who fucks with one, fucks with all. That said, I’m bummed I didn’t get to punch him once or ten times.
“Why weren’t we included in the little retribution party?” Psycho voices the exact question that’s running through my mind.
“Executive decision based on you having a new baby and that being a big deal around here. And Bear needed to be protecting Athena.” They have a point. Psycho shrugs like he, too, has accepted the reasoning. “Plus, we didn’t know if the guy was just a regular asshole roaming the streets, some guy suffering from mental health, or a legit threat to the club or your women.”
My back straightens at the sound of “your women” because, fuck yeah, I’m down with that.
“Fair enough, brother.” Psycho nods as he swipes the veggie baggie from Bash, giving him a look that could make grown men cry, before feeding his little Ninja. Dude is getting slower in his ripe old age but he never misses an opportunity to eat.
I’m watching Ninja grab onto the strawberry with his tiny paws as he sits on his butt with his long tail wrapped around his hind legs when Sledge gets my attention.
“The bloke didn’t say much, took all of my hits and threats like a champ but what he did say set off a hundred warning bells.” I don’t dare look at my VP because I get a feeling I’m not gonna like what he’s about to say. “Apparently, Athena belongs to The Firm.”
“Motherfucker.” My jaw is so tight I have no idea how that word even got out.
“I second that shit.” Psycho’s scowl is probably an echo of mine, and if I know my best friend the way I think I do, he’s thirstin’ for blood. Usually, I try to cool him down, but this time, I’m ready to maim.
“So, what’s the plan?” My question is more out of respect than anything else since I’m already envisioning my own methods of protecting Athena. One thing is for sure: I’m not going to make the same mistakes Psycho did with Mac. I will protect but I won’t fucking lock up and throw away the key in the name of keeping her safe. That method obviously doesn’t work if the past is any indication.
Last year, when Mac found herself in the crosshairs of our rival club and then of The Firm, Psycho’s bright idea was to lock her up in his suite and have Bash guard the door. Result? She ran away and yup… shit went downhill from there. I’m going to be smarter about this.
“To be taken with a grain of salt, but the guy—he didn’t give us his name—said he didn’t have time to give up her location, so nothing says Athena is in immediate danger but I think we can spare a couple of prospects or members to keep an eye on her when you’re doing club business, Bear.” I nod. Yeah, that makes sense. But I am concerned about her staying at Maribel’s. It’s not that I don’t trust her to keep Athena safe, it’s more that I won’t be able to be here while she’s there, and sleeping in the truck every night just isn’t viable.
“Yeah, that sounds like a plan.” We’ll figure it out. If The Firm thinks she’s being watched then they won’t send more people out here.
“I took the guy’s phone from Sledge and called Glitch to help me hack it. It’s password protected. As soon as I get in there, we’ll know what kind of communication he’s had with them. I could even continue the contact so they think he’s all good,” Bash chimes in, showing us the phone he’s put in a baggie.
“Good idea.” Hoops leans back on his chair and nods, looking the opposite of reassured.
“I got one of his teeth if anyone’s interested.” Fucking hell. Grinder and his memorabilia. Such a weird fucker.
“Nope.”
“Nah, man.”
“Fucking gross.”
Everyone responds at the same time and I just shake my head because we’ll never change him so we may as well accept him as he is.
“The other thing we need to talk about is the reappearance of Beaufort’s wife.” Hoops leans over the table and taps his index finger on the well-worn wood. “I don’t fucking like the coincidence is all I’m saying. The two things are linked, obviously, but I can’t figure out why she’d come back after all this time, knowing we’re watching her every move.” We all fall silent for a minute trying to put the pieces back together.
“Maybe she doesn’t have any other place to go? I mean, Beaufort owned her, right? Does she even know anyone outside of this town?” We look at Diablo in unison and all nod as his reasoning makes total sense.
“Yeah, I guess. So, what do we do? Maybe we should make her one of the Khunts? What was her name again?” This time we all shake our heads at Boner’s suggestion because no fucking way we’re inviting the fox into the hen house.
“Emily, and no. She may be a victim in all of this but we can’t just trust her into our home.” My words are even, calm. I’m well aware of how fucked up that woman’s life was for so long but what if she made contact with The Firm? What if she’s trying to get information on Athena? The coincidence is way too fucking alarming.
“Bear, I think we should bring your old lady back to the compound. Think you can convince her?” Hoops is aiming his question at me but very quickly turns his sights on Psycho and growls. “Convince, not lock up.” I freeze at the mention of “old lady” but then let a small smile grace my face. Yeah, I like the sound of that.
“Fucking hell. It was one tiny misunderstanding.” By “one” I think Psycho means a dozen and by “misunderstanding” I think he means bulldozing decisions, but no one’s gonna correct him cause this motherfucker is volatile. “In the end, I was right so fuck y’all.”
