Chapter 40
When things start happening with the Outlaw Sons, they happen fast. It’s barely fall, but we’re already making it official.
Not that there’s an authority out there that will legally recognize this, but within the club, it matters.
Pledging my loyalty in front of everyone gives me status and protection.
Without it, no matter how serious we might be about each other, in the MC world, I don’t have the right to bear their names.
I didn’t understand the symbolism at first, but over time I saw how important it was to Jess and the others.
When I met Dakota’s little boy, and learned the sad story behind his parents, and then saw their names on the cut on the wall, I realized that one day I would want that.
It’s not just a social club, it’s a family.
I didn’t get the best luck with the family I was born to, but this one I’m choosing, and it feels important.
Besides, Jess has declared that it’s absolutely necessary in order to join old ladies and their shooting club with Anne’s foster mom Bonnie. Personally, I think Jess just wanted someone new to show off to. She has crazy good aim. Willow’s book club might be more my speed.
When I asked the girls what the traditional way to dress for a ceremony like this is, they refused to give me a real answer, saying I should do something that made it my own, because that’s what this is all about.
In the end, I decided to dress nice. A little biker chic, maybe.
I bought knee-high leather boots with a little bit of heel, and I’m wearing a slinky black dress that hugs my chest and flares out past my hips with some slashes of color in the folds to give it depth.
It isn’t exactly super long, so I’m not going to go twirling in it, but I think the guys will appreciate it.
My nod to how we met is that I’m wearing my season one Desdemona jacket.
I got to keep it when our budget went up for season two.
The new one is fancier with cool straps and buckles, but the one I used so often will always have a special place in my heart.
Until today, it’s been my favorite riding jacket, but during the ceremony I’ll get my official one, the one that tells everyone exactly who I belong to, and that’s going to be even better.
“You okay?” Axel is wearing his prospect cut.
It suits him, and I think the biker life is helping him settle down and realize he isn’t on his own all the time. He might’ve worked with other people before, but he couldn’t trust any of them.
I was surprised when I found out that Priest had sponsored him to join the club, but it makes sense.
He’s definitely got the skills and experience.
When I asked, he said it was so they could keep an eye on him, but even they’ve had to grudgingly admit that he’s been integrating well, taking responsibility and handling tasks that even some full members would struggle with.
In a quiet, vulnerable moment, Priest said he thinks Axel will get sworn in fairly quickly.
I suggested Zombie for his new name, but someone else said Lazarus and apparently that’s cooler. Whatever. To me, he’ll always be Axel, even though I’ve somehow adjusted to Priest.
I give Axel a hug. “I’m fine. Just a lot to think about. It’s a big day.”
Through the doors I can see them swearing in Grimm, the man who was arguing with Hellfire when I first met them.
They remind me a little of Axel and Priest. Insulting each other half the time, finishing each other’s sentences the rest. One day that might be Axel.
I wonder if he’s thinking the same thing.
“Ever imagine we’d end up like this?” Axel laughs softly while Hellfire holds up a fresh new cut with the Outlaw Sons MC logo on the back.
“Step forward Grimm, and be recognized as an Outlaw Son. Make us fucking proud.”
Grimm accepts the cut and nods. He slips off the prospect cut, folds it and puts it on a little table, then slips on the full member one.
He looks up and declares loudly, “I will not bring shame to the club or this cut. I will always watch out for my brothers, as my brothers watch out for me. I accept this responsibility and I will make you fucking proud.” He pauses briefly. “Again.”
It gets a laugh from the crowd, and even Hellfire grins. I let out a burst of air as Grimm joins the audience as a member, getting shoulder pats and congratulations from his brothers.
“I guess that means it’s my turn.”
Axel pulls me into a hug. “They’re crazy fuckers, but they obviously care a lot about you. I pity anyone who tries to give you a hard time. They make you happy?”
I smile. “Incredibly.”
“Then go get ‘em.” He grins and puts a kiss on the top of my head.
Hellfire yells, “Quinn? You coming? Or did you make the sensible decision and run while you could?”
I hurry into the church before anyone thinks I got cold feet. “I’m here. I’m here!” I announce to laughter. Another thing about biker ceremonies, they’re a lot more casual than most.
Priest, Colt and Sinner are looking great, standing by the altar, next to Hellfire. Fresh haircuts, leather polished, looking sexy and handsome as always. They smile as I hurry to join them, the crowd parting to let me through. The whole club is in here, and even some of the friends and family.
The old ladies, along with Bonnie and Anne have made a space for themselves.
Paige has little Corbin in her arms, though he looks like he’s sleeping, draped over her chest with his head resting on her shoulder.
And over on the side, looking both a little terrified and incredibly curious, are Erika, Toby and Roger.
