Chapter 19
Two months have passed since the terrifying incident with The Vipers, and I find myself settling into a routine. I”ve been trying my best to be the good girl and be focused on my training. But amidst it all, something has changed within me. I see The Black Panthers in a different light now. I”ve witnessed firsthand how fiercely protective they are and how they stand up for me, and I”ve done the same for them. They”ve become my family, even if not by blood, and surprisingly, my dad seems to be okay with it.
As I stroll through the aisles with my new besties Bonnie and Denise, we pass by a group of women engaged in a hushed conversation. Their eyes dart toward us, and I can feel their judgment as they whisper amongst themselves. Instinctively, I know they are talking about the club, judging them solely based on their appearance and reputation.
I take a deep breath, mustering up the courage to address the situation.
“Princess don’t.” Bonnie tries to hold me, but I can’t.
Turning toward the group of women, I approach them with a determined stride. Be nice, Ash, please be nice. “Excuse me, ladies,” my voice is steady but assertive. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. It seems like there are some misconceptions about the motorcycle club that I’d like to address.”
The women look at me skeptically, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of disdain. One of them, a middle-aged woman with a disapproving frown, speaks up. “Oh, really? Aren’t you Harrison’s daughter?” She eyes me up. “And what do you have to say? Are you a part of one of those biker gangs?”
I smile politely, trying to diffuse the tension. “I am their president’s fiancée,” I reply. “And let me assure you, they are not a gang. We are a community, a family. We support each other and work toward making a positive impact in our neighborhood and town.”
The women exchange glances, clearly taken aback by my response. It’s clear they weren’t expecting someone to challenge their preconceived notions. But I’m determined to make them see beyond the stereotypes.
One of the women, a younger woman with a curious expression, speaks up. “But what about the rumors we hear? The violence and illegal activities?”
I nod, acknowledging her concerns. “I understand why you might have those concerns. But it’s important to remember that rumors and stereotypes can be misleading. There might be a few individuals who have chosen the wrong path, but they don’t represent the entire club. The Black Panthers uphold values of honor, loyalty, and respect. We stand up for each other and our community.”
The atmosphere begins to shift as the women start to listen intently. Their judgment starts to waver, replaced by curiosity and a willingness to know more. I can see the walls of prejudice slowly crumbling. High five to yourself, Ash!
By the end of our conversation, the women are no longer whispering among themselves. Instead, they are engaged, asking questions and eager to learn more. The judgment they once held has transformed into curiosity and understanding.
As Bonnie, Denise, and I bid them farewell, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, we have planted a seed of change. Perhaps these women will go on to challenge their own misconceptions and spread a more accurate understanding of motorcycle club culture.
The decision weighs heavily on my mind as I sit in my bedroom, contemplating my next move. It”s time to have a serious conversation with both the mayor and dad. Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and make my way downstairs to talk to Rock, but I come to a halt when I spot dad.
He”s engrossed in a newspaper, and I pause for a minute. Since Rock and I moved back to his house Dad comes often to talk to Rock and spend time with me too. The two of them became close friends and I like it.
I clear my throat, catching his attention. “Dad, can we talk?”
He looks up, concern etched on his face. “Of course, cupcake. What”s up?”
I take a seat next to him, my heart pounding. “I want to give a speech during the mayor”s announcement ceremony at the upcoming autumn fair.” I’m not a big fan of being labeled the golden star of Newtok but I can’t keep the press away from me. Raven is so pissed at me for moving out of the town any time I have to leave an interview. In four months I’ll be in St. Moritz, and they’ll see me there.
“The mayor asked me to convince you to.” He chuckles. “What do you want to talk about?”
I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I want to talk about them.”
He studies me for a moment, his expression a mix of surprise and pride. “The club? Does Rock know?”
I shake my head. “not yet but I’ll talk to him too.”
“That’s pretty brave to do. They deserve to know what The Black Panthers have done for this city.”
A sense of relief washes over me as my dad”s words sink in. “I guess he’s at the Clubhouse.” I get on my feet and stop before walking outside. “Why are you here by the way?”
“I… well… sit down, cupcake,” he pats the couch. “I want to tell you something too.”
“The answer is yes.” I shake my head while taking my jacket.
“You don’t even know what I want to talk about.”
“You want to ask Pam to marry you.” I laugh at his surprised expression. “You still here?”
“It took me days to come up with a whole speech and you…” He pats his knees and gets up. “I guess I’ll see you in a few days.”
I kiss his cheek. “good luck and don’t forget the flowers.”