Yeah, he got us there. He definitely had reason to worry.
Fuck, maybe I should too?
“Yeah, I’ll talk to her and see what she says.” I don’t know Athena as well as I’d like but I’m hoping she’s less hard headed than Mac. Bless her soul.
“All right. Bear, you get shit organized with Athena, see who wants to play babysitter when needed. Grinder, Boner, Crow. I want you three to go riding. Go talk to the good folks of Rockford Beach, see how they’re doin’, what’s goin’ on. I wanna know what the pharma company’s doing, if anything at all. Sledge, go see Celia. Try to get some information about Emily. Use that charm of yours and let that Brit accent work its magic.” I chuckle ‘cause… wrong team.
“Ah, Hoops. No offense but none of my charms will work. Maybe we should send in the prospect.”
Psycho and Grinder both start laughing as the rest of us just shake our heads. If we send Kincaid she’ll see right through us and, I’m sorry, but our prospect isn’t the type to play games.
“Christ, Sledge. Charms doesn’t equate getting in her panties. It means be nice and amiable.” Hoops chuckles too and it brings the necessary levity back to our group.
“All right, but you little cunts will see I was right, and when I am, I’ll be back collecting a tenner from each of ya.” No doubt, but then again…
“I refuse to underestimate the power of your British charms.” I lean back in my chair, the creaking of the wood telling me it’s feeling my weight and not liking it.
“Wankers.”
After church I headed straight for Lucy’s café with Mac in tow. As we pull up to the curb, I kick the stand with my heel and swivel off the bike. Earlier, Maribel had texted me letting me know that Lucy wanted to see Athena. My hope was that she was considering giving Athena the job but I still don’t know. Problem is, Mac just now got the IDs, so we hauled ass to bring them to her, just in case. The prospects, Jonesy and Kincaid, got the orders to bring her here and stay until I arrived.
“You know, I’m surprised Psycho hasn’t made a pouch for Gryff so he can take him on the bike.” That guy is capable of something like that. I don’t know how Mac convinced him to stay back at the compound.
“No, he won’t. He knows I’d castrate him.” Mac’s answer is so casual that it takes me a second to physically respond to it with a full body shiver.
“Duly noted.”
Before I even have time to raise my hand and pull the door open, the bell at the top goes off like a beacon and Paxton is standing there with a grin as wide as the Mississippi River.
“Whatcha doin’ here, little man?” I fucking love this kid.
“Mom’s lunch break, we’re eating. You brought your bike!” There’s no need to answer because Paxton is already sprinting across the sidewalk and crouching at the side of my bike as he looks around at all the parts. “It’s so big.” Standing back up, he walks over to Mac’s custom built one-of-a-kind and compares the sizes. “But I guess it makes sense since you’re so huge.”
Ruffling his hair and somehow not changing anything at all since the kid probably combs with his fingers, I crouch down by his side and rest my elbows on my knees. Ain’t gonna lie… for someone my size, this position sucks balls.
“It’s a thirteen hundred, that’s cubic centimeters, which gives the bike its power and torque so it can handle my weight and accommodate my height when I want to accelerate. Or, ya know, for basic overall performance. I probably could have had a custom V-6 put on it to give me some extra power, but I’m already a lot of weight to put on the frame of a sport bike so I chose to stick with the lighter, standard four stroke, which means I need the higher CCs if I want to keep up with Mini Mac over there who’ll get the same results with her one thousand. Hell she’d probably get the job done with a seven-fifty but her husband doesn’t know the definition of moderation.”
“Will you take me for a ride someday?” When he asks the question, Paxton doesn’t look at me, he keeps his eyes on the bike. I know this tactic. He’s expecting a refusal but doesn’t want to actually see me say it. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say his father is a fucking asshole.
“You got a helmet?” Nudging him on the shoulder, very lightly to avoid him tumbling over, I add, “Ride, die, and bleed for speed, son, but safety first, always.”
This time Pax looks up at me with disappointment in his usually bright eyes. “No. I barely got enough clothes for school next month.” I have to control every fiber of my being to not growl at his words. Abusive parents make my skin crawl, but I’m the adult here so he needs me to be strong so he can take that strength and build on it.
“Tell ya what, I’ll look at the garage and see if they’ve got something hanging around there that’s your size, all right? Then I’ll come right over and take you on your first ride out.” Paxton whips his head back around so fast I’m afraid he’ll hurt his spine.
“You promise?”
“Damn right, little man. But you need to get permission from your mama, too. Can’t be kidnapping you ‘cause they’ll lock my ass up and throw away the key.”
“I will. I’ll ask her and beg her and then beg some more.” As we both stand back up, both of my knees pop, and of course, Paxton doesn’t miss a beat. “Dayum, Bear. You’re getting old.”
