10. Dre
Four weeks later.
Everything in my life seemed to change drastically in a short amount of time. I had a strong-willed woman I loved and planned to make my queen officially. I never expected Mercy to stand by me through my father’s funeral or be the lifeline I didn’t know I needed while my body healed completely. Her solid support and loyalty brought a sense of stability and purpose to my chaotic world of asphalt and leather.
But despite the changes in my personal life, I still had club business to attend to. As the VP of theHell’s Savages, I understood the importance of leadership and what it meant to have a strong leader at the helm. The club was about to vote on their new leader. Out of respect for my father’s legacy, no one chose to run against me, but I still felt the pressure of the moment weighing on me as I stood before my brothers.
I took a deep breath as my eyes moved about the room. My heart was in a frenzy, not just from the weight of the moment but from wondering if Mercy would be here. Her journalism work had kept her on the go ever since her article was published, and I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to make it. I craved her presence more than ever. Then it happened. I spotted Mercy near the back, looking like a radiant angel.
There she is.
She wore a royal blue skater dress that cinched at her small waist and flared into a skirt. Her sleek, high bun and chandelier earrings perfectly framed her face. A dainty diamond heart-shaped pendant sat gracefully against her exposed, bronzed collarbone. She completed her look with strappy, nude sandals and a small clutch.
The proud smile across her face was bright enough to light up any room. Her aura was everything I never knew I needed, and it filled me with the final shot of confidence I needed. My chest inflated with a deep breath before I began my speech.
“Savages, today we stand at a crossroads. We all know my father was an outstanding president. We also know he was more than that. He was a father, a mentor, a brother, a son, a coach, a teacher, and most importantly, he was a leader. My father proudly led us with strength and taught us the value of loyalty, respect, and brotherhood. It’s now up to us to honor his legacy and our code and continue down the golden path he laid for us, brick by brick, as we move forward. Let’s make my father proud.”
I paused, my eyes slowly observing the room, making eye contact with every member to ensure they felt exactly where I was coming from.
“I stand before you today, not as your VP, but as your brother—someone committed to theSavagesand everything we stand for. I’ve learned a lot from my father’s example, and I only wish I had the time to learn more. I know I have some big shoes to fill, but with your support, I promise to lead with the same allegiance and honor he instilled in me since day one.”
The room was dead silent as the weight of my words sank in. I saw the respect and admiration in the eyes of my brothers. They began to all nod in agreement, clapping in a booming round of applause before they stood to cast their votes.
It didn’t take long for the results to come in. The vote was unanimous—I was the new president of theHell’s Savages.A wave of emotions washed over me as soon as the decision was announced. It was a moment I’d both dreaded and foreseen, stepping into my father’s shoes to lead the club that I loved—the club that turned me into a man. I was grateful for the trust of my brothers and a deep-rooted obligation to live up to my father’s legacy. I looked up at the sky and felt a smile spread across my face.
This one's for you, Dad. I hope I make you proud.
Another round of applause sounded off as I stepped back up to the podium to officially accept the role.
“Thank you, everyone. Together, we’ll continue to face whatever life throws our way and ensure the success and strength of theHell’s Savagesremains strong.”
The men presented me with my father’s jacket with an updated patch to reflect my new leadership position. After putting it on, I scanned the crowd—eyes landing right on Mercy as she swiped away a quick tear, symbolizing she knew how much the moment meant to me.
After the announcement, I made my way through the sea of bikers, embracing and dapping up my brothers as I continued to Mercy. Finally, I reached her. She was waiting with a proud smile. She greeted me with open arms, wrapping them around me in a congratulatory hug. I pulled her into my arms, inhaling her light, floral fragrance before pressing my lips against hers in a long, deep kiss. The warmth of having her by my side filled the gaping hole inside my chest with a sense of completeness—something I thought would never happen in this lifetime or the next.
“Congratulations, Dre. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this than you.”
I looked into her sparkling brown eyes, feeling another rush of emotion run through me.
“Thanks, beautiful. I’m glad you’re here. It means a lot that you could make it.”
“There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be, Mr. President.”
I paused to take a cleansing breath and gather my thoughts before I asked the question that’d been pressing on my mind.As I led the club’s next chapter, I wanted her by my side.
“Well, in that case, how would you feel about being the Prez’s old lady?”
Her eyes sparkled with delight. Her smile followed, along with her immediate answer.
“I’d say I like the sound of that very much.”
My heart pranced with joy. With Mercy as my old lady, I felt ready to take on the challenges of leading theSavages. Together, I was sure we could face anything.