I watch him drive away, and I hop in my car and head over to the clubhouse. Rock is there, engaged in a conversation with Brick. I approach them, nerves tingling in my stomach. “Good afternoon gentlemen.”
“Hey, Princess,” Rock drags me closer and kisses me. “You done with your old man?”
“Yeah, can we talk alone?”
“Oooh, good luck man.” Brick takes a gulp of his beer.
I stick out my tongue. “two minutes and you’ll have him back.”
“I thought you’d last longer, Prez.”
“Fuck you, Brick.”
He chuckles while Rock takes me to his office and as soon the door closes, he comes over, takes me up and kisses me. He makes me sit on the desk. “I missed you Princess.”
“Me too.” I let my hand travel south while flames burn in his eyes. I want to burn too. I can’t get enough of him and the way he makes me feel.
“You’re venturing in a dangerous zone, Princess.”
“Danger is my jam after all.”
He growls on my neck sending chills down my spine. “What are you doing to me?”
“Loving you?” I breathe while his hands grip my hips.
I feel his lips stretch in a smile, before he bites into my flesh. “Love this answer.”
Mentally I shake myself reminding what I came here for. I push and make him sit on the chair in front of me. He tries to get up but I push him back with my foot and place my feet on the armrests to block him in place and the sparkle in his eyes makes my heart race. “Let me finish what I have to say and then, maybe, I’ll let you fuck me.”
He cocks a brow while leaning on the backrest with a smirk “With such a view I can definitely wait.”
My cheeks burn when I realize he can see my panties. I shake my head and take a deep breath, ready to explain my plan. “I”ve talked to dad,” his eyes snap up. “and I”ve decided to give a speech during the autumn fair.” I pause feeling a little nervous. “But I also want The Black Panthers to be there with me.”
Rock”s eyes widen, surprise evident on his face. “Ash, that”s a bold move. Are you sure about it, they’ll know you’re tied to us?”
“As if they didn’t know who I belong to.” I giggle, remembering how he made sure no one could come closer at ZBE and from then I started wearing his shirts. Both to tease him but have his scent on me too. “You and the club have become my family. I want to show them that The Black Panthers isn’t just a ruthless gang.”
Rock”s expression softens, and his fingers caress my legs. “You know we’re proud of you. You don’t have to make anyone change their mind. But we”ll be there for you if you want us.”
The autumn fair will be a chance to showcase the true essence of The Black Panthers, to break down barriers, and to bring our community closer together.
“Ash!” Kelly squeezes me in a hug. “I missed you, Miss Gold Medal.”
“Been busy with training.” I move away and make her swirl. “You look amazing!”
“New look,” her smile gets bigger while her eyes move behind me.
“Hey, trouble.”
She gives Blue a middle finger and focuses back on me. Oh shit! “Grandma said she’s missing you.”
Kelly was out of town for a few weeks of vacation, and I missed her a lot but looking back, I’m happy she wasn’t around. “We’ll go, I promise, but I’m a little busy at the moment.”
“Oh, I see,” her grin gets bigger. “a panther, huh?”
“Always been a little savage.”
Rock bursts out laughing, and I look back at him with a raise of a brow. “Sorry, Princess.” He moves away while Blue stays right behind me. I feel an ant and when I flip my head back, I can’t miss that look.
“Why do I feel like I’m playing an old man out?”
Blue tenses before moving away.
“Don’t be silly,” Kelly scoffs. “What’s new?”
I shrug. “A lot happened but I’m good, I will catch up later, promise but I’m happy.”
“I can tell,” she links her arm with mine.
“So… you and Blue, huh?”
“W-what? No, no, Ash, what the hell!” I arch a brow and she sighs. “Okay, I like him. A lot but…”
“Ash!” Luke and the Devils come closer to hug me. “I did it.”
He did what? “Eagles?”
He ranks his fingers through his hair. “Yep, starting from new week.”
“I’m so freaking proud of you.” I squeeze him tight. “And your dad?”
“Will be my agent.” He winks at me while waves at Amanda. “Hey, Rock.”
I turn around to find him with a smile on his face. “Gotta go guys, catch you up later.”
“We need to celebrate yours too.” He grins. Of course he knows it already. Figures. Raven can’t shut her mouth, bragging around is her new hobby.
“ZBE will be there for you, guys.” Rock kisses the top of my head.
Peering around I can feel the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the aroma of delicious food, the sounds of laughter and music, and the joyful energy of the crowd. The Black Panthers stand tall, their presence commanding and reassuring. They keep a watchful eye on everyone, ensuring the safety of the fairgoers, and their dedication is evident. How can people not see it too?