“Don’t make me go back on my promise, boy. Now, go on and eat lunch with your mama. Never let a woman eat alone if you can help it.” Just as he nods and hurries off as fast as he ran over here earlier, a rush of electricity skims across every inch of my skin and I just know. It’s like the moment before lightning strikes, when the air is charged and the world seems to hold its breath for a fraction of a second.
My eyes find her immediately.
On the outside, there’s nothing different about her. She’s the same force of nature who took my breath away, the same understated beauty that knocked me on my ass. But her smile? Fuck me. Her smile makes the sun seem dull by comparison.
“There she is.” As soon as she reaches me, I take her hand like I did this morning and raise it up to my lips where I drop a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
“Hi.” I fucking love it when she whispers that one simple word.
“Hi. What did Lucy want to talk about?” Fuck, I hope she comes through for her.
“She’d like to give me a trial run.” As she announces the news, her mouth breaks into a wide grin that shows all of her pearly whites.
“Nice! You did it!” I’m so fucking proud of her but I’m trying not to overwhelm her with my excitement.
“Well, I need my identification papers and all that. Something about the law and… insurance?” It’s cute when she’s confused about the basic ways things work in our society until I remember why that is.
The Firm owns her.
That singular thought destroys my mood.
“Are you okay?” When I shift my gaze back to her, I grin as well.
“Yeah, of course. Just thinking of logistics.” Meaning, we need to have a conversation that doesn’t end with her pulling a Mac on me.
“Hey, girly! I just had a quick convo with Lucy. Good job, babe!” Mac barrels in and hugs Athena like they’ve been BFFs for the better part of their lives right before she places the brand new driver’s license and passport in Athena’s hand. It’s discreet and neither says a word about it. Smart.
“It’s nothing yet. Just a test or something.” Athena shrugs and I want to take away her uncertainty and fill her with confidence. I know only time can do that but I’ll try my fucking best in the meantime.
“Not nothing. You’ll show up, do the job, and get hired permanently because you’re a badass.” As soon as the words escape me, I realize my mistake.
“Badass? Like a bad person?” Fuck my life. In my need to build her up, I’ve managed to kick the chair out from under her.
“Nah, bad here is good. Like you’re rocking it! Killing it! You’re gonna show them all your quick learning and thinking and I bet the cafe’s gonna triple its income, ‘cause you know these knuckleheads will be here every damn day.” And Mac saves my ass. We share a look that says she’s got my back and I’m grateful.
“Come on, let’s get it done then. I’ll even buy you a drink.” Opening the door for Athena, I take a whiff of her hair as she walks by and almost lose my footing. Fuck, she smells like springtime in the middle of winter. It’s fucking addictive. Now I understand why Psycho was so obsessed.
With her new ID cards in hand, I watch as she shows them to Lucy and fills out all of her paperwork, Mac sitting by her side to help her out. They order and Mac convinces her to try a latte with a pinch of spice.
I don’t know what the big deal is with the pumpkin shit. I like my coffee without all the distractions. Black and bold… just like me.
Paxton and his mom are having what seems to be a serious conversation so I don’t go sit with them, choosing instead to take a stool two spots away from Mac. Contrary to Psycho, I try not to invade my woman’s space. Clearly, Mac has no qualms taking over as she points to the page and gives instructions. Lucy, who is probably in the loop by now, watches with kind eyes as Athena learns the basics of life in our society.
The urge to burn every motherfucker who put her in this position is strong. Overpowering, even.
By the time they’ve finished with the application, it’s been twenty minutes and I’m jacked up on coffee, but seeing Athena’s watery eyes as Lucy hands her an apron and a name tag tugs at the very fabric of my soul. Fuck, I want to make her that happy every day.
We say our goodbyes just as Kincaid and Jonesy show up at the entrance with their arms full of bags. Did these two go fucking shopping while waiting on us?
“Is it someone’s birthday and I forgot?” I’m scratching my bald head with my hand not holding my helmet, the club calendar running through my mind.
“Don’t let Mac hear you say that.” I don’t have time to ask Jonesy what the fuck he’s talking about before Mac snorts behind me.
“Of course you forgot.” Shit. What am I missing?
“The Charity Run? Damn, Bear. You're supposed to be the reasonable one of us all.” Fuck, that’s in less than three weeks already.
“No, of course I didn’t forget. Just didn’t think y’all would be buying presents so soon.” I’m so full of shit. I forgot like a kid forgets homework.
“Right. Whatever. Come on, let’s go home and organize!” Mac kisses Athena on the cheek and I notice only a slight flinch this time, before she heads straight for her bike, pulling on Jonesy and Kincaid’s leathers so they’ll follow her. Mac knows I’ve got shit I need to say to my girl and, as always, I’m grateful for her intuitive side. Not to mention the extra helmet and clothes sitting in a bag at Athena’s feet.
“We need to talk.”