We’ll see how long they stick around for the party afterwards, but I appreciate them being here.
When I reach the altar, Colt puts an arm around my waist and pulls me in. He gives me a deep kiss that has the crowd hollering.
He twirls me right into Sinner, who gives me a kiss of his own. “You’re looking fucking fantastic, demon.”
“You noticed.” I give him another quick kiss.
“Couldn’t miss it.” Then he passes me to Priest, who dips me in front of the whole club and brings me back up flushed and wondering if we should skip out from the after party early.
Ghost comes in carrying a bundle that he puts down on the altar next to Hellfire, then retreats.
“Alright, let’s get this thing started.” Hellfire gestures for us to gather up.
“Everyone’s staying? Good. Your funeral.
” He clears his throat and stands straight to address the crowd.
“This one worried me, I’ve gotta admit. The last thing you bunch of reprobates needs is media attention.
An actress could mean unwanted eyes on the club, and I was concerned that Quinn might not understand the gravity of our commitment.
But she stuck around, she proved herself, and I know through her brother and her choice of men, that she isn’t taking this lightly.
“Quinn. As much as I hate to admit it, Priest, Sinner and Colt do have some good qualities. They’re loyal as fuck.
They’re capable when the shit hits the fan.
They stick to their commitments. And hell, they’re even fun at a party.
I can appreciate that.” He turns to them.
“But they need to remember that for all the joy, this isn’t an easy life.
It’s dangerous. It’s chaotic. Sometimes it’s batshit insane.
In order to navigate that, a woman needs men who will support her unconditionally.
Keep her safe. Keep her satisfied. If you boys aren’t up to it, now’s the time to say so and run away with your tail between your legs. ”
None of them move.
He turns to me and those dark eyes pin me where I stand. I couldn’t run away if I wanted to. My guys can be wild, but the president of the Outlaw Sons is a whole different level of intensity.
“And you. Quinn, take a look at your men. Each one of them. Take a good look at their ugly mugs. Imagine waking up with them, every fucking day for the rest of your life. Not even just one, but three of them. Are you really fucking sure that’s what you want?
I got some others if you wanna shop around a little, but know that once you do choose, you are part of us for life.
You belong to them, and you belong to the club.
Your boys will have work to do, and sometimes they’re in danger.
” He points at the walls. “Look at all those cuts. We’re not good at living to old age.
It’s dangerous, and sometimes that danger comes looking for you.
So you gotta ask yourself, is this really what you want? ”
I look between my guys, one at a time. I scratch my head, purse my lips a little. “Can I take a minute?”
“Quinn.” Sinner’s voice is a threatening, throaty growl. Around us, the crowd is chuckling.
“Can still back out,” Hellfire suggests, but even his lips are curling at the corners.
I shake my head. “No. I want them. All three of them. Dangers and all.”
Hellfire picks up the bundle that Ghost put on the altar and unfolds it.
It’s my jacket. An official motorcycle jacket, and when he turns it around, it has the Outlaw Sons MC logo on the back.
In curved letters over it, it says, “Property of,” and curved the other way, underneath, “Priest, Sinner and Colt.” He holds it up for me to put on.
I’m going to miss the Desdemona jacket, but this one is even better. It means something much deeper. I slip my old jacket off my shoulders and hand it to Sinner, and then I let Hellfire slip the new jacket onto my shoulders. It fits perfectly.
Hellfire nods, and then turns even more formal.
“By wearing this, Quinn, you represent the Outlaw Sons MC, and you represent your men. You’re expected to give both them and the club your full loyalty, always.
By claiming you as their old lady, they’ll be responsible for you as long as you bear their patches. Understand?”
“Yes, absolutely yes.” This is obviously not the time for playing around.
“Good.” He looks up at my guys. “Boys, as long as she wears that jacket, you’re responsible for her safety, physical and emotional. You’re gonna respect her, and you’re gonna love her. You’re gonna make her think that there is no better place in the world than right here, with you three. Got it?”
“Absolutely,” Sinner says with confidence.
“Couldn’t imagine anything else.” Colt pulls me in close.
Priest nods. “Always.”
“Good enough. She’s your old lady. They’re your old men. Go do whatever it is you do now. I don’t wanna see it.” He grabs a beer he had standing on the altar and walks off.
Guess we’re done.
I watch him go, then face my boys. Is it me, or do they seem a little more… predatory than usual? “So… what do you guys want to do?”
Colt turns to Sinner. “Your room’s the closest, right?”
Priest scoops me up, whisking me off my feet, and sets a course for the barracks.
Well, I did sign up for this.
Guess I’d better take advantage of it.
Thank you so much for reading Outlaw Bodyguards!