As the mayor takes the stage for his speech, I find myself holding my breath. “Good evening, folks.” He pauses while the crowd gathers in front of the change. “Does this thing work? Can you hear me?”
“No,” someone shouts back, making us laugh.
“Nice try, Liam,” Dave smiles. “Each year we make this fair bigger and unforgettable, but this year I want to announce something that goes beyond any imagination.” He tries to wait until all of eyes are glued to him. “Okay, now that I have your attention I admit it’s intimidating.”
A giggle escapes me, gaining a wink from Uncle Dave. He and Dad were brothers in the army and since I can remember I always called him such.
“Come over here Miss Harrison, let’s see how brave you are.”
I’m not shy, never been. Since kindergarten I’ve always been in front of cameras and as a skater, I’m used to talking with the public but tonight there are people I know since I was born.
Rock kisses the top of my head and I move forward.
The applause and whistles from The Black Panthers and Devils, the hockey team, rises, making me blush. “Good evening, everyone.” Dave circles my shoulder, and my heart pounds in my chest.
“We all know you’re a star on skates but still you’re hiding a secret, aren’t you?”
“I am,” I giggle. “and that’s both because once announcing we may have the nosey press over here and also for a more personal reason.”
“Spill the bean Ash, what’s up?” Luke shouts.
“I was three when Mom took me to Icylight, and since then the ice skates have become my shoes.” I glance at Dad and smile. “Dad always said I first learned to skate and then to walk.” The laughter of the crowd warms my heart. “Truth is, when you have a passion it becomes part of you and mine next year, will lead me to represent our town and our country at the Olympics.” Dad and Rock start to whistles at unison as the confetti pops over scaring me. My heart stops, but Rock’s thumbs up relaxes me. “Nice move, but it’s a little too much, I haven’t won yet.”
“Yet,” Mac shouts, making me shake my head.
Turning my attention to The Black Panthers, I continue. “I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to The Black Panthers.” The murmur begins and I already know I’m going to lose my shit if they don’t stop. “Some or all of you may label them as a gang, outlaws, people to stay away from.” I take a deep breath in. “What you don’t know is they’ve been here even before Newtok existed. What else you don’t know is The Black Panthers and the sheriff department work together to keep this town safe.”
“They’re dangerous!” a woman’s voice echoes backed up by several agreements.
“Three weeks ago, I was coming home from a competition. I was a few miles away from Newtok when I noticed a car was following me.” The silence falls, and I have their attention again. “I had to call my dad to come save me because I was so scared to be pushed off the road. Do you know who came to save me? The Black Panthers.”
I pause again to give them the time to elaborate what I experienced that night.
“A week later I was kidnapped and feared for my life. I still have bruises on me and my only thought was: Where had I lived so far? I always thought this was a safe town but what I didn’t know was that The Black Panthers aren’t the only Motorcycle Club and even though the others were kicked out of this town, they want to come back.” I sigh, feeling nervous while meeting Rock’s gaze. “Once again The Black Panthers risked their life for me. And before you can say it’s because of them all of that happens, trust me, it’s not their fault. Over the years they kept this town clean and covered the territory Dad and the department couldn’t reach. That’s who the Black Panthers are. They don’t care who you are, this is their home and if someone is in danger they’re always ready to help.” I raise my voice, my words filled with conviction. “The Black Panthers actively participate in community events, fundraisers, and charity work but they didn’t want this news to be known because they don’t need to brag. They believe in giving back and making a difference, that’s why we have barely any activities dismissed.” I take my coat off and underneath I have my precious vest on me. “We are not the dangerous outlaws you might perceive us to be and I’m proud to be a Panthers’ woman.”
Looking out at the crowd, I manage to see the amazement in The Black Panthers’ eyes. “It is because of them, along with the police department, that we can all live in a safer community. They have shown me the true meaning of brotherhood, and I am proud to stand beside them so please, make sure to forget the stereotypes and see them the way they are. People.”
The silence is defeating but then the crowd erupts into applause, and I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Maybe some will change their mind, maybe all of them. Who knows? I’m sure Rock wasn’t expecting to talk that much about them but they deserve it.
“Have to say I’m impressed, you’ve got them wrapped around your finger,” Dave murmurs by my side with a genuine smile. “Are you trying to steal my job?”
“Who knows,” I laugh while I peer down at Rock, who’s waiting for me to jump off in his arms.